Tumorigenic Effects of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals are Alleviated by Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Root Extract through Suppression of AhR Expression in Mammalian Cells

Chu, Xiao Ting,de la Cruz, Joseph,Hwang, Seong Gu,Hong, Heeok Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been reported to interfere with estrogen signaling. Exposure to these chemicals decreases the immune response and causes a wide range of diseases in animals and humans. Recently, many studies showed that licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract (LRE) commonly called "gamcho" in Korea exhibits antioxidative, chemoprotective, and detoxifying properties. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of LRE and to determine if and how LRE can alleviate the toxicity of EDCs. LRE was prepared by vacuum evaporation and freeze-drying after homogenization of licorice root powder that was soaked in 80% ethanol for 72 h. We used 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as a representative EDC, which is known to induce tumors or cancers; MCF-7 breast cancer cells, used as a tumor model, were treated with TCDD and various concentrations of LRE (0, 50, 100, 200, $400{\mu}g/mL$) for 24, 48, and 72 h. As a result, TCDD stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation, but LRE significantly inhibited TCDD-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of TCDD toxicity-related genes, i.e., aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), AhR nuclear translocator, and cytochrome P450 1A1, was also down-regulated by LRE in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of cell cycle distribution after treatment of MCF-7 cells with TCDD showed that LRE inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells via G2/M phase arrest. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis also revealed that LRE dose-dependently increased the expression of the tumor suppressor genes p53 and p27 and down-regulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes. These data suggest that LRE can mitigate the tumorigenic effects of TCDD in breast cancer cells by suppression of AhR expression and cell cycle arrest. Thus, LRE can be used as a potential toxicity-alleviating agent against EDC-mediated diseases.

Tumorigenic Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals are Alleviated by Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Root Extract through Suppression of AhR Expression in Mammalian Cells

Chu, Xiao Ting,Cruz, Joseph Dela,Hwang, Seong Gu,Hong, Heeok Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been reported to interfere with estrogen signaling. Exposure to these chemicals decreases the immune response and causes a wide range of diseases in animals and humans. Recently, many studies showed that licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract (LRE) commonly called "gamcho" in Korea exhibits antioxidative, chemoprotective, and detoxifying properties. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of LRE and to determine if and how LRE can alleviate the toxicity of EDCs. LRE was prepared by vacuum evaporation and freeze-drying after homogenization of licorice root powder that was soaked in 80% ethanol for 72 h. We used 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as an EDC, which is known to induce tumors or cancers; MCF-7 breast cancer cells were used as a tumorigenic model. These were treated with TCDD and various concentrations of LRE (0, 50, 100, 200, $400{\mu}g/mL$) for 24, 48, and 72 h. As a result, TCDD stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation, but LRE significantly inhibited TCDD-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Expression of TCDD toxicity-related genes, i.e., aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), AhR nuclear translocator, and cytochrome P450 1A1, were subsequently down-regulated by LRE in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of cell cycle distribution after treatment of MCF-7 cells with TCDD and various concentrations of LRE showed that LRE inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells via G2/M phase arrest. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses also revealed that LRE dose-dependently increased the expression of the tumor suppressor genes p53 and p27 and down-regulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes. These data suggest that LRE can mitigate the tumorigenic effects of TCDD in breast cancer cells by suppression of AhR expression and cell cycle arrest. Thus, LRE can be used as a potential toxicity-alleviating agent against EDC-mediated disease.

Expression of Hypoxia-inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase 3 HIFPH3 in Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Its Correlation with Prognosis

Chu, Xiao,Zhu, Cheng-Chu,Liu, Hui,Wang, Jiao-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Purpose: To investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase 3 (HIFPH3) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the correlation of HIFPH3 expression with lymph node metastasis and microvessel density (MVD). Materials and Methods: A total of 73 cases of NSCLC specimens, 24 cases of para-cancerous tissues, and 20 normal pulmonary tissues were collected for HIFPH3 and CD31 immunohistochmical (IHC) study. Microvessel density (MVD) of the NSCLC tissues was also determined based on the expression of CD31. Results: The expression of HIFPH3 in carcinoma tissue was statistically higher than para-cancerous and normal pulmonary tissues (${\chi}^2=48.806$, p<0.05). Compared withthe negative lymph node metastasis group, the lymph node metastasis group showed significantly higher HIFPH3 expression (${\chi}^2=6.300$, p<0.05). The strong HIFPH3+group displayed a significantly higher MVD than weak HIFPH3+ and HIFPH3- groups (p<0.05). No differences in positive HIFPH3 expression were noted regarding the tumor diameter, age, smoking status, gender of NSCLC patients, tumor size, histopathology, or differentiation. Conclusions: HIFPH3 expression in human NSCLC lesions is significantly higher than that in para-cancerous and normal lung tissues and is positively associated with lymph node metastasis and MVD.

Relationship Between the SER Treatment Period and Prognosis of Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer

Xiao, Xiao-Guang,Wang, Shu-Jing,Hu, Li-Ya,Chu, Qian,Wei, Yao,Li, Yang,Mei, Qi,Chen, Yuan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

Purpose: To explore the relationship between SER (time between the start of any treatment and the end of radiation therapy) and the survival of patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2013, 135 cases of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with consecutively curative chemoradiotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. In terms of SER, patients were divided into early radiotherapy group (SER<30 days, n=76) and late radiotherapy group ($SER{\geq}30$ days, n=59) with a cut-off of SER 30 days. Outcomes of the two groups were compared for overall survival. Results: For all analyzable patients, median follow-up time was 23.8 months and median overall survival time was 16.8 months. Although there was no significant differences in distant metastasis free survival between the two groups, patients in early radiotherapy group had a significantly better PFS (p=0.003) and OS (p=0.000). Conclusions: A short SER may be a good prognostic factor for LD-SCLC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Morphology control of mesoporous Cu₂O by reductants and its photocatalytic activity

Chu, Xiao-Zhong,Cheng, Zhi-Peng,Zhao, Yi-Jiang,Xu, Ji-Ming,Li, Mei-Sheng,Hu, Lei,Zhou, Shou-Yong,Wu, Fei-Yue,Lee, Chang-Ha Elsevier 2017 CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL Vol.43 No.11

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Mesoporous Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O particles with different morphologies were synthesized via simple one-pot reactions. Effects of reducing agents, dispersant, template, and temperature on the <B>structure</B> of the prepared materials were investigated. Mesoporous flower-shaped Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O materials were obtained at 70℃ using glucose <B>as a reductant</B>. Different hollow microsphere shapes of Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O could be prepared at 40℃ using <B>another type of reductant, ascorbic acid</B>. The results indicated that the uniform morphology of synthesized Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O with mesopores presented a maximum specific surface area of 45.3m<SUP>2</SUP>/g. Furthermore, the as-prepared Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O particles showed good photodegradation efficiencies of methyl orange in the range of 86.0–93.7%, depending on their morphologies.</P>

Experimental Investigation Regarding Rack Pressure Resistance on Cooling Performance of a Container Data Center

Wen-Xiao Chu,Rui Wang,CHI-CHUAN WANG 대한설비공학회 2019 International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refr Vol.27 No.4

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of pressure resistance distribution by using perforated grilles with different porosities (F=100%, 58% and 35.4%) in a container data center. The inlet and outlet temperature distribution, rack cooling index (RCI) and supply heat index (SHI) are used to evaluate the cooling performance under semi-contained and fully contained configurations. As a result, the airflow reversal phenomenon at the top cabinets is found, which is especially conspicuous for the case without perforated grilles due to the extremely low pressure resistance in the cabinet. By implementing perforated grilles at lower three cabinets, the airflow reversal can be eliminated, however, it cannot be completely removed. By applying perforated grilles with F=35.4% at the top three cabinets can increase the pressure resistance at the cabinets S1 where the airflow reversal is eliminated thoroughly. Yet, the performance of cabinets at rack A1 may degrade rapidly due to much stronger hot-exhaust recirculation. Hence, the fully contained configuration is applied. Note that the airflow reversal is more severe for the case without perforated grilles. By arranging the perforated grilles with F = 35.4%, the corresponding RCI and SHI may reach the ideal values of 100% and zero, respectively. Therefore, the perforated grilles with F= 35.4% are more reasonable for simulated racks under semi-contained and fully contained configurations when airflow reversal occurs.

Effect and Mechanism of Glutamine on Productive Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens

Dong, Xiao-Ying,Yang, Chu-Fen,Tang, Sheng-Qiu,Jiang, Qing-Yan,Zou, Xiao-Ting Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.8

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary glutamine (Gln) on the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. A total of four hundred Lingnan Yellow laying hens aged 34 weeks were randomly assigned into four groups (100 laying hens/group), and fed, respectively, with diets supplemented with 0% (control group), 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% Gln during the 6-week feeding period. The results were as follows. First, the productivity of laying hens fed with 0.8% Gln in diet was significantly increased (p<0.05); however, the egg quality (egg weight, yolk weight, shell weight, egg shape index, shell thickness, shell density, shell breaking strength, yolk color, yolk index, and Haugh unit) was not affected compared with that of the control group (p>0.05). Second, luteinizing hormone (LH) (p<0.01), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (p<0.01), triiodothyronine ($T_3$), and tetraiodothyronine ($T_4$) contents (p<0.05) in blood of laying hens fed with 0.8% Gln in diets were also significantly improved, and greater improvement in the duodenum and oviduct structure was observed in that treatment group. This study indicated for the first time that diets with 0.8% Gln were able to increase the productive performance of laying hens through stimulating hormone secretion and better development of both the duodenum and oviduct structure in laying hens.

Optimization of magnetic polyurethane composite PU/OA@Fe3O4 synthesis for enhanced treatment of municipal wastewater using response surface methodology

Shuyi Chu,Yilei Yao,Xinggan Sun,Jibo Xiao,Xiao Ma,Hongcai Guan 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.128 No.-

A novel magnetic polyurethane (PU) composite, PU/OA@Fe3O4 (MPU), was synthesized using oleic-acidcoatedFe3O4 nanoparticles. The response surface method based on the Box-Behnken design wasemployed to optimize the synthesis of MPU. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and saturated magnetizationwere employed to characterize the MPU. The conditions for optimal synthesis of MPU were asfollows: 0.65 g of catalyst A, 0.42 g of catalyst B, 2.11 g of organic silicon resin FS-05, and a toluene diisocyanateindex of 112. The saturated magnetization of MPU at an OA@Fe3O4 of 8% and 10% were 21.19 and32.83 emu/g, respectively. The improvement in removal performance of a sequencing batch biofilm reactorwith MPU compared to conventional PU was also investigated. Removal of ammonia nitrogen, totalnitrogen, chemical oxygen demand, and total phosphorus were all improved, compared to PU, by11.73%, 9.13%, 11.22%, and 10.34%, respectively. At the end of the experiment, total and volatile biomassof MPU were 542 and 375 mg/g, respectively, which were 30 and 100 mg/g greater than those of PU. Inaddition, the biofilms growing on MPU contained considerably more proteins and tightly bound extracellularpolymeric substances than those growing on PU.

PCR-SSCP Polymorphism of Inhibin ${\beta}_A$ Gene in Some Sheep Breeds

Chu, M.X.,Xiao, C.T.,Fu, Y.,Fang, L.,Ye, S.C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.7

Inhibins participate in the regulation of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis and secretion, follicular maturation and steroidogenesis in the female. Inhibin ${\beta}_A$ gene (INHBA) was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of sheep. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the entire coding region and partial 3' untranslated region of INHBA were detected by PCR-SSCP in two high fecundity breeds (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and six low fecundity breeds (Dorset, Texel, German Mutton Merino, South African Mutton Merino, Chinese Merino and Corriedale sheep). Only the PCR products amplified by primers 3, 4 and 5 displayed polymorphisms. For primer 3, genotype CC was only detected in Chinese Merino sheep, genotype AA was detected in the other seven sheep breeds. Genotype BB was only detected in Hu sheep. Only Hu sheep displayed polymorphism. Eight or four nucleotide mutations were revealed between BB or CC and AA, respectively, and these mutations did not result in any amino acid change. For primer 4, genotypes EE, EG and GG were detected in Dorset and German Mutton Merino sheep, genotypes EE, EF and FF were detected in Chinese Merino sheep, only genotype EE was detected in the other five sheep breeds. Only Dorset, German Mutton Merino and Chinese Merino sheep displayed polymorphism. Sequencing revealed one nucleotide mutation ($114G{\rightarrow}A$) of exon 2 of INHBA gene between genotype FF and genotype EE, and this mutation did not cause any amino acid change. Another nucleotide change ($143C{\rightarrow}T$) was identified between genotype GG and genotype EE, and this mutation resulted in an amino acid change of $serine{\rightarrow}leucine$. For primer 5, genotypes KK and KL were detected in German Mutton Merino and Corriedale sheep, genotypes KK, LL and KL were detected in the other six sheep breeds. Genotype MM was only detected in Hu sheep. All of these eight sheep breeds displayed polymorphism. Sequencing revealed one nucleotide mutation ($218A{\rightarrow}G$) of exon 2 of the INHBA gene between genotype LL and genotype KK, and nine nucleotide mutations between genotype MM and genotype KK. These mutations did not alter amino acid sequence. The partial sequence (395 bp for exon 1 and 933 bp for exon 2) of the INHBA gene in Small Tail Han sheep (with genotype KK for primer 5) was submitted into GenBank (accession number EF192431). Small Tail Han sheep displayed polymorphisms only in the fragment amplified by primer 5. The Small Tail Han ewes with genotype LL had 0.53 (p<0.05) or 0.63 (p<0.05) more lambs than those with genotype KL or KK, respectively. The Small Tail Han ewes with genotype KL had 0.10 (p>0.05) more lambs than those with genotype KK.

Improvement of Tautomycin Production in Streptomyces spiroverticillatus by Feeding Glucose and Maleic Anhydride

Xiao-Long Chen,Yu-Hua Xu,Yu-Guo Zheng,Yin-Chu Shen 한국생물공학회 2010 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.15 No.6

Optimization of the feeding process for tautomycin production by Streptomyces spiroverticillatus was performed using glucose and/or maleic anhydride. The feeding of glucose was based on the reducing sugar content (lower than 8 g/L) at a cultivation time of 40 h. After addition of 2% (w/v) glucose, the biomass increased from 21 to 28 g/L, and that of tautomycin from 572.06 to 837.6mg/L. Moreover, 1723.1 mg/L of tautomycin (increased by 201.21%) was obtained by feeding 0.2% (w/v) maleic anhydride solution at a pH between 4 and 7 in the broth. For the experiments in the 15 L fermentor, tautomycin content reached its highest level (1714.7 mg/L), which was 199.7% higher than that of control by feeding both glucose and maleic anhydride.