Beneficial effects of natural Jeju groundwaters on lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats

Yan-chao Wang,Jin-miao Lu,Hui-zi Jin,Ai-niu Ma,Jin-yang Zhang,Nian Gong,Qi Xiao,Bin Zhu,Ying-fang Lv,Na Yu,Wei-dong Zhang,Yong-xiang Wang 한국영양학회 2014 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.8 No.2

BACKGROUND: Groundwater is believed to possess many beneficial effects due to its natural source of various minerals. In this study, we examined the effects of natural Jeju groundwater S1 (SamdasooTM), S2 and S3 pumped up from different locations of Jeju Island, Korea, along with local tap water, on body weight gain, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and liver histopathology in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Rats were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups. Different water samples were supplied to the hyperlipidemic rats as their daily drinking water and the widely-used anti-hyperlipidemic drug simvastatin was used as a positive control. Body weight, serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured weekly. Liver weight, liver index and liver histopathology were examined after the execution of the rats. RESULTS: After drinking Jeju groundwaters for two months, S2 but not S3 significantly reduced weight growth and serum triglycerides levels and increased high density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) without affecting total cholesterol or LDL-C. S1 and particularly S2 significantly reduced the severity of liver hypertrophy and steatosis. All Groundwaters had much higher contents of vanadium (S3>S2>S1>>tap water) whereas S1 and S2 but not S3 markedly blocked autoxidation of ferrous ions. CONCLUSION: Jeju Groundwater S1 and particularly S2 exhibit protective effects against hyperlipidemia and fatty liver and hypothesize that the beneficial effect of Jeju Groundwaters may be contributed from blockade of autoxidation of ferrous ions rather than their high contents of vanadium.

Progranulin Controls Sepsis via C/EBPα-Regulated <i>Il10</i> Transcription and Ubiquitin Ligase/Proteasome-Mediated Protein Degradation

Yan, Wenjun,Ding, Aihao,Kim, Ha-Jeong,Zheng, Hua,Wei, Fang,Ma, Xiaojing American Association of Immunologists 2016 Journal of Immunology Vol. No.

<P>Progranulin (PGRN) is a widely expressed, pleiotropic protein that is involved in diverse biological processes, including cellular proliferation, neuron development, and wound healing. However, the role of PGRN in the regulation of pathogen-induced systemic inflammation and the mechanisms involved have not been established. In this study, we show that PGRN-deficient mice display heightened mortality in models of polymicrobial sepsis and endotoxinemia, with increased tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines and reduced IL-10 production. Conversely, administration of rPGRN decreases the susceptibility of PGRN-deficient mice to LPS-induced endotoxemic shock and augments IL-10 production by LPS-activated macrophages in a TNFR-dependent manner. Molecular analysis reveals a direct role of the transcription factor C/EBP alpha in PGRN-regulated IL-10 expression. C/EBP alpha-deficient macrophages produce less IL-10 in response to LPS. Furthermore, mice deficient in C/EBP alpha in hematopoietic cells are highly vulnerable to LPS-induced septic shock. Lastly, the defective IL-10 production by PGRN-deficient cells is primarily due to reduced C/EBP alpha protein stability via the E3 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E6AP and proteasome-mediated degradation. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that PGRN is a nonredundant regulator of systemic inflammation via modulating the levels and activity of C/EBP alpha, IL-10, and the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolysis pathway. The results bear strong and profound implications for PGRN insufficiency and its mutation-associated systemic and organ-specific inflammatory human diseases.</P>

Rice OsAS2 Gene, a Member of LOB Domain Family, Functions in the Regulation of Shoot Differentiation and Leaf Development

Yan Ma,Fang Wang,Jing Guo,Xian Sheng Zhang 한국식물학회 2009 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.52 No.5

LATERALORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN (LBD) genes, a novel plant-specific family, play specific roles in plant development. Although function of ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2), a LBD gene, was extensively studied in Arabidopsis of dicots, little is known on the role of its ortholog in rice of monocots. In this study, a LBD gene that shares higher homology with Arabidopsis AS2 gene was identified in rice and it was designated as OsAS2. Its transcripts were detected throughout predicted leaf primordia in shoot apical meristem (SAM), leaf primordia, and young leaves. Overexpression of the OsAS2 gene inhibited shoot differentiation, promoted cell division, and delayed cell differentiation in rice calli. Transgenic plants with OsAS2 gene showed the aberrant twisted leaves, which lack auricle, and leaf structure was abnormal. Furthermore, a few genes involved in shoot meristem development were upregulated in transgenic plants. Our results suggest that proper expression of the OsAS2 gene is required for shoot differentiation and leaf development in rice.

FNC, a Novel Nucleoside Analogue, Blocks Invasion of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cell Lines Via Inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Zhang, Yan,Wang, Chen-Ping,Ding, Xi-Xi,Wang, Ning,Ma, Fang,Jiang, Jin-Hua,Wang, Qing-Duan,Chang, Jun-Biao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.16

Chemotherapy is the primary therapy for malignant lymphoma (ML). However, the clinical outcome is still far from satisfactory. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanism of modulating cancer cell invasion, migration and metastasis is important for the development of more effective chemotherapeutic agents. FNC, 2'-deoxy-2'-${\beta}$-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine, a novel cytidine analogue, has demonstrated significantly inhibitory effects on proliferation of several non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines. A previous study indicated that FNC effectively inhibited the growth of Raji and JeKo-1 cells in dose-time dependent effects with $IC_{50}$ values of $0.2{\mu}M$ and $0.097{\mu}M$, respectively. This study was focused on investigating the anti-invasive properties of FNC on NHL cells and its potential mechanisms of action. Cell adhesion and transwell chamber assays were utilized to investigate the anti-invasive effects of FNC on Raji and JeKo-1 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to qualify the expression of ${\beta}$-catenin, the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-$3{\beta}$), E-cadherin vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The results revealed that FNC remarkably inhibited the adhesion, migration and invasion of two human aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, ${\beta}$-catenin, MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF mRNA and protein levels were decreased after FNC treatment, while GSK-$3{\beta}$ and E-cadherin increased. Our studies thus provide evidence and a rationale that FNC may offer an effective chemotherapeutic agent by regulating the invasion and metastasis of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma via inhibition of the Wnt/${\beta}$-catenin signaling pathway.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the meadow moth, Loxostege sticticalis (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae), compared to other Pyraloidea moths

Hong-Fang Ma,Xi-Xi Zheng,Ming-Hui Peng,Hai-Xu Bian,Miao-Miao Chen,Yan-Qun Liu,Xing-Fu Jiang,Li Qin 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.3

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is an important topic for comparative and evolutionary genomics, as well as phylogenetic and population genetics. However, there are limited data regarding the mitochondrial genome available of Pyraloidea, one of the largest superfamilies in Lepidoptera. In this report, we present the complete mitogenome of the meadow moth, Loxostege sticticalis L. (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae), which is a serious economic pest of both crops and weedsworldwide, thereby enhancing the available genomic information for Pyraloidea. This circular genome is 15,218 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes (rRNAs), and 22 tRNA genes (tRNAs), with a typical gene orientation and order comparable to other sequenced Pyraloidea insects. The genome composition of the major strand exhibits highly AT bias (80.82%), with a slightly positive AT skew indicating the occurrence of more As than Ts. The L. sticticalis mitogenome has a total of 130 bp of intergenic spacer sequences spread over 15 regions, ranging in size from 1 to 48 bp, of which only two are common among the 23 total Pyraloidea moths that have data collected on the mitogenome (one is located between tRNAGln and ND2 with variation change in length and a limited sequence conservation, and the other is located between tRNASer(UCN) and ND1 with a conserved 6 bp motif ‘ATACTA’). The A + Trich region of 331 bp in the genome is comprised of non-repetitive sequences but contains an ATAGN motif followed by a poly-T stretch of 17 bp, a microsatellite-like (TA)11 element preceded by an ATTTA motif, and a poly-A stretch upstream tRNAMet. These conserved structures identified in the A + T-rich region are presented in all of the sequenced Pyraloidea species. We provide a mitogenome-based phylogeny of Pyraloidea species, in which L. sticticalis shares close ancestry to Ostrinia species with substantial evidence. Our phylogenetic analyses strongly divide Crambidae into two sister lineages, one consisting of Pyraustinae and Spilomelinae, while the other contains Crambinae, Acentropinae, Scopariinae, Schoenobiinae and Glaphyriinae. The mitogenome dataset also supports the basal split between Pyraustinae and Spilomelinae.

Power and Promise of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-terminal Hydrolase 37 as a Target of Cancer Therapy

Chen, Yan-Jie,Ma, Yu-Shui,Fang, Ying,Wang, Yi,Fu, Da,Shen, Xi-Zhong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 37 (UCH37, also called UCHL5), a member of the deubiquitinating enzymes, can suppress protein degradation through disassembling polyubiquitin from the distal subunit of the chain. It has been proved that UCH37 can be activated by proteasome ubiqutin chain receptor Rpn13 and incorporation into the 19S complex. UCH37, which has been reported to assist in the mental development of mice, may play an important role in oncogenesis, tumor invasion and migration. Further studies will allow a better understanding of roles in cell physiology and pathology, embryonic development and tumor formation, hopefully providing support for the idea that UCH37 may constitute a new interesting target for the development of anticancer drugs.

Modification of Fe/Cu Multilayers under 2-MeV Xe20+ Irradiation

Kong-Fang Wei,Zhi-Guang Wang,Jie Gou,Yan-Bin Sheng,Gen-Ming Jin,Hang Zang,Cun-Feng Yao,Yi-Zhun Ma,Tie-Long Shen 한국물리학회 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.55 No.6

Multilayers with a structure of Si/[Fe(10 nm)/Cu(10 nm)]5 were deposited on Si(100) substrates and then irradiated at room temperature by using 2-MeV Xe20+. The modifications of the multilayers were characterized using a depth profile analysis of the Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) data and the evolution of crystallite structures of the multilayers were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AES depth profiles indicated that de-mixing of the Fe and the Cu layers was observed at low ion fluences, but inter-mixing of the Fe and the Cu layers was found at high ion fluences and destroyed the layered structure of the multilayers. The obtained XRD patterns showed that, after irradiation by 2-MeV Xe20+ at 2 × 1016 ions/cm2, the peaks of the multilayers related to a Cu-based fcc solid solution and an Fe-based bcc solid solution phase became visible, which implied that the inter-mixing at the Fe/Cu interface resulted in the formation of new phases. A possible mechanism of modification in the Fe/Cu multilayers induced by ion irradiation is briefly discussed. Multilayers with a structure of Si/[Fe(10 nm)/Cu(10 nm)]5 were deposited on Si(100) substrates and then irradiated at room temperature by using 2-MeV Xe20+. The modifications of the multilayers were characterized using a depth profile analysis of the Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) data and the evolution of crystallite structures of the multilayers were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AES depth profiles indicated that de-mixing of the Fe and the Cu layers was observed at low ion fluences, but inter-mixing of the Fe and the Cu layers was found at high ion fluences and destroyed the layered structure of the multilayers. The obtained XRD patterns showed that, after irradiation by 2-MeV Xe20+ at 2 × 1016 ions/cm2, the peaks of the multilayers related to a Cu-based fcc solid solution and an Fe-based bcc solid solution phase became visible, which implied that the inter-mixing at the Fe/Cu interface resulted in the formation of new phases. A possible mechanism of modification in the Fe/Cu multilayers induced by ion irradiation is briefly discussed.

The potential molecular effects of bursal septpeptide II on immune induction and antitumor activity

Guang Fang Zhou,Qing Tao Liu,Bin Zhou,Ya Feng Qiu,Xiao Dong Liu,Zhi Yong Ma,Xiu Li Feng,Rui Bing Cao,Pu Yan Chen 대한수의학회 2015 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.16 No.3

The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is the acknowledged central humoral immune organ in birds. Bursal septpeptide II (BSP-II) is animmunomodulatory bioactive peptide isolated from BF. To understand the effects of BSP-II on immune induction, gene expression profilesof hybridoma cells treated with BSP-II were evaluated. Pathway analysis showed that regulated genes were involved in cytokine-cytokinereceptor interactions, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and pathway in cancer. It was observed that BSP-II reduced tumor cells proliferationand stimulated p53 expression. These results indicate potential mechanisms underlying the effects of the humoral immune system on immuneinduction, including antitumor activities. Our study has provided a novel insight into immunotherapeutic strategies for treating human tumors.

THE EFFECTS OF SOLAR LIGHT PIPES ON ROOM TEMPERATURE

Wu Yan peng,Ma Chong fang 국제온돌학회 2011 International Journal of Ondol Vol.2011 No.-

Solar light pipes are effective ways of transmitting sun light into the rooms which are short of daylight and saving electrical lighting consumption in daylight. But solar light pipes can bring heat into the room at the same time. The temperature effect of side lighting solar light pipe and top lighting solar light pipes were tested in this paper. The length of side lighting solar light pipe was 2.6m with the diameter 0.36m. The length of top lighting solar light pipes were 1.3m with the diameter 0.36m.The temperature of air was tested by RH-LOG auto thermoscope. The temperature of the diffuser surface of top lighting solar light pipes was measured by NEC TH5104 Thermal Infrared Imager. The experimental results showed that solar light pipes can not only bring light into otherwise inaccessible or dimly lit places, but also improve the internal environment without generating excessive heat. So solar light pipes are appropriate methods for daylighting.

Experimental Study on Magnesium Sulfate Cement Concrete Splices of Widened Box Girder

Li-fang Zhang,Jun Yan,Hai-yan Ma,Hong-fa Yu,Ying Wang,Qi-quan Mei 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.25 No.12

The connecting part of bridge widening undertakes complicated forces and tends to crack. Basic magnesium sulfate cement concrete has excellent properties such as ideal early strength and tensile strength, meeting the performance requirements of joint materials. Experiments of two spliced box girder specimens with C40 basic magnesium sulfate cement concrete (MC) and normal Portland cement concrete (NC) as joint materials are carried out. Concrete strain, reinforcement strain, deflection and crack propagation law of the joint section are tested and analyzed under symmetrical loading at the cantilever of the box girders. The study shows when MC material is used in the splicing section, the joint section showed a multi-cracks failure mode with an ultimate load ratio of 0.99 and a maximum crack width of 1.3 mm; NC joint section has only three longitudinal cracks with an ultimate load ratio of 0.97 and a maximum crack width of 0.98 mm. Under the same load, the crack width and the deflection of mid-span MC joint section are greater than which of NC joint section. The maximum deflection of NC splicing section is 1.20 mm, which is 1/633 of the calculating span length. The maximum deflection of MC spliced section is 2.03 mm, which is 1/374 of the calculating span length. Comparison of the maximum deflection and the maximum crack width shows that MC material has better ductility.