Prognostic Role of Nucleophosmin in Colorectal Carcinomas

Yang, Yu-Feng,Zhang, Xi-Ying,Yang, Mei,He, Ze-Hua,Peng, Ning-Fu,Xie, Shu-Rui,Xie, Yan-Fang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Aim: Recent research suggests that nucleophosmin (NPM) may be a prognostic marker in colorectal carcinomas (CRC). We here tested its use to predict the survival of CRC patients. Methods: We investigated NPM expression by immunohistochemistry in histologically normal to malignant colorectal tissues and evaluated its association with clinicopathological variables. Overall and disease-free survival after tumor removal were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences in survival curves were analyzed by the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. Results: NPM expression was found significantly upregulated in CRC compared to adjacent colorectal tissue, villous adenoma, tubular adenoma and normal colorectal mucosa (p<0.05 for all). NPM expression was statistically linked to cancer embolus, lymph node metastasis, differentiation grade, and recurrence of CRC. Overall and disease-free survival of NPM-negative CRC patients tended to be better than those for patients with NPM-positive lesions (log-rank statistic, p<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis indicated NPM expression as an independent prognostic indicator for CRC patients (p<0.05 ). Conclusion: Our results suggest that NPM expression can predict the survival of CRC patients. Prognosis of CRC is determined by not only many known prognostic factors but also by NPM expression.

Increased Serotonin Signaling Contributes to the Warburg Effect in Pancreatic Tumor Cells Under Metabolic Stress and Promotes Growth of Pancreatic Tumors in Mice

Jiang, Shu-Heng,Li, Jun,Dong, Fang-Yuan,Yang, Jian-Yu,Liu, De-Jun,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Min-Wei,Fu, Xue-Liang,Zhang, Xiao-Xin,Li, Qing,Pang, Xiu-Feng,Huo, Yan-Miao,Li, Jiao,Zhang, Jun-Feng Elsevier 2017 Gastroenterology Vol.153 No.1

<P><B>Background & Aims</B></P> <P>Desmoplasia and poor vascularity cause severe metabolic stress in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Serotonin (5-HT) is a neuromodulator with neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine functions that contributes to tumorigenesis. We investigated the role of 5-HT signaling in the growth of pancreatic tumors.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>We measured the levels of proteins that regulate 5-HT synthesis, packaging, and degradation in pancreata from Kras<SUP>G12D/+</SUP>/Trp53<SUP>R172H/+</SUP>/Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mice, which develop pancreatic tumors, as well as in PDAC cell lines and a tissue microarray containing 81 human PDAC samples. We also analyzed expression levels of proteins involved in 5-HT synthesis and degradation by immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray containing 311 PDAC specimens, and associated expression levels with patient survival times. 5-HT level in 14 matched PDAC tumor and non-tumor tissues were analyzed by ELISA. PDAC cell lines were incubated with 5-HT and cell survival and apoptosis were measured. We analyzed expression of the 5-HT receptor HTR2B in PDAC cells and effects of receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as HTR2B knockdown with small hairpin RNAs. We determined the effects of 5-HT stimulation on gene expression profiles of BxPC-3 cells. Regulation of glycolysis by 5-HT signaling via HTR2B was assessed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation analyses, as well as by determination of the extracellular acid ratio, glucose consumption, and lactate production. Primary PDACs, with or without exposure to SB204741 (a selective antagonist of HTR2B), were grown as xenograft tumors in mice, and SB204741 was administered to tumor-bearing KPC mice; tumor growth and metabolism were measured by imaging analyses.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>In immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray of PDAC specimens, increased levels of TPH1 and decreased level of MAOA, which regulate 5-HT synthesis and degradation, correlated with stage and size of PDACs and shorter patient survival time. We found levels of 5-HT to be increased in human PDAC tissues compared with non-tumor pancreatic tissues, and PDAC cell lines compared with non-transformed pancreatic cells. Incubation of PDAC cell lines with 5-HT increased proliferation and prevented apoptosis. Agonists of HTR2B, but not other 5-HT receptors, promoted proliferation and prevented apoptosis of PDAC cells. Knockdown of HTR2B in PDAC cells, or incubation of cells with HTR2B inhibitors, reduced their growth as xenograft tumors in mice. We observed a correlation between 5-HT and glycolytic flux in PDAC cells; levels of metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis, the phosphate pentose pathway, and hexosamine biosynthesis pathway increased significantly in PDAC cells following 5-HT stimulation. 5-HT stimulation led to formation of the HTR2B–LYN–p85 complex, which increased PI3K–Akt–mTOR signaling and the Warburg effect by increasing protein levels of MYC and HIF1A. Administration of SB204741 to KPC mice slowed growth and metabolism of established pancreatic tumors and prolonged survival of the mice.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>Human PDACs have increased levels of 5-HT, and PDAC cells increase expression of its receptor, HTR2B. These increases allow for tumor glycolysis under metabolic stress and promote growth of pancreatic tumors and PDAC xenograft tumors in mice.</P>

Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Induces Disease Resistance in Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch.

Yang-Er Chen,Ying-Hong Zhang,Shu Yuan,Han-Mei Liu,Xian-Yin Zeng,Huai-Yu Zhang 한국원예학회 2014 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.55 No.6

To evaluate the disease resistance of Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch. ‘Schwabenland Red’ mutants induced byethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), we investigated the incidence and severity of stem rot caused by Rhizoctoniasolani Kuhn, and their morphological changes. In this study, we obtained three mutants with highly resistant diseaseafter two rounds of screening when the inoculated amount was 3 sheets/plant. The severity scale was 0 and therewere no obvious symptoms of stem rot in highly resistant Begonia × hiemalis. However, most of EMS mutagenizedplants were susceptible to stem rot caused by R. solani under this inoculated amount. In addition, these resistantmutants had different phenotypes as compared with the uninfected control plants. The color of leaves of the R. solani-resistent mutants was different with the control plants and their leaves were bigger than that of the control. The shape and number of their flowers were obviously different, as compared to the control plants.

Circular RNA cFAM210A, degradable by HBx, inhibits HCC tumorigenesis by suppressing YBX1 transactivation

Yu Jian,Li Wen,Hou Guo-jun,Sun Da-peng,Yang Yuan,Yuan Sheng-xian,Dai Zhi-hui,Yin Hao-zan,Sun Shu-han,Huang Gang,Zhou Wei-ping,Yang Fu 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Hepatitis B protein x (HBx) has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism awaits further investigation. In this study, we found that cFAM210A (a circular RNA derived from the third exon of transcript NM_001098801 of the FAM210A gene; CircBase ID: hsa_circ_0003979) can be silenced by HBx. cFAM210A expression was downregulated and negatively correlated with tumorigenesis in patients with HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, cFAM210A reduced the proliferation, stemness, and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Mechanistically, HBx increased the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of cFAM210A by promoting the expression of RBM15 (an m6A methyltransferase), thus inducing the degradation of cFAM210A via the YTHDF2-HRSP12-RNase P/MRP pathway. cFAM210A bound to YBX1 and inhibited its phosphorylation, suppressing its transactivation function toward MET. These findings suggest the important role of circular RNAs in HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and identify cFAM210A a potential target in the prevention and treatment of HBV-related HCC.

Comparison of Two Different Schemes of Once-weekly Ovum Pick Up in Dairy Heifers

Yang, Xiao-Yu,Li, Hua,Huang, Wen-Ying,Huang, Shu-Zhen,Zeng, Yi-tao Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.3

To compare two different schemes, continuous scheme (CS) and discontinuous scheme (DCS), of once-weekly ovum pick up (OPU) with ultrasound-guided follicular puncture technique, Holstein heifers were randomly divided into two groups of five. After characterization of their two normal estrous cycles, the heifers were subjected to consecutive 20 weeks of once-weekly OPU under two schemes: the CS (one week interval between continuous OPU, total 100 OPU sessions performed) and the DCS (OPU fixed to the day 3 and day 10 of each estrus). Then, the status of ovaries and artificial insemination results were observed. On oocyte yield, the total number of punctured follicles using DCS was lower than that using CS, but the mean numbers of punctured follicles and recovered oocytes per session were higher in DCS than CS group. So the total number of recovered oocytes was similar in both groups. There were also no differences in the quality of recovered oocytes, nor in the developmental ability of oocytes fertilized in vitro between groups. The heifers in the DCS group showed regular estrous cycles with stable estrous signs through the periods of before, during, and after OPU, while those in CS group showed longer estrous cycles and less estrous signs during and/or after OPU compared with before period. Furthermore, the mean number of inseminations required for obtaining pregnancy after completion of the experiments was lower in DCS than CS group. The research demonstrates that similar quantity and quality oocytes can be achieved, and the side effects on donors are lower in DCS that needs fewer OPUs than CS group, and DCS is superior to CS.

Incongruent Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol in Schizophrenia: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Laughter Intervention

Shu-Li Cheng,Fu-Chi Yang,Hsuan-Te Chu,Chia-Kuang Tsai,Shih-Chieh Ku,Yu-Ting Tseng,Ta-Chuan Yeh,Chih-Sung Liang 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.12

Objective Schizophrenia has been associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Furthermore, alterations in neurotrophic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a simulated laughter intervention on the levels of cortisol and BDNF and to determine whether the effects associated with simulated laughter could be sustained after discontinuation of the intervention. Methods In this randomized controlled study, patients with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV clinical criteria were randomly assigned to receive either 8-week-long simulated laughter intervention (n=32) or treatment-as-usual group (control group, n=27). The serum levels of BDNF and cortisol were measured at baseline, week 8, and four weeks after discontinuation (week 12) of the intervention program. Results After an 8-week simulated laughter intervention, the laughter group had significantly higher levels of BDNF; however, four weeks after discontinuation of the intervention, the levels of BDNF significantly dropped. Interestingly, the levels of cortisol did not change significantly at week 8, but they were significantly elevated at week 12. The levels of BDNF and cortisol in the control group did not change significantly between week 0 and week 8. Conclusion These findings suggest that the simulated laughter intervention has an early effect on neurogenesis with a significant delayed effect on stress regulation in subjects with schizophrenia.

Novel application of Influenza A virus-inoculated chorioallantoic membrane to characterize a NP-specific monoclonal antibody for immunohistochemistry assaying

Yang-Chang Tu,Kuang-Yu Chen,Chung-Kung Chen,Ming-Chu Cheng,Shu-Hwae Lee,Ivan-Chen Cheng 대한수의학회 2019 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.20 No.1

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are widely applied in disease diagnoses. Herein, we report a MAb, WF-4, against Influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP), its broad response with Influenza A virus, and its application in an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. WF-4 was screened by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The results showed that its reactivity with baculovirus-expressed full-length recombinant NP (rNP) in Western blot (WB), indicating its IHC applicability. Fifteen Influenza A virus (reference subtypes H1 to H15) infected chicken embryonated chorioallantoic membranes (CAM), fixed by formalin, were all detectable in the WF-4-based IHC assay. Also, the reactivity of the IHC test with NP from experimentally inoculated H6N1 and from all recent outbreaks of H5 subtype avian Influenza A virus (AIV) field cases in Taiwan showed positive results. Our data indicate that CAM, a by-product of Influenza A virus preparation, is helpful for Influenza A virus-specific MAb characterization, and that the WF-4 MAb recognizes conserved and linear epitopes of Influenza A virus NP. Therefore, WF-4 is capable of detecting NP antigens via IHC and may be suitable for developing various tests for diagnosis of Influenza A virus and, especially, AIV infection.

A Combination of Chitosan and Chemical Fertilizers Improves Growth and Disease Resistance in Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch

Yang-Er Chen,Shu Yuan,Han-Mei Liu,Zhi-Yu Chen,Ying-Hong Zhang,Huai-Yu Zhang 한국원예학회 2016 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.57 No.1

Chitosan has been proposed to elicit defense responses in plants. In this study, we evaluated the potential roles of chitosan as a fertilizer supplement to stimulate Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch ‘Schwabenland Red’ growth and resistance to gray mold caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. We evaluated the effect of treatment with fertilizer containing various ratios of N, P, and K in combination with different concentrations of chitosan on plant growth and disease resistance. Of the sixteen treatments examined, the treatment consisting of an N:P:K ratio of 2.8:1.0:1.4 and chitosan concentration of 0.10 g·L-1 had the most positive effect on plant height, crown development, and other horticultural traits (i.e., flowering time, flower diameter, and flower quantity) at 20, 40, and 60 days after treatment, and significantly reduced the severity and incidence of gray mold compared to the controls and other treatments at 60 days after treatment. Furthermore, this treatment markedly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities. Based on these findings, we suggest that the chemical composition of the fertilizer and concentration of chitosan used affect the degree to which Begonia × hiemalis growth is stimulated and pathogen resistance is improved.

Lithium chloride’s inhibition of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and enhancing villin 2 expression

Yu-Yang Chi,Jing-Lin Shen,Jing Zhang,Anshan Shan,Shu-Ling Niu,Chang-Hai Zhou,이홍구,Yong-Cheng Jin 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.4

The aim of this study is to reveal the relation among villin 2, Wnt/β-catenin, andadipogenesis by adding appropriate lithium chloride (LiCl). The study comprises three parts: theselection of LiCl concentration, the effect of LiCl on adipocyte differentiation during and afterdifferentiation induction. By comprehensively analyzing the results of the experiments, we proved thatLiCl can inhibit adipocyte differentiation and enhance villin 2 and β-catenin expressions not only duringdifferentiation induction but also after it. Moreover, villin 2 has a significant impact on β-catenin. Wesuggest that villin 2 may participate in Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Enhanced Secondary Electron Emission from Group III Nitride/ZnO Coaxial Nanorod Heterostructures

Lau, Shu ,Ping,Huang, Lei,Yu, Siu ,Fung,Yang, Huiying,Yoo, Jin ,Kyoung,An, Sung ,Jin,Yi, Gyu-Chul WILEY-VCH Verlag 2006 Small Vol.2 No.6

<B>Graphic Abstract</B> <P>Needle work: AlN/ZnO and GaN/ZnO coaxial nanoneedle heterostructures (see TEM image) have a higher secondary electron emission (SEE) yield (σ) than thin films of AlN and GaN deposited on Si substrates. The dependence of the SEE on the incidence angle of the beam indicates that these heterostructures do not follow the power law. The σ value of the heterostructures is enhanced by the inherited nanostructure from the ZnO nanoneedle template. <img src='wiley_img/16136810-2006-2-6-SMLL200500424-content.gif' alt='wiley_img/16136810-2006-2-6-SMLL200500424-content'> </P>