Role of IL-18 Gene Promoter Polymorphisms, Serum IL-18 Levels, and Risk of Hepatitis B Virus-related Liver Disease in the Guangxi Zhuang Population: a Retrospective Case-Control Study

Lu, Yu,Bao, Jin-Gui,Deng, Yan,Rong, Cheng-Zhi,Liu, Yan-Qiong,Huang, Xiu-Li,Song, Liu-Ying,Li, Shan,Qin, Xue Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.14

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between IL-18 gene polymorphisms and HBV-related diseases and whether these polymorphisms influence its expression in the Guangxi Zhuang population. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 129 chronic HBV infected (CHB) patients, 86 HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and 160 healthy controls in our study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were used to detect IL-18 gene -607C/A, -137G/C polymorphisms, and an ELISA kit was employed to determine serum IL-18 levels. Results: No correlation was found between the -607C/A polymorphism and risk of HBV-related disease. For the -137G/C polymorphism, the GC genotype and C allele were associated with a significantly lower risk of CHB (95%CI: 0.32-0.95, p=0.034 and 95%CI: 0.35-0.91, p=0.018) and HBV-related LC (95%CI: 0.24-0.89, p=0.022 and 95%CI: 0.28-0.90, p=0.021). A similar decreased risk was also found with the A-607C-137 haplotype. With respect to IL-18 expression, it was significantly lower in both patient groups, but no association was noted between the two polymorphisms in the IL-18 gene and its expression. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the -137C allele in the IL-18 gene may be a protective factor for HBV-related disease, and serum IL-18 level may be inversely associated with CHB and HBV-related LC.

Construction of a Streptomyces lydicus A01 Transformant with a chit42 Gene from Trichoderma harzianum P1 and Evaluation of Its Biocontrol Activity against Botrytis cinerea

Qiong Wu,Linquan Bai,Weicheng Liu,Yingying Li,Caige Lu,Yaqian Li,Kehe Fu,Chuanjin Yu,Jie Chen 한국미생물학회 2013 The journal of microbiology Vol.51 No.2

Streptomyces lydicus A01 and Trichoderma harzianum P1are potential biocontrol agents of fungal diseases in plants. S. lydicus A01 produces natamycin to bind the ergosterol of the fungal cell membrane and inhibits the growth of Botrytis cinerea. T. harzianum P1, on the other hand, features high chitinase activity and decomposes the chitin in the cell wall of B. cinerea. To obtain the synergistic biocontrol effects of chitinase and natamycin on Botrytis cinerea, this study transformed the chit42 gene from T. harzianum P1 to S. lydicus A01. The conjugal transformant (CT) of S. lydicus A01 with the chit42 gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Associated chitinase activity and natamycin production were examined using the 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS)method and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. The S. lydicus A01-chit42 CT showed substantially higher chitinase activity and natamycin production than its wild type strain (WT). Consequently, the biocontrol effects of S. lydicus A01-chit42 CT on B. cinerea, including inhibition to spore germination and mycelial growth, were highly improved compared with those of the WT. Our research indicates that the biocontrol effect of Streptomyces can be highly improved by transforming the exogenous resistance gene, i.e. chit42from Trichoderma, which not only enhances the production of antibiotics, but also provides a supplementary function by degrading the cell walls of the pathogens.

Astragalus Polysaccharides Attenuate Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis in Rats by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and NOD2-Mediated NF-κB Activation

Jiangtao Xu,Qiong Zhang,Zhaoxin Li,Yuhang Gao,Zhiyu Pang,Yina Wu,Geng Li,Dongyong Lu,Lijuan Zhang,Detang Li 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.1

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the allergic nasal mucosa. It has a significant effect on quality life; most patients with AR also suffer from sleep disorders, mood disorders, and deterioration in social relationships. As increasing numbers of medicinal plants show productive anti-inflammatory activity against inflammatory diseases, there is growing interest in natural medicinal plant ingredients. To this end, we selected Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect on ovalbumin-induced AR rats, and we further explored its impact on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NOD2-mediated NF-κB activation. We found that APS can alleviate the nasal symptom of AR rats and attenuate pathological alterations. APS also reduced the inflammatory cytokine levels. APS not only inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation but also inhibited NF-κB activation by decreasing NOD2 expression and blocking the phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65). In conclusion, APS can effectively improve the inflammatory symptoms of nasal mucosa in AR rats, which may be mediated by the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NOD2-mediated NF-κB activation. These findings indicate that APS has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for AR.

Cardioprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb1 via regulating metabolomics profiling and AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent mitophagy

Jingui Hu,Ling Zhang,Fei Fu,Qiong Lai,Lu Zhang,Tao Liu,Boyang Yu,Junping Kou,Fang Li 고려인삼학회 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.2

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, a bioactive component isolated from the Panax ginseng, acts as a remedy to prevent myocardial injury. However, it is obscure whether the cardioprotective functions of Rb1 are related to the regulation of endogenous metabolites, and its potential molecular mechanism still needs further clarification, especially from a comprehensive metabolomics profiling perspective. Methods: The mice model of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cardiomyocytes injury were applied to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rb1. Meanwhile, the comprehensive metabolomics profiling was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and a tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Rb1 treatment profoundly reduced the infarct size and attenuated myocardial injury. The metabolic network map of 65 differential endogenous metabolites was constructed and provided a new inspiration for the treatment of AMI by Rb1, which was mainly associated with mitophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Rb1 was found to improve mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function and promote mitophagy. Interestingly, the mitophagy inhibitor partly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of Rb1. Additionally, Rb1 markedly facilitated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase a (AMPKa), and AMPK inhibition partially weakened the role of Rb1 in promoting mitophagy. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects acute myocardial ischemia injury through promoting mitophagy via AMPKa phosphorylation, which might lay the foundation for the further application of Rb1 in cardiovascular diseases.

Association of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A_2 with Characteristics of Vulnerable Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Yu-Sheng Liu,Qing-Hua Lu,Xiao-Bo Hu,Hong-Zhuan Li,Wei-Dong Jiang,Xin Wang,Hao Lin,Ai-Qiong Qin,Yong-Mei Wang,Tong Zhao,Zhao-Qiang Dong,Mei Zhang 연세대학교의과대학 2011 Yonsei medical journal Vol.52 No.6

Purpose: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA_2) is an inflammatory enzyme expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the association of circulating Lp-PLA_2 with characteristics of vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Materials and Methods: We recruited 113 patients with either unstable angina (UA, n=59) and stable angina (SA, n=54) by coronary angiography. Thirty-six healthy subjects served as controls. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to evaluate the characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and serum Lp-PLA2 concentration was measured as well. Results: Lp-PLA_2 concentration was significantly higher in both UA and SA patients [(396±36) μg/L and (321±39) μg/L, respectively]compared with the controls [(127±49) μg/L, p<0.01], and higher in UA than SA group. IVUS findings showed that remodeling index (RI) (0.91±0.15 vs. 0.85±0.11, p=0.005) and eccentricity index (EI) (0.73±0.16 vs. 0.65±0.22, p=0.039) were larger in UA than in SA group, and fibrous caps were thicker in SA than UA group [(0.91±0.23) mm vs. (0.63±0.21) mm, p=0.032]. Moreover, Lp-PLA_2 correlated positively with EI (r=0.439, p<0.01) and RI (r=0.592, p<0.05) in UA group. There was an inverse relationship between Lp-PLA_2 and fibrous cap thickness in both UA (r=-0.587, p<0.001) and SA (r=-0.318, p<0.05) groups. The independent risk factors in UA group were Lp-PLA_2 (OR=1.055, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, p=0.013), LDL-cholesterol (OR=0.032, 95% CI: 0.00-0.05, p=0.041) and fibrous cap thickness (OR=0.008, 95% CI: 0.00-0.45, p=0.019). Lp-PLA_2 was strongly associated with both EI and fibrous cap thickness in both groups. Conclusion: Serum level of Lp-PLA_2 is associated with both eccentricity index and fibrous cap thickness in both UA and SA groups. Elevated levels of circulating Lp-PLA_2 might to be a strong risk factor and more serious for unstable angina than stable angina.

Gene Expression Profile of Helicobacter pylori in Response to Growth Temperature Variation

Yue-hua Han,Wen-zhong Liu,Yao-zhou Shi,Li-qiong Lu,Shu-dong Xiao,Qing-hua Zhang 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.4

A Helicobacter pylori whole-genome DNA microarray was constructed to study expression profiles of H. pylori in response to a sudden temperature transfer from 37°C to 20°C. The expression level of the genome at each of four time points (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) after temperature downshift was compared with that just before cold treatment. Globally, 10.2% (n=167) of the total predicted H. pylori genes (n=1636) represented on the microarray were significantly differentially expressed (p<0.05) over a 120 min period after shift to low temperature. The expression profiles of the differentially expressed genes were grouped, and their expression patterns were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Up-regulated genes mainly included genes involved in energy metabolism and substance metabolism, cellular processes, protein fate, ribosomal protein genes, and hypothetical protein genes, which indicate the compensational responses of H. pylori to temperature downshift. Those genes play important roles in adaption to temperature downshift of H. pylori. Down-regulation of DNA metabolism genes and cell envelope genes and cellular processes genes may reflect damaged functions under low temperature, which is unfavorable to bacterial infection and propagation. Overall, this time-course study provides new insights into the primary response of H. pylori to a sudden temperature downshift, which allow the bacteria to survive and adapt to the new host environment.

EphB1 and Ephrin-B, New Potential Biomarkers for Squamous Cell/adenosquamous Carcinomas and Adenocarcinomas of the Gallbladder

Yuan, Yuan,Yang, Zhu-Lin,Miao, Xiong-Ying,Liu, Zi-Ru,Li, Dai-Qiang,Zou, Qiong,Li, Jing-He,Liang, Lu-Feng,Zeng, Gui-Xiang,Chen, Sen-Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinoma (SC/ASC) of the gallbladder are rare tumors and there are few clinical reports in the literature. Herein we report our clinical experience with 46 patients with SC/ASC and 80 with adenocarcinoma (AC). Expression of EphB1 and Ephrin-B in each tumor was determined using immunohistochemical methods for determination of correlations with prognosis. There was no difference in EphB1 and Ephrin-B expression between SC/ASC and AC tumors (P>0.05), but greater expression in those less than 3 cm in diameter, stage I or II (TNM stage), with no lymph node metastases, with no local invasion and treated with radical resection was apparent. Expression of EphB1 (P<0.05) and Ephrin-B (P<0.01) was higher in well differentiated than in poorly differentiated AC tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that degree of differentiation, tumor diameter, lymph node metastases, local invasion, surgical approach and expression rate of EphB1 and Ephrin-B were closely related to the survival of SC/ASC (P<0.05) and AC patients (P<0.01). Patients with tumors that positive expressed EphB1 and Ephrin-B, whether it is SC/ASC ($P_{SC/ASC}$ =0.000) or AC ($P_{AC}$ =0.000 or $P_{AC}$ =0.002) had longer survival than those negative expression. Cox multivariate analysis indicated a negative correlation between expression of EphB1 or Ephrin-B and overall survival. Hence, EphB1 and Ephrin-B could be regarded as independent good prognostic factorsand important biological markers for SC/ASC and AC of gallbladder.

Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

Yue-Hua Han,Wen-Zhong Liu,Yao-Zhou Shi,Li-Qiong Lu,Shudong Xiao,Qing-Hua Zhang,Guo-Ping Zhao 한국미생물학회 2007 The journal of microbiology Vol.45 No.1

In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China.The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on ln(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori’s growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522(31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strainspecific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

Han, Yue-Hua,Liu, Wen-Zhong,Shi, Yao-Zhou,Lu, Li-Qiong,Xiao, Shudong,Zhang, Qing-Hua,Zhao, Guo-Ping The Microbiological Society of Korea 2007 The journal of microbiology Vol.45 No.1

In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China. The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on In(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori's growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522 (31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strain-specific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

Nomogram for predicting overall survival in children with neuroblastoma based on SEER database

Song-Wu Liang,Gang Chen,Yi-Ge Luo,Peng Chen,Jin-Han Gu,Qiong-Qian Xu,Yi-Wu Dang,Li-Ting Qin,Hui-Ping Lu,Wen-Ting Huang,Zhi-Guang Huang,Li Gao,Jia-Bo Chen 대한외과학회 2020 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.99 No.2

Purpose: This study was performed to establish and validate a nomogram for predicting the overall survival in children with neuroblastoma. Methods: The latest clinical data of neuroblastoma in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was extracted from 2000 to 2016. The cases included were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. The survival curves were drawn with a Kaplan-Meier estimator to investigate the influences of certain single factors on overall survival. Also, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was applied to further select the prognostic variables for neuroblastoma. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomogram. Results: In total, 1,262 patients were collected and 8 independent prognostic factors were achieved, including patients’ age, sex, race, tumor grade, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tumor site, and tumor size. Then we constructed a nomogram by using the data of the training cohort with 886 cases. Subsequently, the nomogram was validated internally and externally with 886 and 376 cases, respectively. The internal validation revealed that the area under the curves (AUC) of ROC curves of 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 0.69, 0.78, and 0.81, respectively. Accordingly, the external validation also showed that the AUC of 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were all ≥0.69. Both methods of validation demonstrated that the predictive calibration curves were consistent with standard curves. Conclusion: The nomogram possess the potential to be a new tool in predicting the survival rate of neuroblastoma patients.