Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, Blood Metabolites, and Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Wang Qi,Dai Huajie,Hou Tianzhichao,Hou Yanan,Wang Tiange,Lin Hong,Zhao Zhiyun,Li Mian,Zheng Ruizhi,Wang Shuangyuan,Lu Jieli,Xu Yu,Liu Ruixin,Ning Guang,Wang Weiqing,Bi Yufang,Zheng Jie,Xu Min 대한뇌졸중학회 2023 Journal of stroke Vol.25 No.3

Background and Purpose We investigated the causal relationships between the gut microbiota (GM), stroke, and potential metabolite mediators using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods We leveraged the summary statistics of GM (n=18,340 in the MiBioGen consortium), blood metabolites (n=115,078 in the UK Biobank), and stroke (cases n=60,176 and controls n=1,310,725 in the Global Biobank Meta-Analysis Initiative) from the largest genome-wide association studies to date. We performed bidirectional MR analyses to explore the causal relationships between the GM and stroke, and two mediation analyses, two-step MR and multivariable MR, to discover potential mediating metabolites. Results Ten taxa were causally associated with stroke, and stroke led to changes in 27 taxa. In the two-step MR, <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family, <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), phospholipids in high-density lipoprotein (HDL_PL), and the ratio of apolipoprotein B to ApoA1 (ApoB/ApoA1) were causally associated with stroke (all <i>P</i><0.044). The causal associations between <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family and stroke were validated using the weighted median method in an independent cohort. The three GM taxa were all positively associated with ApoA1 and HDL_PL, whereas <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus was negatively associated with ApoB/ApoA1 (all <i>P</i><0.010). Additionally, the causal associations between the three GM taxa and ApoA1 remained significant after correcting for the false discovery rate (all q-values <0.027). Multivariable MR showed that the associations between <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family and stroke were mediated by ApoA1 and HDL_PL, each accounting for 6.5% (<i>P</i>=0.028) and 4.6% (<i>P</i>=0.033); the association between <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus and stroke was mediated by ApoA1, HDL_PL, and ApoB/ApoA1, with mediated proportions of 7.6% (<i>P</i>=0.019), 4.2% (<i>P</i>=0.035), and 9.1% (<i>P</i>=0.013), respectively. Conclusion The current MR study provides evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and stroke and potential mediating metabolites.

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Targeting the femA Gene for Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus from Clinical and Food Samples

( Xi Hong Zhao ),( Yan Mei Li ),( Myoung Su Park ),( Jun Wang ),( You Hong Zhang ),( Xiao Wei He ),( Fereidoun ),( Forghani ),( Li Wang ),( Guang Chao Yu ),( Deog Hwan Oh ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2013 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.23 No.2

In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to rapidly detect Staphylococcus aureus strains was developed and evaluated by extensively applying a large number of S. aureus isolates from clinical and food samples. Six primers were specially designed for recognizing eight distinct sequences on the species-specific femA gene of S. aureus. The detection limits were 100 fg DNA/tube and 104 CFU/ml. The LAMP assay was applied to 432 S. aureus strains isolated from 118 clinical and 314 food samples. Total detection rates for the LAMP and polymerase chain reaction assays were 98.4% (306/311) and 89.4% (278/311), respectively.

Intravenous Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 4.5–24 Hours of Onset (ROSE-TNK): A Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter Study

Wang Lu,Dai Ying-Jie,Cui Yu,Zhang Hong,Jiang Chang-Hao,Duan Ying-Jie,Zhao Yong,Feng Ye-Fang,Geng Shi-Mei,Zhang Zai-Hui,Lu Jiang,Zhang Ping,Zhao Li-Wei,Zhao Hang,Ma Yu-Tong,Song Cheng-Guang,Zhang Yi,Ch 대한뇌졸중학회 2023 Journal of stroke Vol.25 No.3

Background and Purpose Intravenous tenecteplase (TNK) efficacy has not been well demonstrated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) beyond 4.5 hours after onset. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous TNK for AIS within 4.5 to 24 hours of onset. Methods In this pilot trial, eligible AIS patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch were randomly allocated to intravenous TNK (0.25 mg/kg) or standard care within 4.5–24 hours of onset. The primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0–1). The primary safety endpoint was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results Of the randomly assigned 80 patients, the primary endpoint occurred in 52.5% (21/40) of TNK group and 50.0% (20/40) of control group, with no significant difference (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.46–2.66; <i>P</i>=0.82). More early neurological improvement occurred in TNK group than in control group (11 vs. 3, <i>P</i>=0.03), but no significant differences were found in other secondary endpoints, such as mRS 0–2 at 90 days, shift analysis of mRS at 90 days, and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours and 7 days. There were no cases of sICH in this trial; however, asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3 of the 40 patients (7.5%) in the TNK group. Conclusion This phase 2, randomized, multicenter study suggests that intravenous TNK within 4.5–24 hours of onset may be safe and feasible in AIS patients with a DWI-FLAIR mismatch.

Construction of Modified Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ac Genes for Transgenic Crop Through Multi Site-directed Mutagenesis

Hong Guang Xu,Jong Yul Roh,Yong Wang,Jae Young Choi,Hee Jin Shim,Qin Liu,Xue Ying Tao,Soo Dong Woo,Byung Rae Jin,Yeon Ho Je 한국잠사학회 2009 International Journal of Industrial Entomology Vol.19 No.1

The newly cloned Bacillus thuringiensis cry1-5 gene showed high activity to both Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera exigua, while cry1Ac only showed high activity against P. xylostella but low to S. exigua. Through the alignment of amino acid sequences between Cry1Ac and Cry1-5, we found 12 different residues in domain I (6 residues) and domain II (6 residues). In this study, the modified cry1Ac gene, which is constructed according to a crop-preferring codon usage, was used as a template to construct mutant B. thuringiensis cry1Ac genes based on cry1-5 gene through multi site-directed mutagenesis. Total 63 various mutant cry genes were obtained at 12 positions randomly. Among them, ten mutant cry genes, whose domain I was totally converted and domain II was randomly, were selected to express in baculovirus expression system as a polyhedrin fusion form. The recombinant proteins were 95 kDa in size and were stably activated as 65 kDa by trypsin. The expressed mutant Cry proteins were applied to bioassays against P. xylostella and S. exigua. All mutants showed high insecticidal activity both to P. xylostella and S. exigua similar to cry1-5. These results suggest that these mutant cry genes might be expected of desirable cry genes for introduction to transgenic crops.

Susceptibility Loci Associations with Prostate Cancer Risk in Northern Chinese Men

Wang, Na-Na,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Wei, Dong,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Liu, Ming,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Liang, Si-Ying,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Yang, Yi-Ge,Tang, Lei,Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Wang, Xin,Chen, Xin,Hui, Juan,Zhang, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.5

Background: KLK3 gene products, like human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), are important biomarkers in the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). G protein-coupled receptor RFX6, C2orf43 and FOXP4 signaling plays important roles in the development of PCa. However, associations of these genes with PCa in northern Chinese men remain to be detailed. This study aimed to investigate their impact on occurrence and level of malignancy. Methods: All subjects were from Beijing and Tianjin, including 266 cases with prostate cancer and 288 normal individuals as controls. We evaluated associations between clinical covariates (age at diagnosis, prostate specific antigen, Gleason score, tumor stage and aggressive) and 6 candidate PCa risk loci, genotyped by PCR- high resolution melting curve and sequencing methods. Results: Case-control analysis of allelic frequency of PCa associated with PCa showed that one of the 6 candidate risk loci, rs339331 in the RFX6 gene, was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.57-0.94, P = 0.013) in northern Chinese men. In addition, subjects with CX (CC+TC) genotypes had a decreased risk for prostrate cancer compared to those carrying the TT homozygote (OR =0.64, 95% CI = 0.45- 0.90, P = 0.008). The TT genotype of 13q22 (rs9600079, T) was associated with tumor stage (P=0.044, OR=2.34, 95% CI=0.94-5.87). Other SNPs were not significantly associated with clinical covariates in prostate cancer (P > 0.05). Conclusions. rs339331 in the RFX6 gene may be associated with prostate cancer as a susceptibility locus in northern Chinese men.

Recent Progress in Methods of Generating Water Mist for Fire Suppression

( Guang Xuan Liao ),( Xin Huang ),( Bei Hua Cong ),( Jun Qin ),( Jiang Hong Liu ),( Xi Shi Wang ) 한국액체미립화학회 2005 한국액체미립화학회 학술강연회 논문집 Vol.2005 No.-

To prevent the ozonosphere from being destroyed by Halon, it is an urgent task to find out Halon replacement. As one of the replacements water mist have showed broad applications by its advantages: little pollution to environment (not destroying the ozone layer or bring green house effect), extinguishing fire quickly, consuming a small quantity of water and having little damage to the protected objects. The methods of generating water mist strongly influence fire suppression effectiveness, which determine the cone angle, drop size distribution, flux uniformity, and momentum of the generating spray. The traditional water mist nozzle included pressure jet nozzles, impingement nozzles and twin-fluid nozzles. All of them have more or less disadvantages for fire suppression. Therefore, many research institutes and corporations are taking up with innovations in mist generation. This article provided some recent studies in State Key Laboratory of Fire Science (SKLFS) of University of Science and Technology of China. SKLFS have investigated new methods of generating water mist (i.e. effervescent atomization and ultrasonic atomization), and self developed a series of nozzles and developed advanced DPIVS (Digital Particle Image Velocimetry and Sizing) technique. Characteristics of water mist (the distribution of droplet sizes, flux density, spray dynamics and cone angle) produced by these nozzles were measured under different conditions (work pressure, nozzle geometry, etc.) using LDV/APV and DPIVS systems. A series of experiments were performed to study the fire suppression effectiveness in different fire scenario (different kinds of the fuel, fire size and ventilation conditions). The fire extinguishing mechanisms of water mist was also discussed.

Recent Progress in Methods of Generating Water Mist for Fire Suppression

( Guang Xuan Liao ),( Xin Huang ),( Bei Hua Cong ),( Jun Qin ),( Jiang Hong Liu ),( Xi Shi Wang ) 한국분무공학회 2006 한국액체미립화학회지 Vol.11 No.4

Construction of modified Bacillus thuringiensis cry1AC genes based on cry1-5 genes through multi site-directed mutagenesis

Hong Guang Xu,Jong Yul Roh,Jae Young Choi,Hee Jin Shim,Yong Wang,Qin Liu,Byung Rae Jin,Yeon Ho Je 한국응용곤충학회 2008 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2008 No.10

Bt crystal proteins, encoded by cry genes, are a group of insecticidal proteins unique in the Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These cry genes are widely applied as one of the most successful candidates for constructing transgenic crops resistant to pest insects. In our previous report, we found Cry1-5 had high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera larvae although its amino acid sequences showed high similarity (95.6%) to those of Cry1Ac which had low activity. In comparison with Cry1Ac, Cry1-5 had 12 different residues on domain I and II. In order to convert these residues to Cry1-5 randomly, 10 mutagenic primers were designed. Through multi site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the modified cry1Ac gene by plant codon usage in pOBI-Modcry1Ac based on cry1-5 and constructed 63 mutant cry genes. Among them, 10 mutant cry genes on domain II were selected and their recombinant proteins were expressed by baculovirus expression system. From bioassay results to P. xylostella and S. exigua, we found some mutants have high insecticidal activities to be applicable to transgenic crops.

Ischemic postconditioning protects cardiomyocytes against ischemia/reperfusion injury by inducing MIP2

Hong-Lin Zhu,Kang-Kai Wang,Xing Wei,Shun-Lin Qu,Chi Zhang,Xiao-Xia Zuo,Yan-Sheng Feng,Qi Luo,Guang-Wen Chen,Mei-Dong Liu,Lei Jiang,Xian-Zhong Xiao 생화학분자생물학회 2011 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.43 No.8

Cardiomyocytes can resist ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)injury through ischemic postconditioning (IPoC)which is repetitive ischemia induced during the onset of reperfusion. Myocardial ischemic preconditioning up-regulated protein 2 (MIP2) is a member of the WD-40family proteins, we previously showed that MIP2 was up-regulated during ischemic preconditioning (IPC). As IPC and IPoC engaged similar molecular mechanisms in cardioprotection, this study aimed to elucidate whether MIP2 was up-regulated during IPoC and contributed to IPoC-mediated protection against I/R injury. The experiment was conducted on two models,an in vivo open chest rat coronary artery occlusion model and an in vitro model with H9c2 myogenic cells. In both models, 3 groups were constituted and randomly designated as the sham, I/R and IPoC/hypoxia postconditioning (HPoC) groups. In the IPoC group, after 45 min of ischemia, hearts were allowed three cycles of reperfusion/ischemia phases (each of 30 s duration)followed by reperfusion. In the HPoC group, after 6 h of hypoxia, H9c2 cells were subjected to three cycles of 10 minute reoxygenation and 10 minute hypoxia followed by reoxygenation. IPoC significantly reduced the infarct size, plasma level of Lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB in rats. 12 h after the reperfusion,MIP2 mRNA levels in the IPoC group were 10 folds that of the sham group and 1.4 folds that of the I/R group. Increased expression of MIP2 mRNA and attenuation of apoptosis were similarly observed in the HPoC group in the in vitro model. These effects were blunted by transfection with MIP2 siRNA in the H9c2cells. This study demonstrated that IPoC induced protection was associated with increased expression of MIP2. Both MIP2 overexpression and MIP2 suppression can influence the IPoC induced protection.

Macrophage-secreted Exosomes Delivering miRNA-21 Inhibitor can Regulate BGC-823 Cell Proliferation

Wang, Jian-Jun,Wang, Ze-You,Chen, Rui,Xiong, Jing,Yao, Yong-Liang,Wu, Jian-Hong,Li, Guang-Xin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.10

Exosomes, membranous nanovesicles, naturally carry bio-macromolecules or miRNA and play impoetant roles in tumor pathogenesis. Here, we showed that macrophages cell-derived exosomes can function as vehicles to deliver exogenous miR-21 inhibitor into BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. Exosomes loaded with miR-21inhibitor significantly increased miR-21 levels in BGC-823, but miR-21inhibitor loaded in exosomes exerted an opposite effect. miRNA transfected with exosomes had less cellular toxicity to host cells compared to conventional transfection methods. The miR-21inhibitor loaded exosomes promoted the migration ability and reduced apoptosis of BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. These observations indicate that miR-21 acts as a tumor promoter by targeting the PDCD4 gene and preventing apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through inhibition of PDCD4 expression. Furthermore, exosome -mediated miR-21 inhibitor delivery resulted in functionally more efficient inhibition and less cellular toxicity compared to conventional transfection methods. Similar approaches could be useful in modification of target biomolecules in vitro and in vivo. These findings contribute to our understanding of the functions of miR-21 and exosomes as a carrier for therapy of gastric cancer.