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Biomedical subjects

W H Lin

Publications and source records attributed to W H Lin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Effects of zinc supplementation on the plasma glucose level and insulin activity in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

The effects of zinc supplementation (20 mM ZnCl2 from the drinking water for eight weeks) on plasma glucose and insulin levels, as well as its in vitro effect on lipogenesis and lipolysis in adipocytes were studied in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice and their lean controls (+/?). Zinc supplementation reduced the fasting plasma glucose levels in both obese and lean mice by 21 and 25%, respectively (p < 0.05). Fasting plasma insulin levels were significantly decreased by 42% in obese mice after zinc treatment. In obese mice, zinc supplementation also attenuated the glycemic response by 34% after the glucose load. The insulin-like effect of zinc on lipogenesis in adipocytes was significantly increased by 80% in lean mice. However, the increment of 74% on lipogenesis in obese mice was observed only when the zinc plus insulin treatment was given. This study reveals that zinc supplementation alleviated the hyperglycemia of ob/ob mice, which may be related to its effect on the enhancement of insulin activity.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed1998

Aetiologies and prognosis of Chinese patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is not frequently encountered in Oriental patients. We investigated its aetiology and prognosis in 143 patients (65 males, 78 females), presenting to the National Taiwan University Hospital over 4.3 years, diagnosed by colour Doppler ultrasonography. Swelling and pain of the lower extremities were the most frequent presenting symptoms. The left femoropopliteal veins were more frequently involved than other parts of the lower extremities. In these patients, malignancy with or without intravenous catheterization was the most frequent cause (39 patients, 27%). Other common aetiologies included coagulopathy (29 patients, 20%), immobilization (24 patients, 17%) and catheter-related (13 patients, 9%). No definite aetiology could be determined in 37 patients (26%). During follow-up, 27 patients (19%) died, mostly with malignancy. Pulmonary embolism was noted in 16 patients and was not significantly directly related to death. Compared to similar studies in Caucasian patients, there were significant differences in the aetiology of DVT, with malignancy and coagulopathy more common in these Chinese patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Dimerization of the N-terminal amphipathic alpha-helix domain of the fungal immunomodulatory protein from Ganoderma tsugae (Fip-gts) defined by a yeast two-hybrid system and site-directed mutagenesis.

A fungal immunomodulatory protein (Fip-gts) was purified from Ganoderma tsugae. The DNA encoding Fip-gts was isolated from a cDNA library of G. tsugae by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The complete amino acid sequence of Fip-gts, deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA, was the same as LZ-8 isolated from Ganodermn lucidum. Recombinant Fip-gts was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli with a yield of 20 mg/liter of culture. Recombinant Fip-gts, purified to homogeneity, had the same blast formation stimulatory activity to human peripheral blood lymphocytes as native Fip-gts. The yeast two-hybrid system and site-directed mutagenesis were used to determine whether dimerization of Fip-gts occurred. Deletion analysis of the N-terminal amphipathic alpha-helix domain of Fip-gts identified a sequence of about 10 amino acids responsible for inducing immunomodulatory activity. Non-functional Fip-gts deletion mutants did not form dimers, whereas wild type Fip-gts did as determined by gel filtration. A mutant with deletions at Leu-5, Phe-7, and Leu-9 lost the amphipathic characteristics of the N-terminal domain and the ability to form dimers as well as its immunomodulatory activity. Fusion of Fip-gts with the DNA binding and the transactivation domains of GAL4 resulted in the activation of the lacZ activator gene, indicating the interaction of Fip-gts with it itself. The dimerization domain was further defined by analyzing the ability of the N-terminal 13 amino acids or Leu-5, Phe-7, and Leu-9 deletion mutants of Fip-gts to interact with the wild type Fip-gts. These experiments confirmed the N-terminal amphipathic alpha-helix as the dimerization domain and suggest that the dimerization of Fip-gts may play an important role in Fip-gts immunomodulatory activity.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1997

Zinc attenuation of GDP binding to brown adipocytes mitochondria in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

In this study, we investigate the in vitro effect of zinc addition on guanosine diphosphate (GDP) binding to mitochondria in brown adipocytes of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Interscapular brown adipocytes of male mice (obese; lean) at 4 and 12 wk of age were incubated with 0, 50, 100, or 200 microM zinc sulfate. Mitochondria were then isolated and their GDP binding capacities were measured. The GDP-binding capacities of ob/ob mice were lower than lean mice, with or without zinc addition, in both age groups (p < 0.05). Zinc addition did not have any significant effect on GDP binding in lean mice. GDP binding decreased with increasing zinc addition in ob/ob mice, and this attenuation was more predominant in 12-wk old ob/ob mice. Moreover, we found that high magnesium addition (5 mM) increased GDP binding in lean mice, but this effect was not significant in ob/ob mice. This study reveals that brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in ob/ob mice could be greatly attenuated by zinc addition, suggesting that zinc may play a regulatory role in obesity.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed1997

A diether phosphonolipid surfactant analog, DEPN-8, is resistant to phospholipase-C cleavage.

Increased activities of phospholipase A2 and C (PLC) have been observed in the bronchoalveolar lavages of patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DL-alpha-Di-O-hexadecylphosphonocholine [(R)(S)-DEPN-8], a surfactant analog of superior surface activity to the major lung surfactant phospholipid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), is not a substrate for phospholipases A1, A2 and D, but is a substrate for PLC. (R)(S)-DEPN-8 was found in vitro to undergo significantly less PLC-catalyzed degradation as compared to DPPC. The results suggest that (R)(S)-DEPN-8 and structurally related analogs may be useful as components of exogenous replacement surfactant formulations for the treatment of ARDS-related lung injuries.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed1997

[The lymphoepithelial lesion in salivary glands:report of 25 cases]

This paper reported the results of the clinical observation and long-term follow-up of twenty-five cases of lymphoepithelial lesion in salivary glands.It evaluated the name and character of this disease and investigated correlation between Mikulicz syndrome and Sjogren syndrome.Lymphoepithelial lesion were a course of the benign disease,and had character similar as tumors.It was liable to be diagnosed erroneously and should be treated according to principle of the tumor therapy in the salivary gland.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Prenatal diagnosis in a Chinese family with type Ia glycogen storage disease by PCR-based genetic analysis.

Type Ia glycogen storage disease (GSD), an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, is caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). We had previously identified the nature of the causative mutations in a Chinese family whose first two children were affected with type Ia GSD. Two different point mutations in the G6Pase gene, a guanine to adenine substitution at base position 327 in exon 2 and a thymine to adenine substitution at base position 1101 in exon 5, change the restriction sites for the enzymes Fok I and Hinc II. Family study revealed that both parents were heterozygous carriers: the father with a mutant G6Pase allele at exon 2 and the mother with another mutant G6Pase allele at exon 5. This paper deals with a prenatal diagnosis on the fetus of this family who is at risk of type Ia GSD. Genomic DNA was extracted from a chorionic villus biopsy sampled at the tenth week of gestation. Exons 2 and 5 of the G6Pase gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digestion and direct sequence analysis. DNA analysis indicated that the fetus was a heterozygous carrier of type Ia GSD with a mutant G6Pase allele at exon 2 and a normal G6Pase allele at exon 5. The diagnosis was further confirmed by the same method with cultured amniocytes and with a blood sample after the baby was born. This is the first report of prenatal carrier detection of type Ia GSD at the gene level.

Chorionic Villi Sampling↗
PubMed1996

Zinc supplementation aggravates body fat accumulation in genetically obese mice and dietary-obese mice.

A perturbation of zinc metabolism has been noted in numerous laboratory animals with diabetes and obesity. The effects of zinc supplementation on body fat deposition in two types of experimental obese mice: genetically obese (ob/ob) mice and high-fat diet-induced ICR obese (HF) mice were investigated in this study. Their lean controls were +/? mice, and ICR on basal diet, respectively. The mice in the zinc-supplemented groups were administered 200 mg/kg zinc in their diets for 6 wk. Both the ob/ob mice and the HF mice, that were fed a diet containing a marginal zinc dosage (4-6 mg/kg), had lower zinc levels in their serum and carcass, and higher body fat content than their respective lean controls (p < 0.01). After zinc supplementation, ob/ob mice and the HF mice significantly (p < 0.05) increased their body fat by 49.4% and 18.9%, respectively. This study revealed that body fat deposition can be aggravated by zinc supplementation in both types of obese mice. Zinc may be associated with the energy homeostasis of obesity, via its interaction with dietary fat consumption.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1996

Diagnosis and follow-up of carotid-cavernous fistulas by carotid duplex sonography and transcranial color Doppler imaging.

To investigate the suitability of extracranial carotid duplex (ECD) and transcranial color Doppler imaging (TCDI) in the diagnosis and follow-up of treatment in patients with carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF), combined ECD and TCDI examinations were studied in seven patients with traumatic CCF. According to angiography, four patients had direct CCF, two indirect CCF and one both direct and indirect CCF. In ECD, hemodynamic parameters of the feeding artery showed an abnormally increased flow volume and decreased resistivity indices in five direct CCFs from the internal carotid artery and one indirect CCF from the external carotid artery. Direct visualization of the CCF was achieved in patients with direct CCF only, and revealed itself as a heterogeneous mosaic flash resulting from high flow velocities and turbulence. Patterns of venous drainage were detected via the transorbital and transforaminal windows in seven and five patients (four direct and one indirect CCF patients), respectively. These abnormal findings were improved or even normalized after successful treatment. In conclusion, combined ECD and TCDI examinations appear to be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of CCF.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Genetic analysis of the glucose-6-phosphatase mutation of type 1a glycogen storage disease in a Chinese family.

Type 1a glycogen storage disease (GSD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequence analysis were used to identify the location and nature of mutations at the G6Pase locus in two siblings affected with type 1a GSD. Both patients are compound heterozygotes with two different single nucleotide substitutions in the two G6Pase alleles. A guanine to adenine transition was identified at base position 327 in the exon 2, converting an arginine to a histidine at codon 83. The second substitution was a thymine to adenine transversion at base position 1101 in the exon 5, converting an isoleucine to an asparagine at codon 341. Family study reveals that both parents are heterozygous carriers: the father with a mutant G6Pase allele at exon 2, the mother with another mutant G6Pase allele at exon 5. This is the first family study in Taiwan on type 1a GSD identified by molecular analysis. The mutations identified herein are novel substitutions in the G6Pase gene. In addition, an adenine to guanine substitution was observed at base position 653 in the exon 5 of G6Pase gene in both sibling patients and their parents, as well as in 15 normal Chinese subjects and three normal Caucasian subjects.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1996

Restoration of lung compliance with calf lung surfactant extract and a surfactant analog in an in situ model of surfactant deficiency in rats.

We have developed a standardized in situ lung surfactant deficiency model in the rat by using a single bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of surfactants and surfactant analogs in terms of their in vivo physiological properties. Calf lung surfactant extract (CLSE) was shown to improve lung compliance in a dose-dependent manner in this surfactant deficiency model when administered intratracheally immediately after BAL. In addition, CLSE formulated with a diether (palmityl) phosphonolipid surfactant analog significantly improved the compliance post-BAL as compared to CLSE alone. We propose that this in situ bioassay may be useful for the assessment of physiological capabilities of surfactants, surfactant analogs and surfactant formulations.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed1996

Ultrasonographic study and long-term follow-up of Takayasu's arteritis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Takayasu's arteritis is an inflammatory vasculopathy involving the aorta and its major branches. Little information is available on the natural history and temporal profile of changes in the carotid vessels, the major vessels involved in Takayasu's arteritis. Duplex ultrasonography may provide a reliable and efficient tool for the characterization and follow-up of the brachiocephalic vascular changes in Takayasu's arteritis. METHODS: Sixteen female patients fulfilling the clinical diagnostic criteria for Takayasu's arteritis were studied. Mean age at onset was 23.6 years (SD = 6.0), and mean duration of follow-up was 17.1 years (SD = 11.9). The clinical features were analyzed. Only one patient had had a stroke. They had undergone at least one duplex scanning examination to evaluate the brachiocephalic vessels, including the extracranial carotid, vertebral, and subclavian arteries. Six patients underwent sequential duplex examination and long-term clinical follow-up. RESULTS: All the studied patients had subclavian artery involvement, and 11 (69%) had common carotid artery involvement. The percentage of bilateral concomitant involvement was 100% in the common carotid artery and 33% in the subclavian artery. Homogeneous circumferential intima-media thickening was commonly seen in stenotic common carotid arteries (89%). Four patients had internal carotid artery involvement (all on the left side). In the serial duplex follow-up study, 2 of 6 patients had progressive vascular stenosis with concentric thickening, rather than longitudinal spreading, in the bilateral common carotid arteries. Left-side lesions were more prominent. Most were clinically stationary, despite severe stenosis or occlusion of the common carotid arteries. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic vascular lesions and progression changes in Takayasu's arteritis detected by duplex ultrasonography are quite different from those seen in ordinary atherosclerosis. Homogeneous circumferential intima-media thickening of the common carotid arteries is a highly specific ultrasonographic finding in patients with Takayasu's arteritis, particularly young women. Sequential duplex scanning showed vascular progression to be unpredictable and unrelated to medication in our patients. Further clinical investigations of vascular progression are warranted, and duplex scanning may provide a simple, safe, and accurate long-term means of follow-up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Reverse jugular flow in a case of thrombosis of the brachiocephalic vein with an artificial arteriovenous fistula.

Thrombosis of the thoracic inlet veins following placement of a central venous catheter is a well-known complication, and several findings have been reported by color Doppler sonography. However, reverse jugular flow resulting from this complication is rarely mentioned and should be differentiated from another complication of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula between neck vessels. The authors here describe a uremic patient with an artificial arteriovenous fistula in the forearm complicated with thrombosis of the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein. Factors permitting the differential diagnosis by coloer Doppler sonography and clinical conditions are proposed.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed1995

Expression of a Drosophila GATA transcription factor in multiple tissues in the developing embryos. Identification of homozygous lethal mutants with P-element insertion at the promoter region.

GATA transcription factors are DNA-binding proteins that recognize the core consensus sequence, WGATAR. Previous studies indicated that GATA factors play ann important role in the development of tissue-specific functions in vertebrates. Here we report the identification of a new Drosophila melanogaster GATA factor, dGATAc, which displays a distinct expression pattern in embryos. The local concentration of dGATAc transcripts varies at different stages, being most prominent in the procephalic region at stages 6-10 and in the posterior spiracles, the gut, and the central nervous system at stages 11-13. On the basis of its predicted sequence, DNA-binding assays were performed to confirm that the dGATAc gene encodes a zinc finger protein that can bind the GATA consensus motif with predicted specificity. Two independent mutants carrying a P-element insertion at the dGATAc gene promoter region were identified that are homozygous lethal at the embryonic stage. Using a genetic scheme, it was demonstrated that the lack of dGATAc function can block normal embryonic development. Our results suggest that the dGATAc protein is a tissue-specific transcription factor that is vital to the development of multiple organ systems in D. melanogaster.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Dietary copper supplementation increases the catecholamine levels in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

The interactive relationship between Cu deficiency and depressed synthesis of certain neurotransmitters has been recognized. To investigate the effects of dietary Cu supplementation on the catecholamine levels in genetically obese mice, male obese (ob/ob) mice and their lean (+/?) counterparts were administered either a control diet (4.0 mg/kg) or a Cu-supplemented diet (50 mg/kg) for 4 wk. The ob/ob mice that were fed a control diet showed lower liver and higher plasma levels of Cu. Depressed levels of plasma and brain catecholamines were also found in ob/ob mice that were fed the control diet. The ob/ob mice that received a Cu-supplemented diet showed significant increases in the levels of catecholamine in the plasma and brain. This study showed that catecholamine levels in ob/ob mice can be increased by dietary Cu supplementation. However, the interaction between Cu and sympathetic nervous activity in obesity was not elucidated in this study.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Selected metals status in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

In order to investigate the relationships between metals zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], magnesium [Mg], or Calcium [Ca] and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 65 patients of newly diagnosed noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 54 nondiabetic healthy controls were studied. The concentrations of selected metals in fasting blood samples and 24-h urine collections were determined. Hyperzincuria and hypermagnesuria were detected in diabetic patients (p < 0.01). The diabetics also had lower Zn and Mg, and higher Cu, and Ca levels in their plasma than those of the controls, but the statistical differences in Ca and Mg were not significant. Significantly lower Zn and higher Ca levels in erythrocytes were found in diabetic patients (p < 0.01). There is evidence of a significant difference in metals status between diabetic patients with or without the specific complications. This study further indicates that patients with NIDDM on Taiwan also have distinct changes in their metals status, and these perturbations are associated with some diabetic complications.

Calcium↗