Sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines

Bolan, Shiv,Kunhikrishnan, Anitha,Seshadri, Balaji,Choppala, Girish,Naidu, Ravi,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Ok, Yong Sik,Zhang, Ming,Li, Chun-Guang,Li, Feng,Noller, Barry,Kirkham, Mary Beth Elsevier 2017 Environment international Vol.108 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The last few decades have seen the rise of alternative medical approaches including the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines, which are collectively known as ‘Complementary medicines’. However, there are increasing concerns on the safety and health benefits of these medicines. One of the main hazards with the use of complementary medicines is the presence of heavy metal(loid)s such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). This review deals with the characteristics of complementary medicines in terms of heavy metal(loid)s sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and human risk assessment. The heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines are derived from uptake by medicinal plants, cross-contamination during processing, and therapeutic input of metal(loid)s. This paper discusses the distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines, in terms of their nature, concentration, and speciation. The importance of determining bioavailability towards human health risk assessment was emphasized by the need to estimate daily intake of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. The review ends with selected case studies of heavy metal(loid) toxicity from complementary medicines with specific reference to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. The future research opportunities mentioned in the conclusion of review will help researchers to explore new avenues, methodologies, and approaches to the issue of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines, thereby generating new regulations and proposing fresh approach towards safe use of these medicines.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A first-time comprehensive overview on the health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines </LI> <LI> Ayurvedic medicines contain toxic levels of heavy metal(loid)s including As, Cd, Hg and Pb </LI> <LI> The bioavailability of metal(loid)s in complementary medicines depends on speciation of these metals </LI> <LI> Regular intake of some complementary medicines has caused metal(loid) toxicity in humans </LI> <LI> Health risk assessment can be achieved based on the daily intake of complementary medicines and total metal(loid) content </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Interactions between heavy metal(loid)s and complementary medicines.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Identification of MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for detecting ischemic stroke

Li Kexin,Shen Li,Zheng Pingping,Wang Yanjun,Wang Lijuan,Meng Xiaoli,Lv Yaogai,Xue Zhiqiang,Guo Xin,Zhang Anning,Pan Pan,Bi Chunli,Chen Yang,Feng Tianyu,Li Bo,Jin Lina,Yao Yan 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.1

Background: Increasing epidemic of ischemic stroke (IS) makes it urgent to understand the pathogenesis and regulatory mechanism, previous studies have described microRNAs (miRNAs) is part of the brain's response to ischemia. Objective: The aim of this study was to screen potential biomarkers for the prediction and novel treatment of IS. Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened from three newly diagnosed IS patients and three controls by RNA sequencing technology. Furthermore, target prediction databases were then used to analysis the target genes of different expressed miRNAs, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database were used to identify the functions and the main biochemical and signal pathways of differentially expressed target genes. Results: Our results revealed that 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed in IS, among which, hsa-miR-659-5p was the most highly increased and was first found to be associated with IS. In addition, KEGG pathway analyses showed that differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly significantly enriched in lysosome pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, spliceosome pathway, base excision repair pathway. Conclusions: miRNAs were involved in IS pathogenesis, and hsa-miR-659-5p, hsa-miR-151a-3p and hsa-miR-29c-5p as the three highest |log2FoldChange| regulation in this study, which may be the biomarkers of IS and need further study.

Ligand-Receptor Recognition for Activation of Quorum Sensing in Staphylococcus aureus

Li-Chun Chen,Li-Tse Tsou,Feng-Jui Chen 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.5

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus controls many of the virulence toxins involved in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, and can be divided into four specificity groups. AgrC is the only group-specific receptor to mediate both intra-group activation and inter-group inhibition. We studied the ligand-receptor recognition of the agr system in depth by using a luciferase reporter system to identify the key residues responsible for AgrC activation in two closely related agr groups, AgrC-I, and AgrC-IV. Fusion PCR and site-directed mutagenesis were used to screen for functional residues of AgrC. Our data suggest that for AgrC-IV activation, residue 101 is critical for activating the receptor. In contrast, the key residues for the activation of AgrC-I are located at residues 49~59, 107, and 116. However, three residue changes, T101A, V107S, I116S, are sufficient to convert the AIP recognizing specificity from AgrC-IV to AgrC-I.

Factors Predicting the Effi cacy of Adefovir Dipivoxil on Treatment-Naïve Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at 48 Weeks

Li-Chun Wang,En-Qiang Chen,Xiao-Feng Zhu,Zhong-Hua Xiong,Li Liu,Lu Xu,Xue-Zhong Lei,Cong Liu,Hong Tang 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.4

Background/Aims: To reveal possible factors predicting the effect of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and optimize the utilization of ADV. Methods:In total, 168 treatment-naïve CHB patients were enrolled,including 117 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients and 51 HBeAg-negative patients who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with ADV 10 mg per day for 48 weeks. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate baseline factors, and responses at weeks 12and 24 were analyzed as predictive values. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that baseline HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels signifi cantly affected the virological response (VR) (p<0.05), baseline ALT levels were an independent predictor of serological response (SR) (p<0.05) and the body mass index (BMI) may affect the biochemical response (BR)(p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the VR and SR between patients with a primary nonresponse (PNR) at week 12 and those with a VR at week 12 (p<0.01). Additionally, the VR was significantly different between patients with HBV DNA lower than 10^3 copies/mL at week 24 and those with greater than 10^3 copies/mL (p<0.01). Conclusions: Patients with negative HBeAg, lower HBV DNA levels and higher ALT values at baseline are more suitable for ADV treatment, whereas patients with lower BMIs may be more amenable to ALT normalization. Adjustments for treatment strategy should be considered if PNR at week 12 or HBV DNA ≥103 copies/mL at week 24 is observed.

Genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of WOX gene family in cucurbit crops

Li Chun,He Zhen,Liang Genyun,Yang Nan,Cai Peng,Liang Ying,Li Yuejian,Fang Chao,Liu Duchen,Xia Feng,Liu Xiaojun 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family is essential for plant growth and development. However, the identifi cation and evolutionary analysis of WOX genes in the Cucurbitaceae have not been well investigated. In the present work, we performed a genome-wide analysis to identify WOX genes in eleven cucurbit crops. In total, 127 WOX genes were identifi ed in eleven cucurbit crops, and classifi ed into three diff erent clades: the ancient clade, the intermediate clade and the WUS clade. The same clade has comparable gene organization and conserved motif patterns. The cis -acting ele ment analysis revealed that WOX genes were involved in light, hormone and stress in cucurbit crops. Gene duplication analysis indicated that dispersed duplication and whole genome duplication were the two primary causes of WOX genes expansion. There were 24 and 129 gene pairs found within cucurbit crops, and between Cucumis sativus and other cucur bit crops, respectively. After gene duplication, all WOX genes were subjected to substantial purifying selection pressure according to the selective pressure analysis. Functional divergence analysis revealed that ancient and intermediate clades may have descended from some essential amino acid sites rather than diff erent evolution rate. Our research provides a comprehensive analysis of WOX genes which will be helpful for further research into their function study in Cucurbita ceae plants.

Homocysteine-targeting compounds as a new treatment strategy for diabetic wounds via inhibition of the histone methyltransferase SET7/9

Li Guodong,Li Dan,Wu Chun,Li Shengnan,Chen Feng,Li Peng,Ko Chung-Nga,Wang Wanhe,Lee Simon Ming-Yuen,Lin Ligen,Ma Dik-Lung,Leung Chung-Hang 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

In hypoxia and hyperglycemia, SET7/9 plays an important role in controlling HIF-1α methylation and regulating the transcription of HIF-1α target genes, which are responsible for angiogenesis and wound healing. Here, we report the Ir(III) complex Set7_1a bearing acetonitrile (ACN) ligands as a SET7/9 methyltransferase inhibitor and HIF-1α stabilizer. Interestingly, Set7_1a could engage SET7/9 and strongly inhibit SET7/9 activity, especially after preincubation with homocysteine (Hcy), which is elevated in diabetes. We hypothesize that Set7_1a exchanges ACN subunits for Hcy to disrupt the interaction between SET7/9 and SAM/SAH, which are structurally related to Hcy. Inhibition of SET7/9 methyltransferase activity by Set7_1a led to reduced HIF-1α methylation at the lysine 32 residue, causing increased HIF-1α level and recruitment of HIF-1α target genes that promote angiogenesis, such as VEGF, GLUT1, and EPO, in hypoxia and hyperglycemia. Significantly, Set7_1a improved wound healing in a type 2 diabetic mouse model by activating HIF-1α signaling and downstream proangiogenic factors. To our knowledge, this is the first Hcy-targeting iridium compound shown to be a SET7/9 antagonist that can accelerate diabetic wound healing. More importantly, this study opens a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of diabetic wounds by the inhibition of SET7/9 lysine methyltransferase activity.

Original Article : Factors Predicting the Effi cacy of Adefovir Dipivoxil on Treatment-Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at 48 Weeks

( Li Chun Wang ),( En Qiang Chen ),( Xiao Feng Zhu ),( Zhong Hua Xiong ),( Li Liu ),( Lu Xu ),( Xue Zhong Lei ),( Cong Liu ),( Hong Tang ) 대한간학회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.4

Background/Aims: To reveal possible factors predicting the effect of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and optimize the utilization of ADV. Methods: In total, 168 treatment-naive CHB patients were enrolled, including 117 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients and 51 HBeAg-negative patients who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with ADV 10 mg per day for 48 weeks. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate baseline factors, and responses at weeks 12 and 24 were analyzed as predictive values. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that baseline HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels signifi cantly affected the virological response (VR) (p<0.05), baseline ALT levels were an independent predictor of serological response (SR) (p<0.05) and the body mass index (BMI) may affect the biochemical response (BR) (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the VR and SR between patients with a primary nonresponse (PNR) at week 12 and those with a VR at week 12 (p<0.01). Additionally, the VR was significantly different between patients with HBV DNA lower than 103 copies/mL at week 24 and those with greater than 103 copies/mL (p<0.01). Conclusions: Patients with negative HBeAg, lower HBV DNA levels and higher ALT values at baseline are more suitable for ADV treatment, whereas patients with lower BMIs may be more amenable to ALT normalization. Adjustments for treatment strategy should be considered if PNR at week 12 or HBV DNA ≥103 copies/mL at week 24 is observed. (Gut Liver 2011;5:478-485)

Isolation of New Strain of Cordyceps militaris HB8 and Optimal Condition for Production of Adenosine and Cordycepin in Fruit Body

Li, Jin Feng,Hoang, Van An,Ahn, Jong Chan,Yang, Dong Uk,Lee, Dong Wook,Yang, Deok Chun The Plant Resources Society of Korea 2020 한국자원식물학회지 Vol.33 No.6

Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine more than 2000 year ago. In this study, the new Cordyceps militaris was founded and isolated from O-dae mountain in Korea, and was identified its genetic characteristics. The newly isolation strain HB8 was most closet to Cordyceps militaris W141449 (99.82%), Cordyceps militaris JLCY-LI819 (99.82%) and Cordyceps militaris 4642 (99.81%), respectively. the genotypic result was show that train HB8 was belonging to the Cordyceps militaris genus, therefore, Cordycep militaris HB8 proposed with accession number MT835161. This study we find the optimal condition for production of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris HB8 was 8 mg/g (200 g of pupa, 1 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.5 g of K₂HPO₄, 20 g of glucose, 1 g of MgSO₄, 0.05 g of vitamin B1, and 1 mg of NAA per liter; light condition 300-700 Lux and day/night was 14 h/10 h) and the optimum condition for the production of adenosine was 2.6 mg/g (15 g of skim milk powder, 1 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.5 g of K₂HPO₄, 20 g of glucose, 1 g of MgSO₄, 0.05 g of vitamin B1, and 1 mg of NAA per liter; light condition 300-700 Lux and day/night was 14 h/10 h).

Optical Properties of K9 Glass Waveguides Fabricated by Using Carbon-Ion Implantation

Chun-Xiao Liu,Wei Wei,Li-Li Fu,Xu-Feng Zhu,Hai-Tao Guo,Wei-Nan Li,She-Bao Lin 한국물리학회 2016 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.69 No.2

K9 glass is a material with promising properties that make it attractive for optical devices. Ion implantation is a powerful technique to form waveguides with controllable depth and refractive index profile. In this work, optical planar waveguide structures were fabricated in K9 glasses by using 6.0-MeV C3+-ion implantation with a fluence of 1.0 × 1015 ions/cm2. The effective refractive indices of the guided modes were measured by using a prism-coupling system. The refractive index change in the ion-irradiated region was simulated by using the intensity calculation method. The modal intensity profile of the waveguide was calculated and measured by using the finite difference beam propagation method and the end-face coupling technique, respectively. The transmission spectra before and after the implantation showed that the main absorption band was not influenced by the low fluence dopants. The optical properties of the carbon-implanted K9 glass waveguides show promise for use as integrated photonic devices.

Compound HRAS/PIK3CA Mutations in Chinese Patients with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcomas

Liu, Chun-Xia,Li, Xiao-Ying,Li, Cheng-Fang,Chen, Yun-Zhao,Cui, Xiao-Bin,Hu, Jian-Ming,Li, Feng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

The rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue tumor in children and adolescents; yet only a few screens for oncogenic mutations have been conducted for RMS. To identify novel mutations and potential therapeutic targets, we conducted a high-throughput Sequenom mass spectrometry-based analysis of 238 known mutations in 19 oncogenes in 17 primary formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded RMS tissue samples and two RMS cell lines. Mutations were detected in 31.6% (6 of 19) of the RMS specimens. Specifically, mutations in the NRAS gene were found in 27.3% (3 of 11) of embryonal RMS cases, while mutations in NRAS, HRAS, and PIK3CA genes were identified in 37.5% (3 of 8) of alveolar RMS (ARMS) cases; moreover, PIK3CA mutations were found in 25% (2 of 8) of ARMS specimens. The results demonstrate that tumor profiling in archival tissue samples is a useful tool for identifying diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets and suggests that these HRAS/ PIK3CA mutations play a critical role in the genesis of RMS.