Interleukin-20 targets podocytes and is upregulated in experimental murine diabetic nephropathy

Yu-Hsiang Hsu,Hsing-Hui Li,Junne-Ming Sung,Wei-Yu Chen,Ya-Chin Hou,Yun-Han Weng,Wei-Ting Lai,Chih-Hsing Wu,Ming-Shi Chang 생화학분자생물학회 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.-

Interleukin (IL)-20, a proinflammatory cytokine of the IL-10 family, is involved in acute and chronic renal failure. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of IL-20 during diabetic nephropathy development. We found that IL-20 and its receptor IL-20R1 were upregulated in the kidneys of mice and rats with STZ-induced diabetes. In vitro, IL-20 induced MMP-9, MCP-1, TGF-β1 and VEGF expression in podocytes. IL-20 was upregulated by hydrogen peroxide, high-dose glucose and TGF-β1. In addition, IL-20 induced apoptosis in podocytes by activating caspase-8. In STZ-induced early diabetic nephropathy, IL-20R1-deficient mice had lower blood glucose and serum BUN levels and a smaller glomerular area than did wild-type controls. Anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (7E) treatment reduced blood glucose and the glomerular area and improved renal functions in mice in the early stage of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. ELISA showed that the serum IL-20 level was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus than in healthy controls. The findings of this study suggest that IL-20 induces cell apoptosis of podocytes and plays a role in the pathogenesis of early diabetic nephropathy.

Use of Lactobacillus Brevis LUC247 to Enrich Quinoa Sourdough with Γ-Aminobutyric Acid

( Ting Wei Liu ),( Chao Feng Yu ),( Syue Fong Lai ),( Ying Chen Lu ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

γ-Aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter inhibitor with sedation, anti-depression, hypotensive and other physiological functions. This study aimed at investigating the effect of addition various amount of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) flours to sourdough in γ-aminobutyric acid production. Type I sourdough containing quinoa flours of different content (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%) were prepared in laboratory. Lactobacillus brevis LUC247 was used to ferment quinoa sourdough during different fermentation time (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 hours). Compared to control dough, without quinoa, the amount of GABA was representing about 3-fold increase, Cell count of Lactobacillus brevis LUC247 in quinoa sourdough fermented for 12 hours was the highest (1E+9 CFU/g). The higher the inoculated cell counts, the faster the pH decreased and total titratable acidity and organic acid (lactic acid and acetic acid) amounts increased in quinoa sourdough. The results indicated the potential of quinoa flour through sourdough fermentation by Lactobacillus brevis LUC247 to enrich γ-aminobutyric acid.

Differentially Rice Protein Expression Between Rice Bran and Endosperm

( Ting-yu Chen ),( De-min Wu ),( Ji-jyun Lai ),( Chang-yue Li ),( Hui-fen Liao ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the major staple food for more than 60% of the world’s population, offer nutritional and health-enhancing properties. Therefore, breeding of new rice species has been fueled by the rising interest in Asian, Latin cuisines, and many countries. In Asia, rice and rice-based ingredients also appeal to both consumers and processors due to their unique combination of taste, nutrition, texture, and biological properties. Proteins and starch in rice are the two major components in rice seed, with approximately 8 and 80%, respectively. Especially in traditional Asian diet, rice seed contributes to about 28-54% of the protein source. The major rice proteins, including structural, metabolic, protective, and storage proteins, serve as sources of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon for several important physiological functions. In our previous study also demonstrated that rice protein prolamin activated human mononuclear cells to produce cytokines and enhance anti-leukemic immunity. The present study aimed to compare the differentially expression of rice proteins with bran and endosperm by 2-dimentional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometric assay. Several protein spots in 2-DE gel with different expression were isolated and identified. The results showed that the major proteins were metabolic, transporter, storage, antioxidant, disease resistant, and development-related proteins. Further investigation to clarify the different manifestations and functions of these proteins might contribute to development of new rice varieties and breeding with unique features.

Overexpression of Cyclooxygenase-1 Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Yu, Zu-Hu,Zhang, Qiang,Wang, Ya-Dong,Chen, Jing,Jiang, Zhi-Mao,Shi, Min,Guo, Xin,Qin, Jie,Cui, Guang-Hui,Cai, Zhi-Ming,Gui, Yao-Ting,Lai, Yong-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of COX-1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its prognostic value. mRNA of COX-1 was detected in 42 paired RCC and adjacent normal tissues with quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression of COX-1 was also evaluated in 196 RCC sections and 91 adjacent normal tissues with immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess COX-1 expression in RCC and its prognostic significance. The results of qRT-PCR showed mRNA levels of COX-1 in RCC tissues to be significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical assays also revealed COX-1 to be overexpressed in RCC tissues (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis demonstrated high expression of COX-1 was correlated with tumour size (p = 0.002), pathological stage (p = 0.003), TNM stage (p = 0.003, 0.007, 0.027, respectively), and tumour recurrence (p < 0.001). Survival analysis indicated patients with high expression of COX-1 had shorter survival time (p < 0.001), and COX-1 was an independent predictor. This is the first study to reveal overexpression of COX-1 in RRC and point to use as a prognostic marker in affected patients.

Preclinical Study of Novel Curcumin Analogue SSC-5 Using Orthotopic Tumor Xenograft Model for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lai Nar Tung,Senchuan Song,Kin Tak Chan,Mei Yuk Choi,Ho Yu Lam,Chung Man Chan,Zhiyong Chen,Hector K. Wang,Hoi Ting Leung,Simon Law,Yanmin Huang,Huacan Song,Nikki P. Lee 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.4

Purpose Tumor xenograft model is an indispensable animal cancer model. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) research, orthotopic tumor xenograft model establishes tumor xenograft in the animal esophagus, which allows the study of tumorigenesis in its native microenvironment. Materials and Methods In this study, we described two simple and reproducible methods to develop tumor xenograft at the cervical or the abdominal esophagus in nude mice by direct injection of ESCC cells in the esophageal wall. Results In comparing these two methods, the cervical one presented with more clinically relevant features, i.e., esophageal stricture, body weight loss and poor survival. In addition, the derived tumor xenografts accompanied a rapid growth rate and a high tendency to invade into the surrounding structures. This model was subsequently used to study the anti-tumor effect of curcumin, which is known for its potential therapeutic effects in various diseases including cancers, and its analogue SSC-5. SSC-5 was selected among the eight newly synthesized curcumin analogues based on its superior anti-tumor effect demonstrated in an MTT cell proliferation assay and its effects on apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in cultured ESCC cells. Treatment of orthotopic tumor-bearing mice with SSC-5 resulted in an inhibition in tumor growth and invasion. Conclusion Taken together, we have established a clinically relevant orthotopic tumor xenograft model that can serve as a preclinical tool for screening new anti-tumor compounds, e.g., SSC-5, in ESCC.

Molecular structure and developmental expression of zebrafish atp2a genes

Yen-Yu Lai,Chiung-Wen Pai,I-Ting Tsai,Chi-Yuan Chou,Chia-Ti Tsai,Yau-Hung Chen 한국유전학회 2011 Genes & Genomics Vol.33 No.5

We isolated two atp2a genes, atp2a1 and atp2a2a, from embryonic zebrafish. Amino acid sequences deduced from zebrafish atp2a genes are aligned with orthologue proteins from other species, the results showed that they share high percentage of identities (82%-94%) and acidic pIs (5.03-5.33). Whole mount in situ hybridization experiments showed that atp2a1and atp2a2a are maternal inherited genes which can be detected at 1-cell stage embryos and express in the entire animal pole from 6 hours post-fertilization (hpf) to 12 hpf. At the later stages (48-96 hpf), expression of atp2a1 was restricted in head and trunk muscles as well as in some neurons. In contrast to the strongly expression of atp2a1 in head muscle,expression of atp2a2a was detected in head muscle in a fainter manner. In addition, transcripts of atp2a2a were observed in the developing heart during early cardiogenesis. The present studies not only help us to comparatively analyze atp2a genes across species, but also provide useful information about expressions during early embryogenesis that will help in further investigations of functional studies of Atp2a in the future.

The Influence of Flower Bud Induction Response to Temperature in Kumquat (Fortunella margarita Swingle) and Calamondin (Citrus microcarpa Bunge)

Yi-Ting Lai,Yu-Huei Lin,Iou-Zen Chen 한국원예학회 2008 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Synergistic effect and field control efficacy of the binary mixture of permethrin and chlorpyrifos to brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

Yang Yung Yu,Lai Ching Ting 한국응용곤충학회 2019 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.22 No.1

The brown Planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens is a major pest of rice production in tropical Asia. The appearance of insecticide resistance challenges the control of BPH in field. The development of new insecticide is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, the precise and proper use of existing compounds becomes an important issue in resistance management of this pest. In this study, five commercial insecticides of BPH (permethrin, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam) were tested to explore the toxicity of the binary mixture between different kinds of insecticides. In all combinations of mixture, the mixtures of permethrin and chlorpyrifos displays synergistic effect at three different mixture ratios (1:1, 1:10 and 10:1). The strongest synergism observed in permethrin/ chlorpyrifos mixtures at 1:1 ratio (Combination index, CI = 0.39). Addition of enzyme inhibitor followed by detoxification enzyme activity assays suggested that the mechanism of synergistic effect of permethrin/chlorpyrifos mixture may result from inhibition of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase activity. This inference can be supported through two lines of evidence. One is decrease of toxicity when permethrin/chlorpyrifos mixture in a 1:1 ratio plus triphenyl phosphate (TPP) or piperonyl butoxide (PBO), but increase of toxicity when permethrin/chlorpyrifos mixture in a 10:1 ratio plus TPP or PBO. Another is exposure of the 3rd instar nymphs to permethrin/chlorpyrifos mixture after 72 h also significantly decreased both cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and esterase activity. Further field trail showed the mixture of 50 ppm permethrin +50 ppm chlorpyrifos increased the field control efficiency significantly rather than permethrin alone or chlorpyrifos alone. Our study indicated that the mixture of permethrin and chlorpyrifos in a 1:1 ratio might be an effective method for the control of BPH in paddy field.

HBV : PO-01 ; Declination of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels with the treatment of entecavir (ETV) in HBeAg-positive nucleoside naive chronic hepatitis B patients-results from phase III study ETV-022

( Robert G Gish ),( Ting Tsung Chang ),( Ching Lung Lai ),( Robert A De Man ),( Adrian Gadano ),( Song Yu ),( Cyril Llamoso ),( Hong Tang ) 대한간학회 2012 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2012 No.1

Background: Entecavir (ETV) 0.5 mg demonstrated superior virologic, histologic, and biochemical benefit compared to lamivudine in phase III study ETV-022. Through 96 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks post-treatment follow-up, 5% of the patients achieved HBsAg loss. We present the changes in quantitative HBsAg levels in patients with HBeAg-positive nucleoside naive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with ETV in study ETV-022. Methods: The nucleoside-naive HBeAg-positive patients received ETV 0.5mg daily in study ETV-022. HBsAg levels were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively every 12 weeks. The quantitative HBsAg levels were measured with the Abbott Architect Assay. Mean HBsAg levels were calculated at baseline, week 12, 24, 36 and 48 for the overall cohort and cohorts with HBeAg loss or HBsAg loss. Results: A total of 95 ETV-treated patients from study ETV-022 had available blood samples and were analyzed for quantitative HBsAg levels. Baseline characteristics of patients include mean age 38 years old, mean HBV DNA 9.64 log10 copies/mL and ALT 156.65 U/L. The quantitative HBsAg levels over time in different patient groups are listed below Conclusion: Quantitative HBsAg levels decreased overtime during the first 48 weeks of ETV therapy in HBeAg-positive nucleoside naive patients. A greater declination in quantitative HBsAg value was observed among subjects who had HBeAg loss or HBsAg loss.

A Simple Partial Discharge Detector for Low-Voltage Rotating Electrical Machines

Cheng-Chi Tai,Ting-Cheng Huang,Ching-Chau Su,Chien-Yi Chen,Ju-Chu Hsieh,Yu-Shiun Lin,Chung-Tzong Wang,Jeng-Hung Lai 전력전자학회 2007 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.- No.-

A new, simple partial discharge (PD) detector for low-voltage rotating electrical machines using acoustical emission (AE) technique is dseveloped in this study. Common electric components were used in the detector, which reduces the cost of inspection, comparing with the traditional PD detection methods that use expensive equipment costing from tens of thousands to several millions dollars. Experimental results by resonant type AE sensors (150 ㎑) which utilize power line-cycle in a microcontroller unit (MCU) as reference to measure the PDs generated in a low-voltage motor are presented. The AE signals are then amplified by a pre-amplifier (30 ㎑ ~ 300 ㎑, 34 ㏈). Since the resonant frequency of the sensor is much lower than that of the electromagnetic (EM) interferences around the motor, the effects of noise is substantially reduced by this method. In the mean time, the use of 150-㎑ resonant type AE sensor also avoids the disturbance of mechanical vibration noise. According to the experiment results, the measurement system developed in this study can be used to detect the PDs’ AE signals correctly. The AE measurement scheme proposed in this study provides an effective, low-cost method for PD measurements.