Biomedical subjects

Chuan Li

Publications and source records attributed to Chuan Li.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Projections from facial nucleus interneurons to the respiratory groups of brainstem in the rat.

Projections of the interneurons of the facial nucleus to respiration-related areas in the brainstem of the rat were revealed by unilateral, iontophorectic injection of the anterograde neuronal tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), into the facial nucleus after motor neurons degeneration had been induced by axotomy of the facial nerve. Anterogradely labeled fibers and terminals were found bilaterally in the nucleus tractus solitarius, nucleus ambiguous and ventrolateral reticular formation in the medulla oblongata and ipsilaterally in the nucleus parabrachialis and nucleus Kolliker-Fuse in the pons. These results revealed that the interneurons in the facial nucleus have widespread projections to the respiratory groups in the brainstem, and suggest that the facial nucleus is involved not only in the control of muscles for facial expression but also in the regulation of functional respiratory activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Possible involvement of the facial nucleus in regulation of respiration in rats.

The facial nucleus (FN) has been known as a motor nucleus to control the activity of the facial skeletal muscles by its efferent somatic motoneurons. Much less, however, is known about the non-motor control functions of its interneurons. The present study was designed to investigate if the interneurons of the FN participate in controlling rhythmic respiration in the sodium thiopental-anesthetized and vagotomized Sprague-Dawley rats with facial motoneurons retrogradely degenerated with techniques of electrical and chemical stimulation of the FN and extracellular recording of discharge of neurons in the FN. Single pulse stimulation (75-100 microA, 0.2 ms) of the FN during inspiration caused a transient restrain in phrenic discharge. Short train stimulation (75-100 microA, 0.2 ms, 100 Hz, 3-5 pulses) delivered during the early- or mid-term of inspiration augmented the inspiratory duration, but switched the inspiration off when delivered during the later stage of inspiration. Short train stimulation delivered during expiration prolonged the expiratory duration. Continuous stimulation could inhibit the inspiration. Microinjection of kainic acid into the FN caused an augmentation in inspiratory duration and amplitude and in expiratory duration. These data indicate that the interneurons of the FN might participate in the modulation of respiration. Different discharge patterns of interneurons in the FN, interestingly some respiratory related patterns, were observed, which provide a possible structural basis for the role of the FN in respiratory regulation.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2004

Determination of saikosaponin derivatives in Radix bupleuri and in pharmaceuticals of the chinese multiherb remedy xiaochaihu-tang using liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry.

Saikosaponins are bioactive oleanane saponins derived from the Chinese medicinal herb Radix bupleuri ("chaihu" in Chinese). An LC-MS/MS-based method has been developed for characterization and quantification of 15 saikosaponin derivatives (saikosaponin a, saikosaponin b(1), saikosaponin g, saikogenin A, saikogenin H, saikosaponin c, saikosaponin h, saikosaponin i, prosaikogenin C(2), prosaikogenin B(2), saikogenin C, saikogenin B, saikosaponin d, saikosaponin b(2), and saikogenin D) in one chromatographic run. Optimization of the ionization process was performed with electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization techniques in both positive and negative ion modes. Negative ion ESI was adopted for generation of the precursor deprotonated molecules to achieve the best ionization sensitivity for the analytes. In addition, the most abundant fragment ion was chosen for each analyte to give the best CID sensitivity. Because some of the saponin derivatives are isomeric, complete resolution for the whole analytes was achieved both chromatographically and mass spectroscopically. Furthermore, optimal internal standard was successfully discovered for determination of the analytes by making use of a combinatorial chemistry approach. Good linearity over the range approximately 1.65 or 4.98 to 1200 ng/mL for the analytes was observed. The intraday accuracy and precision at nominal low, intermediate, and high concentration varied between 0.8 and 11.8% and between 80 and 116%, respectively, whereas those for interday assay were between 1.1 and 15.5% and between 86 and 119%, respectively. The lower limits of quantitation for the test compounds were approximately 16.5 to 49.4 pg on-column. The new method offered higher sensitivity and greater specificity than previously reported LC methods. After the validation, the applicability of the method for determination of these chemicals present in a variety of crude chaihu roots and in different brands of the Chinese multiherb remedy Xiaochaihu-tang (or Shosaiko-to) extract granules has been demonstrated. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique will be the basis of a method for the accurate quantification of the saikosaponin derivatives in biomatrixes.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed2004

A sensitive method for the determination of the novel cholinesterase inhibitor ZT-1 and its active metabolite huperzine A in rat blood using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

ZT-1 has been developed as a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, but is rapidly degraded to huperzine A (Hup A) in water or aqueous organic solvents. A sensitive method has been developed for simultaneous determination of ZT-1 and its active metabolite Hup A in blood, and was applied to the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of ZT-1 in rats. The method involves immediate hydrogenation of ZT-1 with sodium borohydride to the stable form rZT-1 following blood sampling. The NaBH4-treated blood sample is then submitted to liquid-liquid extraction, and the resultant extract is analyzed by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry. Huperzine B is used as internal standard for the quantification. ZT-1 was found to be rapidly absorbed in the intestinal tract, with a time to reach the peak blood concentration (Tpeak) of 5 min after an intragastric dose of ZT-1 embedded in povidone to rats at 0.5 mg ZT-1/kg. The mean maximum blood concentration (Cmax) and area under the blood level-time curve (AUC(0 --> 8)) of ZT-1 were 1.57 ng/mL and 0.48 ng. h/mL, respectively. The Tpeak, Cmax, and AUC values of the metabolite Hup A were 0.22 h, 109.9 ng/mL, and 96.3 ng. h/mL, respectively. Following an intravenous dose of 0.1 mg ZT-1/kg rat body weight, the blood concentration of ZT-1 was higher than that of Hup A, and the AUC(0 --> 8) values were 26.2 ng. h/mL for ZT-1 and 6.0 ng. h/mL for Hup A. The elimination half-lives (T1/2) of ZT-1 and Hup A were 0.68 and 1.47 h, respectively. The oral bioavailability (F) of intact ZT-1 in rats treated with ZT-1 embedded in povidone was very low, 0.37%.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed2004

Effects of adenosine dialdehyde treatment on in vitro and in vivo stable protein methylation in HeLa cells.

Adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx) is an indirect methyltransferase inhibitor broadly used in cell culture to accumulate methyl-accepting proteins in hypomethylated states for in vitro protein methylation analyses. In this study we included a translation inhibitor, cycloheximide, in the AdOx treatment of HeLa cells. The methyl-accepting proteins disappeared in the double treatment, indicating that they were most likely newly synthesized in the AdOx incubation period. AdOx treatment could also be used in combination with in vivo methylation, another technique frequently used to study protein methylation. AdOx treatment prior to in vivo methylation accumulated methyl-accepting proteins for the labeling reaction. The continued presence of AdOx in the in vivo labeling period decreased the methylation of the majority of in vivo methyl-accepting polypeptides. The level and pattern of the in vivo methylated polypeptides did not change after a 12-h chase, supporting the notion that the methylated polypeptide as well as the methyl groups on the modified polypeptides are stable. On the other hand, methylarginine-specific antibodies detected limited but consistent reduction of the methylarginine-containing proteins in AdOx-treated samples compared to the untreated ones. Thus, AdOx treatment probably only blocked a small fraction of stable protein methylation. Overall, it is likely that base-stable methylation are formed soon after the synthesis of the polypeptide and remain stable after the modification.

Adenosine↗

PubMed2004

Purification and characterization of recombinant human anti-HAV monoclonal antibody.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of plasma immunoglobulins, the whole molecular recombinant human anti-HAV (hepatitis A virus) monoclonal antibody (anti-HAV IgG) produced and secreted by rCHO cells was purified and its physicochemical properties were extensively characterized. The rCHO cells were cultured in serum-free medium and the supernatants were collected. The recombinant human IgG molecules were sequentially purified by ultrafiltration, rProtein A Sepharose Fast Flow affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography and diafiltration. In affinity chromatography, prior to the target protein elution, an intermediate high salt wash step was inserted, different pH and salt concentrations were evaluated for the capacity of removing host cell DNA. The yield of the downstream purification process was approximately 40%. The purity of anti-HAV IgG thus generated was assayed with SEC-HPLC method, integration result showed that the monomeric IgG content was more than 99%. Western-blot was carried out with AP-antiHuman IgG (Fab specific) and AP-antiHuman IgG (Fc specific) respectively, the blot result demonstrated that the anti-HAV IgG is human antibody with Fab and Fc structure. The specific anti-HAV activity determined by ELISA was 100 IU/mg, with anti-HAV immunoglobulin as the working standard reference. Ligand leakage in the eluate of the affinity column was approximately 32 ng/mg IgG, while after further purification steps, it was decreased to less than 2 ng/mg IgG. Residual host cell DNA was monitored with solid dot blot assay, DNA can be removed effectively with intermediate high salt wash step in the affinity chromatography. Free sulfhydryl content of anti-HAV IgG was assayed with fluorescent spectrophotometer, the low molecular weight bands appeared in non-reducing SDS-PAGE may be caused by the presence of free sulfhydryl. The endotoxin content was less than 1EU/ mg examined by standard LAL test procedures. Anti-HAV IgG prepared with this process is able to fulfill the regulatory requirements of State Food and Drug Administration for recombinant products.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2003

Down-regulation of heat shock protein 27 in neuronal cells and non-neuronal cells expressing mutant ataxin-3.

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is an autosomal dominant spinocerebellar degeneration characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations. Unstable CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the MJD gene has been identified as the pathologic mutation of MJD. In this study, human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with full-length MJD with 78 CAG repeats were established. Compared with the parental cells, cells expressing mutant ataxin-3 displayed normal morphology for over 80 generations. Less than 1% of the transfected cells contained nuclear aggregates under basal conditions, indicating that this cellular model represented an early disease stage. While t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) was used to assess the oxidative tolerance of cells, the results demonstrated that the transfected cells were more susceptible to low concentrations of TBH than the parental cells. Most interestingly, from 2D gel electrophoresis analysis, we identified that the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), known as a suppressor of poly(Q)-mediated cell death, dramatically decreased in SK-N-SH cells stably transfected with full-length mutant MJD. The same reduction of HSP27 was further confirmed in lymphoblastoid cells from MJD patients. Our results demonstrated that both neuronal and non-neuronal cells with expanded full-length ataxin-3 revealed reduced protein expression of HSP27. We propose that the reduction of HSP27 in the early stage of the disease plays an important role during cell death process in MJD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Multiple domains define the expression and regulatory properties of Foxp1 forkhead transcriptional repressors.

The Foxp subfamily of forkhead/HNF3 transcription factors has recently been recognized because of its involvement in autoimmune disease, speech and language disorders, and lung development. Domains unique to this subfamily include a divergent DNA-binding winged helix, a leucine zipper, a zinc finger, and a polyglutamine tract. Little is known about the properties of these proteins that are fundamental to their function as transcription factors nor how the Foxp sequence motifs regulate their transcriptional regulatory properties. We report here a structure/function analysis of the Foxp1 protein. We have analyzed the alternative splice isoforms 1A and 1C and also report the cloning and characterization of a novel isoform Foxp1D that lacks the polyglutamine domain. We have isolated the preferred DNA-binding sites for Foxp1 transcription factors. Foxp1A, C, and D isoforms and the related Foxp2 protein repress gene transcription via binding to this consensus site or to a naturally occurring site within the SV40 and the interleukin-2 promoters. In some cases the strength of Foxp1 repression is mediated by the polyglutamine domain. Unlike previously characterized forkhead factors, Foxp1 proteins can form homodimers or heterodimers with subfamily members. The dimerization domain was localized to an evolutionarily conserved C2H2 zinc finger and leucine zipper motif. Finally, we demonstrate that Foxp1, although broadly expressed, is further regulated by tissue-specific alternative splicing of these functionally important sequence domains. These results suggest that Foxp1 proteins have diverse functional roles in different cell and tissue types.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2003

Prenatal diagnosis of Machado-Joseph disease/Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 in Taiwan: early detection of expanded ataxin-3.

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)/Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) is a rare autosomal dominative disorder in which one of the neurodegenerative disorders is caused by a translated CAG repeat expansion. Here, we present the first prenatal diagnosis of MJD in Taiwan in a woman whose husband was known to carry an unstable CAG repeat expansion in the MJD gene. After evaluating the couples' motivation and psychological tolerance, amniocentesis was performed at gestation of 13 weeks. The diagnosis was made using a simple nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rapid detection of the presence of an expanded MJD allele. Meanwhile, using radioactive PCR, we identified the presence of an unusual shortness of CAG expansion in the MJD gene with 74 repeats in the fetus compared with 78 repeats in the father. After termination of the pregnancy, Western blot analysis further confirmed the presence of normal and mutant ataxin-3 in the fetal tissue. In summary, we have performed the first prenatal diagnosis of MJD in Taiwan, and described our experience with an at-risk male requesting counseling, carrier testing, and prenatal diagnosis for Machado-Joseph disease. Early detection of both normal and expanded ataxin-3 in fetal tissues was first demonstrated in the present study.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed2003

Glucuronides of tea catechins: enzymology of biosynthesis and biological activities.

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) are major green tea catechins with antioxidant and anticancer activities. In this study, we characterized the glucuronidation of EGCG and EGC in human, mouse, and rat microsomes and by nine different human UGT 1A and 2B isozymes expressed in insect cells. Six EGCG and EGC glucuronides were biosynthesized, and their structures were identified for the first time. (-)-EGCG-4"-O-glucuronide was the major EGCG glucuronide formed in all incubations. The catalytic efficiency (V(max)/K(m)) for (-)-EGCG-4"-O-glucuronide formation followed the order: mouse intestine > mouse liver > human liver > rat liver >> rat small intestine. The UGT-catalyzed glucuronidation of EGC was much lower than that of EGCG. The V(max)/K(m) for (-)-EGC-3'-O-glucuronide followed the following order: mouse liver > human liver > rat liver > rat and mouse small intestine. Human UGT1A1, 1A8, and 1A9 had high activities with EGCG. UGT1A8, an intestine-specific UGT, had the highest V(max)/K(m) for EGCG but low activity with EGC. Mice appeared to be more similar to humans than rats to humans in the glucuronidation of EGCG and EGC. Some of these catechin glucuronides retained the activities of their parent compounds in radical scavenging and in inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid from HT-29 human colon cancer cells. These results provide foundations for understanding the biotransformation and biological activities of tea catechins.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Construction and stable expression of intracellular antibodies to glycoprotein of hantavirus].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the molecular mechanisms of hantavirus assembly and maturation by stably expressing the intracellular antibodies to hantavirus glycoprotein G1 and G2 in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cytoplasm (Cyto) of Vero E6 cell. METHODS: The genes of VH and VL of antibodies against glycoprotein of hantavirus were amplified by PCR and cloned into pOPE 101-215 (Yol) vector. The G1 and G2 proteins specific ScFv genes were first expressed in E.coli and the function and binding properties were identified. The gene of ScFv were further inserted into intracellular expression vectyrs pEF/ myc/ ER and pEF/ myc/ CYTO vector and transfected Vero E6 cell. The clonal cell line which stabl expresses ScFv were isolated under the pressure of G418. RESULTS: The ScFv genes of hantavirus G1 and G2 specific antibodies were successfully expressed in subcellular compartment ER and Cyto of Vero E6 cells and specifically targeted G1 and G2 protein after virus infection of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: The recombination of intrabody to Hantann virus glycoprotein was constructed successfully, and it may provide basic material for the studying antiviral gene therapy and the molecular mechanism of viral replication and infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Identification of Puumala like viruses in China].

BACKGROUND: To confirm if Puumala like viruses exist in China. METHODS: RNA was extracted from lungs of bank voles captured in the Northeast China, partial S segments genome of Puumala viruses were amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: 926 bp cDNA of S segments of Puumala like virus was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Puumala like viruses found in China were most close to that found in Far East region of Russia. CONCLUSIONS: Puumala like virus does exist in Northeast China, and the nucleotides sequence of the viruses have high homolog to Puumala viruses found in Russia.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Using recombinant antigens of Hantavirus to study the kinetics of serum IgA, IgG, IgM antibodies in the acute-phase of hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome].

BACKGROUND: To observe the features of serum specific IgA, IgG, IgM antibodies in the acute phase of hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome (HFRS). METHODS: The nucleocapsid (NP) protein and glycoproteins (GP) of Hantavirus were expressed by recombinant baculovirus, and used as ELISA antigens to test 61 serial sera of 14 acute phase HFRS patients. RESULTS: Seoul like virus RNA were detected from 11 of 14 patients. An early and strong IgA, IgG and IgM antibody response to recombinant NP (rNP) was observed in almost all HFRS cases. The titers of antibody to rNP was apparently higher than that to Rgp. In the early stage, titer of IgG antibody elevated most drastically among all the three classes of antibodies to rNP, followed by IgM and IgA antibody responses. The elevation trend of IgM and IgA antibodies to rNP stayed nearly at the same level, but the IgA titers to rNP were apparently higher than that of IgM. Among the antibodies to rGP, IgA changed distinctly greater than IgG. The elevation trend of IgM could be found during first week after the onset, and the titers dropped gradually after the second week. IgM antibodies of one case who was viral RNA positive were not detected at early stage, but IgA titers were high. The only severe case of the 14 patients kept the lower IgA, IgG and IgM during the whole acute phase. CONCLUSION: HFRS patients kept an early and strong humoral response to NP and GPs in acute phase of HFRS.IgA could be used together with IgM to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

The structural basis for the specificity of retinoid-X receptor-selective agonists: new insights into the role of helix H12.

Ligands that specifically target retinoid-X receptors (RXRs) are emerging as potentially powerful therapies for cancer, diabetes, and the lowering of circulatory cholesterol. To date, RXR has only been crystallized in the absence of ligand or with the promiscuous ligand 9-cis retinoic acid, which also activates retinoic acid receptors. Here we present the structure of hRXRbeta in complex with the RXR-specific agonist LG100268 (LG268). The structure clearly reveals why LG268 is specific for the RXR ligand binding pocket and will not activate retinoic acid receptors. Intriguingly, in the crystals, the C-terminal "activation" helix (AF-2/helix H12) is trapped in a novel position not seen in other nuclear receptor structures such that it does not cap the ligand binding cavity. Mammalian two-hybrid assays indicate that LG268 is unable to release co-repressors from RXR unless co-activators are also present. Together these findings suggest that RXR ligands may be inefficient at repositioning helix H12.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

PubMed2002

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of fluoxetine and its main active metabolite norfluoxetine in human plasma with deuterated fluoxetine as internal standard.

Fluoxetine (F) and its N-demehylated metabolite norfluoxetine (NF) are selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake in humans. A new sensitive rapid method for the simultaneous determination of F and NF in plasma was established and validated, and was further applied to assess the bioequivalence of two oral formulations of F in 22 healthy Chinese male volunteers who received a single oral dose of each formulation (containing 20 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride). The new method involves using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode with deuterated fluoxetine (DF) as internal standard. High levels of analytical sensitivity and specificity of MS/MS detection enabled use of a simple liquid-liquid extraction procedure. The combination of a simple sample clean-up procedure and short chromatographic run-time (5 min) considerably increased the productivity of the analytical method. The method was validated for the plasma concentration range 0.27-22 ng/mL for both of the test compounds, and the calibration curves were linear with coefficients of correlation >0.999. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL for plasma F and NF. Taking the plasma sample size (200 micro L) into account the new method for determination of F and NF is more sensitive than those described previously.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Arginine methylation of recombinant murine fibrillarin by protein arginine methyltransferase.

Fibrillarin is a conserved nucleolar SnoRNP with a diverse N-terminal glycine- and arginine-rich (GAR) domain in most eukaryotes. This region in human fibrillarin is known to contain modified dimethylarginines. In this report we demonstrate that recombinant murine fibrillarin is a substrate for protein arginine methyltransferase, including the purified recombinant enzyme (rat PRMT1 and yeast RMT1) and the protein methyltransferases present in lymphoblastoid cell extracts. Our results of protease digestion, methylation competition reactions, and immunoblotting with a methylarginine-specific antibody all indicate that the methylation of fibrillarin is in the N-terminal GAR domain and arginyl residues are modified. Finally, amino acid analyses revealed that the modification of recombinant murine fibrillarin forms methylarginines, mostly as dimethylarginines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Proteomic analysis of stable protein methylation in lymphoblastoid cells.

We investigated the global distribution of methylaccepting proteins in lymphoblastoid cells by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. The 2-D electrophoreograms of normal and hypo-methylation (cells grown with a methyltransferase inhibitor adenosine dialdehyde) protein extracts did not exhibit significant differences. However, in vitro methylation of the hypomethylated extracts in the presence of the methyl-group donor S-adenosyl-[methyl-3H]-methionine revealed close to a hundred signals. Less than one-fifth of the signals could be correlated with protein stains, indicating that most of the methylaccepting proteins are low abundant ones. We analyzed six of the spots that can be correlated with protein stains and suggested their identities. Among these putative protein methylacceptors, three are heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPA2/B1 and hnRNP K) that are reportedly methylated in their arginine- and glycine-rich RGG motifs.

Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional↗

PubMed2002

[Molecular cloning,nucleotides sequence and transient expression of S and M genome segment of hantavirus strain 84Fli].

BACKGROUND: To sequence, analyze and express the nucleotide sequences of S and M segments of hantavirus strain 84Fli. METHODS: S and M segments of hantavirus 84Fli strain were amplified by RT-PCR, the PCR products were cloned into plasmid pCR2.1-TOPOr. Three clones of each segment which have been sequenced were randomly selected. The coding region of S and M segments were amplified by PCR, and cloned into expressing vector pcDNA3.0. Transient expression of nucleocapsid protein, G1 and G2 glycoproteins in COS7 cells were performed by Lipofectin transfection. The expression of NP, G1 and G2 have been conformed by using immunofluorescence, Western blot and immuno-precipitation methods. RESULTS: The full length S and M segments cDNA have been amplified and cloned. The S and M segments of hantavirus strain 84Fli contained 1 688 and 3 616 nucleotides respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Deduced amino acid sequences of NP and glycoproteins revealed high homologue to other Hantaan viruses. NP, G1 and G2 proteins of 84Fli can be transiently expressed in COS7 cells.

Animals↗