Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Toll-Like Receptor 7 and Toll-Like Receptor 9 in Hepatitis C Virus Infection Patients from Central China

Xin-su Wei,Ping-an Zhang,Chuan-dong Wei,Yong-qing Tong,Cheng-liang Zhu 연세대학교의과대학 2014 Yonsei medical journal Vol.55 No.2

Purpose: To analyze the correlation of polymorphisms of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) (rs179009) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) (rs187084) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the Han population. Materials and Methods: The genotypes of TLR7IVS2-151 in HCV infection were detected by Sanger sequencing using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine the TLR9 T-1486C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for all enrolled patients. Results: We found no significant difference between males with spontaneousclearance of HCV versus those chronically infected [χ²=2.71, p=0.10, odd ratios(OR)=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-1.11]. However, significant differences were found for the distribution of TLR7 (rs179009) in females (χ²=9.46, p=0.01). In females, a significant difference was also found between chronic hepatitis C and those with spontaneous clearance of HCV in terms of TLR7 IVS2-151G/A allele frequencies (χ²=9.50, p=0.00, OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.75). In HCV-infected patients, no significant association was found between the frequency of TLR9 genotypes and alleles. Conclusion: The site of TLR7 IVS2-151 (rs179009) G/A may be a factor for susceptibility of chronic HCV in the femaleHan population. TLR9T-1486C (rs18084) SNP may not play a major role in HCV infection. However, individual risk profiles for HCV infection did vary by sex and this relationship should be further investigated.

Acupuncture for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bao-yong Lai,Hui-juan Cao,Guo-yan Yang,Li-yan Jia,Suzanne Grant,Yu-tong Fei,Emma Wong,Xin-lin Li,Xiao-ying Yang,Jian-ping Liu 대한남성과학회 2019 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.37 No.3

ChinaPurpose: To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for erectile dysfunction (ED).Materials and Methods: We searched six major English and Chinese databases included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing acupuncture alone or in combination for ED. Dichotomous data were presented as risk ratio (RR) and continuous data were presented as mean difference (MD) both with 95% confidence interval (CI). The Revman (v.5.3) was used for data analyses. Quality of evidence across studies was assessed by the online GRADEpro tool.Results: We identified 22 RCTs, fourteen of them involving psychogenic ED. Most of the included RCTs had high or unclear risk of bias. There was no difference between electro-acupuncture and sham acupuncture with electrical stimulation on the rate of satisfaction and self-assessment (RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.71–3.16; 1 trial). Acupuncture combined with tadalafil appeared to have better effect on increasing cure rate (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.00–1.71; 2 trials), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores (MD, 5.38; 95% CI, 4.46–6.29; 2 trials). When acupuncture plus herbal medicine compared with herbal medicine alone, the combination therapy showed significant better improvement in erectile function (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31–2.15; 7 trials). Only two trials reported facial red and dizziness cases, and needle sticking and pruritus cases in acupuncture group. Conclusions: Low quality evidence shows beneficial effect of acupuncture as adjunctive treatment for people mainly with psychogenic ED. Safety of acupuncture was insufficiently reported. The findings should be confirmed in large, rigorously designed and well-reported trials.

A Study on the Scenario Transparency of Civil Intelligent Adjudication in China

주복용 ( Fu-yong Zhu ),퉁신위 ( Xin-yu Tong ),가오이헝 ( Yi-heng Gao ) 한중사회과학학회 2024 한중사회과학연구 Vol.22 No.1

과학기술의 발전으로 인하여 민사재판에 있어서도 이른바 ‘스마트 재판’이 등장하였다. 스마트 재판은 과학기술에 재판의 기능을 더한 것으로, 재판절차를 표준화함으로써 재판의 질적 및 효율성을 제고하는데 도움이 된다. 현재 재판과정을 보면, ‘사전회의-공판-판결’을 거치는데, 이때 판결의 편차가 발생하게 된다. 이러한 판결의 편차에 있어 투명성이 보장되지 않기 때문에 스마트 재판에 사용되는 AI의 알고리즘에 대한 분석이 필요하다. 하지만, 알고리즘은 대부분 제조회사의 영업비밀로 보호되고 있다. 이른바 ‘알고리즘 블랙박스’로 인해 민사사건 당사자와 일반대중은 알고리즘의 실제 작동과정과 재판에서의 적용에 관해 알기 어려울 뿐만 아니라, 재판결과에 대한 합리적 의심을 해결할 수 없게 된다. 이로 인해 최근 중국이 스마트 재판을 받아들여 발전시키려는 정책에 걸림돌이 될 수 있다. 이를 위해 스마트 재판의 과정을 시각화함으로써 투명성을 보장할 필요가 있다. 즉, 재판준비과정에서 공판 및 판결에 이르기 까지의 전과정을 AI 알고리즘의 운영이 시각화할 수 있도록 하여야 한다. 기술적으로는 재판과정 간 투명성 보장을 위한 알고리즘을 통해 상호 통합하도록 하여, 실제 재판이라는 물리적 공간과 AI가 제공하는 사이버 공간을 상호 연결하여 융합할 필요가 있다. 또한, 민사재판의 투명성 보장을 통해 ‘기계(프로그램)+인간’이 공생하는 민사재판 모델을 구축하고, 전통적인 ‘현장 정의’ 이론을 ‘디지털 정의’이론으로 전환함으로써 민사사건 해결에 있어 새로운 국면을 열 수 있을 것이다. Technology and civil adjudication of two-way run to write a new chapter of civil intelligent adjudication, intelligent technology for the adjudication of empowerment, help to standardize the adjudication of the operation of the program, enhance the quality of the adjudication of the effectiveness of the adjudication of the realization of the goals of the adjudication of great significance. However, in practice, due to the lack of transparency of pre-trial meetings, court hearings, adjudication and deviation and other scenarios, in particular, the algorithms involved are mostly protected by technology companies as trade secrets. The black box of algorithms makes it difficult for the parties to civil cases and the public to know the actual operation of the algorithms and the logic behind the adjudication actions, and it is impossible to dispel the reasonable doubts of the parties and the public about the adjudication results, which may exacerbate the crisis of the acceptability of civil intelligent adjudication. To this end, we take scene transparency as the perspective, typify the scenes of civil intelligent adjudication, construct intelligent transparency models from different scenes such as pre-trial preparation, trial, adjudication and adjudication deviation, promote the deep integration between technology and adjudication activities, promote the connection, switching and integration of material space and information space through technology, shape the theoretical models of transparency in different scenes, and improve the compatibility between the theoretical models of scene transparency and the development of intelligent adjudication technology. It also improves the adaptability between the theoretical model of scene transparency and the development of intelligent adjudication technology. Based on the justice goal of scene transparency research and development, and in accordance with the principle of human-machine symbiosis, the civil adjudication mode of human-machine symbiosis is constructed to promote the traditional theory of “field justice” to the theory of “digital justice”, improve the digital system of civil case resolution, and promote the realization of the fusion of technology and law. It also promotes the digitalization system of civil case resolution, promotes the integration of technology and law, and promotes the integration of emotion, reason and law in the adjudication results while enhancing the transparency of the intelligent adjudication scenario, so as to continuously improve the acceptability of the civil adjudication results, and to build up an ecological system of trust for civil intelligent adjudication.

Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals That the 20K and 38K Prophages in Listeria monocytogenes Serovar 4a Strains Lm850658 and M7 Contribute to Genetic Diversity but Not to Virulence

( Chun Fang ),( Tong Cao ),( Ying Shan ),( Ye Xia ),( Yong Ping Xin ),( Chang Yong Cheng ),( Houhui Song ),( John Bowman ),( Xiao Liang Li ),( Xiang Yang Zhou ),( Wei Huan Fang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.1

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of considerable genetic diversity with varying pathogenicity. Initially, we found that the strain M7 was far less pathogenic than the strain Lm850658 though both are serovar 4a strains belonging to the lineage III. Comparative genomic approaches were then attempted to decipher the genetic basis that might govern the strain-dependent pathotypes. There are 2,761 coding sequences of 100% nucleotide identity between the two strains, accounting for 95.7% of the total genes in Lm850658 and 92.7% in M7. Lm850658 contains 33 specific genes, including a novel 20K prophage whereas strain M7 has 130 specific genes, including two large prophages (38K and 44K). To examine the roles of these specific prophages in pathogenicity, the 20K and 38K prophages were deleted from their respective strains. There were virtually no differences of pathogenicity between the deletion mutants and their parent strains, although some putative virulent factors like VirB4 are present in the 20K region or holin-lysin in the 38K region. In silico PCR analysis of 29 listeria genomes show that only strain SLCC2540 has the same 18 bp integration hotspot as Lm850658, whereas the sequence identity of their 20K prophages is very low (21.3%). The 38K and 44K prophages are located in two other different hotspots and are conserved in low virulent strains M7, HCC23, and L99. In conclusion, the 20K and 38K prophages of L. monocytogenes serovar 4a strains Lm850658 and M7 are not related to virulence but contribute to genetic diversity.

The Synergism of Human Lactobacillaceae and Inulin Decrease Hyperglycemia via Regulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Profiles in db/db Mice

Li Peifan,Tong Tong,Wu Yusong,Zhou Xin,Zhang Michael,Liu Jia,She Yongxin,Li Zuming,Li Yongli 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.12

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from human feces coordinating with inulin on the composition of gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in db/db mice. These supplements were administered to db/db mice for 12 weeks. The results showed that the Lactobacillaceae coordinating with inulin group (LI) exhibited lower fasting blood glucose levels than the model control group (MC). Additionally, LI was found to enhance colon tissue and increase the levels of short-chain fatty acids. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the abundance of Corynebacterium and Proteus, which were significantly increased in the MC group compared with NC group, were significantly decreased by the treatment of LI that also restored the key genera of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcus_ gnavus_group, Desulfovibrio, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that lotaustralin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and 13(S)-HpODE were increased while L-phenylalanine and L-tryptophan were decreased in the MC group compared with the NC group. However, the intervention of LI reversed the levels of these metabolites in the intestine. Correlation analysis revealed that Lachnoclostridium and Ruminococcus_gnavus_group were negatively correlated with 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 13(S)-HpODE, but positively correlated with L-tryptophan. 13(S)-HpODE was involved in the "linoleic acid metabolism". L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were involved in "tryptophan metabolism" and "serotonergic synapse". These findings suggest that LI may alleviate type 2 diabetes symptoms by modulating the abundance of Ruminococcus_gnavus_group and Lachnoclostridium to regulate the pathways of "linoleic acid metabolism", "serotonergic synapse", and" tryptophan metabolism". Our results provide new insights into prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

SMYD3-associated pathway is involved in the anti-tumor effects of sulforaphane on gastric carcinoma cells

Qing-Qing Dong,Qiu-Tong Wang,Lei Wang,Ya-Xin Jiang,Mei-Ling Liu,Hai-Jie Hu,Yong Liu,Hao Zhou,Hong-Peng He,Tong-Cun Zhang,Xuegang Luo 한국식품과학회 2018 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.27 No.4

Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, has been proved to possess potent anti-cancer activity. SMYD3 is a histone methyltransferase which is closely related to the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. This study showed that SFN could dose-dependently induce cell cycle arrest, stimulate apoptosis, and inhibit proliferation and migration of gastric carcinoma cells. Accompanied with these anticancer effects, SMYD3 and its downstream genes, myosin regulatory light chain 9, and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61, was downregulated by SFN. Furthermore, overexpression of SMYD3 via transfection could abolish the effects of SFN, suggesting that SMYD3 might be an important mediator of SFN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the role of SMYD3 in the anti-cancer of SFN. These findings might throw light on the development of novel anti-cancer drugs and functional food using SFN-rich cruciferous vegetables.

Mitochondrial citrate accumulation drives alveolar epithelial cell necroptosis in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

Yang Hui-Hui,Jiang Hui-Ling,Tao Jia-Hao,Zhang Chen-Yu,Xiong Jian-Bing,Yang Jin-Tong,Liu Yu-Biao,Zhong Wen-Jing,Guan Xin-Xin,Duan Jia-Xi,Zhang Yan-Feng,Liu Shao-Kun,Jiang Jian-Xin,Zhou Yong,Guan Cha-Xi 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Necroptosis is the major cause of death in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) during acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we report a previously unrecognized mechanism for necroptosis. We found an accumulation of mitochondrial citrate (citratemt) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated AECs because of the downregulation of Idh3α and citrate carrier (CIC, also known as Slc25a1). shRNA- or inhibitor–mediated inhibition of Idh3α and Slc25a1 induced citratemt accumulation and necroptosis in vitro. Mice with AEC-specific Idh3α and Slc25a1 deficiency exhibited exacerbated lung injury and AEC necroptosis. Interestingly, the overexpression of Idh3α and Slc25a1 decreased citratemt levels and rescued AECs from necroptosis. Mechanistically, citratemt accumulation induced mitochondrial fission and excessive mitophagy in AECs. Furthermore, citratemt directly interacted with FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) and promoted the interaction of FUNDC1 with dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), leading to excessive mitophagy-mediated necroptosis and thereby initiating and promoting ALI. Importantly, necroptosis induced by citratemt accumulation was inhibited in FUNDC1-knockout AECs. We show that citratemt accumulation is a novel target for protection against ALI involving necroptosis.

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.

Migraine Susceptibility Genes in Han Chinese of Fujian Province

Qi-fang Lin,Zi-chun Chen,Xian-guo Fu,Jing Yang,Luo-yuan Cao,Long-teng Yao,Yong-tong Xin,Gen-bin Huang 대한신경과학회 2017 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.13 No.1

Background and Purpose Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4379368, rs10504861, rs10915437, rs12134493 and rs13208321) were recently identified in a Western population with migraine. These migraine-associated SNPs have not been evaluated in a Han Chinese population. This study investigated the associations of specific SNPs with migraine in a Han population. Methods This was a case-control study of Han Chinese residing in Fujian Province. Polymerase chain reaction—restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing were used to characterize the relationships of SNPs in a control group of 200 subjects and in a migraine group of 201 patients. Results The frequencies of the five SNPs did not differ between patients with migraine and healthy non migraine controls. However, subgroup analysis indicated certain SNPs were more strongly associated with migraine with aura or migraine without aura than with controls. The CT genotype of rs4379368 was more common in migraine patients with aura (75%) than in migraine patients without aura (47.9%) and controls (48.5%) (p<0.05), and the TT genotype of rs10504861 was more common in migraine patients with aura than in controls (8.3% vs. 0.5%) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the CC genotype of rs12134493 was less common in migraine patients without aura than in controls (80.6% vs. 88%) (p<0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the rs4379368 and rs10504861 SNPs are markers for susceptibility to migraine with aura and that rs12134493 is a marker for the risk of migraine without aura in this Han population. Future studies should further explore if these associations vary by ethnicity.