Developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetic embryos relative to embryonic chromosomal abnormalities

Hao, Yan-Hong,Lai, Liang-Xue,Liu, Zhong-Hua,Im, Gi-Sun,Wax, David,Samuel, Melissa,Murphy, Clifton N.,Sutovsky, Peter,Prather, Randall S. Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 2006 Molecular reproduction and development Vol.73 No.1

<P>Parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos exhibit delayed development, a lower blastocyst rate, and less successful development in vitro compared to in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. To investigate the possible mechanisms for unsuccessful parthenogenetic development, this study analyzed the chromosome abnormalities and developmental potential of porcine PA embryos. Mature oocytes were electrically activated and cultured in Porcine Zygote Medium-3 (PZM<SUB>3</SUB>) supplemented with 3 mg/ml BSA for 6, 7, or 8 days. The percentage of PA blastocysts was lower than that of IVF embryos on days 6 and 7 (16.4 ± 7.4 vs. 28.7 ± 3.7; 10.9 ± 2.8 vs. 21.5 ± 4.7, P < 0.05; respectively), and the PA blastocysts had significantly fewer nuclei than IVF blastocysts (23.2 ± 1.8 vs. 29.7 ± 0.8; 29.7 ± 3.3 vs. 32.0 ± 2.4, P < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal PA embryos (including embryos with condensed nuclei, arrested embryos and fragmented embryos) was higher than that of IVF embryos (PA: 52.9 ± 12.8 vs. 16.4 ± 7.4 on day 6), and increased with culture time (71.9 ± 12.1 vs. 10.9 ± 2.8. on day 7,and 75.0 ± 22.6 vs. 12.1 ± 2.3 on day 8, P < 0.05). The Day-6 PA blastocysts (n = 147) were divided into three classes according to the total number of nuclei (<20, 20–39, >40) and into three groups according to the morphological diameter (<150, 150–180, >180 µm). Of the haploid blastocysts, 56.1% had less than 20 nuclei, and 71.5% were less than 150 µm in diameter. Of all (114) blastocysts suitable for analysis, 55.5% displayed chromosomal abnormalities. Among chromosomal abnormalities in PA blastocysts, haploid blastocysts were most prevalent (43.6%), while polyploidy (4.4%) and mixoploidy (7.7%) embryos were less prevalent. Chromosomal abnormalities of porcine PA embryos might contribute to a higher rate of abnormal embryonic development. We suggest that a careful consideration should be given when using the blastocysts with smaller size, and establishing the optimum culture condition for PA embryos development in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Enzymatic Synthesis of Theanine with L-glutamine-Zn(II) Complexes

Hao-Qi Wang,Zhong Yao,Zhi Zhou,Yun Sun,Ping Wei,Ping-Kai Ouyang 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.6

Theanine, a unique amino acid found in tea plants, has many important physiological functions. Theanine can be enzymatically synthesized via the γ-glutamyltranspeptidation reaction. In this study, we described a new method of theanine synthesis using the L-glutamine-Zn(II)(Zn(Gln)2) complex instead of glutamine as the donor,which successfully reduced the side autotranspeptidation reaction and led to higher yield of theanine. We prepared the Zn(Gln)2 complexes and showed that they are stable in liquid bulk under 9.0 pH. After using the Zn(Gln)2 in the γ-glutamyltranspeptidation reaction, we utilized HPLC and Mass spectrometry analysis to demonstrated that Zn(Gln)2was an more effective γ-glutamyl donor than glutamine. The autotranspeptidation reaction was restrained effectively. As a result, the theanine yield and the conversion rate for glutamine were vastly improved. In a reaction mixture containing 48 mM of Zn(Gln)2, 1.6 M ethylamine, and 0.5 U/mL GGT, the final concentration of theanine obtained was 61.3 mM after incubation at 37oC for three hours. The conversion rate for glutamine was 63.8%, which showed a 16.9% increase as compared to when using glutamine alone as the donor substrate.

New Therapeutic Schedule for Prostatic Cancer-3 Cells with ET-1 RNAi and Endostar

Zhang, Hao-Jie,Qian, Wei-Qing,Chen, Ran,Sun, Zhong-Quan,Song, Jian-Da,Sheng, Lu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Background: Endothelin-1 and Endostar are both significant for the progression, proliferation, metastasis and invasion of cancer. In this paper, we studied the effect of ET-1 RNAi and Endostar in PC-3 prostatic cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The lentiviral vector was used in the establishment of ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells. Progression and apoptosis were assessed by CKK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to estimate invasion and signaling pathways were studied by Western blotting. Results: ET-1 mRNA and protein in ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells were reduced to 26.4% and 22.4% compared with control group, respectively. ET-1 RNAi and Endostar both were effective for the suppression of progression and invasion of PC-3 cells. From Western blotting results, the effects of ET-1 regulation and Endostar on PC-3 cells were at least related to some signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt/Caspase-3, Erk1/2/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Furthermore, combined treatment of ET-1RNAi and Endostar was found to be more effective than single treatment. Conclusions: Both ET-1 RNAi and Endostar can inhibit the progression and invasion of PC-3 cells, but combined treatment might be a better therapeutic schedule.

Selection signature reveals genes associated with susceptibility loci affecting respiratory disease due to pleiotropic and hitchhiking effect in Chinese indigenous pigs

Xu, Zhong,Sun, Hao,Zhang, Zhe,Zhang, Cheng-Yue,Zhao, Qing-bo,Xiao, Qian,Olasege, Babatunde Shittu,Ma, Pei-Pei,Zhang, Xiang-Zhe,Wang, Qi-Shan,Pan, Yu-Chun Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.2

Objective: Porcine respiratory disease is one of the most important health problems causing significant economic losses. To understand the genetic basis for susceptibility to swine enzootic pneumonia (EP) in pigs, we detected 102,809 single nucleotide polymorphisms in a total of 249 individuals based on genome-wide sequencing data. Methods: Genome comparison of susceptibility to swine EP in three pig breeds (Jinhua, Erhualian, and Meishan) with two western lines that are considered more resistant (Duroc and Landrace) using cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity and F-statistic (F_ST) statistical approaches identified 691 positively selected genes. Based on quantitative trait loci, gene ontology terms and literature search, we selected 14 candidate genes that have convincible biological functions associated with swine EP or human asthma. Results: Most of these genes were tested by several methods including transcription analysis and candidate genes association study. Among these genes: cytochrome P450 1A1 and catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) are involved in fertility; transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 plays a role in meat quality traits; Wnt family member 2, CTNNB1 and transcription factor 7 take part in adipogenesis and fat deposition simultaneously; plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor (completely linked to AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, r² = 1) plays an essential role in the successful ovulation of matured oocytes in pigs; colipase like 2 (strongly linked to SAM pointed domain containing ETS transcription factor, r² = 0.848) is involved in male fertility. Conclusion: These adverse genes susceptible to swine EP may be selected while selecting for economic traits (especially reproduction traits) due to pleiotropic and hitchhiking effect of linked genes. Our study provided a completely new point of view to understand the genetic basis for susceptibility or resistance to swine EP in pigs thereby, provides insight for designing sustainable breed selection programs. Finally, the candidate genes are crucial due to their potential roles in respiratory diseases in a large number of species, including human.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR : A Case of Adult Generalized Cutaneous Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

( Wei Guo Sun ),( Lian Sheng Zhong ),( Hao Chen ) 대한피부과학회 2016 Annals of Dermatology Vol.28 No.2

Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Precast Concrete L-Shaped Column Frame Structure with a Grouted Connection

Wei-Bin Ni,De-Hao Qiao,Hong-Wei Sun,Xu Zhang,Zhong-Wen Zhang,Shao-Jie Wang 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.2

Precast concrete frame structure with nonrectangular columns are becoming attractive to researchers and engineers owing to advantages such as avoiding column protrusion from walls and saving space. This paper presents the experimental investigation of a full-scale precast concrete frame structure with L-shaped columns (PCFS) subjected to reverse cyclic loading. The precast connection adopted grouted anchor connection. As a comparison and benchmark, one full-scale monolithic sample (RCFS) was also tested. The results indicates that the greater steel ratio in the grouted anchor connection region leads to a high local stiffness of the elements, which contributed to delaying occurrence of the first crack at the grouting holes. The failure mode, lateral load capacity, stiffness degradation, load-carrying capacity degradation, energy-dissipating capacity, ductility and interlayer residual deformation were compared between two specimens. PCFS specimen exhibited comparatively better hysteretic behavior, energy-dissipating capacity, residual deformation-resisting capacity and ductility. For RCFS and PCFS specimens, the peak load difference was within 7%. About 15% increases in ductility were observed for PCFS specimen compared with RCFS specimen. The test results would provide reference for the application of the precast concrete structure with nonrectangular columns in the new residential buildings.

Smad4 mediates malignant behaviors of human ovarian carcinoma cell through the effect on expressions of E-cadherin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and VEGF

( Chen Chen ),( Ming Zhong Sun ),( Shu Qing Liu ),( Dong Mei Yeh ),( Li Jun Yu ),( Yang Song ),( Lin Lin Gong ),( Li Hong Hao ),( Jun Hu ),( Shu Juan Shao ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.8

Smad4 is involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Using a pair of human syngeneic epithelial ovarian cancer cells with low (HO-8910) and high (HO-8910PM) metastatic abilities, we aimed to reveal the role of Smad4 in ovarian cancer metastasis in vitro. Smad4 was down-regulated in HO-8910PM cell line relative to HO-8910 by implicating Smad4 was probably a potential tumor suppressor gene for ovarian cancer. Re-expression of Smad4 decreased the migration ability and inhibited the invasion capacity of HO-8910PM, while promoted the cell adhesion capacity for HO-8910PM. The stable expression of Smad4 increased the expression of E-cadherin, reduced the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and slightly down-regulated the expression of VEGF. Smad4 suppresses human ovarian cancer cell metastasis potential through its effect on the expressions of PAI-1, E-cadherin and VEGF. Results from current work implicate Smad4 might suppress the invasion and metastasis of human ovarian tumor cells through a TGF-β/Smad-mediated pathway. [BMB reports 2010; 43(8): 554-560]

Preoperative Prealbumin Level as an Independent Predictor of Long-Term Prognosis after Curative Liver Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (a Multicenter Study of 1,483 Patients)

( Ju-dong Li ),( Xin-fei Xu ),( Jiong-jie Yu ),( Jia-he Wang ),( Li- Yang Sun ),( Wen-tao Yan ),( Bing Quan ),( Jian-hong Zhong ),( Yi-sheng Huang ),( Ya-hao Zhou ),( Ting-hao Chen ),( Hong Wang ),( W 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: Serum prealbumin is more sensitive to profile nutritional status and liver function than albumin, which could hardly be affected by infusion supplement. This study aims: to identify the relationship between preoperative prealbumin level and the long-term prognosis after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Patients undergone HCC curative resection between 2001 and 2014 at six institutions in China were enrolled. By using 170 mg/dl as cut-off value of serum prealbumin level, these patients were divided into the low and normal preoperative prealbumin groups. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed and compared. Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors of OS and RFS. Results: Among 1,483 patients, 437 (29.5%) had a low prealbumin level within a week before surgery. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and RFS rates of patients in the low prealbumin group were 83.8, 57.0, and 31.1%, and 67.0, 39.8, and19.9%, respectively, which was significantly poorer than those in the normal group (93.0, 75.5, and 42.6%, and 77.0, 56.4, and 28.4%, both P<0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that preoperative prealbumin level, but not albumin level, was an independent predictor of OS (HR, 1.789; 95% CI: 1.544 -2.072, P<0.001) and RFS (HR, 1.420; 95% CI: 232-1.636, P<0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative prealbumin level is useful for predicting long-term prognosis in patients undergoing liver resection for HCC. Prealbumin may be suitable to displace albumin, yielding to an updated Child-Pugh grade for accessing liver function.

Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

Triterpenoid saponins from Clinopodium chinense (Benth.) O. Kuntze and their biological activity

Yin-Di Zhu,Jing-Yi Hong,Feng-Da Bao,Na Xing,Ling-Tian Wang,Zhong-Hao Sun,Yun Luo,Hai Jiang,Xudong Xu,Nai-Liang Zhu,Hai-Feng Wu,Gui-Bo Sun,Jun-Shan Yang 대한약학회 2018 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.41 No.12

Four new ursane-type triterpenoid saponins, clinopoursaponins A–D (1–4), six new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, clinopodiside VII–XII (5–10), as well as eight known triterpene analogues (11–18), were isolated from the aerial parts of Clinopodium chinense (Benth.) O. Kuntze. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on extensive spectral analyses, including 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D NMR experiments (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, 2D TOCSY, HSQC-TOCSY and HMBC), HR-ESI-MS and chemical methods. Compounds 1–18 were evaluated for their protective effects against anoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and cytotoxicities against murine mammary carcinoma cell line 4T1. Compounds 8, 9 and 18 exhibited significant protective effects, while compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity with IC50 value of 7.4 μm compared to 7.6 μm for the positive control 10-hydroxycamptothecin.