Simultaneous Blockage of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Cyclooxygenase-2 in a Human Xenotransplanted Lung Cancer Model

Mu, Xiao-Yan,Dong, Xue-Li,Sun, Jie,Ni, Yu-Hua,Dong, Zhang,Li, Xi-Li,Sun, Er-Lian,Yi, Zhou,Li, Gao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

The effects of erlotinib combined with celecoxib in a lung cancer xenograft model were here explored with a focus on possible mechanisms. A xenotransplanted lung cancer model was established in nude mice using the human lung cancer cell A549 cell line and animals demonstrating tumour growth were randomly divided into four groups: control, erlotinib, celecoxib and combined (erotinib and celecoxib). The tumor major axis and short diameter were measured twice a week and after 40 days tissues were collected for immunohistochemical analyses of Bcl-2 and Bax positive cells and Western-blotting analyses for the epidermal growth factor recepto (EGFR), P-EGFR, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Tumor size in the combined group was smaller than in the others (p<0.01) and the percentage of Bcl-2 positive cells was fewer in most cases (p<0.01), while that of Bax positive cells was greater than in the erlotinib and celecoxib groups (P>0.05). Western blotting showed decreased expression of P-EGFR and COX-2 with both erlotinib and celecoxib treatments, but most pronouncedly in the combined group (P<0.05). Simultaneous blockage of the EGFR and COX-2 signal pathways exerted stronger growth effects in our human xenotransplanted lung cancer model than inhibition of either pathway alone. The anti-tumor effects were accompanied by synergetic inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis, activation of p-EGFR and expression of COX-2.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dabrafenib in the Treatment of 20 Chinese Children with BRAFV600E-Mutated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Ying Yang,Dong Wang,Lei Cui,Hong-Hao Ma,Li Zhang,Hong-Yun Lian,Qing Zhang,Xiao-Xi Zhao,Li-Ping Zhang,Yun-Ze Zhao,Na Li,Tian-You Wang,Zhi-Gang Li,Rui Zhang 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.1

Purpose We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of dabrafenib in children with BRAFV600E-mutated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH who were treated with dabrafenib. Results The median age at which the patients started taking dabrafenib was 2.3 years old (range, 0.6 to 6.5 years). The ratio of boys to girls was 2.3:1. The median follow-up time was 30.8 months (range, 18.9 to 43.6 months). There were 14 patients (70%) in the risk organ (RO)+ group and six patients (30%) in the RO– group. All patients were initially treated with traditional chemotherapy and then shifted to targeted therapy due to poor control of LCH or intolerance to chemotherapy. The overall objective response rate and the overall disease control rate were 65% and 75%, respectively. During treatment, circulating levels of cell-free BRAFV600E (cfBRAFV600E) became negative in 60% of the patients within a median period of 3.0 months (range, 1.0 to 9.0 months). Grade 2 or 3 adverse effects occurred in five patients. Conclusion Some children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH may benefit from monotherapy with dabrafenib, especially high-risk patients with concomitant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and intolerance to chemotherapy. The safety of dabrafenib is notable. A prospective study with a larger sample size is required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration.

Genome‐wide profiling and identification of insulin signaling pathway genes of subterranean termite castes

Haroon,Li Yu‐Xin,Ye Chen‐Xu,Ma Xiao‐Qin,Su Jian,Su Xiao‐Hong,Xing Lian‐Xi 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.9

Aging and longevity is a dynamic, chronological process assumed to originate from several hallmarks causing archetypal and beguiling cycles with incredible natural diversity. This phenomenon is widely observed in different animals, and the estimated age of Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Daphnia longispina are a few days to weeks. Reproductive termites live for 30 years, although the root cause of longevity in termite castes is still debated for molecular and cellular changes. Insulin and insulin signaling pathway-related (IIS) genes are important metabolic factors (glucose) highly conserved in lower to higher organisms. Therefore, in this study, we pooled Reticulitermes chinensis castes as primary king (PK), primary queen (PQ), ergatoid king “SWRK” and queen “SWRQ”,male (WM), and female (WF) workers. We determined transcriptome sequencing of R. chinensis castes as a model organism for longevity to investigate the insulin signaling pathway and longevity genes. Through RNA-sequencing, we identified 35 IIS- pathway-related genes out of 343 to the KEGG pathway in ergatoid king and queen, PK, PQ, WM, and WF. Among these genes, Ts c 2 , akt2-a, mTOR, EIF4E, Pdk1,and RPS expressed highly in ergatoid king and queen, PK, and PQ. However, a significant cornerstone tradeoff between reproductive and non-reproductive efforts for early life is essential for evolutionary longevity. The present study concludes that a highly conserved IIS-pathway is evidence for the prolonged termite reproductive life span. We recommended devoting insulin signaling pathway genes to their biological function for termite survival and new insights into the maintenance and relationships between biomolecular homeostasis and remarkable longevity.

Fermented cottonseed meal improves production performance and reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

Niu Jun Li,Wei Lian Qing,Luo Yuan Qing,Yang Wen Ting,Lu Qi Cheng,Zheng Xin Xia,Niu Yu Jie,Sheng Wen,Cheng Hong,Zhang Wen Ju,Nie Cun Xi 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.4

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by Candida tropicalis until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal. Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration. Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by <i>Candida tropicalis</i> until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal.Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration.Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Chinese Ilicifolius Vegetable (Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L) Merr) and Its Reference Compounds

Huaqian Wang,Dongli Li,Zhi-Yun Du,Mou-Tuan Huang,Xiaoxing Cui,Yujing Lu,Chenyue Li,Swee Lian Woo,Allan H Conney,Xi Zheng,Kun Zhang 한국식품과학회 2015 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.24 No.3

Stems and leaves of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L) Merr (AT) are commonly used as an edible vegetable in China. The scientific basis of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of AT was investigated. The polyphenol contents and free radical scavenging activities of AT ethanol extracts (EAT) were determined. Chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, and rutin were identified as major components in EAT. LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells was decreased significantly (p<0.05) after EAT treatment, compared with controls. In vivo studies indicated that EAT had more activity than chlorogenic acid per mg of dry weight for inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema. TPA-induced increases in cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9, and TIMP-1) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by EAT treatment, compared with controls. EAT exerts anti-inflammatory activities probably due, at least in part, to chlorogenic acid.

Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Levels Are Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study

Zhi-Hui Zhang,Jiang-Feng Ke,Jun-Xi Lu,Yun Liu,Ai-Ping Wang,Lian-Xi Li 대한당뇨병학회 2022 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.46 No.1

Background: The association of serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains controversial. Furthermore, few studies have investigated their relationship in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between serum RBP levels and NAFLD in Chinese inpatients with T2DM.Methods: This cross-sectional, real-world study included 2,263 Chinese T2DM inpatients. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The subjects were divided into four groups based on RBP quartiles, and clinical characteristics were compared among the four groups. The associations of both RBP levels and quartiles with the presence of NAFLD were also analyzed.Results: After adjustment for sex, age, and diabetes duration, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of NAFLD from the lowest to the highest RBP quartiles (30.4%, 40.0%, 42.4%, and 44.7% for the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively, P<0.001 for trend). Fully adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that both increased RBP levels (odds ratio, 1.155; 95% confidence interval, 1.012 to 1.318; P=0.033) and quartiles (P=0.014 for trend) were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in T2DM patients.Conclusion: Increased serum RBP levels were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in Chinese T2DM inpatients. Serum RBP levels may be used as one of the indicators to assess the risk of NAFLD in T2DM patients.

Biochemical Characterization of a GDSL-Motif Esterase from Bacillus sp. K91 with a New Putative Catalytic Mechanism

( Jun Mei Ding ),( Ting Ting Yu ),( Lian Ming Liang ),( Zhen Rong Xie ),( Yun Juan Yang ),( Jun Pei Zhou ),( Bo Xu ),( Jun Jun Li ),( Zun Xi Huang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.11

The esterase gene Est8 from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus sp. K91 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The monomeric enzyme exhibited a theoretical molecular mass of 24.5 kDa and an optimal activity around 50°C at pH 9.0. A model of Est8 was constructed using a hypothetical YxiM precursor structure (2O14_A) from Bacillus subtilis as template. The structure showed an α/β-hydrolase fold and indicated the presence of a typical catalytic triad consisting of Ser-11, Asp-182, and His-185, which were investigated by site directed replacements coupled with kinetic characterization. Asp-182 and His-185 residues were more critical than the Ser-11 residue in the catalytic activity of Est8. A comparison of the amino acid sequence showed that Est8 could be grouped into the GDSL family and further classified as an SGNH hydrolase. Est8 is a new member of the SGNH hydrolase subfamily and may employ a different catalytic mechanism.

Polymorphisms in TYMS for Prediction of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome in Chinese Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Si-Qi Dong,Tong-Min Wang,Jiang-Bo Zhang,Yong-Qiao He,Wen-Qiong Xue,Zi-Yi Wu,Da-Wei Yang,Lian-Jing Cao,Jing-Wen Huang,Xi-Zhao Li,Pei-Fen Zhang,Xiao-Hui Zheng,Wei-Hua Jia 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.3

Purpose Capecitabine is an extensively used oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil in treatment of colon cancer and is known to cause hand-foot syndrome (HFS). As the target enzyme for capecitabine, thymidylate synthase (TYMS) plays a key role for 5-fluorouracil metabolism and has been associated with some side effects caused by capecitabine. The aim of our study is to identify the possible genetic predictors of capecitabine-induced HFS (CAP-HFS) in Chinese colorectal cancer patients.Materials and Methods Whole exons of TYMS were sequenced for 288 extreme phenotype HFS patients, including 144 severe or early-onset (first 2 cycles) moderate HFS extreme cases and 144 extreme controls with no reported HFS. The associations between polymorphisms and CAP-HFS were analyzed using logistic regression under an additive model.Results We identified a novel risk mutation (c.1A>G, chr18:657743), was associated with severe HFS in an extreme case who was affected during the first cycle of treatment. Moreover, we identified three new variants, rs3786362, rs699517, rs2790, and two previously reported variants, 5’VNTR 2R/3R and 3′-untranslated region 6-bp ins-del, which were significantly associated with CAP-HFS (p < 0.05). In silico analysis revealed that the effect of these polymorphisms in the TYMS region on the development of HFS might not be restricted solely to the regulation of TYMS expression, but also the TYMS catalytic activity through the indirect effect on ENOSF1 expression.Conclusion This study identified new polymorphisms in TYMS gene significantly associated with CAP-HFS, which may serve as useful genetic predictors for CAP-HFS and help to elucidate the underlying mechanism of HFS.

Characterization of distributed modal birefringence in a few-mode fiber based on Brillouin dynamic grating.

Li, An,Hu, Qian,Chen, Xi,Kim, Byoung Yoon,Shieh, William Optical Society of America 2014 Optics letters Vol.39 No.11

<P>We propose and demonstrate generation of Brillouin dynamic grating (BDG) in a few-mode fiber (FMF) with a Gaussian pulse pump and a counterpropagating continuous wave pump in LP01 mode. Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA) is achieved by launching a third Gaussian pulse probe in LP11 mode. With coherent detection and time-domain analysis on the backreflected probe signal, the modal birefringence of the FMF is characterized via the distributed BDG with high spatial resolution and high accuracy.</P>