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Biomedical subjects

Hui Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Hui Wang.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Genetic analysis of glutathione S-transferase A1 polymorphism in the Chinese population and the influence of genotype on enzymatic properties.

Genetic polymorphisms of human glutathione S-transferases (hGSTs) have important implications for drug efficacy and cancer susceptibility. hGSTA1 is the most abundant subfamily of hGSTs. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of hGSTA1 genetic polymorphism in the Chinese population and whether there exists the potential activity alterations caused by this polymorphism. Therefore, genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 140 healthy Chinese people and 11 normal liver tissues obtained from patients who had undergone liver surgery. Two variants in the promoter region of the hGSTA1 gene were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Activities toward selected substrates of the wild type (hGSTA1*A) and variant (hGSTA1*B) were measured spectrometrically using S-9 fractions from liver samples. Delta5-androstene-3,17-dione (AD), cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH), and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) were used as marker substrates toward hGSTA1, hGSTA, and hGST, respectively. The kinetic parameters (Km, Vmax, and Vmax/Km) of hGSTA1 were determined with different concentrations of AD. The results showed that, in the study population, the proportions of hGSTA1*A/*A, hGSTA1*A/*B, and hGSTA1*B/*B genotypes were 75.0, 24.3, and 0.7%, respectively, and the allele frequencies of hGSTA1*A and hGSTA1*B were detected to be 87.1 and 12.9%, respectively. The variant hGSTA1 showed a significantly decreased activity for AD isomerization as compared to the wild type. Kinetic analyses revealed that the V(max) value of the variant hGSTA1 was 48% of that of the wild type despite a Km value of 62% (p < 0.01). This means that the Vma)/Km) in the variant hGSTA1 was 76%. These data indicate that the distribution of hGSTA1 gene is polymorphic in Chinese and is different from those in other racial populations. The promoter sequence polymorphism of the hGSTA1 gene is associated with decreased Km and Vmax values of the enzyme in individuals with the variant allele. This variant is also associated with a decrease in hGSTA1 activity toward preferred substrates. This altered activity, however, is accompanied by significant individual variation in the variant population.

Adolescent↗

Bile salts inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of culture human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells.

AIM: To investigate the effect of six bile salts: glycocholate (GC), glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC), glycodeoxycholate (GDC), taurocholate (TC), taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC), taurodeoxycholate (TDC), and their mixture on cultured human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells. METHODS: Human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells were cultured with serum-free keratinocyte medium.3-[4,5-Dimethylthiaolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was applied to the detection of cell proliferation. Apoptotic morphology was observed by phase-contrast video microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Sub-G1 DNA fragmentations and early apoptotic cells were assayed by flow cytometry (FCM) with propidium iodide (PI) staining and annexin V-FITC conjugated with PI staining. Apoptotic DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were observed. RESULTS: Except for GC, GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture could initiate growth inhibition of esophageal mucosal epithelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TUNEL and FCM assays demonstrated that the bile salts at 500 mumol/L and their mixture at 1 500 micromol/L induced apoptosis except for GC. The percentage of sub-G1 detected by FCM with PI staining was 83.5% in cells treated with 500 micromol/L TC for 2 h, and 19.8%, 20.4%, 25.6%, 13.5%, and 75.8% in cells treated with 500 micromol/L GCDC, TCDC, GDC, TDC, and 1 500 micromol/L mixture for 24 h, respectively, which were higher than that of the control (1.5%). The percentage was 1.4% in cells with 500 micromol/L GC for 24 h. DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were seen in cells treated with 500 micromol/L TC for 2 h and 1 500 micromol/L mixture for 24 h. CONCLUSION: All GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cultured human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells, but GC is well tolerated by the cells.

Apoptosis↗

Stabilization of E2F1 protein by MDM2 through the E2F1 ubiquitination pathway.

Although previous studies suggested that the tumorigenicity of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) was due to its negative regulation of p53, the p53-independent interactions may be equally as important. During recent studies utilizing MDM2 inhibitors, we noted that E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) was down regulated upon inhibition of MDM2, regardless of the p53 status of the cancer. The present study investigated the mechanisms responsible for the MDM2-mediated increase in E2F1 expression. MDM2 prolongs the half-life of the E2F1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitination. MDM2 displaces SCF(SKP2), the E2F1 E3 ligase. Direct binding between MDM2 and E2F1 is necessary for the negative effects of MDM2 on E2F1 ubiquitination, and deletion of the MDM2 nuclear localization signal does not result in loss of the ability to increase the E2F1 protein level. The downregulation of E2F1 upon MDM2 inhibition was not due to either pRB or p14(Arf). In addition, E2F1 was responsible for at least part of the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by MDM2 knockdown. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that stabilization of the E2F1 protein is likely another p53-independent component of MDM2-mediated tumorigenesis. More knowledge about the MDM2-E2F1 interaction may be helpful in developing novel anticancer therapies.

Animals↗

Nanosphere arrays with controlled sub-10-nm gaps as surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy substrates.

We demonstrate a convenient and cost-effective chemical approach for fabricating highly ordered Au nanoparticle arrays with sub-10-nm interparticle gaps. Near-field enhancements inside the interparticle gaps create uniform periodic arrays of well-defined "hot spots" exploitable for large surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enhancements. A cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) bilayer surrounding each individual nanoparticle upon array crystallization is responsible for this periodic gap structure; displacement of the CTAB by smaller thiolated molecules does not affect the structural integrity of the arrays. As SERS substrates, the as-fabricated Au nanoparticle arrays exhibit high SERS sensitivity, long-term stability, and consistent reproducibility.

Journal Article↗

SVA elements: a hominid-specific retroposon family.

SVA is a composite repetitive element named after its main components, SINE, VNTR and Alu. We have identified 2762 SVA elements from the human genome draft sequence. Genomic distribution analysis indicates that the SVA elements are enriched in G+C-rich regions but have no preferences for inter- or intragenic regions. A phylogenetic analysis of the elements resulted in the recovery of six subfamilies that were named SVA_A to SVA_F. The composition, age and genomic distribution of the subfamilies have been examined. Subfamily age estimates based upon nucleotide divergence indicate that the expansion of four SVA subfamilies (SVA_A, SVA_B, SVA_C and SVA_D) began before the divergence of human, chimpanzee and gorilla, while subfamilies SVA_E and SVA_F are restricted to the human lineage. A survey of human genomic diversity associated with SVA_E and SVA_F subfamily members showed insertion polymorphism frequencies of 37.5% and 27.6%, respectively. In addition, we examined the amplification dynamics of SVA elements throughout the primate order and traced their origin back to the beginnings of hominid primate evolution, approximately 18 to 25 million years ago. This makes SVA elements the youngest family of retroposons in the primate order.

Animals↗

Cu nanoshells: effects of interband transitions on the nanoparticle plasmon resonance.

The optical properties of metals arise both from optical excitation of interband transitions and their collective electronic, or plasmon, response. Here, we examine the optical properties of Cu, whose strong interband transitions dominate its optical response in the visible region of the spectrum, in a nanoshell geometry. This nanostructure permits the geometrical tuning of the nanoparticle plasmon energy relative to the onset of interband transitions in the metal. Spectral overlap of the interband transitions of Cu with the nanoshell plasmon resonance results in a striking double-peaked plasmon resonance, a unique phenomenon previously unobserved in other noble or coinage metal nanostructures.

Copper↗

Effects of hepatic fibrosis on ofloxacin pharmacokinetics in rats.

The purpose of the present work was to study the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin, a poorly metabolised drug, in experimental hepatic fibrosis. The possible roles of small intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the bioavailability of ofloxacin were also evaluated. Rat hepatic fibrosis model was successfully induced using complex factors including carbon tetrachloride, ethanol and high fat. After rats received a single oral or intravenous dose of ofloxacin (40 mg kg(-1)), the plasma concentrations of ofloxacin were monitored at the scheduled time using spectrofluorimetric assay. Plasma concentration-time profiles were comodeled using compartmental method. Meanwhile, microsomal CYP isoenzymatic levels and P-gp expression in small intestines were compared between normal and hepatic fibrosis rats. When ofloxacin was administered intravenously, C(max) and the distribution half-life increased significantly in comparison with normal group, whereas the distribution rate constants, the apparent volume of distribution decreased. Oral ofloxacin bioavailability was significantly altered in hepatic fibrosis rats. AUC and C(max) were reduced, while the absorption half-life, peak time and elimination half-life significantly were prolonged, suggesting that both the extent and the rate of ofloxacin absorption were decreased. Furthermore, the increases in the levels of microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and erythromycin N-demethylase were accompanied with up-regulation of mdr 1a mRNA in the small intestines of hepatic fibrosis rats when compared to those of the normal rats. The Results showed that pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin could be altered in hepatic fibrosis. Up-regulated P-gp expression and increased CYP isoenzymatic activities of small intestines in hepatic fibrosis rats may contribute to the decreased bioavailability and increased elimination of ofloxacin after oral administration.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Role of hTERT in apoptosis of cervical cancer induced by histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase holoenzyme as well as the rate-limiting component of the telomerase enzyme complex. However, the role of the hTERT in apoptosis induced by histone deacetylase inhibitor has only been marginally addressed. For the first time, our study demonstrated that trichostatin A (TSA) briefly activated the proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines, HeLa and SiHa, within 12 h, but then inhibited cell growth after that time point. In response to TSA, hTERT expression, telomerase activity, and telomere length also underwent similar changes during the same time frame. Furthermore, the data in our study showed that cells transfected with dominant negative hTERT were more likely to undergo apoptosis induced by TSA than cells transfected with wild-type hTERT. The cyclin/cdk inhibitor p21waf1 was down-regulated by hTERT without changing the expression of p53. Results from this study suggest that the hTERT might be a primary target of TSA and the anti-apoptosis effect of hTERT might be carried out through a p21waf1-dependent and p53-independent pathway.

Apoptosis↗

Genistein, a dietary isoflavone, down-regulates the MDM2 oncogene at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels.

Although genistein has chemopreventive effects in several human malignancies, including cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate, the mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Herein we report novel mechanisms whereby genistein down-regulates the MDM2 oncogene, perhaps explaining some of its anticancer activities. In a dose- and time-dependent manner, genistein reduced MDM2 protein and mRNA levels in human cell lines of breast, colon, and prostate cancer; primary fibroblasts; and breast epithelial cells. The inhibitory effects were found at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels and were independent of tyrosine kinase pathways. We found that the NFAT transcription site in the region between -132 and +33 in the MDM2 P2 promoter was responsive to genistein. At the posttranslational level, genistein induced ubiquitination of MDM2, which led to its degradation. Additionally, genistein induced apoptosis and G2 arrest and inhibited proliferation in a variety of human cancer cell lines, regardless of p53 status. We further showed that MDM2 overexpression abrogated genistein-induced apoptosis in vitro and that genistein inhibited MDM2 expression and tumor growth in PC3 xenografts. In conclusion, genistein directly down-regulates the MDM2 oncogene, representing a novel mechanism of its action that may have implications for its chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects.

Animals↗

Bile salts inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of human esophageal cancer cell line.

AIM: To explore the effect of six bile salts, including glycocholate (GC), glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC), glycodeoxycholate (GDC), taurocholate (TC), taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC), taurodeoxycholate (TDC), and two bile acids including cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) on esophageal cancer Eca109 cell line. METHODS: Eca109 cells were exposed to six bile salts, two bile acids and the mixed bile salts at different concentrations for 24-72 h. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. Apoptotic morphology was observed by phase-contrast video microscopy and deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Sub-G1 DNA fragmentations and early apoptosis cells were assayed by flow cytometry (FCM) with propidium iodide (PI) staining and annexin V-FITC conjugated with PI staining. Apoptosis DNA ladders on agarose were observed. Activation of caspase-3 was assayed by FCM with FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anti-active caspase-3 antibody and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined immunocytochemically in 500 micromol/L-TC-induced apoptosis cells. RESULTS: Five bile salts except for GC, and two bile acids and the mixed bile salts could initiate growth inhibition of Eca109 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TUNEL, FCM, and DNA ladder assays all demonstrated apoptosis induced by bile salts and bile acids at 500 micromol/L, except for GC. Early apoptosis cell percentages in Eca109 cells treated with GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC, CA at 500 micromol/L for 12 h, DCA at 500 micromol/L for 6 h, and mixed bile salts at 1000 micromol/L for 12 h were 7.5%, 8.7%, 14.8%, 8.9%, 7.8%, 9.3%, 22.6% and 12.5%, respectively, all were significantly higher than that in control (1.9%). About 22% of the cell population treated with TC at 500 micromol/L for 24 h had detectable active caspase-3, and were higher than that in the control (1%). Immunocytochemical assay suggested that TC down-regulated Bcl-2 protein level and up-regulated Bax protein level. CONCLUSION: GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC, CA and DCA, except for GC, can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of esophageal cancer Eca109 cells. Activation of caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2 protein and increased Bax protein are involved in TC-induced apoptosis of Eca109 cells.

Apoptosis↗

Protection against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via downregulation of toll-like receptor 2 expression by inhibition of Kupffer cell function.

AIM: To elucidate the mechanism of liver protection by inhibition of Kupffer cells (KCs) function. METHODS: All the animals were randomly divided into three groups. Blockade group (gadolinium chloride solution (GdCl3) injection plus ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury): GdCl3 solution was injected once every 24 h for 2 d via the tail vein before I/R injury. Non-blockade group (saline solution injection plus I/R injury): saline instead of GdCl3 as a control was injected as in the blockade group. Sham group: saline was injected without I/R injury. Liver samples were collected 4 h after blood inflow restoration. The blockade of the function of KCs was verified by immunostaining with an anti-CD68 mAb. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) was immunostained with a goat antimouse polyclonal anti-TLR2 antibody. Membrane proteins were extracted from the liver samples and TLR2 protein was analyzed by Western blot. Portal vein serum and plasma were taken respectively at the same time point for further detection of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an indicator of liver function. RESULTS: Compared to non-blockade group, CD68+ cells significantly reduced in blockade group (OPTDI, optical density integral): 32.97+/-10.55 vs 185.65+/-21.88, P<0.01) and the liver function impairment was relieved partially (level of ALT: 435.89+/-178.37 U/L vs 890.21+/-272.91 U/L, P<0.01). The expression of TLR2 protein in blockade group significantly decreased compared to that in non-blockade group (method of immunohistochemistry, OPDTI: 75.74+/-17.44 vs 170.58+/-25.14, P<0.01; method of Western blot, A value: 125.89+/-15.49 vs 433.91+/-35.53, P<0.01). The latter correlated with the variation of CD68 staining (r = 0.745, P<0.05). Also the level of portal vein TNF-alpha decreased in blockade group compared to that in non-blockade group (84.45+/-14.73 ng/L vs 112.32+/-17.56 ng/L, P<0.05), but was still higher than that in sham group (84.45+/-14.73 ng/L vs 6.07+/-5.33 ng/L, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of the function of KCs may protect liver against I/R injury via downregulation of the expression of TLR2.

Animals↗

Nova regulates brain-specific splicing to shape the synapse.

Alternative RNA splicing greatly increases proteome diversity and may thereby contribute to tissue-specific functions. We carried out genome-wide quantitative analysis of alternative splicing using a custom Affymetrix microarray to assess the role of the neuronal splicing factor Nova in the brain. We used a stringent algorithm to identify 591 exons that were differentially spliced in the brain relative to immune tissues, and 6.6% of these showed major splicing defects in the neocortex of Nova2-/- mice. We tested 49 exons with the largest predicted Nova-dependent splicing changes and validated all 49 by RT-PCR. We analyzed the encoded proteins and found that all those with defined brain functions acted in the synapse (34 of 40, including neurotransmitter receptors, cation channels, adhesion and scaffold proteins) or in axon guidance (8 of 40). Moreover, of the 35 proteins with known interaction partners, 74% (26) interact with each other. Validating a large set of Nova RNA targets has led us to identify a multi-tiered network in which Nova regulates the exon content of RNAs encoding proteins that interact in the synapse.

Alternative Splicing↗

[Effects of protein tyrosine kinase within the brainstem nucleus tractus solitarius on the ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex].

The aim of the present study was to observe whether protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was involved in the regulation of ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex. The experiments were performed on anesthetized, immobilized and artificially ventilated rabbits. Peripheral chemoreflex was elicited by ventilating the animal with 10% O2-balance 90% N2. Changes in the peak amplitude and frequency of integrated phrenic nerve activity were observed. The ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex following 0.1 microl microinjection within the NTS of either PTK inhibitor genistein (10 mol/L), AMPA glutamate receptor inhibitor CNQX (10 mol/L),or inactive PTK inhibitor daidzein (10 mol/L) were recorded. The results are as follows: Both genistein and CNQX attenuated the ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex, while no changes occurred following daidzein. The amplitude of integrated phrenic nerve discharge and the phrenic burst frequency were decreased by (-21.77+/-6.93)% and (-24.70+/-7.61)% respectively after administration of genistein. CNQX resulted in similar decreases in the amplitude of phrenic nerve discharge (-27.13+/-7.63)% and the burst frequency (-21.34+/-4.88)%. In addition, the inhibitory effects of CNQX and genistein were the same whether they were applied alone or one after another, indicating that they had no cooperative effects. The results obtained suggest that PTK within the NTS regulates the peripheral chemoreflex control of respiration and that this regulation of PTK may be mediated through the phosphorylation of AMPA receptors in NTS neurons.

Animals↗

Expression, purification, and characterization of a neovasculature targeted rmhTNF-alpha in Escherichia coli.

The tumor vasculature is a suitable target for cancer treatment. RGD-4C (CDCRGDCFC) peptide can bind to human alphav integrins, which are known to be selectively expressed in human tumor blood vessels. Some studies showed that coupling anticancer drugs or peptides to the RGD peptides yielded compounds with increased efficacy against tumors and lowered toxicity to normal tissues in mice. TNF-alpha mutant (rmhTNF-alpha) that we previously constructed has been proved to have stronger antitumor effect compared with TNF-alpha. To increase antitumor effect and lower toxicity of rmhTNF-alpha, we coupled RGD4C to the N-terminal of rmhTNF-alpha (termed RGD4C-rmhTNF) and expressed RGD4C-rmhTNF in Escherichia coli. Here, we describe the expression, purification, and characterization of RGD4C-rmhTNF.

Animals↗

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic imaging diagnosis on assessment of vascularity in liver metastatic lesions.

AIM: To investigate the vasculature of rabbit liver metastatic lesions by color Doppler imaging and power Doppler imaging (PDI) techniques. METHODS: Eight New Zealand rabbits with implanted VX2 liver tumors were used. All ultrasound examinations were performed with a HP 5500 color Doppler ultrasound scanner. Before and after the injection of contrast agent, the changes of gray scale and the periphery and intralesional blood flow of the liver metastatic lesion were carefully observed by B mode ultrasound, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and PDI. RESULTS: Twelve lesions were found in the eight rabbits with implanted VX2 liver tumors, whose diameter ranged from 1.6 to 4.8 cm. Echoes of these lesions were not characterized and has lack of specificity. After the injection of contrast agent, the numbers of dot or strip-like flow messages increased both at the periphery and inside of these lesions under the mode of CDFI and PDI, and were more pronounced under PDI. Morphology of intralesional vessels extended, even branched and some signals were clearly found encircling the lesion. And some vessels were found penetrating into the center of the lesion. CONCLUSION: PDI after injection of self-made echo contrast agent can show a pronounced sensitivity than that of B mode ultrasound and CDFI in diagnosis of vascularity of a metastatic lesion.

Animals↗

Controlled texturing modifies the surface topography and plasmonic properties of Au nanoshells.

We report a facile and controllable method for the postfabrication texturing of the surface topography of Au nanoshells based on site-selective chemical etching of the polycrystalline Au nanoshell surface by a bifunctional alkanethiol molecule, cysteamine. This nanoscale surface texturing process systematically introduces dramatic changes to the plasmonic properties of the Au nanoshells. The modification of the plasmon resonant properties of nanoshells as a function of increased surface roughness was examined experimentally and modeled theoretically using three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations.

Letter↗

A mobile element based phylogeny of Old World monkeys.

SINEs (Short INterspersed Elements) are a class of non-autonomous mobile elements that are <500 bp in length and have no open reading frames. Individual SINE elements are essentially homoplasy free with known ancestral states, making them useful genetic systems for phylogenetic studies. Alu elements are the most successful SINE in primate genomes and have been utilized for resolving primate phylogenetic relationships and human population genetics. However, no Alu based phylogenetic analysis has yet been performed to resolve relationships among Old World monkeys. Using both a computational approach and polymerase chain reaction display methodology, we identified 285 new Alu insertions from sixteen Old World monkey taxa that were informative at various levels of catarrhine phylogeny. We have utilized these elements along with 12 previously reported loci to construct a phylogenetic tree of the selected taxa. Relationships among all major clades are in general agreement with other molecular and morphological data sets but have stronger statistical support.

Alu Elements↗