Silver Nanoparticles Potentiates Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Potential of Camptothecin in Human Cervical Cancer Cells

Yuan, Yu-Guo,Zhang, Shimin,Hwang, Ji-Yoon,Kong, Il-Keun Hindawi 2018 Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity Vol.2018 No.-

<P>Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used metal nanoparticles in health care industries, particularly due to its unique physical, chemical, optical, and biological properties. It is used as an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer agent. Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives function as inhibitors of topoisomerase and as potent anticancer agents against a variety of cancers. Nevertheless, the combined actions of CPT and AgNPs in apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) have not been elucidated. Hence, we investigated the synergistic combinatorial effect of CPT and AgNPs in human cervical cancer cells. We synthesized AgNPs using sinigrin as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. The anticancer effects of a combined treatment with CPT and AgNPs were evaluated using a series of cellular and biochemical assays. The expression of pro- and antiapoptotic genes was measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The findings from this study revealed that the combination of CPT and AgNPs treatment significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation of HeLa cells. Moreover, the combination effect significantly increases the levels of oxidative stress markers and decreases antioxidative stress markers compared to single treatment. Further, the combined treatment upregulate various proapoptotic gene expression and downregulate antiapoptotic gene expression. Interestingly, the combined treatment modulates various cellular signaling molecules involved in cell survival, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis. Overall, these results suggest that CPT and AgNPs cause cell death by inducing the mitochondrial membrane permeability change and activation of caspase 9, 6, and 3. The synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis effect seems to be associated with increased ROS formation and depletion of antioxidant. Certainly, a combination of CPT and AgNPs could provide a beneficial effect in the treatment of cervical cancer compared with monotherapy.</P>

Nicotinamide Arrested Mouse Embryo at S Phase of 2-cell with Constitutive Acetylation of H3K56

Yu-Guo Yuan,Shimin Zhang,Byung-Hyun Choi,Beon-Young Park,Rami Kong,Mi-Ju Sohn,Chan-Sang Park,Jong-In Jin,Il-Keun Kong 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2018 발생공학 국제심포지엄 및 학술대회 Vol.2018 No.06

Nicotinamide (NAM) induced growth defects attributing the inhibition of Hst3 and Hst4 and consequent elevation of H3K56ac in yeast. Interestingly, H3K56 acetylation plays an important role in mammalian genomic stability, and the function of this modification in mouse embryos is not known. Hence, we designed to study the effects of NAM on H3K56ac and the possible functions of this modification related to mouse embryo development. We found that 20 mM NAM arrested mouse embryos at 2-cell stage, which possessed constitutive H3K56 acetylation and did not passed into M phase. Treatment using 20 mM NAM did not result in excessive reactive oxygen species( ROS) production and mitochondrial content, and aberrant mitochondrial distribution. Nuclear DNA fragmentation was not detectable in the arrested 2-cell but it was observed in blastocyst. Further we explored the possibility to overcome the NAM mediated arrest of 2-cell stage embryos, by I-CBP112 or resveratrol. Interestingly, I-CBP112 or resveratrol treated mouse embryos shows rescue effects caused by NAM. Finally, we demonstrated that Sirt1, a member of Sirtuins deacetylases family that target histone and non-histone proteins and maintain genome integrity, is involved in mitigating the NAM induced growth defects by promoting deacetylation of H3K56ac.

Human lactoferrin efficiently targeted into caprine beta-lactoglobulin locus with transcription activator-like effector nucleases

Yu-Guo Yuan,Shao-Zheng Song,Meng-Ming Zhu,Zheng-Yi He,Rui Lu,Ting Zhang,Fei Mi,Jin-Yu Wang,Yong Cheng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.8

Objective: To create genetically modified goat as a biopharming source of recombinant human lacotoferrin (hLF) with transcription activator-like effector nucleases. Methods: TALENs and targeting vector were transferred into cultured fibroblasts to insert hLF cDNA in the goat beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) locus with homology-directed repair. The gene targeted efficiency was checked using sequencing and TE7I assay. The bi-allelic gene targeted colonies were isolated and confirmed with polymerase chain reaction, and used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Results: The targeted efficiency for BLG gene was approximately 10%. Among 12 Bi-allelic gene targeted colonies, five were used in first round SCNT and 4 recipients (23%) were confirmed pregnant at 30 d. In second round SCNT, 7 (53%), 4 (31%), and 3 (23%) recipients were confirmed to be pregnant by ultrasound on 30 d, 60 d, and 90 d. Conclusion: This finding signifies the combined use of TALENs and SCNT can generate bi-allelic knock-in fibroblasts that can be cloned in a fetus. Therefore, it might lay the foundation for transgenic hLF goat generation and possible use of their mammary gland as a bioreactor for large-scale production of recombinant hLF.

Aberrant Expression of E-cadherin in Lung Tissues of Patients with Probable Lung Cancer

Yuan, Yu-Lin,Wang, Yu-Ming,Liu, Hua,Qin, Gui-Fang,Tang, Ai-Guo,Duan, Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

Introduction: This study assessed the relationship of E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression with the diagnosis of lung cancer with the aim of providing an auxiliary diagnostic method. Methods: Semi-quantitative nested RT-PCR and western blotting were applied to detect E-cadherin mRNA transcripts and protein, respectively, in 30 cases of diagnostic lung cancer, 30 cases of clinically suspected patients with lung cancer and 30 cases of other disease. Immunohistochemical staining was also used to detect E-cadherin. Results: Remarkably decreased levels of relative E-cadherin mRNA value and increased E-cadherin protein negativity were observed in probable lung cancer, when compared with possible lung cancer and others. With a threshold of 1.45, relative E-cadherin mRNA value showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specifity of 83% for the diagnosis of lung cancer. The combination of decreased relative E-cadherin mRNA value and negative E-cadherin protein increased the specificity and sensitivity. Conclusion: These data suggest that Chinese patients with diagnostic lung cancer have similar decreased levels of relative E-cadherin mRNA and E-cadherin protein value in the lung cancer tissues as in lung cancer patients in other countries. Measurement of relative E-cadherin mRNA and protein values in lung cancer tissues has potential for lung cancer diagnosis.

Screening and Anti-virulent Study of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones DNA Aptamers against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing

Zu-Guo Zhao,Yun Mei Yu,Bi Yu Xu,Shuang-Shuang Yan,Jun-Fa Xu,Fang Liu,Guo-Ming Li,Yuan Lin Ding,Shu Qing Wu 한국생물공학회 2013 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.18 No.2

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a quorum sensing (QS) system regulates the expression of many virulence factors. N-acyl homoserine lactone (HSL) is the signal molecule of QS system. In order to find a novel HSL binder to interfere with QS signaling and to attenuate P. aeruginosa virulence, an amino lactam surrogate (ALS) of HSL was used as a target to screen HSL aptamers with the technique of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Eight HSL aptamers with high affinities for 3O-C12-HSL (20 nM ≤ Kd < 35 nM) or C4-HSL (25 nM < Kd < 50 nM) were finally obtained. In vitro QS-inhibiting study of P. aeruginosa showed that HSL aptamers could inhibit virulence in a dose-dependent manner. ALSap-8 which bound C4-HSL primarily acted on the rhl system and inhibited the secretion of pyocyanin. ALSap-5 which bound 3O-C12-HSL not only showed strong inhibitory activity on biofilm formation as well as secretions of LasA protease and LasB elastase, but also reduced pyocyanin secretion. Since the las system is capable of activating the rhl system mildly, we speculated that ALSap-5 can simultaneously interfere with the las and rhl systems. High-affinity aptamers against HSL in this study are novel QS and virulence-inhibitors, and may have potential as drug candidates for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection.

Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

Pretreatment Serum Amyloid A and C-reactive Protein Comparing with Epstein-Barr Virus DNA as Prognostic Indicators in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Qing-Nan Tang,Lin-Quan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Chao-Feng Li,Yang Li,Yu-Jing Liang,Xue-Song Sun,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Yu-Ying Fan,Yan He,Ming-Yuan C 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose The measuring Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is an important predictor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluated the predictive value of pretreatment serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) comparing with EBV DNA in patients with NPC. Materials and Methods In an observational study of 419 non-metastatic NPC patients, we prospectively evaluated the prognostic effects of pretreatment SAA, CRP, and EBV DNA on survival. The primary endpoint was progress-free survival (PFS). Results The median level of SAA and CRP was 4.28 mg/L and 1.88 mg/L, respectively. For the high- SAA group (> 4.28 mg/L) versus the low-SAA ( 4.28 mg/L) group and the high-CRP group (> 1.88 mg/L) versus the low-CRP ( 1.88 mg/L) group, the 5-year PFS was 64.5% versus 73.1% (p=0.013) and 65.2% versus 73.3% (p=0.064), respectively. EBV DNA detection showed a superior predictive result, the 5-year PFS in the EBV DNA  1,500 copies/mL group was obviously different than the EBV DNA < 1,500 copies/mL group (62.2% versus 77.8%, p < 0.001). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis confirmed that in the PFS, the independent prognostic factors were including EBV DNA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.788; p=0.009), tumour stage (HR, 1.903; p=0.021), and node stage (HR, 1.498; p=0.049), but the SAA and CRP were not included in the independent prognostic factors. Conclusion The results of SAA and CRP had a certain relationship with the prognosis of NPC, and the prognosis of patients with high level of SAA and CRP were poor. However, the predictive ability of SAA and CRP was lower than that of EBV DNA.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Microstructure Evolution During Solidification of Copper Nanoparticles

Yu-Quan Yuan,Xiang-Guo Zeng,Hua-Yan Chen,An-Lin Yao,Yan-Fei Hu 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.62 No.11

The effect of cooling rate on the microstructure evolution of liquid Cu nanoparticles during their solidification process is investigated by using a molecular dynamics simulation based on the embedded atom method (EAM) potential developed by Foiles et al.. The potential energy analysis,the pair distribution function and the common neighbor analysis have been used. The results show that the solidification point increases with decreasing cooling rate and that the solidification of the microstructure of Cu nanoparticles varies with the cooling rate. The microstructure consists of fcc,hcp and bcc crystals or mixtures, though the fcc structure dominates, except in the amorphous state. An amorphous structure was obtained when the cooling rate reached 1.0 × 1013 K/s or higher while crystallization degree increased with decreasing cooling rate, and the total content of crystal structures reached to 95% when the cooling rate dropped to 4.0 × 1011 K/s, which was nearly a perfect crystal structure. The results also indicate that a single-crystal nanoparticle will not be obtained by quenching the liquid metal under various cooling rates.

Investigation into performance enhancements of Li–S batteries via oxygen-containing functional groups on activated multi-walled carbon nanotubes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Yu Hai Wang,Zhe Dai,Chao Yue Zhang,Guo Wen Sun,Zhong Wei Lu,Xiu Ping Gao,Geng Zhi Sun,Wei Lan,Zhen Xing Zhang,Xiao Jun Pan,Jin Yuan Zhou 한국물리학회 2020 Current Applied Physics Vol.20 No.9

It was demonstrated that the electrochemical performance enhancements in KOH-activated carbon materials should be mainly due to the created polar oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs, such as such as C–O, C–– O, –OH, and O–C–– O), while the role of each OFGs on the electrochemical enhancements is still unclear. In this work, KOH activation treatments were systematically conducted on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to explore the role of each OFG on the performance enhancements of Li–S batteries (LSBs). Results showed that the capacity of activated-CNT-sulfur (a-CNT-S) cathodes is 33% higher than that of the pristine CNT-S cathodes, and their rate capability and cycling stability are also enhanced. And the electrochemical analysis combining with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the formed C–O bonds are the real factor for the enhanced electrochemical performances of a-CNT-S cathodes. Furthermore, the optimal activation conditions on CNTbased cathodes for LSBs were optimized to be 10 min at 700 ℃.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Rhizoctonia solani-resistant and -Susceptible Rice Cultivars Reveals the Importance of Pathogen Recognition and Active Immune Responses in Host Resistance

Guo-Liang Wang,Shaohong Qu,Zhengjie Yuan,Yu Zhang,Guojuan Xu,Dongling Bi,Haiyan Qu,Xiaowei Zou,Xiaoqing Gao,Haihe Yang,Haiyan He,Xuli Wang,Jiandong Bao,Shimin Zuo,Xuebiao Pan,Bo Zhou 한국식물학회 2018 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.61 No.3

Rice sheath blight (SB), caused by Rhizoctoniasolani (R. solani), is a major threat to rice productionworldwide. The molecular mechanisms of the SB resistancein rice are poorly understood. The transcriptomes of the SBresistantrice cultivar YSBR1 and the susceptible cultivarLemont were analyzed after R. solani infection. A total of7624 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identifiedat one or more timepoints in a cultivar. 5526 and 5618 DEGswere differentially expressed in Lemont and YSBR1,respectively. YSBR1 exhibited stronger and earlier transcriptionalresponse to R. solani than Lemont. Gene ontology enrichmentanalysis revealed that genes that encode cell wall-modifyingand glycosyl-degrading enzymes or anti-microbial proteinswere specifically induced in YSBR1 at 6 hpi. MapMananalysis revealed that more DEGs related with cell wall, β-glucanses, respiratory burst, phenylpropanoids and ligninwere highly induced by R. solani in YSBR1 than in Lemont. The results also showed that receptor-like kinases and jasmonicacid signaling may play important roles in host resistance toR. solani. This study highlights potential candidate genes andsignaling pathways involved in rice sheath resistance and canhelp to further clarify the mechanistic events underlyingresistance and susceptibility to R. solani.