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Biomedical subjects

X H Huang

Publications and source records attributed to X H Huang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase immobilized on a hexagonal mesoporous silica-MCM-41 matrix.

The direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase (GOD) immobilized on a hexagonal mesoporous silica modified glassy carbon electrode was investigated. The adsorbed GOD displayed a pair of redox peaks with a formal potential of -417 mV in 0.1 M pH 6.1 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The response showed a diffusion-controlled electrode process with a two-electron transfer coupled with a two-proton transfer reaction process. GOD immobilized on a hexagonal mesoporous silica retained its bioactivity and stability. In addition, the immobilized GOD could electrocatalyze the oxidation of glucose to gluconlactone by taking ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (FMCA) as a mediator in N(2) saturated solutions, indicating that the electrode may have the potential application in biosensors to analyze glucose. The sensor could exclude the interference of commonly coexisted uric acid, p-acetaminophenol and ascorbic acid and diagnose diabetes very fast and sensitively. This work demonstrated that the mesoporous silica provided a novel matrix for protein immobilization and the construction of biosensors.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Electron microscopic examination of the viromatrix of Rana grylio virus in a fish cell line.

Rana grylio virus (RGV), a Ranavirus belonging to the family Iridoviridae, assembles in the viromatrix which is a factory for viral genome replication and particle assembly. Ultrastructural studies of the viromatrix will clarify the pathway of assembly. The viromatrix and quantitative changes in RGV infected epithelipma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells, one of fish cell lines, were studied by electron microscopy. It was shown that viromatrices were adjacent to the nucleus, and the electron density was lower than that of the surrounding cytoplasm. The viromatrix contained virus particles with different forms, electron-dense materials and amorphous structures which included tubules and membranous materials. Tubules were often observed in direct continuity with empty capsids. Several bundles of intermediate filaments were seen alongside the viromatrix and crystalline aggregates. Large clusters of mitochondria occurred in proximity to viromatrix. A total of 990 cells profiles were examined. The results showed that 394 cells contained viromatrix: 89.3% contained one, and 10.7% contained two to four viromatrices. The number of viromatrices increased gradually and reached a peak at 16 h p.i. The viromatrix area at 24 h p.i. increased up to 7.4 +/- 0.69 microm(2) which was three-times lower than that at 6 h p.i. The number of empty capsids within viromatrix was generally more than that of "full" particles at different time points, and there was a strong positive correlation between them.

Animals↗

Visualization of oligonucleotide probes and point mutations in interphase nuclei and DNA fibers using rolling circle DNA amplification.

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is a surface-anchored DNA replication reaction that can be exploited to visualize single molecular recognition events. Here we report the use of RCA to visualize target DNA sequences as small as 50 nts in peripheral blood lymphocytes or in stretched DNA fibers. Three unique target sequences within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene could be detected simultaneously in interphase nuclei, and could be ordered in a linear map in stretched DNA. Allele-discriminating oligonucleotide probes in conjunction with RCA also were used to discriminate wild-type and mutant alleles in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, p53, BRCA-1, and Gorlin syndrome genes in the nuclei of cultured cells or in DNA fibers. These observations demonstrate that signal amplification by RCA can be coupled to nucleic acid hybridization and multicolor fluorescence imaging to detect single nucleotide changes in DNA within a cytological context or in single DNA molecules. This provides a means for direct physical haplotyping and the analysis of somatic mutations on a cell-by-cell basis.

Alleles↗

[In vivo distribution and expression after skin injury of fibronectin splicing variants].

OBJECTIVE: In order to develop new criteria and to select positive controls for forensic medicine, experiments on in vivo distribution and expression after skin wound of fibronectin splicing variants, EIIIA and EIIIB were studied. METHODS: Rat tissues were homogenized to extract total RNA which was then amplified by RT-PCR technique. RESULTS: (1) EIIIA+ and EIIIB+ of normal skin were not expressed, whereas EIIIA+ after 18 hours' injury was expressed abundantly. No obvious charge of EIIIB+ was detected. The differences between results of using two methods of injury were not significant. (2) The distribution of fibronectin variants in different adult organs were in the following order: brain > heart > liver. CONCLUSIONS: EIIIA+ may be used as a sensitive criterion for research of skin injury.

Animals↗

[Ultrastructure changes of electrical injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe ultrastructure changes of electrical injury in rats. METHODS: An experimental model of rats suffered from the low voltage were designed. Ultrastructure changes of electrical injured tissues were observed under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: (1) Plasma of epithelium was concreted in the affected areas and inner membrane system was broken. (2) Hypercontraction bands were observed in skeleton muscles. (3) There was dissolved necrosis and hypercontraction bands in the myocardium. (4) Vacuoles were found in plasma of endothelium of blood vessels on electrical current path, and myelin sheath of nerve fiber were loosed. CONCLUSION: The above mentioned ultrastructure changes could be used as assistant diagnostic index of electrocution. The mechanism of the changes were discussed.

Animals↗

[High-performance liquid chromatography determination of histamine in nasal mucosa of guinea pig after post-column derivatization].

A rapid and simple method for determining histamine by post-column derivatization liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection was described. SCX weakly acidic cation exchange column was used as an analytical column. Histamine was eluted at 13 min 12 s by 40 mmol.L-1 of trisodium citrate (pH5.50) at flow rate of 1.0 ml.min-1. The recoveries of histamine ranged from 1.0 mumol.L-1 to 100 mumol.L-1 were above 92%. The detection limit for histamine was 50 nmol.L-1 and the linear range for histamine was 50 nmol.L(-1)-500 mumol.L-1.

Animals↗

Interactions of Janus Green B with double stranded DNA and the determination of DNA based on the measurement of enhanced resonance light scattering.

A novel assay of DNA with a sensitivity at the nanogram level is proposed based on the measurement of enhanced resonance light scattering (RLS) signals resulting from the interaction of Janus Green B (JGB) with DNA. At pH 6.37 and ionic strength < 0.20, the RLS signals of JGB were greatly enhanced by DNA in the region of 300-650 nm characterized by three peaks at 416.0, 452.0 and 469.2 nm. The binding properties were examined using a Scatchard plot based on the measurement of the enhanced RLS data at 416.0 nm at a high JGB: DNA molar ratio (R > 2.22), and an aggregation mechanism of JGB in the presence of DNA at the nanogram level is proposed. Linear relationships can be established between the enhanced RLS intensity and DNA concentration in the range 0-3.5 micrograms ml-1 for both calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and fish sperm DNA (fsDNA) if 2.0 x 10(-5) M JGB is employed. The limits of determination were 8.7 ng ml-1 for ctDNA and 9.9 ng ml-1 for fsDNA, respectively. Synthetic samples were analysed satisfactorily.

Azo Compounds↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and prognosis of IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Well-known factors for a poor prognosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are hypertension, proteinuria, and renal insufficiency at the time of diagnosis. Also hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia seem to play a role in the progression of IgAN. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism has been associated with cardiovascular diseases and with progression of IgAN. We, therefore, investigated the contribution of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in the prognosis of IgAN and its association with the other risk factors affecting the prognosis. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with IgAN were followed up for 6-17 (median 11) years from renal biopsy with respect to progression of renal disease defined as elevation of serum creatinine above 125 microM (1.4 mg/dl) in men or 105 microM (1.2 mg/dl) in women and over 20% from the baseline level. In addition to serum creatinine, the urinary protein excretion was evaluated at the time of renal biopsy and at the assessment visit at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 26 (15%) patients showed progression of renal disease. Patients with ACE genotype II had a more favorable course than those with genotypes ID or DD. Although there were no significant differences among the ACE genotypes with respect to proteinuria > or =1 g/24 h at the time of renal biopsy, proteinuria > or =1 g/24 h was more frequent in patients with genotypes ID or DD than in those with genotype II at the end of the follow-up period. No associations were found between hypertension, serum lipids or serum urate, and ACE genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that patients with ACE genotype II have a more favorable prognosis than those with genotypes ID/DD. Secondly, proteinuria (> or =1 g/24 h) found in patients with genotype II at diagnosis may improve, while in patients with genotypes ID/DD it is a more constant feature.

Adolescent↗

Detection of minimal residual cancer to investigate why oral tumors recur despite seemingly adequate treatment.

Improvements in surgery and radiotherapy techniques have led to only a modest increase in the 5-year survival rate for patients with head and neck cancer. This is because the pattern of clinical disease is changing, such that locoregional recurrence now accounts for fewer treatment failures, but more patients develop a second primary cancer or distant metastatic disease. In this study, we have used the p53 phage plaque assay, immunocytochemistry, and mutational analysis to assess the contribution of minimal residual cancer and genetic aberrations in clinically normal upper aerodigestive tract mucosa to treatment failure. Eighteen consecutive patients with oral tumors, with conventional clear margins, have been followed for a minimum of 36 months. Molecular assessment identified tumor-positive surgical margins for 6 of 11 assessable patients and additional tumor-positive lymph nodes for three cases. Disseminated malignant cells were detected in the hematopoietic cell compartment for six cases, and one patient had molecular evidence of field cancerization. Locoregional recurrence developed in five patients with tumors harboring a p53 gene mutation; four of these were associated with tumor-positive surgical margins, and one was associated with molecular evidence of field cancerization. Radiotherapy to the primary site did not prevent development of local recurrence when the residual tumor harbored a p53 gene mutation. Three of six cases with a tumor-positive bone marrow aspirate developed distant metastases. These findings reveal that molecular and immunocytochemical detection of minimal residual cancer and field cancerization can help identify patients who may develop locoregional or distant recurrence and justify further studies to evaluate the contribution of these remaining malignant cells to treatment failure.

Adult↗

[Expression of thermostable alpha-amylase gene in potato].

The thermostable alpha-amylase gene cloned from Bacillus lichemiformis was reconstructed into an expression vector pAMY721M under the CaMV35S promoter. The vector was transferred into A. tumerfaciens ABI. The thermostable alpha-amylase gene was transferred into Solanum tuberosum L. via Agrobacterium mediation according to the revised method of ZHAO Shu Juan et al (1997) and YANG Mei Zhu et al (1992). Shoots were induced and regenerated on MS medium with 2 mg/L ZT, 0.1 mg/L IAA and 100 mg/L kanamycin. Putative transformants were selected with kanamycin and roots induced on MS medium with 0.15 mg/L IAA. PCR analysis and thermostable alpha-amylase activity assay were done to identify the transgenic plantlets. Among them, 102,001, 102,607, and 110,402 were showed to have a higher alpha-amylase activity than untransformed control.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗

[Establishment of an animal model of Capillaria hepatica].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an animal model of Capillaria hepatica. METHOD: Sixteen rats and two cats were infected with the embryo eggs of Capillaria hepatica through mouth. RESULTS: Of 16 infected rats, 2 were negative, 14 were positive with Capillaria hepatica. 2 cats were negative. CONCLUSION: Rats could be used as an animal model of Capillaria hepatica.

Animals↗

Relationship of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism to carotid wall thickness in middle-aged men.

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a major determinant of circulating ACE levels. The D allele has been suggested to be a potent risk factor for coronary artery disease; however, the effect of the ACE gene on carotid atherosclerosis remains controversial. We therefore studied the relationship between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). A random sample of 300 men aged 50-59 years living in southern Finland were selected, and 233 agreed to participate (74%). Data were collected in 219 subjects. Quantitative B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure the maximum near and far wall IMT of right and left common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery. The mean maximum IMT (overall mean) was calculated as the mean of 12 maximum IMTs at 12 standard sites. Patients with an IMT higher than 1.7 mm in at least one of 12 standard sites were assumed to have carotid atherosclerosis. The I/D polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Overestimation of the frequency of the DD genotype was eliminated by insertion-specific primer and the inclusion of 5% dimethylsulfoxide. No significant differences were found in carotid wall thickness between the three genotypes; the overall mean IMT were 1.18 +/- 0.30, 1.22 +/- 0.24, and 1.08 +/- 0.40 mm in genotypes of II, ID, and DD, respectively. Similarly, the ACE genotypes and allele frequencies did not differ significantly between the subjects with and those without carotid atherosclerosis. There was no association in the subgroups among only nonsmoking subjects or subjects without chronic medication. The present data indicate that the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene is not related to carotid IMT and is unlikely to play a major role in carotid atherosclerosis.

Carotid Arteries↗

[Cardic death and apoptosis of myocardium].

TdT-mediated Dutp nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was applied to detect apoptosis of myocardium of corpses dying from cardiac death. For arteriosclerotic coronary heart death, diffused apoptosis was observed around the border zones of histologically infarcted myocardium, and in the epithelial and smooth muscle of arteries. Few apoptosis cells were present for hypertensive heart death, and none for corpses dying from falling and hanging. Myocardium apoptosis may provide a new target for heart failure.

Apoptosis↗

Vitamin D receptor alleles and bone's response to physical activity.

The objective of this prospective controlled study was to determine whether the osteogenic response of bone to mechanical loading is dependent on the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism. Thirty-five healthy premenopausal women took part in a progressive, high-impact exercise three times a week for a period of 18 months and 45 women served as nonexercising controls. The trainees were divided into three groups: bb (n = 12, 34%); Bb (n = 16, 46%); BB (n = 7, 20%) according to polymorphism at the gene encoding the VDR (BB representing subjects without the restriction enzyme BsmI sites on the two VDR gene alleles). Bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at the lumber spine, proximal femur, knee, calcaneus, and dominant distal radius before the beginning of the exercise regimen and at 12 and 18 months of training using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). As an indicator of the total osteogenic effect of the training, SigmaBMC was derived by summing up the BMC values of the loaded sites (i.e., the lower limb sites and the lumbar spine). The mean SigmaBMC increased 2.0% in the bb group, 3.0% in the Bb group, and 2.8% in the BB group (P = 0.184 for the intergroup difference), but only 0. 8% in the controls (exercisers versus controls, P < 0.001). Individuals with the BB genotype of the VDR gene, subjects with whom the BMC can be lower than normal and whose bones can be less responsive to pharmacological therapies than bones of the other individuals, seem to have as good osteogenic response to mechanical loading as subjects with other VDR genotypes. Thus, irrespective of the VDR genotype, physical activity seems to be beneficial for bones of premenopausal women.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Relationship of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hypertension in NIDDM.

The deletion (D) allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular and renal diseases in diabetes mellitus, but the mechanism underlying this association is not known. In addition, recent studies of the effect of the ACE gene on blood pressure have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we studied the association of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, and the contribution of this locus to genetic susceptibility to hypertension in non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus (NIDDM). We analysed the ACE genotype in 84 unrelated NIDDM patients with a known disease duration of less than 1 year and in 115 age- and sex-matched controls. The I/D polymorphism was determined by the polymerase chain reaction. There were no differences in ACE genotype distribution and allele frequencies between patients with NIDDM and nondiabetic controls. The frequencies of the D and I alleles in both groups were identical, viz., 0.65 and 0.35, respectively. The NIDDM patients with the DD genotype had significantly higher blood glucose levels in the oral glucose tolerance test than those with the other genotypes; the incremental glucose area under the curve in the order of II, ID, and DD was 7.2+/-2.4, 9.2+/-4.0, and 10.7+/-2.7 mmol/l x h (II vs ID vs DD, P=0.0066 by ANOVA). No significant difference was found between the ACE genotype and serum insulin values. Similarly, there were no differences in body mass index, blood pressure, or serum lipids between the three genotypes. Among the non-diabetic controls, there was no statistically significant association of the I/D polymorphism with serum lipids, blood glucose levels, serum insulin concentrations, or blood pressure values. In conclusion, NIDDM patients with the DD genotype have higher blood glucose levels and are more glucose intolerant; this may help to explain the reported association between the D allele and vascular complications in NIDDM.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism is associated with coronary heart disease in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients evaluated for 9 years.

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a major determinant of circulating ACE levels. Recent studies have found the ACE D allele to be associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. This association has not been evaluated in prospective studies. We therefore studied the relationship between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and CHD in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) evaluated for 9 years. The I/D polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overestimation of the frequency of the DD genotype was eliminated by insertion-specific primers and inclusion of 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Eighty-three patients were evaluated for a mean period of 9.1 years (range, 7.4 to 10.5). Among them, 64 patients showed no CHD at entry. During the follow-up period, 21 patients (37.5%) developed CHD. The systolic blood pressure (P = .046), fasting blood glucose (P < .01), and prevalence of hypertension (P < .001) increased, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < .001) decreased. Patients who developed CHD were older than those who did not; the mean age was 59.3 and 53.2 years, respectively (P = .003). The prevalence of albuminuria at follow-up examination was higher in CHD subjects versus non-CHD subjects (61.9% v 20.9%, P = .012). The D allele of the ACE gene was significantly more frequent in subjects with CHD versus those without CHD in both follow-up (P = .028, chi2 test) and cross-sectional (P = .033, chi2 test) settings. No difference could be detected between the three genotypes in age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, or plasma lipid levels. In our logistic regression analysis, the best model selected the DD genotype (P = .0105) and age (P = .0407) as significant risk factors for CHD. This model classified 89% of the subjects correctly. In conclusion, this 9-year prospective study supports the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is an important and independent risk factor for CHD in patients with NIDDM.

Adult↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and diabetic albuminuria in patients with NIDDM followed Up for 9 years.

Nephropathy is a major cause of premature morbidity and mortality in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a genetic determinant of plasma ACE levels. Recent studies have found I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene to be associated with nephropathy in NIDDM. This association has not been evaluated in prospective studies. We, therefore, studied the relationship between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and diabetic albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in 83 NIDDM patients followed up for 9 years. At baseline, 29% (24 of 83) of the diabetic patients had an increased (>30 mg/24 h) urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and the prevalence of albuminuria at the 9-year examination was 35% (29 of 83). During the follow-up period, systolic blood pressure (p = 0.044), prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.01), and fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.01) increased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01) decreased. The declines of GFR during the follow-up period were 8.5, 14.1, and 16.3% within genotype groups of II, ID, and DD, respectively (p values for decreases: NS for II, <0.001 for ID, and <0.001 for DD). Patients with the DD genotype tended to have a steeper decrease of GFR, but the change was not statistically significant between the genotype groups. The increases of UAER during the follow-up period were 35.1, 8.3, and 122.4% within genotype groups of II, ID, and DD, respectively, but p values for all increases were not significant. Parallel to GFR, patients with the DD genotype tended to have a steeper increase of UAER, but the change was not statistically significant between the genotype groups. There were no differences in the ACE genotype distribution and allele frequencies between the patients with or without albuminuria either at follow-up or in cross-sectional settings. In conclusion, this 9-year follow-up study does not support the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is a major genetic marker of diabetic nephropathy in NIDDM patients.

Adult↗