A Spodoptera exigua serpin is involved in the immunity of hemolymph induced by Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h

Li Zi-Qi,Li Ni,Zhao Ying,Huang Guo-Hua 한국응용곤충학회 2021 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.24 No.1

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are a broadly distributed protease superfamily in various organisms, which participate in the negative regulation of melanization in insects. Our pervious study demonstrated that induced melanization by Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h is helpful for HvAV-3h viral replication. In this study, the serpin-2.1 like gene from Spodoptera exigua (Seserpin-2.1 like) which is a specific serpin after HvAV-3h infection was identified. Seserpin-2.1 like has the typical characteristics of serpin proteins family. Seserpin-2.1 like widely distributed in various tissues (including hemolymph, fat body, midgut, cuticle and head), and expressed at a higher level in fat body, hemolymph and head. At different developmental stages, it tends to express at eggs and 5th instar larvae. Seserpin-2.1 like shows special phenomenon for HvAV-3h infection. On the one hand, the transcription level of Seserpin-2.1 like in hemolymph was significantly upregulated after HvAV-3h compared to other immune challenges Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and Baculovirus (Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus). On the other hand, its expression disappeared during 72 to 120 h post infection. In summary, our results suggest that Seserpin-2.1 like may be involved in innate immunity of S. exigua after infection with HvAV-3h. And HvAV-3h may inhibit the expression of Seserpin-2.1 like to promote the melanization of host larvae for viral replication.

Interleukin-18 Synergism with Interleukin-2 in Cytotoxicity and NKG2D Expression of Human Natural Killer Cells

Qi, Yuan-Ying,Lu, Chao,Ju, Ying,Wang, Zi-E,Li, Yuan-Tang,Shen, Ya-Juan,Lu, Zhi-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor immunity. Interleukin (IL)-18 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that induces potent NK cell-dependent anti-tumor responses when administrated with other cytokines. In this study, we explored the effects of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytotoxicity as well as expression levels of the NK cell receptor NKG2D in vitro. Freshly isolated PBMCs were incubated for 48 h with IL-18 and IL-2, then CD107a expression on $CD3^-CD56^+$ NK cells was determined by three-colour flow cytometry to evaluate the cytotoxicity of NK cells against human erythroleukemia K562 cells and human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. Flow cytometric analysis was also employed to determine NKG2D expression on NK cells. The combined use of IL-18 and IL-2 significantly increased CD107a expression on NK cells compared with using IL-18 or IL-2 alone, suggesting that the combination of these two cytokines exerted synergistic enhancement of NK cytotoxicity. IL-18 also enhanced NKG2D expression on NK cells when administered with IL-2. In addition, blockade of NKG2D signaling with NKG2D-blocking antibody attenuated the up-regulatory effect of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytolysis. Our data revealed that IL-18 synergized with IL-2 to dramatically enhance the cytolytic activity of human NK cells in a NKG2D-dependent manner. The results appear encouraging for the use of combined IL-18 and IL-2 in tumor immunotherapy.

Molecular Biology and Omics : Improving Endoglucanase Activity by Adding the Carbohydrate-Binding Module from Corticium rolfsii

( Zi Zhong Tang ),( Hui Chen ),( Li Jiao Chen ),( San Liu ),( Xue Yi Han ),( Qi Wu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.4

The carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) is an important domain of most cellulases that plays a key role in the hydrolysis of cellulose. The neutral endoglucanase (EG1) gene was reconstructed. A redesigned endoglucanase, named EG2, was constructed with a CBM containing a linker from Corticium rolfsii (GenBank Accession No. D49448). The redesigned EG genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their characteristics are discussed. Results showed that the degradation of cellulose by EG2 was about double that by EG1. The specific activities of EG1 and EG2 were tested under optimal conditions, and EG2 had higher activity (169.1 ± 2.74 U/mg) toward CMC-Na than did EG1 (84.0 ± 1.98) in the process of cellulose degradation. The optimal pH and temperature, pH stability, and heat stability of EG1 and EG2 were similar. Results indicated that the CBM plays an essential role in the hydrolysis of cellulose. We can improve EG`s catalytic power by adding the CBM from Corticium rolfsii.

Novel and Effective Almagate Enema for Hemorrhagic Chronic Radiation Proctitis and Risk Factors for Fistula Development

Yuan, Zi-Xu,Ma, Teng-Hui,Zhong, Qing-Hua,Wang, Huai-Ming,Yu, Xi-Hu,Qin, Qi-Yuan,Chu, Li-Li,Wang, Lei,Wang, Jian-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Radiation proctitis is a common complication after radiotherapy for pelvic malignant tumors. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of novel almagate enemas in hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and evaluate risk factors related to rectal deep ulcer or fistula secondary to CRP. All patients underwent a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of CRP and symptoms were graded. Typical endoscopic and pathological images, risk factors, and quality of life were also recorded. A total of 59 patients were enrolled. Gynecological cancers composed 93.1% of the primary malignancies. Complete or obvious reduction of bleeding was observed in 90% (53/59) patients after almagate enema. The mean score of bleeding improved from 2.17 to 0.83 (P<0.001) after the enemas. The mean response time was 12 days. No adverse effects were found. Moreover, long-term successful rate in controlling bleeding was 69% and the quality of life was dramatically improved (P=0.001). The efficacy was equivalent to rectal sucralfate, but the almagate with its antacid properties acted more rapidly than sucralfate. Furthermore, we firstly found that moderate to severe anemia was the risk factor of CRP patients who developed rectal deep ulcer or fistulas (P= 0.015). We also found abnormal hyaline-like thick wall vessels, which revealed endarteritis obliterans and the fibrosis underlying this disease. These findings indicate that almagate enema is a novel effective, rapid and well-tolerated method for hemorrhagic CRP. Moderate to severe anemia is a risk factor for deep ulceration or fistula.

Polymorphisms in TYMS for Prediction of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome in Chinese Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Si-Qi Dong,Tong-Min Wang,Jiang-Bo Zhang,Yong-Qiao He,Wen-Qiong Xue,Zi-Yi Wu,Da-Wei Yang,Lian-Jing Cao,Jing-Wen Huang,Xi-Zhao Li,Pei-Fen Zhang,Xiao-Hui Zheng,Wei-Hua Jia 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.3

Purpose Capecitabine is an extensively used oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil in treatment of colon cancer and is known to cause hand-foot syndrome (HFS). As the target enzyme for capecitabine, thymidylate synthase (TYMS) plays a key role for 5-fluorouracil metabolism and has been associated with some side effects caused by capecitabine. The aim of our study is to identify the possible genetic predictors of capecitabine-induced HFS (CAP-HFS) in Chinese colorectal cancer patients.Materials and Methods Whole exons of TYMS were sequenced for 288 extreme phenotype HFS patients, including 144 severe or early-onset (first 2 cycles) moderate HFS extreme cases and 144 extreme controls with no reported HFS. The associations between polymorphisms and CAP-HFS were analyzed using logistic regression under an additive model.Results We identified a novel risk mutation (c.1A>G, chr18:657743), was associated with severe HFS in an extreme case who was affected during the first cycle of treatment. Moreover, we identified three new variants, rs3786362, rs699517, rs2790, and two previously reported variants, 5’VNTR 2R/3R and 3′-untranslated region 6-bp ins-del, which were significantly associated with CAP-HFS (p < 0.05). In silico analysis revealed that the effect of these polymorphisms in the TYMS region on the development of HFS might not be restricted solely to the regulation of TYMS expression, but also the TYMS catalytic activity through the indirect effect on ENOSF1 expression.Conclusion This study identified new polymorphisms in TYMS gene significantly associated with CAP-HFS, which may serve as useful genetic predictors for CAP-HFS and help to elucidate the underlying mechanism of HFS.

DUCK's Science - 아플라톡신 B1 레벨이 오리의 생산성, 소화효소 활성 및 영양소 소화율에 미치는 영향

Han, Xin-Yan,Huang, Qi-Chun,Li, Wei-Fen,Jiang, Sei-Fen,Xu, Zi-Rong 한국오리협회 2010 오리마을 Vol.86 No.-

이번 연구는 아플라톡신 $B_1(AFB_2)$의 독성이 오리의 생산성, 체내 기관, 간 효소 활성도, 외관상 소화율, 영양소 소화율에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위한 것이다. 1일령의 육용오리 90마리를 3개의 처리군으로 나눠 10마리씩 펜에서 사육하였다. 그룹1은 일반 사료를 급여하였고, 그룹 2와 3은 각각 아플라톡신 $20{\mu}g/kg$, $40{\mu}g/kg$이 포함된 오염된 쌀을 섞어 6주 동안 급여하였다. 그 결과 아플라톡신에 오염된 사료를 섭취한 그룹의 증체량과 사료 섭취량이 감소하였고, 사료요구률(feed to gain ratio), 간, 신장, 췌장의 무게가 높은 것으로 나타났다. 알라닌 아미노전이효소(ALT, serum alanine aminotransferase)와 혈중 아스파라진산 아미노전이효소(AST, aspartate aminotransferase)의 활성도도 아플라톡신 오염 그룹에서 유의성을 보이며 높았다. 아플라톡신 오염 그룹의 오리들의 십이지장에서 채취한 단백질 분해효소, 키모트립신, 트립신(이자액에서 분비되는 단백질 분해효소), 전분 가수 분해효소 등 소화효소의 활성도가 증가한 반면, 조단백질의 외관상 소화율은 유의성있게 낮은 것으로 나타났다. 이는 아플라톡신에 오염된 사료로가 오리의 생산성과 영양소의 외관상 소화율을 감소시키고 십이지장 내용물의 소화효소활성을 변화시킨다고 볼 수 있다.

Effects of the Hippo Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer

Zhou, Guang-Xi,Li, Xiao-Yu,Zhang, Qi,Zhao, Kun,Zhang, Cui-Ping,Xue, Chang-Hu,Yang, Kun,Tian, Zi-Bin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

Background/Aim: The Hippo signaling pathway is a newly discovered and conserved signaling cascade, which regulates organ size control by governing cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate its effects in human gastric cancer. Methods: Tumor tissues (n=60), adjacent non-tumor tissues (n=60) and normal tissues (n=60) were obtained from the same patients with primary gastric cancer (GC). In addition, 70 samples of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) tissues were obtained from patients with intestinal metaplasia (IM) by endoscopic biopsy. Hippo signaling molecules, including Mst1, Lats1, YAP1, TAZ, TEAD1, Oct4 and CDX2, were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Protein expression of Mst1, Lats1, YAP1, TEAD1 and CDX2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Mst1, Lats1 and Oct4 mRNA expression showed an increasing tendency from GC tissues to normal gastric tissues, while the mRNA expression of YAP1, TAZ and TEAD1 was up-regulated (all P<0.01). Mst1 and Lats1 protein expression presented a similar trend with their mRNA expression. In addition, YAP1 and TEAD1 protein expression in GC was significantly higher than in the other groups (all P<0.01). CDX2 mRNA and protein expression in the CAG group were higher than in the other groups (all P<0.01). In GC, mRNA expression of Mst1, Lats1, Oct4, YAP1, TAZ, TEAD1 and CDX2 had a close correlation with lymphatic metastasis and tumor TNM stage (all P<0.01). Furthermore, protein expression of Mst1, Lats1, YAP1, TAZ, TEAD1 and CDX2 had a close correlation between each other (P<0.05). Conclusion: The Hippo signaling pathway is involved in the development, progression and metastasis of human gastric cancer. Therefore, manipulation of Hippo signaling molecules may be a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Sifting process of EMD and its application in rolling element bearing fault diagnosis

Hongbo Dong,Keyu Qi,Xuefeng Chen,Yanyang Zi,Zhengjia He,Bing Li 대한기계학회 2009 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.23 No.8

Among the vibration-based fault diagnosis methods for rolling element bearing, the shock pulse method (SPM) combined with the demodulation method is a useful quantitative technique for estimating bearing running state. However, direct demodulation often misestimates the shock value of characteristic defect frequency. To overcome this disadvantage, the vibration signal should be decomposed before demodulation. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) can be an alternative for preprocess bearing fault signals. However, the trouble with this method’s application is that it is time-consuming. Therefore, a novel method that can improve the sifting process’s efficiency is proposed, in which only one time of cubic spline fitting is required in each sifting process. As a consequence, the time for EMD analysis can be evidently shortened and the decomposition results simultaneously maintained at a high precision. Simulations and experiments verify that the improved EMD method, combined with SPM and demodulation analysis, is efficient and accurate and can be effectively applied in engineering practice.

Optimum Design for the Active Constrained Layer Damping Treatment

Yon Jie Tang,Zi Gen Zhu,Qi Han Li,Li Tang Yan 대한기계학회 1997 Asia-Pacific Vibration Conference Vol.2 No.1

Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Alleviating Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: Interactions between the Cerebellar Fastigial Nucleus and Lateral Hypothalamic Area

Yu Qing,Wu Li-bin,Zhang Fan,Wei Xiao-tong,Chen Pian-pian,Wang Shuai-ya,Cai Mei-yi,Shu Qi,Li Liao-yuan,Wu Zi-jian,Cai Rong-lin,Hu Ling 사단법인약침학회 2021 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.14 No.6

Background: Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) is an important mechanism of post-myocardial infarction injury and a main cause of death in patients with ischemic heart disease. Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment is effective for the prevention and treatment of MIRI, but mechanisms mediating the effects of cardiovascular disease EA treatments remain unclear. Objectives: To determine whether the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) and the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) are involved in the protective effects of EA stimulation on MIRI. Methods: EA pretreatment was performed for 7 days before the establishment of the MIRI model. ST-segment changes on electrocardiograms were recorded and the Curtis–Walker arrhythmia score was used to evaluate changes in reperfusion injury. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was applied to evaluate the pathological and morphological changes in myocardial tissue. c-fos expression in the LHA and FN was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Glutamic (Glu) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical method. Results: EA pretreatment reduced ST-segment elevation, arrhythmia scores, and morphological changes in MIRI myocardial cells in rats, and decreased the c-fos protein expression in LHA/FN nuclei. MIRI was associated with an imbalance between GABA and Glu levels, whereas EA pretreatment increased GABA levels and decreased Glu levels in the LHA/FN. Conclusion: FN and LHA are involved in the EA-mediated attenuation of MIRI. Pretreatment with EA plays a protective role in the myocardium by regulating Glu and GABA release in the LHA and FN.