Objective In kinesin-3,the neck coil correlates with the following segments to form an extended neck that contains a characteristic hinge diverse from a proline in KIF13B to a long flexible linker in KIF1A.The functio...Objective In kinesin-3,the neck coil correlates with the following segments to form an extended neck that contains a characteristic hinge diverse from a proline in KIF13B to a long flexible linker in KIF1A.The function of this neck hinge for controlling processive movement,however,remains unclear.Methods We made a series of modifications to the neck hinges of KIF13B and KIF1A and tested their movement using a single-molecule motility assay.Results In KIF13B,the insertion of flexible residues before or after the proline differentially impacts the processivity or velocity,while the removal of this proline increases the both.In KIF1A,the deletion of entire flexible neck hinge merely enhances the processivity.The engineering of these hinge-truncated necks of kinesin-3 into kinesin-1 similarly boosts the processive movement of kinesin-1.Conclusion The neck hinge in kinesin-3 controls its processive movement and proper modifications tune the motor motility,which provides a novel strategy to reshape the processive movement of kinesin motors.展开更多
With the identification of more than a dozen novel Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) proteins in vesicle trafficking in higher eukaryotes, a new class of trafficking pathways has been described. It mainly consists of ...With the identification of more than a dozen novel Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) proteins in vesicle trafficking in higher eukaryotes, a new class of trafficking pathways has been described. It mainly consists of three newly-defined protein com- plexes, BLOC-l, -2, and -3. Compelling evidence indicates that these complexes together with two other well-known complexes, AP3 and HOPS, play important roles in endosomal transport. The interactions between these complexes form a network in protein trafficking via endosomes and cytoskeleton. Each node of this network has intra-complex and extra-complex interactions. These complexes are connected by direct interactions between the subunits from different complexes or by indirect interactions through coupling nodes that interact with two or more subunits from different complexes. The dissection of this network facilitates the understanding of a dynamic but elaborate transport machinery in protein/membrane trafficking. The disruption of this network may lead to abnormal trafficking or defective organellar development as described in patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.展开更多
During long term storage at 25℃ in the dark,a large number of cell content were transferred from the senescing scape to the developing cloves,and the transfer from the basal part of scape was earlier than that from t...During long term storage at 25℃ in the dark,a large number of cell content were transferred from the senescing scape to the developing cloves,and the transfer from the basal part of scape was earlier than that from the apical part in the excised garlic scape ( Allium sativum var Taichang).Levels of H 2O 2 decreased in the cloves and significantly increased up to 10 folds and then declined quickly in the scape.Levels of H 2O 2 were enhanced early in the basal part of scape.In the treatment of GA 3 at the cloves,levels of H 2O 2 were strongly enhanced in the cloves and inhibited in the scape,coinciding with the distinct inhibition of cell content tansfer.The results indicated that H 2O 2 may be involved in cell content redistribution and its regulation.3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT) is a specific inhibitor of catalase.Effects of AT on cell content redistribution and levels of H 2O 2 were almost similar to those of GA 3,It further proved the above concept.According to the changes of H 2O 2 leves and activities of peroxidase and catalase in the cloves and in the scape,we suggest that the accumulation of H 2O 2 in the scape was transducted from the cloves,and the decline of H 2O 2 level in the scape with GA 3 or AT at the cloves was mainly through the inhibition of H 2O 2 synthesis in the cloves.展开更多
AIM: To study the effect of a number of chemotherapeutic drugs on five human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines. The expressions of genes that have been proposed to influence the resistance of chemothera...AIM: To study the effect of a number of chemotherapeutic drugs on five human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines. The expressions of genes that have been proposed to influence the resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), glutathione-S-transferase PI (GSTP1), multidrug resistance protein (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were also determined. METHODS: Five human CCA cell lines (KKU-100, KKU-M055, KKU-M156, KKU-M214 and KKU-OCA17) were treated with various chemotherapeutic drugs and growth inhibition was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Semi-quantitative levels of gene expression were determined by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results of IC_(50) values and the ratios of gene expression were analyzed by linear regression to predict their relationship. RESULTS: Among five CCA cell lines, KKU-M055 was the most sensitive cell line towards all chemotherapeutic drugs investigated, particularly taxane derivatives with IC_(50) values of 0.02-3 nmol/L, whereas KKU-100 was apparently the least sensitive cell line. When compared to other chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin and pirarubicin showed the lowest IC_(50) values (<5 μmol/L) in all five CCA cell lines. Results from RT-PCR showed that TS, MRP1, MRP3 and GSTP1 were highly expressed in these five CCA cell lines while DPD and MRP2 were only moderately expressed. It should be noted that MDR1 expression was detected only in KKU-OCA17 cell lines. A strong correlation was only found between the level of MRP3 expression and the IC_(50) values of etoposide, doxorubicin and pirarubicin (r=0.86-0.98, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents is not associated with the histological type of CCA. Choosing of the appropriate chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of CCA requires knowledge of drug sensitivity. MRP3 was correlated with resistance of CCA cell lines to etoposide, doxorubicin and pirarubicin, whereas other chemotherapeutic drugs showed no association. The role of this multidrug resistance-associated protein, MRP3, in chemotherapeutic resistance in CCA patients needs to be further investigated.展开更多
The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for...The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past two decades. Store-operated Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement. In a set of breakthrough studies over the past two years, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the ER Ca2+ sensor) and Orai1 (a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel) have been identified. Here we review these recent studies and the insights they provide into the mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs).展开更多
Changes in distribution density,morphology and secretory content of endocrine cells in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of black-spotted frogs Rana nigromaculata before and after fasting were investigated using imm...Changes in distribution density,morphology and secretory content of endocrine cells in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of black-spotted frogs Rana nigromaculata before and after fasting were investigated using immunohistochemistry and antisera to six gut hormones.Six types of endocrine cells were detected in the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SOM),glucagon(GLU),pancreatic polypeptide(PP)and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP)cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells in the esophagus,cardia and fundus,GAS cells in the fundus and pylorus,PP cells in the fundus decreased significantly(P<0.01),while SOM cells in the cardia,GLU cells in the rectum increased significantly(P<0.01).The cytoplasmic processes of 5-HT cells became shorter or not detectable.The secretory content of GAS cells reduced in the cardia.The positive immunostaining reaction in the perinuclear region of SOM cells in the cardia,fundus and pylorus became weaker,while the staining intensity in the periphery of these cells became stronger.VIP cells were not detectable in the whole digestive tract after fasting.Five types of endocrine cells were found in the pancreas of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-HT,GAS,SOM,GLU and PP cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells decreased slightly(P>0.05),while SOM,GAS,GLU and PP cells increased significantly(P<0.01).Furthermore,the secretory content of GLU cells increased significantly.Considering their functionalities,our results indicate that the changes of GEP endocrine cells in Rana nigromaculata responded adaptively to starvation-induced stress.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of motilin and erythromycin on intracellular Ca2+ mobi-lization in cultured myenteric neurons of rats. Methods: The cultured myenteric neurons were identified with immunofluoresce...Objective: To investigate the effects of motilin and erythromycin on intracellular Ca2+ mobi-lization in cultured myenteric neurons of rats. Methods: The cultured myenteric neurons were identified with immunofluorescence staining technique. Motilin-induced and erythromycin-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was studied in primary cultures of myenteric neurons using the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator Furo3/AM, with a laser confocal microscope. Results: The effects of motilin and erythromycin on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization were as follows: (1)In Hank's solution, 10 -8, 10-7, 10-6 mol/L motilin could elevate intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i)in a dose-dependent manner. (2) In Hank's solution, 10μg/ ml erythromycin also could induce the elevation of [Ca2+]i. (3) After pretreatment with antibody against the motilin receptor in Hank's solution, the Ca2+ response to erythromycin was almost restricted. Conclusion: It is suggested that motilin could increase [Ca2+]i in myenteric neurons in a dose-dependent manner, and erythromycin may also have this effectivenesss by binding to the motilin receptor.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region...Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region of H.pylori neutrophil activating protein in the stimulation of neutrophil activation as well as the evi-dence that the C-terminal region of H.pylori activating protein is indispensable for neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells,a step necessary to H.pylori inflammation.In addition we show that arabino galactan proteins derived from chios mastic gum,the natural resin of the plant Pistacia lentiscus var.Chia inhibit neutrophil activation in vitro.展开更多
AIM: To identify the decreasing effect of xenotransplantion in combination with privileged sites on rejection and death of biological semipermeable membrane-(BSM) encapsulated implanted islets. METHODS: After the ...AIM: To identify the decreasing effect of xenotransplantion in combination with privileged sites on rejection and death of biological semipermeable membrane-(BSM) encapsulated implanted islets. METHODS: After the BSM experiment in vitro, BSM- encapsulated SD rat's islet-like cell clusters (ICCs) were xenotransplanted into normal dog's brain. Morphological changes were observed under light and transmission electron microscope. The islets and apoptosis of implanted B cells were identified by insulin-TONEL double staining. RESULTS: The BSM used in our study had a favorable permeability, some degree of rigidity, lighter foreign body reaction and toxicity. The grafts consisted of epithelioid cells and loose connective tissue. Severe infiltration of inflammatory cells was not observed. The implanted ICCs were identified 2 mo later and showed typical apoptosis. CONCLUSION: BSM xenotransplantation in combination with the privileged site can inhibit the rejection of implanted heterogeneous ICCs, and death of implanted heterogeneous B cells is associated with apoptosis. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.展开更多
The effects of changing salinity and nitrogen limitation on dimethylsulfoniopropionate(DMSP) and dimethylsulfide(DMS) concentrations were investigated in batch cultures of coastal diatom Skeletonema costatum,an ecolog...The effects of changing salinity and nitrogen limitation on dimethylsulfoniopropionate(DMSP) and dimethylsulfide(DMS) concentrations were investigated in batch cultures of coastal diatom Skeletonema costatum,an ecologically important species.Changes in salinity from 20-32 caused no measurable variation in cell growth or culture yield,but increased intracellular DMSP per cell by 30%.Nitrogen limitation caused up to a two-fold increase in total DMSP per cell and up to a three-fold increase in DMS per cell.These changes in DMSP and DMS per cell in the Skeletonema costatum cultures with nitrogen limitation and changing salinity were primarily attributed to the physiological functions of DMSP as an osmolyte and an antioxidant.The data obtained in this study indicated that nitrogen limitation and salinity may play an important role in climate feedback mechanisms involving biologically derived DMS.展开更多
Three divalent β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosides were synthesized using acetylated lactosyl bromide as donor and polyethylene glycols with different polymeric degree (n = 4, 5, 6) as linker, and...Three divalent β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosides were synthesized using acetylated lactosyl bromide as donor and polyethylene glycols with different polymeric degree (n = 4, 5, 6) as linker, and evaluated for in vivo inhibitory activity to leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion on severe bum-shock rats. The result showed that the length of linkers had apparent influence on anti cell adhesion activity.展开更多
MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such ...MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apopto-sis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.展开更多
Background Ciliopathies are a group of diseases associated with abnormal structure or function of primary cilia. Ciliopathies include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a pathology associated with vascular hypertensio...Background Ciliopathies are a group of diseases associated with abnormal structure or function of primary cilia. Ciliopathies include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a pathology associated with vascular hypertension. We previously showed that cilia length regulates cilia function, and cilia function is required for nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis in endothelial cells. Because patients with PKD show abnormal sensory cilia function, the aim of our current study was to search for a targeted therapy focused on primary cilia, which we refer to as 'cilio- therapy'. Methods and Results In the present studies, our in vitro analyses refined fenoldopam as an equipotent and more specific dopa- minergic agonist to regulate cilia length and function. Our in vivo studies indicated that fenoldopam increased cilia length and serum NO thereby reducing blood pressure in a PKD mouse model. Our crossover, multicenter, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical study further indicated that cilia-targeting therapy showed an overall reduction in mean arterial pressure in PKD patients. Conclusions Overall, our studies provide the first evidence of ciliotherapy as an innovative intervention in patients with abnormal primary cilia.展开更多
Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are suggested to be immune-privileged, but they carry the risk of uncontrolled expansion and malignancy. Upon differentiation they lose their tumor-forming capacity, but they become immuno...Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are suggested to be immune-privileged, but they carry the risk of uncontrolled expansion and malignancy. Upon differentiation they lose their tumor-forming capacity, but they become immunogenic by the expression of a normal set of MHC molecules. This immunogenicity might trigger rejection after application in regenerative therapies. In this study MHC expression of and immune responses to endothelial derivatives of rat embryonic stem cell-like cells (RESC) under inflammatory conditions were determined in comparison to primary rat aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Cellular as well as humoral allo-recognition was analyzed in vitro. In addition, im- mune reactions in vivo were assessed by allo-antibody production and determination of interferon-y (IFNy)-secreting alio-reactive T cells. RESC derivatives expressed low but significant levels of MHC class I, and no MHC class II. In response to IFNy MHC class I expression was enhanced, while class II transactivator induction failed completely in these cells; MHC class II expression remained consistently absent. Functionally, the RESC derivatives showed a reduced allo-stimulatory capacity, protection against humoral allo-recognition in vitro and a slightly diminished sus- ceptibility to cytotoxic T cell lysis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that these ceils do not trigger host immune reactions, characterized by no allo-antibody production and no induction of allo-reactive memory T cells. Our results show that endothelial derivatives of RESC have a distinctive reduced immunogenic potency even under inflammatory conditions.展开更多
Objective To study endothelial damage by observing changes of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood, coagula-tion and fibrinolysis index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods CECs were ...Objective To study endothelial damage by observing changes of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood, coagula-tion and fibrinolysis index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods CECs were separated by isopycnic centrifugation method in 14 patients with acute lung injury (ALI), 7 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 10 intensive care unit (ICU) controls, and 15 healthy controls. Plasma prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FG), fibrin degradation products (FDP), and D-dimer were examined simultaneously. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)Ⅱand lung injury score (LIS) were recorded to evaluate severity of illness and lung injury. Results (1) The number of CECs in ALI (10.4 ±2.3) and ARDS groups (16.1 ±2.7) was higher than that in the healthy (1.9 ±0.5) (P< 0.01). In both ALI and ARDS, the number of CECs correlated with APACHEⅡ(r=0.55, P< 0.05 and r=0.62, P< 0.05, respectively)and LIS (r=0.60, P< 0.05 and r=0.53, P< 0.05, respectively). CEC number was negatively correlated with PaO 2 in ALI and ARDS (r=-0.49, P< 0.05 and r=-0.64, P< 0.05, respectively). (2) The level of FDP and D-dimer were higher in ALI and ARDS patients than that in ICU and healthy control groups (P< 0.05). The level of FG in ARDS group was significantly higher than in the ICU and healthy control groups (P< 0.05). But in ALI group, the level of FG was significantly higher than only healthy control group (P< 0.05). Conclusions Endothelial cell damage occurs in ARDS patients, which may play a major role in the pathophysiology of ARDS. Changes of endothelial cell activation and damage markers, such as CECs, plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis index, to some extent reflect severity of illness and lung injury in ARDS.展开更多
AIM:To observe the effects of sargentgloryvine stem extracts (SSE) on the hepatoma cell line HepG-2 in vitro andin vivo and determine its mechanisms of action.METHODS:Cultured HepG-2 cells treated with SSE were analys...AIM:To observe the effects of sargentgloryvine stem extracts (SSE) on the hepatoma cell line HepG-2 in vitro andin vivo and determine its mechanisms of action.METHODS:Cultured HepG-2 cells treated with SSE were analysed by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5Diphenyltetrazolium bromide and clone formation assay.The cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were conducted by flow cytometric,TdT-Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining methods,and protein expression was examined by both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.The pathological changes of the tumor cells were observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining.Tumor growth inhibition and side effects were determined in a xenograft mouse model.RESULTS:SSE treatment could not only inhibit HepG-2 cell proliferation in a doseand time-dependent manner but also induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the S phase.The number of colonies formed by SSEtreated tumor cells was fewer than that of the controls (P<0.05).SSE induced caspase-dependent apoptosis accompanied by a significant decrease in Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 and elevation of Bak expression (P<0.05).Tumor necrosis factor α in the xenograft tumor tissue and the liver functions of SSE-treated mice showed no significant changes at week 8 compared with the control group (P>0.05).Systemic administration of SSE could inhibit the HepG-2 xenograft tumor growth with no obvious toxic side effects on normal tissues.CONCLUSION:SSE can induce apoptosis of HepG-2 cells in vitro and in vivo through decreasing expression of Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 and increasing expression of Bax.展开更多
The effect of intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) on second messenger systems of spinal cord relative to behavioral change in rats was studied. Dynorphin A (1-17) 5 ,10 (20nmol) caused dose-dependent flaccid p...The effect of intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) on second messenger systems of spinal cord relative to behavioral change in rats was studied. Dynorphin A (1-17) 5 ,10 (20nmol) caused dose-dependent flaccid paralysis of hindlimbs. Dynorphin A (1-17) 10, 20 nmol dose-dependently decreased spinal adenylate cyclase (AC) activity, cyclic AMP production, calmodulin (CaM) level and cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase(PDE)activity 10 min after intrathecal injection. They recovered to a varying extent two hours later. Pretreatment with selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI 30 nmol 10 min before dynorphin A (1-17) markedly antagonized the effects of dynorphin A (1-17 ) at 20 nmol on hindlimb paralysis and inhibition of intracellular second messengers. The L-type calcium channel blocker verapamil (100nmol) also played a role in blocking dynorphin neurotoxicity. The NMDA receptor antagonist APV could partially or completely block dynorphin inhibition of CaM level and PDE activity without affecting paralysis and decrease of AC-cAMP level induced by dynorphin A(1-17) 10 min after intrathecal injection.展开更多
文摘Objective In kinesin-3,the neck coil correlates with the following segments to form an extended neck that contains a characteristic hinge diverse from a proline in KIF13B to a long flexible linker in KIF1A.The function of this neck hinge for controlling processive movement,however,remains unclear.Methods We made a series of modifications to the neck hinges of KIF13B and KIF1A and tested their movement using a single-molecule motility assay.Results In KIF13B,the insertion of flexible residues before or after the proline differentially impacts the processivity or velocity,while the removal of this proline increases the both.In KIF1A,the deletion of entire flexible neck hinge merely enhances the processivity.The engineering of these hinge-truncated necks of kinesin-3 into kinesin-1 similarly boosts the processive movement of kinesin-1.Conclusion The neck hinge in kinesin-3 controls its processive movement and proper modifications tune the motor motility,which provides a novel strategy to reshape the processive movement of kinesin motors.
基金This work was supported in part by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (No. 30525007)National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2006CB504103+1 种基金 No. 2006CB500704)Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (No. 2006AA02Z322)
文摘With the identification of more than a dozen novel Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) proteins in vesicle trafficking in higher eukaryotes, a new class of trafficking pathways has been described. It mainly consists of three newly-defined protein com- plexes, BLOC-l, -2, and -3. Compelling evidence indicates that these complexes together with two other well-known complexes, AP3 and HOPS, play important roles in endosomal transport. The interactions between these complexes form a network in protein trafficking via endosomes and cytoskeleton. Each node of this network has intra-complex and extra-complex interactions. These complexes are connected by direct interactions between the subunits from different complexes or by indirect interactions through coupling nodes that interact with two or more subunits from different complexes. The dissection of this network facilitates the understanding of a dynamic but elaborate transport machinery in protein/membrane trafficking. The disruption of this network may lead to abnormal trafficking or defective organellar development as described in patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.
文摘During long term storage at 25℃ in the dark,a large number of cell content were transferred from the senescing scape to the developing cloves,and the transfer from the basal part of scape was earlier than that from the apical part in the excised garlic scape ( Allium sativum var Taichang).Levels of H 2O 2 decreased in the cloves and significantly increased up to 10 folds and then declined quickly in the scape.Levels of H 2O 2 were enhanced early in the basal part of scape.In the treatment of GA 3 at the cloves,levels of H 2O 2 were strongly enhanced in the cloves and inhibited in the scape,coinciding with the distinct inhibition of cell content tansfer.The results indicated that H 2O 2 may be involved in cell content redistribution and its regulation.3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT) is a specific inhibitor of catalase.Effects of AT on cell content redistribution and levels of H 2O 2 were almost similar to those of GA 3,It further proved the above concept.According to the changes of H 2O 2 leves and activities of peroxidase and catalase in the cloves and in the scape,we suggest that the accumulation of H 2O 2 in the scape was transducted from the cloves,and the decline of H 2O 2 level in the scape with GA 3 or AT at the cloves was mainly through the inhibition of H 2O 2 synthesis in the cloves.
基金Supported by the Research Grants From the Thailand Research Fund and Khon Kaen University, Thailand Co-first-authors: Nisana Tepsiri and Liengchai Chaturat
文摘AIM: To study the effect of a number of chemotherapeutic drugs on five human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines. The expressions of genes that have been proposed to influence the resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), glutathione-S-transferase PI (GSTP1), multidrug resistance protein (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were also determined. METHODS: Five human CCA cell lines (KKU-100, KKU-M055, KKU-M156, KKU-M214 and KKU-OCA17) were treated with various chemotherapeutic drugs and growth inhibition was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Semi-quantitative levels of gene expression were determined by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results of IC_(50) values and the ratios of gene expression were analyzed by linear regression to predict their relationship. RESULTS: Among five CCA cell lines, KKU-M055 was the most sensitive cell line towards all chemotherapeutic drugs investigated, particularly taxane derivatives with IC_(50) values of 0.02-3 nmol/L, whereas KKU-100 was apparently the least sensitive cell line. When compared to other chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin and pirarubicin showed the lowest IC_(50) values (<5 μmol/L) in all five CCA cell lines. Results from RT-PCR showed that TS, MRP1, MRP3 and GSTP1 were highly expressed in these five CCA cell lines while DPD and MRP2 were only moderately expressed. It should be noted that MDR1 expression was detected only in KKU-OCA17 cell lines. A strong correlation was only found between the level of MRP3 expression and the IC_(50) values of etoposide, doxorubicin and pirarubicin (r=0.86-0.98, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents is not associated with the histological type of CCA. Choosing of the appropriate chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of CCA requires knowledge of drug sensitivity. MRP3 was correlated with resistance of CCA cell lines to etoposide, doxorubicin and pirarubicin, whereas other chemotherapeutic drugs showed no association. The role of this multidrug resistance-associated protein, MRP3, in chemotherapeutic resistance in CCA patients needs to be further investigated.
文摘The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past two decades. Store-operated Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement. In a set of breakthrough studies over the past two years, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the ER Ca2+ sensor) and Orai1 (a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel) have been identified. Here we review these recent studies and the insights they provide into the mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs).
基金supported by Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecular Evolution(No.2006B001)Foundation for outstanding academic team of Zoological Biology in Anhui Normal UniversitySpecial Foundation for Provincial Key Laboratories of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety and Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province
文摘Changes in distribution density,morphology and secretory content of endocrine cells in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of black-spotted frogs Rana nigromaculata before and after fasting were investigated using immunohistochemistry and antisera to six gut hormones.Six types of endocrine cells were detected in the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SOM),glucagon(GLU),pancreatic polypeptide(PP)and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP)cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells in the esophagus,cardia and fundus,GAS cells in the fundus and pylorus,PP cells in the fundus decreased significantly(P<0.01),while SOM cells in the cardia,GLU cells in the rectum increased significantly(P<0.01).The cytoplasmic processes of 5-HT cells became shorter or not detectable.The secretory content of GAS cells reduced in the cardia.The positive immunostaining reaction in the perinuclear region of SOM cells in the cardia,fundus and pylorus became weaker,while the staining intensity in the periphery of these cells became stronger.VIP cells were not detectable in the whole digestive tract after fasting.Five types of endocrine cells were found in the pancreas of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-HT,GAS,SOM,GLU and PP cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells decreased slightly(P>0.05),while SOM,GAS,GLU and PP cells increased significantly(P<0.01).Furthermore,the secretory content of GLU cells increased significantly.Considering their functionalities,our results indicate that the changes of GEP endocrine cells in Rana nigromaculata responded adaptively to starvation-induced stress.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30170414)
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of motilin and erythromycin on intracellular Ca2+ mobi-lization in cultured myenteric neurons of rats. Methods: The cultured myenteric neurons were identified with immunofluorescence staining technique. Motilin-induced and erythromycin-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was studied in primary cultures of myenteric neurons using the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator Furo3/AM, with a laser confocal microscope. Results: The effects of motilin and erythromycin on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization were as follows: (1)In Hank's solution, 10 -8, 10-7, 10-6 mol/L motilin could elevate intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i)in a dose-dependent manner. (2) In Hank's solution, 10μg/ ml erythromycin also could induce the elevation of [Ca2+]i. (3) After pretreatment with antibody against the motilin receptor in Hank's solution, the Ca2+ response to erythromycin was almost restricted. Conclusion: It is suggested that motilin could increase [Ca2+]i in myenteric neurons in a dose-dependent manner, and erythromycin may also have this effectivenesss by binding to the motilin receptor.
基金Supported by A Grant from the General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Ministry of Development of Greece, by the Program HERAKLITOS I as well as by Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region of H.pylori neutrophil activating protein in the stimulation of neutrophil activation as well as the evi-dence that the C-terminal region of H.pylori activating protein is indispensable for neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells,a step necessary to H.pylori inflammation.In addition we show that arabino galactan proteins derived from chios mastic gum,the natural resin of the plant Pistacia lentiscus var.Chia inhibit neutrophil activation in vitro.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, No. 98SZ-064
文摘AIM: To identify the decreasing effect of xenotransplantion in combination with privileged sites on rejection and death of biological semipermeable membrane-(BSM) encapsulated implanted islets. METHODS: After the BSM experiment in vitro, BSM- encapsulated SD rat's islet-like cell clusters (ICCs) were xenotransplanted into normal dog's brain. Morphological changes were observed under light and transmission electron microscope. The islets and apoptosis of implanted B cells were identified by insulin-TONEL double staining. RESULTS: The BSM used in our study had a favorable permeability, some degree of rigidity, lighter foreign body reaction and toxicity. The grafts consisted of epithelioid cells and loose connective tissue. Severe infiltration of inflammatory cells was not observed. The implanted ICCs were identified 2 mo later and showed typical apoptosis. CONCLUSION: BSM xenotransplantation in combination with the privileged site can inhibit the rejection of implanted heterogeneous ICCs, and death of implanted heterogeneous B cells is associated with apoptosis. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos. 41030858 and 40525017)the Changjiang Scholars Program,Ministry of Education of China,the Science and Technology Key Project of Shandong Province (No. 2006GG2205024)the Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province
文摘The effects of changing salinity and nitrogen limitation on dimethylsulfoniopropionate(DMSP) and dimethylsulfide(DMS) concentrations were investigated in batch cultures of coastal diatom Skeletonema costatum,an ecologically important species.Changes in salinity from 20-32 caused no measurable variation in cell growth or culture yield,but increased intracellular DMSP per cell by 30%.Nitrogen limitation caused up to a two-fold increase in total DMSP per cell and up to a three-fold increase in DMS per cell.These changes in DMSP and DMS per cell in the Skeletonema costatum cultures with nitrogen limitation and changing salinity were primarily attributed to the physiological functions of DMSP as an osmolyte and an antioxidant.The data obtained in this study indicated that nitrogen limitation and salinity may play an important role in climate feedback mechanisms involving biologically derived DMS.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20372003)
文摘Three divalent β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosides were synthesized using acetylated lactosyl bromide as donor and polyethylene glycols with different polymeric degree (n = 4, 5, 6) as linker, and evaluated for in vivo inhibitory activity to leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion on severe bum-shock rats. The result showed that the length of linkers had apparent influence on anti cell adhesion activity.
基金Supported by NIH Grant AA011576-10A1 to Gyongyi Szabo and an Alfonso Martin Escudero Foundation Scholarship to Miguel Marcos
文摘MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apopto-sis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.
文摘Background Ciliopathies are a group of diseases associated with abnormal structure or function of primary cilia. Ciliopathies include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a pathology associated with vascular hypertension. We previously showed that cilia length regulates cilia function, and cilia function is required for nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis in endothelial cells. Because patients with PKD show abnormal sensory cilia function, the aim of our current study was to search for a targeted therapy focused on primary cilia, which we refer to as 'cilio- therapy'. Methods and Results In the present studies, our in vitro analyses refined fenoldopam as an equipotent and more specific dopa- minergic agonist to regulate cilia length and function. Our in vivo studies indicated that fenoldopam increased cilia length and serum NO thereby reducing blood pressure in a PKD mouse model. Our crossover, multicenter, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical study further indicated that cilia-targeting therapy showed an overall reduction in mean arterial pressure in PKD patients. Conclusions Overall, our studies provide the first evidence of ciliotherapy as an innovative intervention in patients with abnormal primary cilia.
文摘Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are suggested to be immune-privileged, but they carry the risk of uncontrolled expansion and malignancy. Upon differentiation they lose their tumor-forming capacity, but they become immunogenic by the expression of a normal set of MHC molecules. This immunogenicity might trigger rejection after application in regenerative therapies. In this study MHC expression of and immune responses to endothelial derivatives of rat embryonic stem cell-like cells (RESC) under inflammatory conditions were determined in comparison to primary rat aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Cellular as well as humoral allo-recognition was analyzed in vitro. In addition, im- mune reactions in vivo were assessed by allo-antibody production and determination of interferon-y (IFNy)-secreting alio-reactive T cells. RESC derivatives expressed low but significant levels of MHC class I, and no MHC class II. In response to IFNy MHC class I expression was enhanced, while class II transactivator induction failed completely in these cells; MHC class II expression remained consistently absent. Functionally, the RESC derivatives showed a reduced allo-stimulatory capacity, protection against humoral allo-recognition in vitro and a slightly diminished sus- ceptibility to cytotoxic T cell lysis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that these ceils do not trigger host immune reactions, characterized by no allo-antibody production and no induction of allo-reactive memory T cells. Our results show that endothelial derivatives of RESC have a distinctive reduced immunogenic potency even under inflammatory conditions.
文摘Objective To study endothelial damage by observing changes of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood, coagula-tion and fibrinolysis index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods CECs were separated by isopycnic centrifugation method in 14 patients with acute lung injury (ALI), 7 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 10 intensive care unit (ICU) controls, and 15 healthy controls. Plasma prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FG), fibrin degradation products (FDP), and D-dimer were examined simultaneously. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)Ⅱand lung injury score (LIS) were recorded to evaluate severity of illness and lung injury. Results (1) The number of CECs in ALI (10.4 ±2.3) and ARDS groups (16.1 ±2.7) was higher than that in the healthy (1.9 ±0.5) (P< 0.01). In both ALI and ARDS, the number of CECs correlated with APACHEⅡ(r=0.55, P< 0.05 and r=0.62, P< 0.05, respectively)and LIS (r=0.60, P< 0.05 and r=0.53, P< 0.05, respectively). CEC number was negatively correlated with PaO 2 in ALI and ARDS (r=-0.49, P< 0.05 and r=-0.64, P< 0.05, respectively). (2) The level of FDP and D-dimer were higher in ALI and ARDS patients than that in ICU and healthy control groups (P< 0.05). The level of FG in ARDS group was significantly higher than in the ICU and healthy control groups (P< 0.05). But in ALI group, the level of FG was significantly higher than only healthy control group (P< 0.05). Conclusions Endothelial cell damage occurs in ARDS patients, which may play a major role in the pathophysiology of ARDS. Changes of endothelial cell activation and damage markers, such as CECs, plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis index, to some extent reflect severity of illness and lung injury in ARDS.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Key Project for the Development of New Drugs in China,No. 2009ZX09103-422
文摘AIM:To observe the effects of sargentgloryvine stem extracts (SSE) on the hepatoma cell line HepG-2 in vitro andin vivo and determine its mechanisms of action.METHODS:Cultured HepG-2 cells treated with SSE were analysed by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5Diphenyltetrazolium bromide and clone formation assay.The cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were conducted by flow cytometric,TdT-Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining methods,and protein expression was examined by both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.The pathological changes of the tumor cells were observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining.Tumor growth inhibition and side effects were determined in a xenograft mouse model.RESULTS:SSE treatment could not only inhibit HepG-2 cell proliferation in a doseand time-dependent manner but also induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the S phase.The number of colonies formed by SSEtreated tumor cells was fewer than that of the controls (P<0.05).SSE induced caspase-dependent apoptosis accompanied by a significant decrease in Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 and elevation of Bak expression (P<0.05).Tumor necrosis factor α in the xenograft tumor tissue and the liver functions of SSE-treated mice showed no significant changes at week 8 compared with the control group (P>0.05).Systemic administration of SSE could inhibit the HepG-2 xenograft tumor growth with no obvious toxic side effects on normal tissues.CONCLUSION:SSE can induce apoptosis of HepG-2 cells in vitro and in vivo through decreasing expression of Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 and increasing expression of Bax.
文摘The effect of intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) on second messenger systems of spinal cord relative to behavioral change in rats was studied. Dynorphin A (1-17) 5 ,10 (20nmol) caused dose-dependent flaccid paralysis of hindlimbs. Dynorphin A (1-17) 10, 20 nmol dose-dependently decreased spinal adenylate cyclase (AC) activity, cyclic AMP production, calmodulin (CaM) level and cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase(PDE)activity 10 min after intrathecal injection. They recovered to a varying extent two hours later. Pretreatment with selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI 30 nmol 10 min before dynorphin A (1-17) markedly antagonized the effects of dynorphin A (1-17 ) at 20 nmol on hindlimb paralysis and inhibition of intracellular second messengers. The L-type calcium channel blocker verapamil (100nmol) also played a role in blocking dynorphin neurotoxicity. The NMDA receptor antagonist APV could partially or completely block dynorphin inhibition of CaM level and PDE activity without affecting paralysis and decrease of AC-cAMP level induced by dynorphin A(1-17) 10 min after intrathecal injection.