Biomedical subjects

Ye Wu

Publications and source records attributed to Ye Wu.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

The mRNA expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and TNFR-I in some vital organs after thermal injury.

AIM: To investigate changes of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and TNFR-I expression in vital organs and their significance in the pathogenesis of multiple organ damage associated with endogenous endotoxin following major burns. METHODS: Wistar rats subjected to a 35 % full-thickness scald injury were sacrificed at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postburn, respectively. Meanwhile, eight rats were taken as normal controls. Tissue samples from liver, spleen, kidney, lung and intestine were collected to assay tissue endotoxin levels and measure TNF-alpha and TNFR-I expression. In addition, blood samples were obtained for the determination of organ function parameters. RESULTS: Endotoxin levels in liver, spleen and lung increased markedly after thermal injury, with the highest level in liver. The gene expression of TNF-alpha in liver, lung and kidney was up-regulated after thermal injury, while the TNFR-I mRNA expression in liver, lung, kidney and intestine was shown decreased throughout the observation period. Thus, the mRNA expression ratio of TNF-alpha to TNFR-I was significantly increased postburn, particularly in pulmonary tissue (67-fold). In addition, the significant correlations between the expression of TNFR-I or the expression ratio of TNF-alpha/TNFR mRNA in liver tissue and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were noted (P<0.05-0.01). Similar results were also obtained between pulmonary TNF-alpha mRNA expression and myeloperoxidase activities (P<0.01), whereas there was a highly negative correlation between levels of renal TNFR-I mRNA expression and serum creatinine. CONCLUSION: Burn injury could result in the translocation of gut-derived endotoxin that was mainly distributed in the liver, spleen and lung. The translocated endotoxin then made the expression of TNF-alpha and TNFR-I mRNA up-regulated and down-regulated respectively in various organs, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple organ damage following burns.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Diagnosis and treatment of biotinidase deficiency-clinical study of six patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and neurodevelopmental profiles of patients with biotinidase deficiency and to determine the efficacy of current therapy with respect to outcome. METHODS: Six patients aged from 3 months to 14 years with biotinidase deficiency were confirmed by urinary organic acid analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and biotinidase assay on dried blood spots. Biotin was supplemented individually (10-40 mg/d). Their clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment regimen were reviewed. RESULTS: All the 6 patients presented with some extent of neurological abnormalities and dermatological lesions. Cases 1 - 3 had poor feeding, vomiting, seizures, mental retardation, and lethargy onset from their early infancy, with varied degree of anemia, ketosis, acidosis, and hypoglycemia. Case 2 exhibited eczema and dermatitis from his age of 7 months. Case 4 displayed motor deficit and ataxia after 6 months of age, and generalized pustular psoriasis when he was 8 months old. Cases 5 and 6 gradually showed muscle weakness and paraplegia at the age of 7 years and 5 years, respectively. Inflammatory demyelination changes of cervical cord were evident on magnetic resonance imaging in these two patients. Case 6 had progressive optic atrophy, eczema and alopecia. Remarkable elevations of urinary lactate, pyruvate, 3-OH-propionate, methylcitrate, propionylglycine, 3-OH-isovalerate, 3-methylcrontonylglycine were confirmed in cases 1, 2, 3 and 5. Slight increase of urinary lactate, pyruvate, and 3-methylcrontonylglycine was observed in cases 4 and 6. Biotinidase activities assayed on dried blood spots from all the patients were below 0.1 pmol/(min.3 mm) Biotin supplementation for all the patients, except for case 3 who was not treated, resulted in pronounced and rapid clinical and biochemical improvement. Cases 4 and 6 had residual neurological damage comprising ataxia and motor handicap of legs, due to prolonged disease course. CONCLUSIONS: Biotinidase deficiency intensively impairs nervous system and skin in the affected patients. Urinary organic acid analysis and blood biotinidase assay are crucial to the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and biotin supplementation can contribute significantly to the improvement of prognosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Calculating emissions of exhaust particulate matter from motor vehicles with PART5 model].

PART5, a vehicle particulate emission factor model developed by USEPA, was modified and then used to obtain the emission factors of exhaust PM10 and PM2.5 from on-road automobiles, trucks and motorcycles in Beijing. The total exhaust PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from motor vehicles in 1995 and 1998 were calculated separately. The contribution ratios of different types of vehicles to the total vehicular emissions, and the share of different exhaust particulate components including Pb, direct SO4(2-), soluble organic fraction (SOF) and remaining carbon portion (RCP), were also estimated. It was shown that the emission factors of exhaust PM10 and PM2.5 from gasoline motor vehicles, motorcycles and heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Beijing were 1.7-8.6 times, 2.1-3.5 times and 1.3-1.5 times, respectively, of the USA average emission levels during the same period. The total exhaust PM10 and PM2.5 from vehicles were 2445 tons and 1890 tons in 1995 in Beijing, and increased to 3359 tons and 2694 tons in 1998, which increase by 37.4% and 42.5%, respectively.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2002

The effects of antiepileptic drugs on spatial learning and hippocampal protein kinase C gamma in immature rats.

This study was conducted to determine if alterations in hippocampal protein kinase C (PKC) gamma is one of the cellular mechanisms by which conventional antiepileptic drugs affect learning and memory. Wistar Rats (21-day-old) were divided into five groups: (1) control (no training and drugs); (2) training group (no drugs); (3) phenobarbital (PB) group; (4) carbamazepine (CBZ) group; and (5) valproate (VPA) group. A hippocampus dependent learning task (spatial changing learning) was used in the latter four groups lasting a total of 10 days. Correct responding rate of training group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the PB, CBZ and VPA group. The PKC gamma staining intensity in hippocampal CA1-2 region of training group was significant greater than that of the control and PB group. There was no difference in staining intensities between the CBZ, VPA group or training group. The amount of PKC gamma located in plasma membrane of hippocampal neurons was significantly higher in the training group (P < 0.05) than the control, PB and VPA groups. No differences were found between the training and CBZ group. Lastly, the amount of PKC gamma in cytosol of hippocampus did not significantly differ between any of the five groups. These results indicate that the three antiepileptic drugs used in this study all disturbed the spatial learning of immature rats. Spatial learning was concomitant with activation of PKC gamma in hippocampal neurons. PB and VPA likely adversely affect learning and memory by interfering with PKC gamma activation, whereas CBZ may act by a different mechanism, possibly in the post-translocation process or by a PKC gamma independent pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 gene expression after thermal injury and its potential mechanism(s).

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 would present a pair of key molecules in pathophysiologic alterations induced by low concentrations of endotoxin after trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endotoxin translocation and tissue LBP/CD14 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression after burn injury, and to define the potential role of LBP/CD14 in mediating inflammatory mediator induction, as well as the pathogenesis of organ damage. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to a 35% full-thickness scald injury, and tissue samples from liver, kidneys, lungs, and intestine were collected to measure LBP/CD14 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expression. Peritoneal macrophages were harvested by peritoneal lavage to determine CD14 mRNA expression. RESULTS: It was found that endotoxin levels in liver, spleen, and lung increased markedly after thermal injury, with the highest level in liver. Both tissue LBP and CD14 mRNA expression increased markedly after burns, peaking at 12 hours, and then decreasing gradually. At 48 hours, LBP gene expression had a tendency to the baseline level, whereas CD14 mRNA expression increased again. Likewise, CD14 mRNA levels were up-regulated markedly in peritoneal macrophages. Conversely, gene expression of TNF-alpha in tissues elevated markedly after acute insults. There were positive correlations between lipopolysaccharide levels and LBP/CD14 mRNA as well as TNF-alpha mRNA expression in tissues. Similar results were also obtained between CD14, TNF-alpha mRNA expression in liver tissue and liver function parameters, and between pulmonary TNF-alpha mRNA and myeloperoxidase activities (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Thermal injury per se can markedly up-regulate both LBP and CD14 gene expression in various organs. Excessive LBP and CD14 mRNA expression might be associated with enhanced synthesis and release of TNF-alpha stimulated by endotoxin translocation after major burns.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMed2002

The significance of changes in high mobility group-1 protein mRNA expression in rats after thermal injury.

There has been a widespread impression that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mediate the toxicity of high doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) and are key factors in septic shock. However, the clinical efficacy of treatment with antagonists of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta is still controversial, suggesting that mediators other than TNF-alpha and IL-1beta might contribute causally to endotoxin-induced death. Recent studies implicated high mobility group-1 (HMG-1) protein as a late mediator of endotoxin lethality in mice. However, the role of HMG-1 in mediating multiple organ damage-associating trauma has not been studied. This study was designed to investigate changes in HMG-1 gene expression in vital organs, and its potential role in mediating multiple organ damage following major burns. Wistar rats were subjected to a 35 percent full-thickness thermal injury, and randomly divided into three groups as follows: normal controls (n = 7), thermal injury (n = 24), and recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI21) treatment (n = 12). Tissue samples from liver and lungs were collected to measure tissue endotoxin levels and HMG-1 mRNA expression. In addition, blood samples were obtained for measurement of organ function parameters. Our data demonstrated a significant increase in HMG-1 gene expression in tissues at 24 h postburn, which remained markedly elevated up to 72 h after thermal injury (P< 0.05-0.01). Treatment with rBPI21 could significantly decrease tissue HMG-1 mRNA expression in the liver and lung (P < 0.01). In addition, there were high positive correlations between hepatic HMG-1 mRNA and serum aminoleucine transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and also between pulmonary HMG-1 mRNA and myeloperoxidase activities (P < 0.05-0.01). Taken together, these findings indicate that thermal injury per se can markedly enhance HMG-1 gene expression in various organs. Up-regulation of HMG-1 expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of endogenous endotoxin-mediated multiple organ damage secondary to major burns.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2002

Changes of intracellular calcium and the correlation with functional damage of the spinal cord after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To observe dynamic changes of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) after spinal cord injury, and to study the relationship between the changes of [Ca(2+)]i and the functional damage of the spinal cord. METHODS: The rats were subjected to a spinal cord contusion by using a modified Allen's method. The [Ca(2+)]i in the injured segment of the spinal cord was measured by the technique of La(3+) blockage and atomic absorption spectroscopy at 1, 4, 8, 24, 72, and 168 hours after injury. The motor function on the inclined plane was measured at the same time. RESULTS: The spinal cord [Ca(2+)]i increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) aft er spinal cord injury. There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between the changes of [Ca(2+)]i and the motor function. CONCLUSIONS: [Ca(2+)]i overload may play an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Coupling of Amino Carboranes to Carboxylic Acid Containing Substrates.

The reactivity of the known amino carboranes 1-H(2)NCH(2)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11) and 7-H(3)N-7-CB(10)H(12) with carboxylic acid containing substrates was investigated. The reactions studied using the coupling reagent, 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole, resulted in the preparation of a series of amides in moderate to high yield. The relative importance of this type of research resides in the fact that it allows the introduction of amino acids in close contact with the carborane cage. These compounds can constitute a new generation of substrates useful in boron neutron capture therapy. Our emphasis lies in the development of suitable synthetic schemes allowing the preparation of this type of compound. Experimental details and analytical data supporting the formulation of the prepared compounds are reported.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Isocyanato Dicarbaboranes Obtained from o-Carborane.

The functionalization of o-carborane with (bromoalkyl)phthalimides or propargylphthalimide, their subsequent transformation into isocyanate-substituted o-carborane, and their reactivity toward amino- and alcohol-containing molecules are reported. The preparation of these functionalized ureas and carbamates could potentially lead to the utilization of these molecules as suitable precursors for drugs to be used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The compounds 1-RNHC(O)NH(CH(2))(n)()-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11) and 1-ROC(O)NH-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11) (n = 1, 2, and 3) were prepared by reaction of 1-O=C=N(CH(2))(n)()-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11), (n = 1, 2, and 3) with the corresponding amino- or alcohol-containing substrate. Experimental details and analytical data leading to the identification of the reported compounds are provided. Additionally the X-ray diffraction structures of 1-C(6)H(4)(CO)(2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11) (1c) and 1-(C(6)H(5))(2)C=N-CH(2)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11) (20) are reported. Compound 1c crystallizes in the P&onemacr; space group, a = 10.791(1) Å, b = 13.104(1) Å, c = 7.1816(9) Å, alpha = 97.389(8) degrees, beta = 90.416(5) degrees, gamma = 66.462(6) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.0512 for 2140 reflections with F(2) > 3.0sigma(F(2)). Compound 20 crystallizes in the P2(1)/n space group, a = 16.5560(7) Å, b = 7.0173(4) Å, c = 16.9750(6) Å, beta = 97.932(2) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0843 for 2755 reflections with F > 4.0sigma(F).

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Energy and emission benefits of alternative transportation liquid fuels derived from switchgrass: a fuel life cycle assessment.

We conducted a mobility chains, or well-to-wheels (WTW), analysis to assess the energy and emission benefits of cellulosic biomass for the U.S. transportation sector in the years 2015-2030. We estimated the life-cycle energy consumption and emissions associated with biofuel production and use in light-duty vehicle (LDV) technologies by using the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model. Analysis of biofuel production was based on ASPEN Plus model simulation of an advanced fermentation process to produce fuel ethanol/protein, a thermochemical process to produce Fischer-Tropsch diesel (FTD) and dimethyl ether (DME), and a combined heat and power plant to co-produce steam and electricity. Our study revealed that cellulosic biofuels as E85 (mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline by volume), FTD, and DME offer substantial savings in petroleum (66-93%) and fossil energy (65-88%) consumption on a per-mile basis. Decreased fossil fuel use translates to 82-87% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all unblended cellulosic biofuels. In urban areas, our study shows net reductions for almost all criteria pollutants, with the exception of carbon monoxide (unchanged), for each of the biofuel production option examined. Conventional and hybrid electric vehicles, when fueled with E85, could reduce total sulfur oxide (SO(x)) emissions to 39-43% of those generated by vehicles fueled with gasoline. By using bio-FTD and bio-DME in place of diesel, SO(x) emissions are reduced to 46-58% of those generated by diesel-fueled vehicles. Six different fuel production options were compared. This study strongly suggests that integrated heat and power co-generation by means of gas turbine combined cycle is a crucial factor in the energy savings and emission reductions.

Air Pollution↗