AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The pu...AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The purpose of this study was to determine IL-8 RNA expression levels in NERD patients with or without subtle mucosal changes. METHODS:We studied 26 patients with NERD and 13 asymptomatic controls.Biopsy sample was taken from the esophagus 3 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and snap frozen for measurement of IL-8 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).We also examined mRNA expression of IL-8 receptors,CXCR-1 and -2 by reverse transcriptase PCR.The patients were endoscopically classified into grade M(mucosal color changes without visible mucosal break)and N(neither minimal involvement nor mucosal break)of the modified Los Angeles classification. RESULTS:The relative IL-8 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in esophageal mucosa of NERD patients than those in esophageal mucosa of the controls.There was a significant difference in IL-8 mRNA levels between grades M and N.The CXCR-1 and -2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed in esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of NERD through interaction with its receptors. NERD seems to be composed of a heterogeneous population in terms of not only endoscopically minimal involvement but also immune and inflammatory processes.展开更多
Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) is a difficult cancer to diagnose in the early stage and to treat by curative resec-tion. The incidence of CCA in the northeast of Thailand is the highest in the world. To make progress in dete...Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) is a difficult cancer to diagnose in the early stage and to treat by curative resec-tion. The incidence of CCA in the northeast of Thailand is the highest in the world. To make progress in detecting a high risk group and in the prevention and detection of CCA, we have been analyzing the risk factors for CCA. Although liver fluke infection is known to be a risk factor, there are patients who are not infected with the liver fluke and not all people infected with the liver fluke will suffer from the disease. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to analyze the risk factors and the mechanism to prevent the disease and also to detect the disease in its early stage to save patients' lives. Through collaboration among Thai and Japanese researchers, we analyzed the genetic and environmental determinants of risks for CCA. Also, we have been trying to develop methods to detect the disease in a non-invasive way. Without repeating findings reported in various reviews on CCA, we will first discuss the environmental and genetic determinants of the risks for CCA. Second, we will discuss the properties of CCA, including the etiological agents and the mechanism of cholangiocarcinogenesis, and finally, we will discuss future approaches to prevent and cure CCA from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. We will discuss these points by including the data from our laboratories. We would like to emphasize the importance of the genetic data, especially whole genome approaches, to understand the properties of CCA, to find a high risk population for CCA and to develop effective preventative methods to stop the carcinogenic steps toward CCA in the near future. In addition, it is of the upmost importance to develop a non-invasive, specific and sensitive method to detect CCA in its early stage for the application of modern medical approaches to help patients with CCA.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.METHODS:A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was...AIM:To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.METHODS:A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was studied,with all subjects having liver biopsy data and DNA available for testing.This study assessed the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in a total of six genes including toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β),oxoguanine DNA glycosylase,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 and interleukin-10 with liver disease severity.Genotyping was performed using high resolution melt analysis and sequencing.The results were analysed in relation to the stage of hepatic fibrosis in multivariate analysis incorporating other cofactors including alcohol consumption and hepatic iron concentration.RESULTS:There were significant associations between the cofactors of male gender(P=0.0001),increasing age(P=0.006),alcohol consumption(P=0.0001),steatosis(P=0.03),hepatic iron concentration(P<0.0001)and the presence of hepatic fibrosis.Of the candidate gene polymorphisms studied,none showed a significant association with hepatic fibrosis in univariate or multivariate analysis incorporating cofactors.We also specifically studied patients with hepatic iron loading above threshold levels for cirrhosis and compared the genetic polymorphisms between those with no fibrosis vs cirrhosis however there was no significant effect from any of the candidate genes studied.Importantly,in this large,well characterised cohort of patients there was no association between SNPs for TGF-βor TLR4and the presence of fibrosis,cirrhosis or increasing fibrosis stage in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION:In our large,well characterised group of haemochromatosis subjects we did not demonstrate any relationship between candidate gene polymorphisms and hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis.展开更多
African swine fever virus(ASFV)is an important pathogen that causes a highly contagious and lethal disease in swine,for which neither a vaccine nor treatment is available.The DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosy...African swine fever virus(ASFV)is an important pathogen that causes a highly contagious and lethal disease in swine,for which neither a vaccine nor treatment is available.The DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1(OGG1),which excises the oxidative base lesion 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine(8-oxoG),has been linked to the pathogenesis of different diseases associated with viral infections.However,the role of OGG1-base excision repair(BER)in ASFV infection has been poorly investigated.Our study aimed to characterize the alteration of host reactive oxygen species(ROS)and OGG1 and to analyse the role of OGG1 in ASFV infection.We found that ASFV infection induced high levels and dynamic changes in ROS and 8-oxoG and consistently increased the expression of OGG1.Viral yield,transcription level,and protein synthesis were reduced in ASFV-infected primary alveolar macrophages(PAMs)treated by TH5487 or SU0268 inhibiting OGG1.The expression of BER pathway associated proteins of ASFV was also suppressed in OGG1-inhibited PAMs.Furthermore,OGG1 was found to negatively regulate interferonβ(IFN-β)production during ASFV infection and IFN-βcould be activated by OGG1 inhibition with TH5487 and SU0268,which blocked OGG1 binding to 8-oxoG.Additionally,the interaction of OGG1 with viral MGF360-14-L protein could disturb IFN-βproduction to further affect ASFV replication.These results suggest that OGG1 plays the crucial role in successful viral infection and OGG1 inhibitors SU0268 or TH5487 could be used as antiviral agents for ASFV infection.展开更多
文摘AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The purpose of this study was to determine IL-8 RNA expression levels in NERD patients with or without subtle mucosal changes. METHODS:We studied 26 patients with NERD and 13 asymptomatic controls.Biopsy sample was taken from the esophagus 3 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and snap frozen for measurement of IL-8 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).We also examined mRNA expression of IL-8 receptors,CXCR-1 and -2 by reverse transcriptase PCR.The patients were endoscopically classified into grade M(mucosal color changes without visible mucosal break)and N(neither minimal involvement nor mucosal break)of the modified Los Angeles classification. RESULTS:The relative IL-8 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in esophageal mucosa of NERD patients than those in esophageal mucosa of the controls.There was a significant difference in IL-8 mRNA levels between grades M and N.The CXCR-1 and -2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed in esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of NERD through interaction with its receptors. NERD seems to be composed of a heterogeneous population in terms of not only endoscopically minimal involvement but also immune and inflammatory processes.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology Japan
文摘Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) is a difficult cancer to diagnose in the early stage and to treat by curative resec-tion. The incidence of CCA in the northeast of Thailand is the highest in the world. To make progress in detecting a high risk group and in the prevention and detection of CCA, we have been analyzing the risk factors for CCA. Although liver fluke infection is known to be a risk factor, there are patients who are not infected with the liver fluke and not all people infected with the liver fluke will suffer from the disease. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to analyze the risk factors and the mechanism to prevent the disease and also to detect the disease in its early stage to save patients' lives. Through collaboration among Thai and Japanese researchers, we analyzed the genetic and environmental determinants of risks for CCA. Also, we have been trying to develop methods to detect the disease in a non-invasive way. Without repeating findings reported in various reviews on CCA, we will first discuss the environmental and genetic determinants of the risks for CCA. Second, we will discuss the properties of CCA, including the etiological agents and the mechanism of cholangiocarcinogenesis, and finally, we will discuss future approaches to prevent and cure CCA from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. We will discuss these points by including the data from our laboratories. We would like to emphasize the importance of the genetic data, especially whole genome approaches, to understand the properties of CCA, to find a high risk population for CCA and to develop effective preventative methods to stop the carcinogenic steps toward CCA in the near future. In addition, it is of the upmost importance to develop a non-invasive, specific and sensitive method to detect CCA in its early stage for the application of modern medical approaches to help patients with CCA.
基金Supported by NHMRC Medical Postgraduate Scholarship and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Research Foundation to Wood MJthe National Health and Medical Research Council(NHMRC)to Ramm GA and Powell LW+1 种基金the recipient of an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship,1024672 to Subramaniam VNan NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship,No.552409 to Ramm GA
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.METHODS:A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was studied,with all subjects having liver biopsy data and DNA available for testing.This study assessed the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in a total of six genes including toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β),oxoguanine DNA glycosylase,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 and interleukin-10 with liver disease severity.Genotyping was performed using high resolution melt analysis and sequencing.The results were analysed in relation to the stage of hepatic fibrosis in multivariate analysis incorporating other cofactors including alcohol consumption and hepatic iron concentration.RESULTS:There were significant associations between the cofactors of male gender(P=0.0001),increasing age(P=0.006),alcohol consumption(P=0.0001),steatosis(P=0.03),hepatic iron concentration(P<0.0001)and the presence of hepatic fibrosis.Of the candidate gene polymorphisms studied,none showed a significant association with hepatic fibrosis in univariate or multivariate analysis incorporating cofactors.We also specifically studied patients with hepatic iron loading above threshold levels for cirrhosis and compared the genetic polymorphisms between those with no fibrosis vs cirrhosis however there was no significant effect from any of the candidate genes studied.Importantly,in this large,well characterised cohort of patients there was no association between SNPs for TGF-βor TLR4and the presence of fibrosis,cirrhosis or increasing fibrosis stage in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION:In our large,well characterised group of haemochromatosis subjects we did not demonstrate any relationship between candidate gene polymorphisms and hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(Grant No.2021YFD1800101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32072830)+5 种基金Gansu Provincial Major project for science and technology development(Grant No.20ZD7NA006)State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.SKLVEB2020CGPY02)Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province(Grant No.21JR1RA21421JR7RA018)Basic scientific research business expenses budget incremental project,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute(Grant Nos 1610312021002)National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(CAAS-ASTIP-2016-LVRI).
文摘African swine fever virus(ASFV)is an important pathogen that causes a highly contagious and lethal disease in swine,for which neither a vaccine nor treatment is available.The DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1(OGG1),which excises the oxidative base lesion 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine(8-oxoG),has been linked to the pathogenesis of different diseases associated with viral infections.However,the role of OGG1-base excision repair(BER)in ASFV infection has been poorly investigated.Our study aimed to characterize the alteration of host reactive oxygen species(ROS)and OGG1 and to analyse the role of OGG1 in ASFV infection.We found that ASFV infection induced high levels and dynamic changes in ROS and 8-oxoG and consistently increased the expression of OGG1.Viral yield,transcription level,and protein synthesis were reduced in ASFV-infected primary alveolar macrophages(PAMs)treated by TH5487 or SU0268 inhibiting OGG1.The expression of BER pathway associated proteins of ASFV was also suppressed in OGG1-inhibited PAMs.Furthermore,OGG1 was found to negatively regulate interferonβ(IFN-β)production during ASFV infection and IFN-βcould be activated by OGG1 inhibition with TH5487 and SU0268,which blocked OGG1 binding to 8-oxoG.Additionally,the interaction of OGG1 with viral MGF360-14-L protein could disturb IFN-βproduction to further affect ASFV replication.These results suggest that OGG1 plays the crucial role in successful viral infection and OGG1 inhibitors SU0268 or TH5487 could be used as antiviral agents for ASFV infection.