AEG-1 aggravates inflammation via promoting NALP3 inflammasome formation in murine endometriosis lesions

Juan Zhao,Wei Ma,Weizhi Chen,Jie Gao,Chunling Li,Yahong Tong,Qin Zhou,Xiuling Zhao,Menghua Wang,Huan Xiao,Yanrong Jin 한국통합생물학회 2019 Animal cells and systems Vol.23 No.6

Endometriosis (EMs) is one of the most common gynaecological diseases in women of childbearing age. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is associated with the invasion, migration, apoptosis and prognosis of various cancers. However, the roles of AEG-1 in EMs and its corresponding molecular mechanism are still unknown. In this study, animal models of EMs were established and mice were divided into two groups (n = 10): Sham group and EMs group. The EMs cells were isolated from EMs model. The AEG-1 gene was knocked down by shRNA, while the SOCS1 gene was knocked down by siRNA. Histological changes, AEG-1 expression in tissues and inflammatory factors level were detected by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. RTqPCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression level of related proteins. The present study found AEG-1 was up-regulated in the EMs model. Enhanced AEG-1 promoted inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in EM group (p < 0.05). Besides, AEG-1 overexpression promoted the expression of NALP3, ASC and Cleavedcaspase- 1, while decreased SOCS1 level (p < 0.05). Decrease of SOCS1 further promoted the formation of NALP3 inflammasome. The inhibitory effect of AEG-1 on SOCS1 was weakened after the addition of MG-132 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, silencing AEG-1 alone increased SOCS1 level, decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, thereby inhibited the formation of NALP3 inflammasome. All these results demonstrated that AEG-1 aggravated inflammation via promoting NALP3 inflammasome formation in murine endometriosis lesions.

Preparation of Homogeneous Microstructure Pure Lead Metaniobate by Two-Step Sintering

Xiao-gang Zhao,Peng Liu,Bo Chao,Su Juan Liu,Ming Pang,Xiao-Ming Chen,Jian-Ping Zhou 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.1

The purpose of the present work is to obtain the Lead metaniobate ceramics with the orthorhombic phase via a two-step sintering method. The samples were first sintered at 1320°C for 10 min, and then sintered separately at 1260°C, 1220°C, and 1180°C for 4 h. All the ceramics show orthorhombic phase and homogeneous microstructure. It was found that the abnormal grain growth was restrained obviously.

Activation of JNKs is essential for BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Yan Fang Zhao,Jing Xu,Wen Juan Wang,Jin Wang,Juan Wen He,Li Li,Qian Dong,Yan Xiao,Xing Lian Duan,Xue Yang,Yi Wen Liang,Tao Song,Min Tang,Dan Zhao,Jin Yong Luo 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2013 BMB Reports Vol.46 No.8

Transcriptional activation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 by 17β-estradiol in SaOS-2 cells

Yu-yan Zhao,Lei Guo,Xiao-juan Zhao,Hong Liu,Tian Lei,Dong-jie Ma,Xiao-yu Gao 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells. Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells.

Functional Characterization of 5-Enopyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase from Alkaliphilus metalliredigens in Transgenic Arabidopsis

( Xiao Juan Xing ),( Yong Sheng Tian ),( Ri He Peng ),( Jing Xu ),( Wei Zhao ),( Quan Hong Yao ),( Sheng Sun ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.10

Although a large number of AroA enzymes (EPSPS: 5-enopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) have been identified, cloned, and tested for glyphosate resistance, only two AroA variants, derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4 and Zea mays, have been utilized to produce the commercial glyphosate-resistant crops. Here, we have used a PCR-based twostep DNA synthesis method to synthesize an aroA gene (aroAA. metalliredigens) from Alkaliphilus metalliredigens, encoding a new EPSPS. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis with the new aroAA. metalliredigens gene was obtained to confirm the potential of the novel aroA gene in developing glyphosate-resistant crops.

Antioxidant Activity of Novel Casein-Derived Peptides with Microbial Proteases as Characterized via Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway in HepG2 Cells

( Xiao Zhao ),( Ya-juan Cui ),( Sha-sha Bai ),( Zhi-jie Yang ),( Miao-cai ),( Sarah Megrous ),( Tariq Aziz ),( Abid Sarwar ),( Dong Li ),( Zhen-nai Yang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.8

Casein-derived antioxidant peptides by using microbial proteases have gained increasing attention. Combination of two microbial proteases, Protin SD-NY10 and Protease A “Amano” 2SD, was employed to hydrolyze casein to obtain potential antioxidant peptides that were identified by LC-MS/MS, chemically synthesized and characterized in a oxidatively damaged HepG2 cell model. Four peptides, YQLD, FSDIPNPIGSEN, FSDIPNPIGSE, YFYP were found to possess high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability. Evaluation with HepG2 cells showed that the 4 peptides at low concentrations (< 1.0 mg/ml) protected the cells against oxidative damage. The 4 peptides exhibited different levels of antioxidant activity by stimulating mRNA and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), but decreasing the mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Furthermore, these peptides decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but increased glutathione (GSH) production in HepG2 cells. Therefore, the 4 casein-derived peptides obtained by using microbial proteases exhibited different antioxidant activity by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and they could serve as potential antioxidant agents in functional foods or pharmaceutic preparation.

Darapladib, a Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, Reduces Rho Kinase Activity in Atherosclerosis

Juan Zhang,Dong-Ling Xu,Xiao-Bo Liu,Shao-jie Bi,Tong Zhao,Shu-Jian Sui,Xiao-Ping Ji,Qing-Hua Lu 연세대학교의과대학 2016 Yonsei medical journal Vol.57 No.2

Purpose: Increased lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and Rho kinase activity may be associated with atherosclerosis. The principal aim of this study was to examine whether darapladib (a selective Lp-PLA2 inhibitor) could reduce the elevated Lp-PLA2 and Rho kinase activity in atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: Studies were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The atherosclerosis rats were prepared by feeding them with a high-cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Low-dose darapladib (25 mg·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose darapladib (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) interventions were then administered over the course of 2 weeks. Results: The serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Lp-PLA2, significantly increased in atherosclerosis model groups, as did Rho kinase activity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis (p<0.05 vs. sham group), whereas nitric oxide (NO) productionwas reduced. Levels of TC, LDL-C, CRP, Lp-PLA2, and Rho kinase activity were respectively reduced in darapladib groups, whereas NO production was enhanced. When compared to the low-dose darapladib group, the reduction of the levels of TC, LDL-C, CRP, and Lp-PLA2 was more prominent in the high-dose darapladib group (p<0.05), and the increase of NO productionwas more prominent (p<0.05). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis of the high-dose darapladib group was also significantly reduced compared to the low-dose darapladib group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Rho kinase activity between the low-dose darapladib group and the high-dose darapladib group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Darapladib, a Lp-PLA2 inhibitor, leads to cardiovascular protection that might be mediated by its inhibition of both Rho kinase and Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis.

Chigger Mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) Survey of Rodents in Shandong Province, Northern China

Xiao-Dan Huang,Peng Cheng,Yu-Qiang Zhao,Wen-Juan Li,Jiu-Xu Zhao,Hong-Mei Liu,Jing-Xuan Kou,Mao-Qing Gong 대한기생충학열대의학회 2017 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.55 No.5

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum SCS2 on blood glucose level in hyperglycemia mice model

Xiao Meng,Yu Qian,Li-Shi Jiang,Jin-Mei Kang,Yan Chen,Juan Wang,Shu-Kun Liu,Zhen-Ming Che,Xin Zhao 한국응용생명화학회 2016 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.59 No.1

In this study, the hyperglycemia mice model was established with 1-week high sugar and fat diet plus with 70 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin injection for 3 days. Sixty male Kunming mice of 3 weeks old in a specific-pathogen-free grade were divided into six groups randomly, which includes normal group (NG), prevention group (PG), treatment group for low dose (TGL), middle dose (TGM), high dose (TGH), and model group (MG). NG and MG mice were fed with sterile physiological saline (10 mL/kg body weight). PG mice were fed with the concentration of 6.0 × 109 CFU/mL L. plantarum SCS2 suspensions from the second to third week. TGL, TGM, and TGH mice were fed with the concentration of 2.0 × 109, 4.0 × 109, and 6.0 × 109 CFU/mL L. plantarum SCS2 suspensions (10 mL/kg body weight), respectively from fourth to tenth week. The results showed that the fasting and postprandial 2 h blood glucose levels of TGH mice were reduced by L. plantarum SCS2 significantly (p < 0.05) as compared with MG. The body weight of TGH mice came to normal level at tenth week. Content of K+ in plasma of TGH mice was increased and contents of Na+ and Cl− in the plasma of TGH mice were decreased as compared with MG. Meanwhile, content of glycogen in TGH mice was reduced. However, the effect of L. plantarum SCS2 on the prevention of hyperglycemia in PG mice was not significant as compared with NG mice during the experiment. These results suggested that L. plantarum SCS2 showed a hypoglycemic effect on hyperglycemic mice model.

Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Wang, Zhao,Wu, Xiao-Ling,Zeng, Wei-Zheng,Xu, Gui-Sen,Xu, Hui,Weng, Min,Hou, Juan-Ni,Jiang, Ming-De Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Purpose: By carrying out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared sorafenib or combined chemotherapy with placebo or combined chemotherapy, the effectiveness of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated in the present study, which also provided clinical practice guidelines of evidence-based-medicine. Methods: We reviewed PubMed citations concerning sorafenib treating hepatocellular carcinoma in randomized controlled trials from Jan 2000 to July 2012. All the literature was extracted by Cochrane systematic reviews and underwent meta-analysis with RewMan 5.0 software. Results: Finally, four papers documenting randomized controlled studies were included. Compared with controls, sorafenib was shown to significantly increase overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and disease control rates (DCR), but not the time to symptom progression (TTSP) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The incidence of grade-III/IV adverse reactions, including hand-foot-skin reactions, diarrhea, hypertension and skin rash or desquamation, in sorafenib treatment group was higher than that in controls. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of hypodynamia between the two groups. Conclusions: Sorafenib exerts significant curative effects in hepatocellular carcinoma.