Clinical significance of telomerase activity in peritoneal lavage fluid from patients with gastric cancer and its relationship with cellular proliferation

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of telomerase activity assay and peritoneal lavage cytology （PLC） examination in peritoneal lavage fluid for the prediction of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer patients, and to explore the relationship between telomerase activity and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression.METHODS： Telomeric repeated amplification protocol （TRAP）-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to measure the telomerase activity in 60 patients with gastric cancer and 50 with peptic ulcer. PLC analysis of the 60 patients with gastric cancer was used for comparison. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） in gastric carcinoma was immunohistochemically examined.RESULTS： The telomerase activity and PLC positive rate in peritoneal lavage fluid from patients with gastric cancer was 41.7% （25/60）, and 25.0% （15/60）, respectively. The positive rate of telomerase activity was significantly higher than that Qf PLC in the group of pT, （15/16 vs 9/16, P 〈 0.05）, P1-3 （13/13 vs 9/13, P 〈 0.05） and diffuse type （22/42 vs 13/42, P 〈 0.05）. The patients with positive telomerase activity, peritoneal metastasis, and serosal invasion had significantly higher levels of average PCNA proliferation index （PI）, （55.00 ± 6.59 vs 27.43 ± 7.72, 57.26 ±10.18 vs 29.15 ±8.31, and 49.82 ± 6.74 vs 24.65 ±7.33, respectively, P 〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION： The TRAP assay for telomerase activity is a useful adjunct for cytologic method in the diagnosis of peritoneal micrometastasis and well related to higher proliferating activity of gastric cancer. The results of this study also suggest a promising future therapeutic strategy for treating peritoneal dissemination based on telomerase inhibition.

RESPONSES OF HUMAN FETAL SPLENOCYTES AND THYMOCYTES TO INTERLEUKIN-2: LAK ACTIVITY AND PROLIFERATION

Using cytotoxicity and thymidine uptake assays, we investigated the effects of human recombinant in-terleukin-2 (rIL-2) on the induction of lympholine-activated killer (LAK) activity and cellular proliferation in splenocytes and thymocytes from human fetuses (18-22 weeks). We observed that fetal splenocytes and thymocytes incubated with low doses of rIL-2 (10-100 U ml) developed broad antitumor activity (LAK activity) although the kinetics and magnitudes of the responses were different. It indicated the LAK precursors are present in fetal spleen and thymus. Further, rIL-2 induced a strong proliferative response in splenocytes, but not in thymocytes. On the basis of the findings, we conclude that the responses of fetal splenocytes and thymocytes to IL-2 are different.

Regulating effect of borosilicate bioglass extract on the osteoblast proliferation activity and osteogenesis signaling pathway function

Objective: To study the regulating effect of borosilicate bioglass extract on the osteoblast proliferation activity and osteogenesis signaling pathway function. Methods: Osteoblasts MG-63 were cultured and divided into borosilicate group and control group that were treated with the culture medium containing borosilicate bioglass extract and the culture medium without extract respectively. After 24 h of treatment, the cell proliferation activity as well as the expression of proliferation activity markers, Wnt signaling pathway molecules and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway molecules was measured. Results: After 24 h of treatment, MTT cell viability of borosilicate group was significantly higher than that of control group, and ALP, OC, OPN, COL-I, Runx2, Wnt1, Wnt3a, β-catenin, LRP5, LRP6, p-PI3K, p-AKT, Bcl-2 and BMP protein expression in cells were significantly higher than those of control group. Conclusion: Borosilicate bioglass extract can enhance the proliferation activity of osteoblasts by activating Wnt pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway.

Vaccinia-related kinase 2 variants differentially affect breast cancer growth by regulating kinase activity

Genetic information is transcribed from genomic DNA to mRNA,which is then translated into threedimensional proteins.mRNAs can undergo various post-transcriptional modifications,including RNA editing that alters mRNA sequences,ultimately affecting protein function.In this study,RNA editing was identified at the 499th base(c.499)of human vaccinia-related kinase 2(VRK2).This RNA editing changes the amino acid in the catalytic domain of VRK2 from isoleucine(with adenine base)to valine(with guanine base).Isoleucine-containing VRK2 has higher kinase activity than the valine-containing VRK2,which leads to an increase in tumor cell proliferation.Earlier we reported that VRK2 directly interacts with dystrobrevin-binding protein(dysbindin)and results in reducing its stability.Herein,we demonstrate that isoleucine-containing VRK2 decreases the level of dysbindin than valinecontaining VRK2.Dysbindin interacts with cyclin D and thereby regulates its expression and function.The reduction in the level of dysbindin by isoleucine-containing VRK2 further enhances the cyclin D expression,resulting in increased tumor growth and reduction in survival rates.It has also been observed that in patient samples,VRK2 level was elevated in breast cancer tissue compared to normal breast tissue.Additionally,the isoleucine form of VRK2 exhibited a greater increase in breast cancer tissue.Therefore,it is concluded that VRK2,especially dependent on the 167th variant amino acid,can be one of the indexes of tumor progression and proliferation.

Caffeic acid hinders the proliferation and migration through inhibition of IL-6 mediated JAK-STAT-3 signaling axis in human prostate cancer

Background:Caffeic acid(CA)is considered a promising phytochemical that has inhibited numerous cancer cell proliferation.Therefore,it is gaining increasing attention due to its safe and pharmacological applications.In this study,we investigated the role of CA in inhibiting the Interleukin-6(IL-6)/Janus kinase(JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(STAT-3)mediated suppression of the proliferation signaling in human prostate cancer cells.Materials and Methods:The role of CA in proliferation and colony formation abilities was studied using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay and colony formation assays.Tumour cell death and cell cycle arrest were identified usingflow cytometry techniques.CA treatment-associated protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)families,IL-6/JAK/STAT-3,proliferation,and apoptosis protein expressions in PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines were measured using Western blot investigation.Results:We have obtained that treatment with CA inhibits prostate cancer cells(PC-3 and LNCaP)proliferation and induces reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell cycle arrest,and apoptosis cell death in a concentration-dependent manner.Moreover,CA treatment alleviates the expression phosphorylated form of MAPK families,i.e.,extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1(ERK1),c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),and p38 in PC-3 cells.IL-6 mediated JAK/STAT3 expressions regulate the proliferation and antiapoptosis that leads to prostate cancer metastasis and migration.Therefore,to mitigate the expression of IL-6/JAK/STAT-3 is considered an important target for the treatment of prostate cancer.In this study,we have observed that CA inhibits the expression of IL-6,JAK1,and phosphorylated STAT-3 in both PC-3 and LNCaP cells.Due to the inhibitory effect of IL-6/JAK/STAT-3,it resulted in decreased expression of cyclin-D1,cyclin-D2,and CDK1 in both PC-3 cells.In addition,CA induces apoptosis by enhancing the expression of Bax and caspase-3;and decreased expression of Bcl-2 in prostate cancer cells.Conclusions:Thus,CA might act as a therapeutical application against prostate cancer by targeting the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling axis.

Disrupted NF-κB activation after partial hepatectomy does not impair hepatocyte proliferation in rats

AIM： To analyze the effects of NF-kB inhibition by antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate （PDTC） or TNF inhibitor pentoxifylline （PTX） on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy （PH）. METHODS： Saline, PDTC or PTX were injected 1 h before PH and rats were killed at 0.5 and 24 h after PH. Several control groups were used for comparison （injection control groups）. RESULTS： Compared to saline injected controls, NF-kB activation was absent 0.5 h after PH in rats treated with PDTC or PTX. At 24 h after PH, DNA synthesis and PCNA expression were identical in treated and control rats and thus occurred irrespectively of the status of NF-kB activation at 0.5 h. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （Stat3） acUvatJon was observed already 0.5 h after PH in saline, PDTC or PTX group and was similar to Stat3 activation in response to injection without PH. CONCLUSION： These data strongly suggest that （1） NF-kB p65/p50 DNA binding produced in response to PH is not a signal necessary to initiate the liver regeneration, （2） star3 activation is a stress response unrelated to the activation of NF-kB. In conclusion, NF-kB activation is not critically required for the process of liver regeneration after PH.

Inhibitory Effects of Blockage of Intermediate Conductance Ca^(2+) -Activated K^+ Channels on Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

The roles of intermediate conductance Ca2＋-activated K＋ channel （IKCal） in the pathogene- sis of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） were investigated. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of IKCal protein in 50 HCC and 20 para-carcinoma tissue samples. Real-time PCR was used to detect the transcription level of IKCal mRNA in 13 HCC and 11 para-carcinoma tissue samples. The MTT assay was used to measure the function of IKCal in human HCC cell line HepG2 in vitro. TRAM-34, a specific blocker of IKCal, was used to intervene with the function of IKCal. As compared with para-carcinoma tissue, an over-expression of IKCal protein was detected in HCC tissue samples （P〈0.05）. The mRNA expression level of IKCal in HCC tissues was 2.17 times higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues. The proliferation of HepG2 cells was suppressed by TRAM-34 （0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 pxnol/L） in vitro （P〈0.05）. Our results suggested that IKCal may play a role in the proliferation of human HCC, and IKCal blockers may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Study on Lymphocyte Activation and Proliferation Induced by Anti-CD3 McAb

T cell activation and proliferation via CD3-TCR complex were investigated by lymphocyte DNA synthesis in vitro.Several interfering factors were also discussed.The result indicated that lymphocyte activation and proliferation are calciumdependent.A rise of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ quickly following activation with CD3 McAb is mainly due to intracellular mobilization of Ca2+,while lymphocyte proliferation needs both intracellular mobilization of Ca2+ as well as influx of extracellular Ca2+, It was confirmed that CTX sensitive G protein plays a role in regulating T cell proliferation by pretreatment with CTX suppressing lymphocyte H-TdR incorporation obviously.PLC and PKC inhibitor neomycin and P.S.S could also decrease T cell proliferation.

Effects of calcium-activated chloride channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rats under chronic hypoxic condition

Objective：To investigate the effects of calcium-activated chloride （ClCa） channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells（PASMCs） in rats under chronic hypoxic condition. Methods：The cultured PASMCs were placed under normoxic and chronic hypoxic conditions：The cells were observed by light and electron microscope; The cell cycles were observed by flow-cytometry; Immunocytochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of PCNA, c-fos and c-jun of PASMCs; Cytoplasmic free Ca^2＋ concentration （[Ca^2＋]i） in PASMCs was investigated by fluorescent quantitation using fluorospectrophotometer. Results：The PASMCs were contractile phenotype under normoxic conditions. Observation by transmission electron microscope： In kytoplasm of contractile phenotype cells, myofilament bundles were abundant and the content of cell organs such as Golgi＇s bodies were rare. The PASMCs were synthetic phenotype under chronic hypoxic condition. There were increased free ribosomes, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulums, highly developed Golgi complexes, decreased or disappeared thick filaments and dense body in kytoplasm of synthetic phenotype cells. After NFA and IAA-94, the situations were reversed The number of S ＋G2M PASMCs were significantly increased in chronic hypoxic condition; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from （28.6±1.0）% to （16.0±1.6）% and the number of G0G1 PASMCs significantly increased from （71.4± 1.9）% to （83.9 ± 1.6）% （P〈 0.01）. In chronic hypoxic conditions, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen was significantly increased; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease it from （81 ± 6）% to （27 ± 7）%（P 〈 0.01）. The expression of c-fos and c-jun were significantly increased in＇chronic hypoxic conditions; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from 0.15 ±0.02, 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.05, respectively （P〈 0.01）; Under chronic hypoxic conditions, [Ca^2＋]i was increased; The NFA and IAA-94 decreased it from （281.8±16,5）nmol/L to （117.7 ± 15.4）nmol/L（P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion：Hypoxia initiated the change of PASMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and increased proliferation of PASMCs. NFA and IAA-94 depressed cell proliferation by blocking ClCa channels in hypoxic condition. These may play an important role in proliferation of PASMCs under chronic hypoxic conditions.

Changes of Ca^2+ activated potassium channels and cellular proliferation in autogenous vein grafts

Objective: To investigate changes of Ca2+ activated potassium channels (KCa) in autogenous vein grafts. Methods: Contraction of venous ring was measured by means of perfusion in vitro. The intimal rabbits proliferation of vascular and proliferation of cultured smooth muscle cells(vascular smooth muscle cells, VSMCs)were observed by the means of computerised image analysis and MTT method respectively. Furthermore, whole cell mode of patch clamp was used to record KCa of VSMCs isolated from autogenous vein grafts. Results: One week after transplantation there were no significant differences of contraction and intimal relative thickness between autogenous vein grafts and control. Contraction and intimal relative thickness of autogenous vein graft were significantly increased 2 weeks after transplantation (P<0.05, n=8 vs control), and they was more enhanced 4 weeks after vein transplantation (P<0.01, n=8 vs control).TEA(blocker of Ca2+ activated potassium channels)increased MTT A490 nm value of VSMCs from femoral vein in a dose dependent manner(P<0.05, n=8). KCa current density was significantly attenuated in VSMCs from autogenous vein grafts (1-4) week after transplantation(P<0.05, n=5).Conclusion: KCa is inhibited in autogenous vein graft, which account for vasospasm and intimal proliferation.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid promotes gastric cancer cell autophagy and inhibits proliferation by regulating miR-328-3p/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common cancer types worldwide,and its prevention and treatment methods have garnered much attention.As the active ingredient of licorice,18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(18β-GRA)has a variety of pharmacological effects.The aim of this study was to explore the effective target of 18β-GRA in the treatment of GC,in order to provide effective ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of GC.AIM To investigate the mechanism of 18β-GRA in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting autophagy flux in GC cells.METHODS Whole transcriptomic analyses were used to analyze and screen differentially expressed microRNAs(miRNAs)in GC cells after 18β-GRA intervention.Lentivirus-transfected GC cells and the Cell Counting Kit-8 were used to detect cell proliferation ability,cell colony formation ability was detected by the clone formation assay,and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis.A nude mouse transplantation tumor model of GC cells was constructed to verify the effect of miR-328-3p overexpression on the tumorigenicity of GC cells.Tumor tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.TransmiR,STRING,and miRWalk databases were used to predict the relationship between miR-328-3p and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)-related information.Expression of STAT3 mRNA and miR-328-3p was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and the expression levels of STAT3,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),and LC3 were detected by western blot analysis.The targeted relationship between miR-328-3p and STAT3 was detected using the dual-luciferase reporter gene system.AGS cells were infected with monomeric red fluorescent protein-green fluorescent protein-LC3 adenovirus double label.LC3 was labeled and autophagy flow was observed under a confocal laser microscope.RESULTS The expression of miR-328-3p was significantly upregulated after 18β-GRA intervention in AGS cells(P=4.51E-06).Overexpression of miR-328-3p inhibited GC cell proliferation and colony formation ability,arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase,promoted cell apoptosis,and inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in BALB/c nude mice(P<0.01).No obvious necrosis was observed in the tumor tissue in the negative control group(no drug intervention or lentivirus transfection)and vector group(the blank vector for lentivirus transfection),and more cells were loose and necrotic in the miR-328-3p group.Bioinformatics tools predicted that miR-328-3p has a targeting relationship with STAT3,and STAT3 was closely related to autophagy markers such as p62.After overexpressing miR-328-3p,the expression level of STAT3 mRNA was significantly decreased(P<0.01)and p-STAT3 was downregulated(P<0.05).The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the luciferase activity of miR-328-3p and STAT33’untranslated regions of the wild-type reporter vector group was significantly decreased(P<0.001).Overexpressed miR-328-3p combined with bafilomycin A1(Baf A1)was used to detect the expression of LC3 II.Compared with the vector group,the expression level of LC3 II in the overexpressed miR-328-3p group was downregulated(P<0.05),and compared with the Baf A1 group,the expression level of LC3 II in the overexpressed miR-328-3p+Baf A1 group was upregulated(P<0.01).The expression of LC3 II was detected after intervention of 18β-GRA in GC cells,and the results were consistent with the results of miR-328-3p overexpression(P<0.05).Additional studies showed that 18β-GRA promoted autophagy flow by promoting autophagosome synthesis(P<0.001).qPCR showed that the expression of STAT3 mRNA was downregulated after drug intervention(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 were significantly downregulated after drug intervention(P<0.05).CONCLUSION 18β-GRA promotes the synthesis of autophagosomes and inhibits GC cell proliferation by regulating the miR-328-3p/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Inhibitory roles of protein kinase B and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator on hepatic HMG-CoA reductase promoter activity

Since we had previously demonstrated that siRNAs to tristetraprolin (TTP) markedly inhibited insulin stimulation of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) transcription, we investigated the effects of transfecting rat liver with TTP constructs. We found that transfecting diabetic rats with TTP did not increase HMGR transcription but rather led to modest inhibition. We then investigated whether co-transfection with protein kinase B, hepatic form (AKT2), might lead to phosphorylation and result in activation of HMGR transcription. We found that this treatment resulted in near complete inhibition of transcription. Transfection with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g coactivator (PGC-1a) also inhibited HMGR transcription. These results show that although TTP is needed for activation of HMGR transcription, it cannot by itself activate this process. AKT2 and PGC-1a, which mediate the activation of gluconeogenic genes by insulin, exert the opposite effect on HMGR.

Role of adipokines and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Intrahepatic fat deposition has been demonstrated in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Genetic and environmental factors are important for the development of NAFLD. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have been found to be closely associated with the incidence of NAFLD. Evi-dence suggests that obesity and insulin resistance are the major factors that contribute to the development of NAFLD. In comparing the factors that contribute to the buildup of excess calories in obesity, an imbalance of energy homeostasis can be considered as the basis. Among the peripheral signals that are generated to regulate the uptake of food, signals from adipose tissue are of major relevance and involve the maintenance of energy homeostasis through processes such as lipo-genesis, lipolysis, and oxidation of fatty acids. Advances in research on adipose tissue suggest an integral role played by adipokines in NAFLD. Cytokines secreted by adipocytes, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, transform-ing growth factor-β, and interleukin-6, are implicated in NAFLD. Other adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin and, to a lesser extent, resistin and retinol binding protein-4 are also involved. Leptin and adiponectin can augment the oxidation of fatty acid in liver by activating the nuclear receptor super-family of transcription fac-tors, namely peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)-α. Recent studies have proposed downregula-tion of PPAR-α in cases of hepatic steatosis. This re-view discusses the role of adipokines and PPARs with regard to hepatic energy metabolism and progression of NAFLD.

Immune stimulatory activity of BRP-4,an acidic polysaccharide from an edible plant,Basella rubra L.

Objective:To evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of BRP-4,an acidic polysaccharide from Basella rubra(B.rubra) L on the macrophage activity.Methods:Phagocytic activity was determined by the ingestion of Latex Beads-Rabbit IgC-FITC using the fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry analysis and nitric oxide production was measured using Griess reaction assay.Results:An enhanced production of NO was observed at 10 and 100 μg/mL of BRP-4.The phagocytic activity of macrophage was enhanced in BRP-4 treated RAW264.7 cells.BRP-4combined with concanavalin A(Con A) provided obvious promotion and strengthening of the proliferation of the splenocytes.Conclusions:BRP-4,polysaccharide isolated from B.rubra,is suggested to activate macrophage function and stimulate splenocyte proliferation.The strong immunomodulatory activity of BRP-4 confirmed its good potential as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.

Berberine displays antitumor activity in esophageal cancer cells in vitro

To investigate the effects of berberine on esophageal cancer (EC) cells and its molecular mechanisms. METHODS Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-70 and esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line SKGT4 were used. The effects of berberine on cell proliferation were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For cell cycle progression, KYSE-70 cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) staining buffer (10 mg/mL PI and 100 mg/mL RNase A) for 30 min and cell cycle was analyzed using a BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer. For apoptosis assay, cells were stained with an Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The rate of apoptotic cells was analyzed using a dual laser flow cytometer and estimated using BD ModFit software. Levels of proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by western blotting. RESULTS Berberine treatment resulted in growth inhibition of KYSE-70 and SKGT4 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. KYSE-70 cells were more susceptible to the inhibitory activities of berberine than SKGT4 cells were. In KYSE-70 cells treated with 50 mu mol/L berberine for 48 h, the number of cells in G2/M phase (25.94% +/- 5.01%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (9.77% +/- 1.28%, P < 0.01), and berberine treatment resulted in p21 upregulation in KYSE-70 cells. Flow cytometric analyses showed that berberine significantly augmented the KYSE-70 apoptotic population at 12 and 24 h post-treatment, when compared with control cells (0.83% vs 43.78% at 12 h, P < 0.05; 0.15% vs 81.86% at 24 h, P < 0.01), and berberine-induced apoptotic effect was stronger at 24 h compared with 12 h. Western blotting showed that berberine inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6K, and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a sustained manner. CONCLUSION Berberine is an inhibitor of human EC cell growth and could be considered as a potential drug for the treatment of EC patients.

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in colorectal cancer

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily plays a significant role in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. In most experimental systems PPARγ activation has tumor suppressing effects in the colon. PPARγ is regulated at multiple levels by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). At a first level, UPS regulates PPARγ transcription. This regulation involves both PPARγ transcription specific factors and the general transcription machinery. At a second level UPS regulates PPARγ and its co-factors themselves, as PPARγ and many co-factors are proteasome substrates. At a third level of regulation, transduction pathways working in parallel but also having interrelations with PPARγ are regulated by the UPS, creating a network of regulation in the colorectal carcinogenesisrelated pathways that are under UPS control. Activation of PPARγ transcription by direct pharmacologic activators and by stabilization of its molecule by proteasome inhibitors could be strategies to be exploited in colorectal cancer treatment.

High-level expression of human calmodulin in E.coli and its effects on cell proliferation

Calmodulin (CaM), widely distributed in almost all eukaryotic cells, is a major intracellular calcium receptor responsible for mediating the Ca2 + signal to a multitude of different enzyme systems and is thought to play a vital role in the regulation of cell proliferative cycle[1，2]. Recently, many studies showed that CaM is also present in extracellular fluid such as cell culture media and normal body fluid and has been reported to stimulate proliferation in a range of normal and neoplastic cells, apparently acting as an autocrine growth factor[3-11]. In 1988, Crocker et al reported for the first time that addition of extracellular pure pig brain CaM could promote DNA synthesis and cell [7]proliferation in K562 human leukaemic lymphocytes[7].After that, more and more research was done on extracellular CaM and evidences demonstrated that extracellular CaM could also stimulate cell proliferation in normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells[5], keratinocytes[4], suspension-cultured cells of Angelica Dahurica, etc[6]. CaM is a monomeric protein of 148 amino acids that contains four homologous Ca2 + -binding domains. CaM has been highly conserved throughout the evolution. Only 1 out of 148 amino acids of human CaM is different from that of fish CaM. Complementary DNAs encoding rat, eel, chicken, human, and trypanosome CaM have been cloned.

Association of β3 Adrenergic Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma 2 Polymorphisms With Insulin Sensitivity:A Twin Study

Objective To study the effect of β3 adrenergic receptor （β3AR） Trp64Arg and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 （PPAR72） Prol2Ala polymorphisms on insulin resistance. Methods One hundred and eight dizygotic twin pairs were enrolled in this study. Microsatellite polymorphism was used to diagnose zygosity of twins. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with logarithm transformed homeostasis model assessment （HOMA）. PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to detect the variants. As a supplement to the sib-pair method, identity by state （IBS） was used to analyze the association of polymorphisms with insulin sensitivity. Results The genotype frequencies of Trp64Trg, Trp64Arg, and Arg64Arg were 72.3%, 23.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the genotype frequencies of Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala, and Ala12Ala were 89.9%, 9.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. For β3AR Trp64Arg the interclass co-twin correlations of Waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）, blood glucose （GLU）, and insulin （INS）, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） of the twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS were greater than those sharing 0-1 allele of IBS, and HOMA4R had statistic significance. For PPAR3t2 Prol2Ala most traits of twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS had greater correlations and statistic significance in body mass index （BMI）, WHR, percent of body fat （PBF） and GLU, but there were low correlations of either insulin or HOMA-IR of twin pairs sharing 1 or 2 alleles of IBS. The combined effects of the two variations showed less squared significant twin-pair differences of INS and HOMA-IR among twins sharing 4 alleles of IBS. Condusions β3AR Trp64Arg and PPAR）,2 Pro 12Ala polymorphisms might be associated with insulin resistance and obesity, and there might be slight synergistic effects between this two gene loci, and further studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

The normal cell proliferation and wound healing effect of polysaccharides from Ganoderma amboinense

To study the cell proliferation and wound healing activity of polysaccharides from Ganoderma amboinense(GAMPS),the polysaccharide was extracted by water extraction and alcohol precipitation method,and its monosaccharide composition and molecular weight were analyzed.The effects of different concentrations of GAMPS on the cell proliferation were determined by cell survival rate test,and the wound healing ability of GAMPS to NIH/3T3 cells was detected.The preliminary evaluation of the antioxidant ability of GAMPS was conducted by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC).The results showed that the GAMPS was composed of glucose,mannose,and galactose at a molar ratio of 67.62:14.07:7.50,and the weightaverage molecular weights were 5.439×10^(6) and 1.704×10^(5) g/mol by using high-performance gel-permeation chromatography-multiple angle laser scatter(HPGPC-MALS)analysis.GAMPS(0.2μg/μL)showed the strongest proliferation ability to THP-1 cells,with cell survival rate of 178.7%.The wound healing effect of GAMPS(0.1μg/μL)was obvious on NIH/3T3 and 3.75μg/μL of GAMPS showed the strongest total antioxidant ability.All the results indicate that GAMPS promotes cell proliferation,and has cell wound healing effect and strong antioxidant activity.The results provide theoretical foundation for the development and utilization of GAMPS.