Saikosaponin a and Saikosaponin d Inhibit Proliferation and Migratory Activity of Rat HSC-T6 Cells

Ming Feng Chen,Chao Cheng Huang,Pei Shan Liu,Chang Han Chen,Li Yen Shiu 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.9

The proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) profoundly impact the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. As a perennial herb native to China, Bupleurum falcatum is administered for its anti-inflammatory,antipyretic, and antihepatotoxic effects. Saikosaponin a (SSa) and Saikosaponin d (SSd) are the major active components of triterpene saponins in Bupleurum falcatum. This study analyzes how SSa and SSd affect rat HSC-T6 cell line proliferation and migration. Experimental results indicate that, in addition to suppressing HSC-T6 proliferation, wound healing activity and cell migration in a time- and dose-dependent manner, SSa and SSd significantly induce apoptosis. Additionally, SSa and SSd decreased the expressions of extracellular matrix-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor 1 (PDGFR1), and subsequently transforming growth factor-b1 receptor (TGF-b1R), a-smooth muscle actin, TGF-b1 and connective tissue growth factor. They also decreased phosphorylation of p38 (p-p38) and ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) of HSC-T6. Furthermore, both SSa and SSd can block PDGF-BB and TGF-b1-induced cell proliferation and migration of HSC-T6. These results suggest that SSa and SSd may inhibit proliferation and activation of HSC-T6, and the modulated mechanisms warrant further study.

Identification of differential DNA methylated regions between different development of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana NCHU-157, by Nanopore sequencing

Yi-Hsuan Li,Ju-Chun Chang,Ming-Ren Yen,Yu-Feng Huang,Tzu-Han Chen,Yu-Shin Nai 한국응용곤충학회 2022 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2022 No.10

A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for adiponectin levels in East Asians identifies a novel locus near <i>WDR11-FGFR2</i>

Wu, Ying,Gao, He,Li, Huaixing,Tabara, Yasuharu,Nakatochi, Masahiro,Chiu, Yen-Feng,Park, Eun Jung,Wen, Wanqing,Adair, Linda S.,Borja, Judith B.,Cai, Qiuyin,Chang, Yi-Cheng,Chen, Peng,Croteau-Chonka, Da Oxford University Press 2014 Human Molecular Genetics Vol.23 No.4

<P>Blood levels of adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular risks, are highly heritable. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies for adiponectin levels have identified 14 loci harboring variants associated with blood levels of adiponectin. To identify novel adiponectin-associated loci, particularly those of importance in East Asians, we conducted a meta-analysis of GWA studies for adiponectin in 7827 individuals, followed by two stages of replications in 4298 and 5954 additional individuals. We identified a novel adiponectin-associated locus on chromosome 10 near <I>WDR11-FGFR2</I> (<I>P</I> = 3.0 × 10<SUP>−14</SUP>) and provided suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 12 near <I>OR8S1-LALBA</I> (<I>P</I> = 1.2 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>). Of the adiponectin-associated loci previously described, we confirmed the association at <I>CDH13</I> (<I>P</I> = 6.8 × 10<SUP>−165</SUP>), <I>ADIPOQ</I> (<I>P</I> = 1.8 × 10<SUP>−22</SUP>), <I>PEPD</I> (<I>P</I> = 3.6 × 10<SUP>−12</SUP>), <I>CMIP</I> (<I>P</I> = 2.1 × 10<SUP>−10</SUP>), <I>ZNF664</I> (<I>P</I> = 2.3 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>) and <I>GPR109A</I> (<I>P</I> = 7.4 × 10<SUP>−6</SUP>). Conditional analysis at <I>ADIPOQ</I> revealed a second signal with suggestive evidence of association only after conditioning on the lead SNP (<I>P</I><SUB>initial</SUB> = 0.020; <I>P</I><SUB>conditional</SUB> = 7.0 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>). We further confirmed the independence of two pairs of closely located loci (<2 Mb) on chromosome 16 at <I>CMIP</I> and <I>CDH13</I>, and on chromosome 12 at <I>GPR109A</I> and <I>ZNF664</I>. In addition, the newly identified signal near <I>WDR11-FGFR2</I> exhibited evidence of association with triglycerides (<I>P</I> = 3.3 × 10<SUP>−4</SUP>), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, <I>P</I> = 4.9 × 10<SUP>−4</SUP>) and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted waist–hip ratio (<I>P</I> = 9.8 × 10<SUP>−3</SUP>). These findings improve our knowledge of the genetic basis of adiponectin variation, demonstrate the shared allelic architecture for adiponectin with lipids and central obesity and motivate further studies of underlying mechanisms.</P>

The Role of Consolidation Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Jeffrey S. Chang,Yen-Feng Chiu,Jih-Chang Yu,Li-Tzong Chen,Hui-Ju Ch’ang 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.2

Purpose The role of consolidation chemoradiation (CCRT) after systemic chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is still controversial. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of CCRT in LAPC using systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Materials and Methods Prospective clinical trials of LAPC receiving chemotherapy with or without subsequent CCRT were included in the analysis. We systematically searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary outcome of interest was 1-year survival. Secondary endpoints were median overall survival, progression-free survival, toxicity, and resection rate. Results Forty-one studies with 49 study arms were included with a total of 1,018 patients receiving CCRT after induction chemotherapy (ICT) and 954 patients receiving chemotherapy alone. CCRT after ICT did not improve 1-year survival significantly in LAPC patients compared with chemotherapy alone (58% vs. 52%). ICT lasted for at least 3 months revealed significantly improved survival of additional CCRT to LAPC patients compared to chemotherapy alone (65% vs. 52%). A marginal survival benefit of consolidation CCRT was noted in studies using maintenance chemotherapy (59% vs. 52%), and fluorouracil-based CCRT (64% vs. 52%), as well as in studies conducted after the 2010 (64% vs. 55%). Conclusion The survival benefit of ICT+CCRT over chemotherapy alone in treating LAPC was noted when ICT lasted for at least 3 months. Fluorouracil-based CCRT, and maintenance chemotherapy were associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation in HBsAg-Negative, Anti-HBc-Negative Patients Receiving Rituximab for Autoimmune Diseases in HBV Endemic Areas

Lan Ting-Yuan,Lin Yen-Chun,Tseng Tai-Chung,Yang Hung-Chih,Kao Jui-Hung,Cheng Chiao-Feng,Lee Tai-Ju,Huang Shang-Chin,Lu Cheng-Hsun,Li Ko-Jen,Hsieh Song-Chou 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2023 Gut and Liver Vol.17 No.2

Background/Aims: Rituximab is known to be associated with high hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation rate in patients with resolved HBV infection and hematologic malignancy. However, data regarding HBV reactivation (HBVr) in rheumatic patients receiving rituximab is limited. To assess the HBVr rate in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative patients receiving rituximab for autoimmune diseases in a large real-world cohort. Methods: From March 2006 to December 2019, 900 patients with negative HBsAg receiving at least one cycle of rituximab for autoimmune diseases in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcome and factors associated with HBVr were analyzed. Results: After a median follow-up period of 3.3 years, 21 patients developed HBVr, among whom 17 patients were positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and four were negative. Thirteen patients had clinical hepatitis flare, while eight patients had HBsAg seroreversion without hepatitis. Old age, anti-HBc positivity, undetectable serum hepatitis B surface antibody level at rituximab initiation and a higher average rituximab dose were associated with a higher HBVr rate. There was no significant difference in the HBVr risk between rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Among anti-HBc-negative patients, subjects without HBV vaccination at birth had an increased risk of HBVr (4/368, 1.1%) compared with those who received vaccination (0/126, 0%). Conclusions: In HBV endemic areas where occult HBV is prevalent, anti-HBc-negative patients, may still be at risk for HBVr after rituximab exposure. HBVr may still be considered in HBsAgnegative patients developing abnormal liver function after rituximab exposure, even in patients with negative anti-HBc.

Delay of Surgery for Spinal Metastasis due to the COVID-19 Outbreak Affected Patient Outcomes

Chia-Jung Hsieh,Chun-Yu Wu,Yen-Heng Lin,Yu-Cheng Huang,Wen-Chi Yang,Tom Wei-Wu Chen,Wei-Li Ma,Wei-Hsin Lin,Feng-Ming Hsu,Furen Xiao,Shih-Hung Yang,Dar-Ming Lai,Chang-Mu Chen,Shin-Yi Chao,Fon-Yih Tsuan 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: The present study is to analyze the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 2019) outbreak and the subsequent lockdown on the outcomes of spinal metastasis patients. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort study. All patients underwent surgical intervention for spinal metastases between January 2019 and December 2021 and had at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up. The primary outcome was overall mortality during the 4 different stages (pre-COVID-19 era, COVID-19 pandemic except in Taiwan, national lockdown, lifting of the lockdown). The secondary outcomes were the oncological severity scores, medical/surgical accessibility, and patient functional outcome during the 4 periods as well as survival/mortality. Results: A total of 233 patients were included. The overall mortality rate was 41.20%. During the Taiwan lockdown, more patients received palliative surgery than other surgical methods, and no total en bloc spondylectomy was performed. The time from surgeon visit to operation was approximately doubled after the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan (75.97, 86.63, 168.79, and 166.91 hours in the 4 periods, respectively). The estimated survival probability was highest after the national lockdown was lifted and lowest during the lockdown. In the multivariate analysis, increased risk of mortality was observed with delay of surgery, with emergency surgery having a higher risk with delays above 33 hours, urgent surgery (below 59 and above 111 hours), and elective surgery (above 332 hours). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic and related policies have altered daily clinical practice and negatively impacted the survival of patients with spinal metastases.

A Vision-Based Collision Warning System by Surrounding Vehicles Detection

( Bing-fei Wu ),( Ying-han Chen ),( Chih-chun Kao ),( Yen-feng Li ),( Chao-jung Chen ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2012 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.6 No.4

To provide active notification and enhance drivers` awareness of their surroundings, a vision-based collision warning system that detects and monitors surrounding vehicles is proposed in this paper. The main objective is to prevent possible vehicle collisions by monitoring the status of surrounding vehicles, including the distance to the other vehicles in front, behind, to the left and to the right sides. In addition, the proposed system collects and integrates this information to provide advisory warnings to drivers. To offer the correct notification, an algorithm based on features of edge and morphology to detect vehicles is also presented. The proposed system has been implemented in embedded systems and evaluated on real roads in various lighting and weather conditions. The experimental results indicate that the vehicle detection ratios were higher than 97% in the daytime, and appropriate for real road applications.