PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B He

Publications and source records attributed to B He.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Ethnic and environmental differences in various markers of dietary intake and blood pressure among Chinese Han and three other minority peoples of China: results from the WHO Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) Study.

Our aim was to examine differences in dietary intake and blood pressure (BP) and their associations in four different ethnic Chinese populations, the Han, the Uygur, the Kazak and Tibetan subjects. This study used a sub-database of the Chinese sample of the WHO-Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) Study. The WHO-CARDIAC Study was a multicenter cross-sectional study. In each center, 100 men and 100 women aged 48-56 years were selected at random from the local population. Various markers of dietary intake and their relation with BP were studied. The results of the present study indicated the following. 1) There were significant differences in mean BP and prevalence rates of hypertension, with both being higher in the Kazak and Tibetan subjects than in Han and Uygur subjects. 2) The highest mean body mass index (BMI) was observed in the Kazak subjects, while the highest 24-h urinary sodium (Na) and sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio excretion were observed in the Tibetan subjects. There were also significant differences in other factors, such as magnesium, 3-methylhistidine (3MH) (a biological marker of animal protein intake) and taurine (a biological marker of seafood intake) excretion levels among the four ethnic peoples. 3) In general, BMI, Na and/or Na/K ratios were positively, and 3MH/creatinine and taurine/creatinine ratios were negatively associated with BP. 4) After adjustment for age, sex and potassium, subjects with obesity (BMI > or =26 kg/m2) had significantly higher relative risk of being hypertensive (HT) than those with BMI<26 kg/m2 in the Han, Uygur and Kazak populations; and subjects with elevated sodium excretion (Na > or =244 mmol/day) had significantly higher relative risk of being HT than those with Na<244 mmol/day in the Han, Uygur and Tibetan populations. In conclusion, mean BP and prevalence rates of hypertension were significantly different among the four ethnic groups. These differences are likely to be due, at least in part, to the differences in several diet-related factors, which in turn are associated with culture and environmental differences. Different health promotion strategies might thus be emphasized in different populations.

Blood Pressure↗

The putative androgen receptor-A form results from in vitro proteolysis.

Activation domains in the 114 kDa androgen receptor (AR) NH(2)- and carboxyl-terminal regions are thought to contribute to different extents to AR-mediated transactivation. We investigated using anti-peptide antibodies whether smaller AR forms that migrate like the previously described 87 kDa AR-A occur in vivo resulting in constitutive or increased gene activation. Immunoblots of prostate cancer and fibroblast cell culture extracts revealed 114 and 84 kDa AR forms. Antibody mapping indicated the 84 kDa AR lacked the ligand-binding domain and comigrated with the constitutively active AR fragment AR1-660. AR expressed in COS cells was 114 and 92 kDa. Migration of the 92 kDa AR was slightly slower than that of a 90 kDa expressed fragment that was designed to initiate at the second methionine (residue 189) and lacked the NH(2)-terminal FxxLF interaction sequence. The 92 kDa AR did not result from alternative initiation since it was observed when the second methionine was changed to alanine. Optimization of extraction conditions indicated that both 84 and 92 kDa forms resulted from in vitro proteolytic cleavage and that cleavage by caspase-3 could account for the 92 kDa form. The results suggest that AR forms with gel mobility similar to that of the previously described 87 kDa AR-A result from in vitro proteolytic cleavage of NH(2)- or carboxyl-terminal regions during cell extraction and storage and that smaller forms with increased transcriptional activity do not occur in vivo.

Animals↗

[Effects of five different polar extracts from Herba pogostemonis being gotten rid of volatile oil on gastrointestinal tract].

The effects of the five extracts from Herba pogostmonis being gotten rid of volatile oil on gastrointestinal tract were studied. The results showed that the five extracts could increase gastric secretion of acid and activity of pepsin, reduce the incidence of diarrhea induced by Folium sennae and relieve the gripping pain induced by abdominal administration of acetic acid. The extract of ethyl acetate could also inhibit the normal and neostigmine induced mice intestinal propellant movement. The effect of extract of ethyl acetate was consistent with clinical application. The above results indicated that the clinical effect of Herba pogostmonis may be comprehensive action of above five different polar extracts.

Animals↗

Nationality differences in distributions of serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins levels in Xinjiang China.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the distribution characteristics of serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins levels in different nationalities. METHODS: Quantitative levels of those traits mentioned above were determined and body height (H), weight (W) and body mass index (BMI = W/H2) were assessed in 773 Kazaks (men 360 and women 413) and 911 Han nationality (men 466 and women 445) from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. RESULTS: Kazaks men and women, respectively, had significantly higher serum levels of HDL-c and ApoA1 (all P < 0.001) and significantly lower serum levels of TG (men P < 0.01, women P < 0.001), Lp(a) (all P < 0.005), ApoB (men P < 0.005, women P < 0.001) and ApoB/A1 (men P < 0.01, women P < 0.001) than their Han nationality controls. The threshold points of ApoA1 (< 1.2 g/L) and ApoB (> 1.2 g/L) are higher in Hans than in Kazaks for ApoA1 (20.7 vs 9.8%) and ApoB (18.6 vs 14.3%); the serum levels of TG, HDL-c, Lp(a), ApoA1 and ApoB/A1 are all closely correlated with nationality (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the nationality differences exist in serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins, and Kazaks have a superior serum lipid pedigree to Hans. This differences may come from genetic differences, which affect the serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins by controlling lipid metabolism patterns. Future study will be needed to dissect to the role of genetic factors on serum lipids.

Apolipoproteins↗

[Latent adenovirus infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study latent adenovirus infection in the stable stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). METHOD: The bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages from 12 patients with chronic bronchitis, 10 patients with COPD, 6 patients with asthma and 8 healthy volunteers were obtained by bronchosocpy. The adenoviral DNA was determined in the epithelial cells and macrophages. All patients were in the stable stage. The polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was used for detection of the adenoviral genome E1A. RESULTS: The E1A region of adenovirus was found in the epithelial cells of COPD and chronic bronchitis patients (27%), not found in the patients with asthma and normal volunteers. Furthermore, E1A DNA was much more commonly in the COPD patients (50%) than in the patients with chronic bronchitis (8%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Latent adenoviral infection was present in the stable stage of COPD and may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Adenoviridae↗

[The changes of Clara cell in the distal conducting airways of patients with COPD].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Clara cells in the pathogenesis of COPD. METHODS: Lung samples of pneumonectomy were collected from 13 patients with COPD and 13 patients without COPD. They had similar age, sex and smoke index. The number and distribution of Clara cells were measured by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression and protein level of CC16 were determined by riboneuclease protection assay and Western blot separately. RESULT: The number of Clara cells of the respiratory brochioli was lower in patients with COPD than in those without COPD (16.4% vs. 18.5%, P < 0.05). The expression of CC16 mRNA was also lower in patients with COPD than those without COPD(0.28 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.05, P < 0.05). There was no obvious difference of CC16 protein level between these two groups. CONCLUSION: The changes of the number and function of Clara cell may be one of the factors in the development of COPD.

Blotting, Western↗

[The effects of resuscitation with hypertonic saline solution on the postburn pulmonary injury in scalded dogs].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive and curative effects of resuscitation with hypertonic saline solution on postburn pulmonary injury in scalded dogs. METHODS: Mongrel dogs inflicted by 40% TBSA III degree scald were employed as the model. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into two groups with 8 in each group, i.e. hypertonic saline solution group (H group) and isotonic saline solution (N group). The changes in cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were determined within 48 postburn hours (PBHs). Pulmonary tissue samples were obtained for the measurement of pulmonary water and hydrocarbon (C2 H4 and C2 H6) contents. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was harvested for white blood cell (WBC) counting and classification and for the detection of the changes in PLA2 activity and LTC4 content. RESULTS: Compared to those in N group, the CO and CI in H group increased significantly while the pulmonary water content, the hydrocarbon content, the WBC count, and PLA2 activity and LTC4 content in BALF all decreased obviously. CONCLUSION: Hypertonic saline solution might be beneficial in the management of early postburn pulmonary injury.

Animals↗

[Change of prolactin in SD rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect of prolactin (PRL) on the development and progression of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in SD rats and the inhibitive effect of bromocriptine (BRC) on the development of EAT. METHODS: SD rats were injected with BRC to inhibit the development of EAT and the change of PRL were observed. RESULTS: High level of serum PRL was found in the EAT rats [(8.70 +/- 0.42) microg/L, P < 0.01 vs. control (6.46 +/- 0.67) microg/L], and there was also high levels of thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody). However, in rats receiving BRC, the levels of thyroid autoantibodies decreased as the PRL level declined (5.30 +/- 0.81) microg/L and the thyroid lesions were mild. CONCLUSION: Hyperprolactinemia plays a role in the development of EAT and control of the hyperprolactinemia with BRC may afford therapeutic benefit.

Animals↗

Comparative observation with MRI and pathology of brain edema at the early stage of severe burn.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between MRI features and pathology in brain edema at the early stage of severe burn (5 0% TBSA III degree) in dogs. METHODS: Fifty-two dogs were randomized into control, simple b urn (SB), burn plus sodium lactate (BSL), and burn plus glucose solution groups (BGS). The manifestation of the brain of control group was compared with that of burn groups at 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours postburn with MRI and pathological examination (gross appearance, electron microscopy and light microscopy). RESULTS: The earliest findings of brain edema were seen at 12 h ours after burn in BGS group, in which brain swelling was the main feature of MR I. The decrease of SIR on T(1)WI was not observed until it was exceeded 10%. Sig nal of T(2)WI increased by 8.29% at 24 hours after burn. It was difficult to distinguish the gray matter from the white matter at the boundary line, which became blurred later. Histological changes of brain edema were observed as early as 6 hours after burn, being accompanied by swelling of endothelial cells and peri-vescular astrocytes, and vacuolation took place in neurons at 12 hours after burn, with different degrees of necrosis of capillary endothelium, neurons, and axons. These changes became more marked with elapse of time. The BGS group showed the most obvious changes mentioned above at 24 hours after burn. CONCLUSIONS: The model of the brain edema after severe burn has the feature of both vasogenic edema and cytotoxic edema on the MRI and pathology. Positive MRI findings lagged behind that of the pathomorphological changes.

Animals↗

A deoxyinosine specific endonuclease from hyperthermophile, Archaeoglobus fulgidus: a homolog of Escherichia coli endonuclease V.

Deoxyadenosine undergoes spontaneous deamination to deoxyinosine in DNA. Based on amino acids sequence homology, putative homologs of endonuclease V were identified in several organisms including archaebacteria, eubacteria as well as eukaryotes. The translated amino acid sequence of the Archaeoglobus fulgidus nfi gene shows 39% identity and 55% similarity to the E. coli nfi gene. A. fulgidus endonuclease V was cloned and expressed in E. coli as a C-terminal hexa-histidine fusion protein. The C-terminal fusion protein was purified to apparent homogeneity by a combination of Ni(++) affinity and MonoS cation exchange liquid chromatography. The purified C-terminal fusion protein has a molecular weight of about 25kDa and showed endonuclease activity towards DNA containing deoxyinosine. A. fulgidus endonuclease V has an absolute requirement for Mg(2+) and an optimum reaction temperature at 85 degrees C. However, in contrast to E. coli endonuclease V, which has a wide substrate spectrum, endonuclease V from A. fulgidus recognized only deoxyinosine. These data suggest that the deoxyinosine cleavage activity is a primordial activity of endonuclease V and that multiple enzymatic activities of E. coli endonuclease V were acquired later during evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

FXXLF and WXXLF sequences mediate the NH2-terminal interaction with the ligand binding domain of the androgen receptor.

The nuclear receptor superfamily members of eukaryotic transcriptional regulators contain a highly conserved activation function 2 (AF2) in the hormone binding carboxyl-terminal domain and, for some, an additional activation function 1 in the NH(2)-terminal region which is not conserved. Recent biochemical and crystallographic studies revealed the molecular basis of AF2 is hormone-dependent recruitment of LXXLL motif-containing coactivators, including the p160 family, to a hydrophobic cleft in the ligand binding domain. Our previous studies demonstrated that AF2 in the androgen receptor (AR) binds only weakly to LXXLL motif-containing coactivators and instead mediates an androgen-dependent interaction with the AR NH(2)-terminal domain required for its physiological function. Here we demonstrate in a mammalian two-hybrid assay, glutathione S-transferase fusion protein binding studies, and functional assays that two predicted alpha-helical regions that are similar, but functionally distinct from the p160 coactivator interaction sequence, mediate the androgen-dependent, NH(2)- and carboxyl-terminal interaction. FXXLF in the AR NH(2)-terminal domain with the sequence (23)FQNLF(27) mediates interaction with AF2 and is the predominant androgen-dependent interaction site. This FXXLF sequence and a second NH(2)-terminal WXXLF sequence (433)WHTLF(437) interact with different regions of the ligand binding domain to stabilize the hormone-receptor complex and may compete with AF2 recruitment of LXXLL motif-containing coactivators. The results suggest a unique mechanism for AR-mediated transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase targeting and phosphorylation of heat shock factor-1 suppress its transcriptional activity.

The mammalian heat shock transcription factor HSF-1 regulates the expression of the heat shock proteins, molecular chaperones that are involved in cellular processes from higher order assembly to protein degradation. HSF-1 is a phosphorylated monomer under physiological growth conditions and is located mainly in the cytoplasm. Upon activation by a variety of environmental stresses, HSF-1 is translocated into the nucleus, forms trimers, acquires DNA binding activity, is hyperphosphorylated, appears as punctate granules, and increases transcriptional activity of target genes. As cells recover from stress, the punctate granules gradually disappear, and HSF-1 appears in a diffused staining pattern in the cytoplasm and nucleus. We have previously shown that the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK phosphorylates and suppresses HSF-1-driven transcription. Here, we show that c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) also phosphorylates and inactivates HSF-1. Overexpression of JNK facilitates the rapid disappearance of HSF-1 punctate granules after heat shock. Similar to ERK, JNK binds to HSF-1 in the conserved mitogen-activated protein kinases binding motifs and phosphorylates HSF-1 in the regulatory domain. The overexpression of an HSF-1-green fluorescent protein fusion construct lacking JNK phosphorylation sites causes this HSF-1 mutant to form nuclear granules that remain longer in the nucleus after heat shock. Taken together, these findings indicate that JNK phosphorylates HSF-1 and suppresses its transcriptional activity by rapidly clearing HSF-1 from the sites of transcription.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Deoxyxanthosine in DNA is repaired by Escherichia coli endonuclease V.

Deoxycytidine, deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine undergo spontaneous deamination to form deoxyuridine, deoxyinosine and deoxyxanthosine, respectively. In this manuscript, we show that in addition to its known ability to recognize deoxyuridine and deoxyinosine in DNA, Escherichia coli endonuclease V cleaves DNA containing deoxyxanthosine. However, Alk A protein and human methylpurine glycosylase are unable to recognize deoxyxanthosine. Endonuclease V cleaves DNA containing deoxyxanthosine at the second phosphodiester bond 3' to deoxyxanthosine, generating a 3'-hydroxyl and a 5'-phosphoryl group at the nick site. This endonucleolytic activity requires Mg(2+) or Mn(2+), and is highly specific for double stranded DNA. Endonuclease V-catalyzed cleavage of DNA containing deoxyxanthosine is a result of its ability to recognize the altered base and not due to its mismatch-specific endonuclease activity. The ability of endonuclease V to recognize both deoxyinosine and deoxyxanthosine suggests that endonuclease V is important for preventing mutations that might arise as a result of deamination of purines.

Catalysis↗

Affinity adsorbents for the vancomycin group of antibiotics.

The vancomycin group of antibiotics kill Gram-positive bacteria by binding to nascent bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan bearing the C-terminal sequence-D-Ala-D-Ala. In this paper, affinity adsorbents for the vancomycin group of antibiotics were prepared by immobilizing the peptidoglycan analogues -D-Ala-D-Ala, -succinyl-D-Ala and -succinyl-Gly on to crosslinked poly(N, N-dimethylacrylamide). The adsorption capacities of the three adsorbents for demethylvancomycin were 0.59, 0.35 and 0.29 mmol/g, respectively. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent with-D-Ala-D-Ala for vancomycin was 0.53 mmol/g. In contrast, the adsorbent bearing -succinyl-L-Ala hardly adsorbed demethylvancomycin. Aqueous sodium carbonate (0.4 M)/acetonitrile (7/3, v/v) completely desorbed demethylvancomycin adsorbed on the adsorbents.

Adsorption↗

Correction of severe congenital epicanthus using the modified square-flap method.

The square-flap method has been gradually adopted for the correction of cicatricial contracture because it effectively relieves the longitudinal shortness in the deformity. Since 1990, the authors have slightly modified the design and employed it for the correction of severe congenital epicanthus. Forty-six cases (23 patients) have been treated by using this modified square flap. Good functional and cosmetic results were obtained. The authors consider it an effective technique with the advantages of rational design, simple operation and fewer incisions. This paper describes the operation design and discusses the advantages and key points of the surgery.

Adolescent↗

The tricornered gene, which is required for the integrity of epidermal cell extensions, encodes the Drosophila nuclear DBF2-related kinase.

During their differentiation epidermal cells of Drosophila form a rich variety of polarized structures. These include the epidermal hairs that decorate much of the adult cuticular surface, the shafts of the bristle sense organs, the lateral extensions of the arista, and the larval denticles. These cuticular structures are produced by cytoskeletal-mediated outgrowths of epidermal cells. Mutations in the tricornered gene result in the splitting or branching of all of these structures. Thus, tricornered function appears to be important for maintaining the integrity of the outgrowths. tricornered mutations however do not have major effects on the growth or shape of these cellular extensions. Inhibiting actin polymerization in differentiating cells by cytochalasin D or latrunculin A treatment also induces the splitting of hairs and bristles, suggesting that the actin cytoskeleton might be a target of tricornered. However, the drugs also result in short, fat, and occasionally malformed hairs and bristles. The data suggest that the function of the actin cytoskeleton is important for maintaining the integrity of cellular extensions as well as their growth and shape. Thus, if tricornered causes the splitting of cellular extensions by interacting with the actin cytoskeleton it likely does so in a subtle way. Consistent with this possibility we found that a weak tricornered mutant is hypersensitive to cytochalasin D. We have cloned the tricornered gene and found that it encodes the Drosophila NDR kinase. This is a conserved ser/thr protein kinase found in Caenorhabditis elegans and humans that is related to a number of kinases that have been found to be important in controlling cell structure and proliferation.

Actins↗

Adsorption of bilirubin by amine-containing crosslinked chitosan resins.

Crosslinked chitosan resin, which has good blood compatibility, was prepared by crosslinking chitosan solution with glutaraldehyde. Polymeric adsorbents for bilirubin have been synthesized by chemical modification of crosslinked chitosan resins with di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentammines. The adsorption of bilirubin on the adsorbents was investigated in detail. The results indicated that electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interactions are the main driving forces for the adsorption. Compared with crosslinked chitosan resin, the functionalized chitosan beads have higher adsorption capacity for unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin.

Adsorption↗