Effect of a Thermal Spring Water on Carbohydrate-Protein Interactions in In-Vitro Models Implicating Normal Human Keratinocytes and Recombinant Lectins

Background: Sugar moiety of macromolecules is today very well known for its implications in many biological recognition mechanisms including cell-cell, extracellular matrix-cell and/or bacteria-cell interactions. In this context lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins displaying a high affinity for sugar groups of other molecules, are of a great importance, notably in immune response involving bacteria, viruses and fungi. As protein-carbohydrate interactions are often mediated by ions such as calcium, zinc or magnesium, we were prompted to study the effect of a thermal spring water (which contains this type of component) on interactions existing between: 1) osidic receptors of human normal keratinocytes and 2) two lectins greatly implicated in the immune response mechanisms (i.e. the dectin-1 and the langerin), and their ligands. Materials and Methods: In a first series of experiments, we studied the effect of increasing concentrations of a thermal spring water on interactions existing between glycosylated molecules and the osidic receptors expressed at the normal human keratinocytes surface. In a second step, and in order to better understand the putative effect of our thermal spring water on the immune response, we analyzed its effect on the interactions existing between the dectin-1 (implicated in the recognition of bacteria, viruses and fungi) and the langerin (expressed by Langerhans cells, the immune cells of the cutaneous tissue), and their ligands in a model using recombinant human lectins and appropriate binding molecules. Results: We showed here that our thermal spring water was able to reinforce interactions between keratinocytes osidic receptors and some of their ligands, in a dose-related manner: From 8% to 55% of increase with 10% to 30% (v/v) of thermal spring water. In the second part of our studies, we also showed that our thermal spring water was able to modulate interactions between dectin-1 and langerin and their ligands through a biphasic effect: Interactions were enhanced by more than 40% and 20% respectively with 10% of thermal spring water, and return to their basal level or lower for higher concentrations. Conclusion: The tested thermal spring water, probably due to its ionic composition, could significantly affect interactions of osidic receptors with their ligands. This property could be of a great interest to help immune system to maintain an appropriate “vigilance state” by using the thermal water at up to a concentration of 10%, and by avoiding any runaway reaction in case of aggression, by using concentrations higher than 10%. .

Quercetin exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in normal human gastric epithelial cells

BACKGROUND Gastric injury is the most common digestive system disease worldwide and involves inflammation,which can lead to gastric ulcer or gastric cancer(GC).Matrix metallopeptidase-9[MMP-9(gelatinase-B)]plays an important role in inflammation and GC progression.Quercetin and quercetin-rich diets represent potential food supplements and a source of medications for treating gastric injury given their anti-inflammatory activities.However,the effects and mechanisms of action of quercetin on human chronic gastritis and whether quercetin can relieve symptoms remain unclear.AIM To assess whether tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-induced MMP-9 expression mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin in normal human gastric mucosal epithelial cells.METHODS The normal human gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES-1 was used to establish a normal human gastric epithelial cell model of TNF-α-induced MMP-9 protein overexpression to evaluate the antiinflammatory effects of quercetin.The cell counting Kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the effects of varying quercetin doses on cell viability in the normal GES-1 cell line.Cell migration was measured using Transwell assay.The expression of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src(cSrc),phospho(p)-c-Src,extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 2(ERK2),p-ERK1/2,c-Fos,p-c-Fos,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB/p65),and p-p65 and the effects of their inhibitors were examined using Western blot analysis and measurement of luciferase activity.p65 expression was detected by immunofluorescence.MMP-9 m RNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(q RT–PCR)and gelatin zymography,respectively.RESULTS q RT-PCR and gelatin zymography showed that TNF-αinduced MMP-9 m RNA and protein expression in a dose-and time-dependent manner.These effects were reduced by the pretreatment of GES-1 cells with quercetin or a TNF-αantagonist(TNFR inhibitor)in a dose-and timedependent manner.Quercetin and TNF-αantagonists decreased the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of c-Src,ERK1/2,c-Fos,and p65 in a dose-and time-dependent manner.Quercetin,TNF-αantagonist,PP1,U0126,and tanshinone IIA(TSIIA)reduced TNF-α-induced c-Fos phosphorylation and AP-1–Luciferase(Luc)activity in a dose-and time-dependent manner.Pretreatment with quercetin,TNF-αantagonist,PP1,U0126,or Bay 11-7082 reduced TNF-α-induced p65 phosphorylation and translocation and p65–Luc activity in a dose-and timedependent manner.TNF-αsignificantly increased GES-1 cell migration,and these results were reduced by pretreatment with quercetin or a TNF-αantagonist.CONCLUSION Quercetin significantly downregulates TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in GES-1 cells via the TNFR-c-Src–ERK1/2 and c-Fos or NF-κB pathways.

Gene expression analysis of primary normal human hepatocytes infected with human hepatitis B virus

AIM： To find the relationship between hepatitis B virus （HBV） and hepatocytes during the initial state of infection by cDNA microarray. METHODS： Primary normal human hepatocytes （PNHHs） were isolated and infected with HBV. From the PNHHs, RNA was isolated and inverted into complement DNA （cDNA） with Cy3- or Cy5- labeled dUTP for microarray analysis. The labeled cDNA was hybridized with microarray chip, including 4224 cDNAs. From the image of the microarray, expression profiles were produced and some of them were confirmed by RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, and NF-κB luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS： From the cDNA microarray, we obtained 98 differentially regulated genes. Of the 98 genes, 53 were up regulated and 45 down regulated. Interestingly, in the up regulated genes, we found the TNF signaling pathway-related genes： LT-α, TRAF2, and NIK. By using RT-PCR, we confirmed the up-regulation of these genes in HepG2, HuhT, and Chang liver cells, which were transfected with pHBV1.2x, a plasmid encoding all HBV messages. Moreover, these three genes participated in HBV- mediated NF-κB activation. CONCLUSION： During the initial state of HBV infection, hepatocytes facilitate the activation of NF-κB through up regulation of LT-α, TRAF2, and NIK.

Determination of optical properties of normal and adenomatous human colon tissues in vitro using integrating sphere techniques

AIM: The purpose of the present study is to compare the optical properties of normal human colon mucosa/submucosa and muscle layer/chorion, and adenomatous human colon mucosa/submucosa and muscle layer/chorion in vitro at 476.5, 488, 496.5, 514.5 and 532 nm. We believe these differences in optical properties should help differential diagnosis of human colon tissues by using optical methods.METHODS: In vitro optical properties were investigated for four kinds of tissues: normal human colon mucosa/submucosa and muscle layer/chorion, and adenomatous human colon mucosa/submucosa and muscle layer/chorion. Tissue samples were taken from 13 human colons (13 adenomatous, 13 normal). From the normal human colons a total of 26 tissue samples, with a mean thickness of 0.40 mm, were used (13 from mucosa/submucosa and 13 from muscle layer/chorion), and from the adenomatous human bladders a total of 26 tissue samples, with a mean thickness of 0.40 mm, were used (13 from mucosa/submucosa and 13 from muscle layer/chorion). The measurements were performed using a double-integratingsphere setup and the optical properties were assessed from these measurements using the adding-doubling method that was considered reliable.RESULTS: The results of measurement showed that there were significant differences in the absorption coefficients and scattering coefficients between normal and adenomatous human colon mucosa/submucosa at the same wavelength,and there were also significant differences in the two optical parameters between both colon muscle layer/chorion at the same wavelength. And there were large differences in the anisotropy factors between both colon mucosa/submucosa at the same wavelength, there were also large differences in the anisotropy factors between both colon muscle layer/chorion at the same wavelength.There were large differences in the value ranges of the absorption coefficients, scattering coefficients and anisotropy factors between both colon mucosa/submucosa,and there were also large differences in these value ranges between both colon muscle layer/chorion. There are the same orders of magnitude in the absorption coefficients for four kinds of colon tissues. The scattering coefficients of these tissues exceed the absorption coefficients by at least two orders of magnitude.CONCLUSION: There were large differences in the three optical parameters between normal and adenomatous human colon mucosa/submucosa at the same laser wavelength, and there were also large differences in these parameters between both colon muscle layer/chorion at the same laser wavelength. Large differences in optical parameters indicate that there were large differences in compositions and structures between both colon mucosa/submucosa, and between both colon muscle layer/chorion.Optical parameters for four kinds of colon tissues are wavelength dependent, and these differences would be useful and helpful in clinical applications of laser and tumors photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Basic Investigations EXPRESSION OF GAP JUNCTION PROTEIN Cx43 IN CULTURED HUMAN NORMAL AND MALIGNANT LUNG CELLS

Gap junctional intercellular communicationexchange of small molecules and ions between contiguous cells through membranous gap junctional channelsis essential for growth control and tissue homecotasis. This work concerns the functional expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in normal human lung cells and the changes in lung carcinoma cells. By. using Northern blot hybridization analysis and Cx43 immunocytochemical methods, it was otherved that cultured normal human embryonic lung cells expressed a high level of Cx43 in both mRNA and protein levels.The Cx43 immunofluorescence was localized at cell membrane regions corresponding to the location of gap junctions. These normal lung cells were competent of intercellular communication function as detected by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. In contrast to normal celis, Cx43 mRNA and protein was not detectable in the carcinoma PG cell line. These tumor cells were defective of intercellular communication function. These results demonstrate that Cx43 is expressed in normal cultured human embryonic lung cells but not in lung tumor cells. The lack of intercellular communication in the lung tumor cell line correlates with dysfunctional intercellular communication. The suggestive role of Cx as a tumor suppersor gene is discussed.

A NEW METHOD TO CONSTRUCT A FULL-LENGTH cDNA LIBRARY OF HUMAN NORMAL BLADDER TISSUE

Objective Using template switch mechanism at the 5’ end of mRNA technique (SMART) to construct a full length cDNA library of human normal bladder tissue. Methods The novel procedures used the template switching activity of powerscript reverse transcriptase to synthesize and anchor first strand cDNA in one step. Following reverse transcription, 5 cycles of PCR were performed using a modified oligo(dT) primer and an anchor primer to enrich the full length cDNA population with 1.0 g human normal bladder poly(A) + RNA, then double strand cDNA was synthesized. After digestion with sfiI and size fractionation by CHROMA SPIN 400 columns, double strand cDNA was ligated into λ TripIEx 2 vector and was packaged. We determined the titer of the primary library and the percentage of recombinant clones and finally amplified the library. Results The titer of the cDNA library constructed was 2.1×10 6 pfu·mL -1 , and the amplified cDNA library was 6×10 11 pfu·mL -1 , the percentage of recombination clones was 99%. Conclusion Using SMART technique helps us to construct full length cDNA library with high efficiency and high capacity which lays solid foundation for screening target genes of bladder diseases with probes and antibodies.

Effect of a Nutrient Mixture on Fanconi Anemia Fibroblast and Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast: A Comparison

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a fatal heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, congenital defect and cancer predisposition. Cell culture from FA fibroblast (FAF) displays certain abnormalities as compared to normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). This prompted us to investigate the effect of a specific nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract, which has demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, on FAF compared to NHDF. We investigated the in vitro effect of NM on FAF and NHDF cell proliferation by MTT assay, MMPs secretion by zymography, morphology by H&E staining and apoptosis by green caspase assay. FAF (FA-A: PD20, FA-A: PD220) and NHDF were cultured in modified Dulbecco Eagle media. At near confluence, the cells were treated with different concentrations of NM (0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/ml) in triplicate. The cells were also treated with PMA to induce MMP-9 activity. NM had no effect on FAF cell viability in both cell lines compared to control. In contrast NM exhibited 20% at 50 and 100, 50% at 250, 60% at 500 and 70% toxicity at 1000 μg/ml on NHDF cells. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 on PMA stimulation in FAF and NM inhibited the activity of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose response fashion with total block at 500 μg/ml. In contrast, NHDF exhibited only MMP-2, both active and inactive forms, and NM inhibited their activities in a dose-dependent manner with total block at 1000 μg/ml. H&E staining did not indicate any morphological changes in FAF nor induced apoptosis at higher concentrations, as seen by caspases assay. However, although no morphological changes in NHDF were noted up to NM 100 μg/ml, progressive changes in cell shrinkage, rounding and nuclear condensation, pertaining to apoptosis, were observed at higher concentrations. These changes were consistent with the results from the green caspases apoptosis assay. Our data demonstrate that NM exhibited different responses toward FAF and NHDF. This may in part be due to elevated chromosomal break, deletion and hypersensitivity to cross linking agents, a DNA repair disorder in FAF that is lacking in NHDF.

Targeting tight junctions during epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to reduce the mortality of patients with this disease. In pancreatic cancer, some tight junction proteins, including claudins, are abnormally regulated and therefore are promising molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Claudin-4 and-18 are overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer and its precursor lesions. Claudin-4 is a high affinity receptor of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin(CPE). The cytotoxic effects of CPE and monoclonal antibodies against claudin-4 are useful as novel therapeutic tools for pancreatic cancer. Claudin-18 could be a putative marker and therapeutic target with prognostic implications for patients with pancreatic cancer. Claudin-1,-7, tricellulin and marvelD3 are involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells and thus might be useful as biomarkers during disease. Protein kinase C is closely related to EMT of pancreatic cancer and regulates tight junctions of normal human pancreatic duct epithelial cells and the cancer cells. This review focuses on the regulation of tight junctions via protein kinase C during EMT in human pancreatic cancer for the purpose of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer.

Impacts of Drought and Human Activity on Vegetation Growth in the Grain for Green Program Region,China

The Chinese government adopted six ecological restoration programs to improve its natural environments. Although these programs have proven successful in improving local environments, some studies have questioned their performance when regions suffer from drought. Whether we should consider the effects of drought on vegetation change in assessments of the benefits of ecological restoration programs is unclear. Therefore, taking the Grain for Green Program(GGP) region as a study area, we estimated vegetation growth in the region from 2000–2010 to clarify the trends in vegetation and their driving forces. Results showed that: 1) vegetation growth increased in the GGP region during 2000–2010, with 59.4% of the area showing an increase in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI). This confirmed the benefits of the ecological restoration program. 2) Drought can affect the vegetation change trend, but human activity plays a significant role in altering vegetation growth, and the slight downward trend in the NDVI was not consistent with the severity of the drought. Positive human activity led to increased NDVI in 89.13% of areas. Of these, 22.52% suffered drought, but positive human activity offset the damage in part. 3) Results of this research suggest that appropriate human activity can maximize the benefits of ecological restoration programs and minimize the effects of extreme weather. We therefore recommend incorporating eco-risk assessment and scientific management mechanisms in the design and management of ecosystem restoration programs.

Development of an in Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Biological Impact of 5G Technology on Human Skin—Shield Effect of a Tannin-Rich Plant Extract

Background: The new 5G telecommunication technology has stirred concerns about potential negative effects on human health by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. As to whether skin biology can be affected by 5G waves has remained an unsolved challenge despite recent studies dealing with this issue. In particular, a strategy for rational design of an assay allowing to 1) reproducibly evaluate and decipher the 5G effects on skin as well as 2) test the potential protective effects of cosmetic active ingredients, has yet to be found. Here we describe an in vitro model of human normal keratinocytes irradiated by 5G waves and show their impact on two biomarkers of inflammatory stress, i.e. interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, the capacity of a tannin-rich plant extract to protect against 5G impact is evaluated. Materials and Methods: In the first series of experiments, monolayers of human normal keratinocytes were irradiated or not (control) by 5G waves (3.5 MHz) in an anechoic chamber and were incubated at 37˚C for 24 hours. At the end of the incubation period, extracellular IL-1β and intracellular ROS were quantified using specific ELISA and colorimetric assays, respectively. In the second series of experiments, the effect of an overnight pre-incubation with increasing concentrations of a tannin-rich plant extract was evaluated. Additionally, we studied in a prospective way the expression of a set of 88 genes selected for their relevance to keratinocyte homeostasis, in relation to the 5G challenge as well as the protective effect of a tannin-rich plant extract. Results: 5G waves significantly increased IL-1β production by 48.4% (p β and ROS production. Finally, the expression of 47 genes was modified by 5G waves and/or by the tannin-rich plant extract. Conclusion: This is to our knowledge the first evaluation of the impact of 5G technology on inflammatory biomarkers of human normal skin cells. Here we provide an innovative and pertinent tool to screen for natural compounds with protective effects against 5G waves to develop cosmetic products shielding against the potentially deleterious effects of electromagnetic waves on human skin.

Telomerase and hTERT: Can they serve as markers for gastric cancer diagnosis?

AIM: To investigate telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression in normal human gastric mucosal epithelial cells (nhGMECs) and fibroblasts (nhGMFs).

Con A affinity glycoproteomics of normal human liver tissue

In order to establish the novel high throughput, high efficiency and low cost technological platform for the research of N-glycoproteomics, to resolve the significance of characteristic expression profile of glycoprotein and to find the proteins with biological functional importance, the glycoproteins with high-mannose core and the two antennary types were purified and enriched by the Con A affinity chromatography. Con A affinity protein expression profiles of normal human liver tissue were gener- ated by using SDS-PAGE, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by fast fluorescence stain- ing based on multiplexed proteomics (MP) technology. 301 visible protein spots on the gel were de- tected and 85 of glycoproteins were further successfully identified via peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) by a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF- MS/MS) and annotated to IPI databases. Identified glycoproteins definitely take part in the regulation of cell cycle and metabolic processes. The glycosylation sites were predicted with NetNGlyc 1.0 and NetOGlyc 3.1 software, meanwhile they were classified according to the geneontology methods. The construction of Con A affinity glycoprotein database of normal human liver tissue would contribute to the subsequent research.

Fibrous Structure of Connective Tissue of Normal Human Lamina Cribrosa.

Fibrous components and structural morphology of the connective tissue of the lamina cribrosa obtained from 35 normal human autopsy eyes were examined by histochemical staining, transmission electron microscopic and computer-