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Biomedical subjects

Ping Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Ping Wang.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

[In vitro transdermal permeation of lidocaine-dodecanol binary eutectic system].

AIM: To study the effect of lidocaine-dodecanol binary eutectic system on the transdermal permeation of lidocaine. METHODS: Binary eutectic mixture of different proportions of lidocaine and dodecanol were prepared and the patch containing the binary eutectic mixture was developed. The solubilities of pure lidocaine and lidocaine from the binary eutectic system were determined in pH 7.9 phosphate buffer. The transdermal flux of lidocaine from the patches containing the binary eutectic system and pure lidocaine were measured using Franz-type single diffusion cell. RESULTS: The melting point of the lidocaine-dodecanol binary eutectic system was markedly lower than that of pure lidocaine. The steady state transdermal flux of lidocaine from the patch of the binary eutectic system was six times as much as that of pure lidocaine patch. CONCLUSION: The lidocaine-dodecanol binary eutectic system could produce high thermodynamic activity of the drug and the high driving force for transdermal permeation of lidocaine.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

[Expression of lysophosphatidic acid receptor in human ovarian cancer cell lines 3AO, SKOV3, OVCAR3 and its significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors at both mRNA and protein levels and their biological significance in different human ovarian cancer cell lines. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), streptovidin peroxidase-conjugated (SP) immunohistochemical assay and Western blotting were employed to measure the expression levels of LPA(1), LPA(2) and LPA(3) mRNA and LPA(2) and LPA(3) protein in cultured human ovarian cancer cell lines 3AO.SKOV3, and OVCAR3. RESULTS: All the ovarian cancer cell lines expressed LPA(1), LPA(2) and LPA(3) mRNAs and LPA(2) and LPA(3) proteins. CONCLUSION: LPA(1), LPA(2) and LPA(3) expressions occur extensively in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines, and LPA(2) and LPA(3) may be involved in the development and progression of human ovarian cancer.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

[Effect of warming needle moxibustion on pain threshold in the patient of sciatica].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effect of warming needle moxibustion on pain threshold in the patient of sciatica. METHODS: Ninety cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, 30 cases in each group. The warming needle moxibustion group were treated with warming needle moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Huantiao (GB 30), etc; the western medicine group with oral administration of Nimeisulide; and the acupoint-injection group with injection of 654-2 into the same acupoints as those in the warming needle moxibustion group. RESULTS: The cured rates were 56.67%, 26.67% and 20.00% in the 3 groups, and the total effective rate were 90.00%, 73.33% and 63.33%, respectively, the therapeutic effect of the warming needle moxibustion group being better than those of other two groups (both P < 0.01). The amplitude of pain threshold increase in the warming needle moxibustion group was higher than those of other two groups (both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Warming needle moxibustion can increase pain threshold, improve symptoms and raise quality of life for the patient of sciatica.

Humans↗

Changes in NMDA receptor expression in auditory cortex after learning.

Extensive practice on auditory learning tasks dramatically alters the functional organization and response properties of neurons in the auditory cortex. The cellular mechanisms responsible for this auditory learning-induced cortical plasticity are unclear; however, changes in synaptic function involving NMDA receptors have been strongly implicated. To test this hypothesis, we measured the change in gene expression of NMDA receptors and associated proteins in the auditory cortex of adult rats trained to perform an auditory identification task. NMDA receptor 2A and 2B gene expression in auditory cortex decreased significantly as auditory discrimination improved whereas expression of Arc, an immediate early gene involved in memory stabilization, increased. These results suggest that changes in NMDA receptors 2A and 2B and Arc enhance synaptic plasticity, thereby facilitating experience-dependent cortical remodeling and auditory learning.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Gut-derived norepinephrine plays an important role in up-regulating IL-1beta and IL-10.

Previous studies have shown that the gut is a major source of norepinephrine (NE) released in early sepsis and that gut-derived NE plays an important role in up-regulating TNF-alpha expression in Kupffer cells (KC) via an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2)-AR) pathway. However, it remains unknown whether NE affects the release of other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and IL-10 and, if so, whether alpha(2)-AR is also involved in such a process. To study this, a branch of the portal vein in normal adult male rats was cannulated under anesthesia. NE (20 muM in ascorbate saline), NE plus yohimbine (YHB, a specific alpha(2)-AR antagonist, 1 mM) or vehicle (0.1% ascorbate saline) was infused at a rate of 13 mul/min for 2 h. The above rate of NE infusion was used to increase the portal level of NE to approximately 20 nM, similar to that observed in sepsis. Blood samples were then collected and serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-10 were measured. In addition, the KC was isolated from normal rats and stimulated with either NE (20 nM) or NE plus YHB (1 muM). The gene expression of IL-1beta and IL-10 in KC and their supernatant levels were assessed. The results indicate that serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-10 increased significantly after the intraportal infusion of NE. Co-administration of NE and YHB, however, significantly attenuated IL-1beta and IL-10 production. Similarly, IL-1beta and IL-10 gene expression and release from KC were up-regulated by NE stimulation, whereas YHB attenuated both cytokines. Thus, gut-derived NE up-regulates IL-1beta and IL-10 expression and release in the liver through an alpha(2)-AR pathway. Since adenylate cyclase activator forskolin prevents the increase in NE-induced IL-1beta and IL-10, the up-regulatory effect of NE on those cytokines appears to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of adenylate cyclase and reduction in intracellular cyclic AMP levels.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗

Regulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis: role of lung endothelium-epithelium bilayer transmigration.

Delayed polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) apoptosis exacerbates acute lung injury. To reach the alveolar spaces, PMNs must migrate across both pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cell layers. We hypothesized that transmigration across the endothelium-epithelium bilayer suppresses PMN apoptosis and sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. PMNs freshly isolated from normal volunteers were allowed to migrate across polycarbonate membranes alone or membranes coated with a bilayer of human lung endothelial and epithelial cells. After migration toward different chemoattractants (IL-8, formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, or leukotriene B(4)), PMN apoptosis and caspase activities were assessed by annexin V, histology, and enzymatic assays, respectively. Messenger RNA and specific protein expression in three receptor ligand-mediated, apoptosis-inducing pathways (Fas, TNF-alpha, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) were further examined by gene array, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyses. The data demonstrated that transbilayer migration suppressed PMN apoptosis, and this effect was not chemoattractant type specific. Kinetic analyses further showed that the delay of apoptosis was sustained to at least 18 h. Transbilayer migration caused significant decreases in caspase (-3, -8, and -9) activities. The changes in apoptosis-related gene expression support the survival role of transbilayer migration. Furthermore, the reduced apoptosis was correlated with downregulation of Fas ligand and TNF receptor 1 expression. Our data reveal that migration across a lung endothelium-epithelium bilayer suppresses PMN apoptosis. The decreased activity and/or expression of proapoptotic proteins may provide possible targets for the regulation of inappropriate delay in PMN apoptosis during lung inflammation and injury.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The hemopexin domain of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) Is not required for its activation of proMMP2 on cell surface but is essential for MT1-MMP-mediated invasion in three-dimensional type I collagen.

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) plays a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix and activating proMMP2. Here we show that the conserved hemopexin domain is required for MT1-MMP-mediated invasion and growth in three-dimensional type I collagen matrix but not proMMP2 activation. Deletion of the hemopexin domains in MT1-, MT2-, MT3-, MT5-, and MT6-MMP does not impair their abilities to activate proMMP2. In fact, hemopexin-less MT5- and MT6-MMP activate proMMP2 better than their wild type counterparts. On the other hand, hemopexin-less MT1-MMP fails to promote cell invasion into type I collagen but retains the capacity to enhance the growth of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells as cysts in three-dimensional collagen matrix. Moreover, the hemopexin domain is also required for MT1-MMP-mediated invasion/scattering of MCF-7 cells in three-dimensional collagen matrix. Because growth and invasion in a three-dimensional model may correlate with tumor invasiveness in vivo, our data suggest that the hemopexin domains of MT-MMPs should be targeted for the development of anti-cancer therapies by employing screening assays developed for three-dimensional models rather than their enzymatic activity toward proMMP2.

Animals↗

Polymer-enzyme conjugates can self-assemble at oil/water interfaces and effect interfacial biotransformations.

Native water-soluble enzymes were transformed into interface-binding enzymes via conjugation with hydrophobic polymers, thus enabling interesting interfacial biocatalysis between immiscible chemicals at oil/water interfaces. Such interfacial biocatalysis demonstrated a significantly improved catalytic efficiency as compared to traditional biphasic reactions with enzymes contained in the bulk aqueous phase. Particularly, polystyrene-conjugated beta-galactosidase showed a catalytic efficiency that was more than 145 times higher than that of the native enzyme for a transgalactosylation reaction. It is believed that the improved accessibility of the biocatalysts to chemicals held in both phases across the interface is the key driver for the enhancement of enzyme activity.

Chymotrypsin↗

Bacterial endotoxin stimulates macrophages to release HMGB1 partly through CD14- and TNF-dependent mechanisms.

Bacterial endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] stimulates macrophages to sequentially release early [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)] and late [high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)] proinflammatory cytokines. The requirement of CD14 and mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPK; e.g., p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2] for endotoxin-induced TNF production has been demonstrated previously, but little is known about their involvement in endotoxin-mediated HMGB1 release. Here, we demonstrated that genetic disruption of CD14 expression abrogated LPS-induced TNF production but only partially attenuated LPS-induced HMGB1 release in cultures of primary murine peritoneal macrophages. Pharmacological suppression of p38 or ERK1/2 MAPK with specific inhibitors (SB203580, SB202190, U0126, or PD98059) significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF production but failed to inhibit LPS-induced HMGB1 release. Consistently, an endogenous, immunosuppressive molecule, spermine, failed to inhibit LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPK and yet, still significantly attenuated LPS-mediated HMGB1 release. Direct suppression of TNF activity with neutralizing antibodies or genetic disruption of TNF expression partially attenuated HMGB1 release from macrophages induced by LPS at lower concentrations (e.g., 10 ng/ml). Taken together, these data suggest that LPS stimulates macrophages to release HMGB1 partly through CD14- and TNF-dependent mechanisms.

Animals↗

Increased gut-derived norepinephrine release in sepsis: up-regulation of intestinal tyrosine hydroxylase.

Studies have shown that increased gut-derived norepinephrine (NE) release plays an important role in producing hepatocellular dysfunction at the early stage of sepsis. Although the gut has been demonstrated to be the major source of NE in sepsis, it remains unknown whether the increased NE is associated with up-regulation of intestinal NE biosynthesis enzymes such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). To determine this, adult male rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) followed by fluid resuscitation. Small intestinal samples were harvested at 2 h (i.e., early sepsis) or 20 h (late sepsis) after CLP or sham-operation. Protein levels of TH and DBH were determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Their gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR technique. The results indicate that intestinal TH protein levels increased significantly at 2 and 20 h after CLP, while DBH was not altered under such conditions. Immunohistochemical examination shows that both TH and DBH were located in intestinal sympathetic nerve fibers and TH staining was markedly increased in septic animals. TH gene expression increased significantly at 2 h but not at 20 h after CLP, while DBH gene expression was not altered in sepsis. Thus, the increased TH gene and protein expression appears to be responsible for the increased gut-derived NE in sepsis.

Animals↗

The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-7 interacts with the actin cytoskeleton through vinexin.

To understand the function of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-7, we have looked for proteins interacting with SOCS-7 in a stringent yeast two-hybrid screen of a human leukocyte cDNA-library. We identified the cytoskeletal molecule vinexin as a partner interacting with SOCS-7. Tests with deletion mutants of SOCS-7 demonstrated that a central region of the molecule containing several proline-rich regions, N-terminal to the SH2 domain, was responsible for the binding to vinexin. It is thus likely that one of the SH3 domains of vinexin interacts with a poly-proline region of SOCS-7. The interaction with vinexin was confirmed biochemically as vinexin-alpha was co-precipitated with SOCS-7. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy in HEK293T, MCF-7, and 3T3-L1 cells showed that part of the transfected SOCS-7-green fluorescent protein (GFP) molecules merged with vinexin and with actin. Taken together, our data indicate that SOCS-7 interacts with vinexin and the actin cytoskeleton.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

Retrieval of profile information from airborne multiaxis UV-visible skylight absorption measurements.

A recent development in ground-based remote sensing of atmospheric constituents by UV-visible absorption measurements of scattered light is the simultaneous use of several horizon viewing directions in addition to the traditional zenith-sky pointing. The different light paths through the atmosphere enable the vertical distribution of some atmospheric absorbers, such as NO2, BrO, or O3, to be retrieved. This approach has recently been implemented on an airborne platform. This novel instrument, the airborne multiaxis differential optical absorption spectrometer (AMAXDOAS), has been flown for the first time. In this study, the amount of profile information that can be retrieved from such measurements is investigated for the trace gas NO2. Sensitivity studies on synthetic data are performed for a variety of representative measurement conditions including two wavelengths, one in the UV and one in the visible, two different surface spectral reflectances, various lines of sight (LOSs), and for two different flight altitudes. The results demonstrate that the AMAXDOAS measurements contain useful profile information, mainly at flight altitude and below the aircraft. Depending on wavelength and LOS used, the vertical resolution of the retrieved profiles is as good as 2 km near flight altitude. Above 14 km the profile information content of AMAXDOAS measurements is sparse. Airborne multiaxis measurements are thus a promising tool for atmospheric studies in the troposphere and the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region.

Journal Article↗

Enabling multienzyme biocatalysis using nanoporous materials.

Multistep reactions catalyzed by a covalently immobilized enzyme-cofactor-enzyme system were achieved. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and cofactor NADH were incorporated into two porous silica glass supports. One of the glass supports had pores of 30 nm in diameter, while the other was of 100-nm pore size. Effective shuttling of the covalently bound NADH between LDH and GDH was achieved, such that regeneration cycles of NADH/NAD(+) were observed. The glass of 30-nm pore size afforded enzyme activities that were about twice those observed for the glass of 100-nm pore size, indicating the former provided better enzyme-cofactor integration. The effect of the size of spacers was also examined. The use of longer spacers increased the reaction rates by approximately 18 times as compared to those achieved with glutaraldehyde linkage. It appeared that the concave configuration of the nanopores played an important role in enabling the multistep reactions. The same multienzyme system immobilized on nonporous polystyrene particles of 500-nm diameter was only approximately 2% active as the glass-supported system. It is believed that the nanoporous structure of the glass supports enhances the molecular interactions among the immobilized enzymes and cofactor, thus improving the catalytic efficiency of the system.

Catalysis↗

Preconditioning improves postischemic mitochondrial function and diminishes oxidation of mitochondrial proteins.

This study examines the hypothesis that ischemic or pharmacologic preconditioning improves postischemic mitochondrial function by attenuating oxidation of mitochondrial proteins. Isolated rat hearts were perfused for 38 min preischemia, followed by 25 min global ischemia and then 60 min reperfusion. Hearts were preconditioned by two episodes of 3 min global ischemia, followed by 2 min of reflow (IP), or by perfusion with 50 micromol/l nicorandil (Nic) for 10 min, followed by 10 min washout. IP and Nic significantly (p <.05) improved postischemic function, which was abolished by bracketing the protocols with 200 micromol/l 5-hydroxydecoanate (5HD) or 300 micromol/l alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG). After isolation of cardiac mitochondria, the respiratory control index (RCI) was calculated from State 3 and State 4 respiration. Both IP and Nic significantly (p <.05) improved postischemic RCI, which was depressed 71% from preischemic values in control hearts. The protective effects of IP and Nic were partially abolished by bracketing with 5HD or MPG. Furthermore, mitochondria from ischemic hearts had significantly (p <.05) less ability to resist swelling on Ca2+ loading, which was improved by both IP and Nic. By use of an immunoblot technique, carbonyl content of multiple bands of mitochondrial proteins was observed to be elevated after 25 min ischemia, and still elevated by the end of 60 min reperfusion. Both IP and Nic attenuated the increased protein oxidation observed at the end of ischemia. The protective effect of IP was almost completely abolished by MPG and partially by 5HD, which also partially abolished the protective effect of Nic. These studies support the conclusion that one mechanism for enhanced postischemic function in the preconditioned heart is improved mitochondrial function as a result of decreased oxidation of mitochondrial proteins.

Animals↗

Substance P inhibits potassium and calcium currents in inner ear spiral ganglion neurons.

Substance P (SP), a member of the tachykinin family of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, has been identified on spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear; however, its high affinity receptor, neurokinin-1 (NK1), has not been identified and the physiological effects of SP on SGNs are not well understood. To address these issues, immunolabeling, RT-PCR, Western blots and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from SGNs in P0-P5 mouse cochlear organotypic cultures. The NK1 receptor was detected on SGNs by immunocytochemistry, the protein was detected in cochlear tissues by Western blots, and the mRNA for the NK1 receptor was also found in cochlear tissues of postnatal mice (P2) by RT-PCR. Application of SP (1 to 25 microM) significantly increased the latency of SGN action potentials (APs) (mean increase 7.8 +/- 4 ms; 25 microM of SP), prolonged the duration of the action potential and made the resting potential (RP) more positive (mean 9.0 +/- 7 mV) relative to normal values (-54 +/- 6 mV). SP (1 to 25 microM) also suppressed voltage-activated potassium currents (IK+) and calcium currents (ICa2+). Puffing 25 microM of SP onto SGNs suppressed IK+ by 43 +/- 9% (n = 7) and ICa2+ by 40.6 +/- 5.6% (n = 7); both currents recovered when SP was washed out. A SP antagonist blocked the SP-induced suppression of IK+ and ICa2+. These results indicate that SP acting through NK1 receptors can have direct neuromodulatory effects on SGNs.

Action Potentials↗

Upregulation of cardiovascular ghrelin receptor occurs in the hyperdynamic phase of sepsis.

Ghrelin, a newly identified endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a, i.e., ghrelin receptor), was recently demonstrated to be a potent vasoactive peptide. Although sepsis is characterized by an early, hyperdynamic phase, it remains unknown whether ghrelin or GHSR-1a plays a role in the cardiovascular response to sepsis. To determine this, polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in male adult rats. At 5 h (i.e., early sepsis) or 20 h (i.e., late sepsis) after cecal ligation and puncture, blood and tissue samples were collected. Ghrelin levels and ghrelin and GHSR-1a mRNA expression were assessed by RIA and RT-PCR, respectively. In addition, GHSR-1a protein levels in aorta, heart, and small intestine were determined by Western blotting. The vascular response to ghrelin was determined by using an isolated gut preparation. A primary rat aortic smooth muscle cell culture was used to determine the effects of LPS on GHSR-1a expression. The results indicate that although ghrelin levels decreased at early and late sepsis, its receptor was markedly elevated in early sepsis. Moreover, ghrelin-induced relaxation in resistance blood vessels of the isolated small intestine increased significantly during early sepsis but was not altered in late sepsis. Furthermore, GHSR-1a expression in smooth muscle cells was significantly increased at mRNA and protein levels with stimulation by LPS at 10 ng/ml. These results demonstrate that GHSR-1a expression is upregulated and vascular sensitivity to ghrelin stimulation is increased in the hyperdynamic phase of sepsis.

Animals↗