Short Low Concentration Cisplatin Treatment Leads to an Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition-like Response in DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells

Liu, Yi-Qing,Zhang, Guo-An,Zhang, Bing-Chang,Wang, Yong,Liu, Zheng,Jiao, Yu-Lian,Liu, Ning,Zhao, Yue-Ran Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.3

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the main causes of cancer death, and drug resistance is the leading reason for therapy failure. However, how this occurs is largely unknown. We therrfore aimed to study the response of DU145 cells to cisplatin. Materials and Methods: Du145 prostate cancer cells were treated with a low dose of cisplatin for 24 h and cell viability and number were determined by MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion assay, respectively. The real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess responses to cisplatin treatment. Results: After 24h $2{\mu}g/ml$ treatment did not result in significant reduction in cell viability or number. However, it led to enhanced cancer cell invasiveness. E-cadherin mRNA was reduced, and vimentin, Snail, Slug, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) mRNA expression increased significantly, a feature of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusions: Short time low concentration cisplatin treatment leads to elevated invasiveness of DU145 cancer cells and this is possibly due to EMT.

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.

Combination of TEM and 3D Atom Probe Study of Microstructure and Alloy Carbide in a Nb-V Micro-Alloyed Steel Tempered at 650℃

Qing-dong Liu,Wen-qing Liu,Shi-jin Zhao 대한금속·재료학회 2013 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.19 No.4

3D atom probe (3DAP) combined with TEM is applied to characterize the nanostructure and composition of coarsening carbides that precipitate in a Nb-V micro-alloyed steel tempered at 650 °C for 4 h. The results indicate that high temperature tempering of the as-quenched lath-like martensitic structures leads to the coarsening of alloyed carbide in the recovered ferritic matrix. TEM characterization and EDS analysis show that the alloy carbides are typically spherical or ellipsoidal and are enriched with V, Nb and Mo. Crystallographic lattice overlap and distortion create a distinct optical Moiré pattern at the carbide/matrix boundary, as observed by HRTEM. 3DAP gives the compositional distribution at atomic scale in the coarsening carbide and the surrounding matrix. Non-carbide-forming elements such as Si and Al are depleted in the carbide and are enriched at the carbide/matrix heterophase interface. Carbide-forming elements such as Mn, V, Mo and Nb distribute heterogeneously in the whole carbide, leading to the formation of a Mn-, V- and Mo-enriched core and Mo-enriched external shell.

Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodid Ticks from Poyang Lake Region, Southeastern China

Wei Qing Zheng,Xue Nan Xuan,Ren Long Fu,Hui Ying Tao,Yang Qing Liu,Xiao Qing Liu,Dong Mei Li,Hong Mei Ma,Hai Ying Chen 대한기생충학열대의학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.56 No.6

Overview of aristolochic acid nephropathy: an update

Zhou Qing-Qing,Jiang Lei,Tao Su,Gang Liu,Yang Liu 대한신장학회 2023 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.42 No.5

Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a rapidly progressive renal interstitial fibrosis caused by medical or environmental exposure to aristolochic acid (AA). Since the outbreak of AAN in Belgium was reported nearly 30 years ago, the safety of herbal remedies has drawn considerable attention, and AAN has become a global public health problem. Breakthroughs have been made to better understand the disease, including the toxicity of AAs, the possible mechanisms of AAN, the disease patterns, and the pathological features; however, some critical problems remain unresolved. Because of the insidious onset of the disease, the incidence of AAN and the prevalence of exposure to AAs are unknown and might be largely underestimated. During the past decades, AA-containing herbs have been strictly administrated in many regions and the occurrence of AAN has declined sharply, yet cases of AAN are still sporadically reported. Despite the progress in the understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis, there is no effective treatment for delaying or reversing the renal deterioration caused by AAN. Therefore, the risk of exposure to AAs should be taken seriously by public health workers and clinicians. In this review, we updated the latest data on AAN, summarized the advances throughout these years, and put forward some challenges for future research.

Wind loads and wind-resistant behaviour of large cylindrical tanks in square-arrangement group. Part 1: Wind tunnel test

Qing Liu,Yang Zhao,Shuqi Cai,Shi-lin Dong 한국풍공학회 2020 Wind and Structures, An International Journal (WAS Vol.31 No.6

Large cylindrical floating-roof tanks, constructed as oil containers, are usually distributed regularly in open area and easily exposed to severe wind loads. However, wind pressures around these grouped squat tanks appear to have not been clearly given in design codes or thoroughly studied in existing researches. This paper conducts a detailed investigation on wind loads on the external wall of a four-tank group in square arrangement. To achieve that, wind tunnel tests are carried out on both empty and full tank groups, considering various wind angles and spacing. Results show that 3 regions in elevation can be identified on the tank shell according to the circumferential wind pressure distribution. The upper 2 regions cover a relatively small portion of the shell where excessive negative pressures are spotted, setting an alarm to the design of the top angle and stiffening rings. By comparing results on grouped tanks to those on an isolated tank, grouping effects concerning wind angle, tank position in group and spacing are discussed. Deviations on pressure distributions that will compromise structural safety are outlined, including the increase of negative pressures, the shift of maximum pressure locations as well as the change of positive pressure range. And, several potentially unfavourable wind pressure distributions are selected for further analyses.

Protease Properties of Protease-Producing Bacteria Isolated from the Digestive Tract of Octopus vulgaris

Qing Liu(류청),Pei Ren,Meizi Piao,Ji-young Yang(양지영) 한국생명과학회 2013 생명과학회지 Vol.23 No.12

Octopus vulgaris의 장관으로부터 단백질 가수분해력과 활성을 측정함으로서 높은 단백질분해효소 생성능을 가진 균을 분리하여 동정하였다. 균이 생성한 단백질분해효소는 황산암모늄침전, cellulose CM-52 양이온 교환 크로마토그래피, DEAE-Sephadex A50 음이온 교환 크로마토그래피의 3단계를 통해 정제하였다. 장관으로부터 분리한 균중 가장 높은 단백질분해효소 생성능을 가진 균은 Bacillus sp. QDV-3로 나타났으며 이균을 분리한 후 표현형 분석, 생화학적 특성, 16S rRNA 유전자염기서열분석을 통해 Bacteria역, Firmicutes문, Bacilli강, Bacillales목, Bacillaceae과, Bacillus속으로 Bacillus flexus와 99.2%의 유사성을 보이는 것으로 확인하였다. 균이 생성한 단백질 분해효소를 QDV-E로 지정하였으며 61.6 kDa의 분자량을 나타내었다. 이 효소는 pH 9.0~9.5에서 활성을 나타내었고 최적온도는 40℃였으며 50℃에서는 60분간 96% 이상의 활성을 보유하였다. Phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride(PMSF)에 의하여 활성이 억제 되었으므로 세린 알칼리성 단백 분해 효소인 것으로 결론지었다. 금속이온인 Mn<SUP>2+</SUP>와 Mg<SUP>2+</SUP>에 의하여 효소활성 상승효과를 보였으며 Ba<SUP>2+</SUP>, Zn<SUP>2+</SUP>, 그리고 Cu<SUP>2+</SUP>에 의하여 활성이 억제되었다. A high protease-producing strain was isolated and identified from the digestive tract of octopus vulgaris by detecting a hydrolysis circle of protease and its activity. The strain was identified by morphology observation, biochemical experiments, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The protease obtained from the strain was purified by a three-step process involving ammonium sulfate precipitation, carboxy methyl-cellulose (CM-52) cation-exchange chromatography, and DEAE-Sephadex A50 anion-exchange chromatography. The properties of protease were characterized as well. The strain Bacillus sp. QDV-3, which produced the highest activity of protease, was isolated. On the basis of the phenotypic and biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene-sequencing studies, the isolate was identified as follows: domain: Bacteria; phylum: Firmicutes; class: Bacilli; order: Bacillales; family: Bacillaceae; and genus: Bacillus. The isolate was shown to have a 99.2% similarity with Bacillus flexus. A high active protease designated as QDV-E, with a molecular weight of 61.6 kDa, was obtained. The enzyme was found to be active in the pH range of 9.0-9.5 and its optimum temperature was 40℃. The protease activity retained more than 96% at the temperature of 50℃ for 60 min. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) inhibited the enzyme activity, thus confirming that this protease isolated from Bacillus sp. QDV-3 is an alkaline serine protease. Metal ions, Mn<SUP>2+</SUP> and Mg<SUP>2+</SUP>, were determined to enhance the protease activity, whereas Ba<SUP>2+</SUP>, Zn<SUP>2+</SUP>, and Cu<SUP>2+</SUP> were found to inactivate the enzyme.

New Insights into mTOR Signal Pathways in Ovarian-Related Diseases: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Cancer

Liu, Ai Ling,Liao, Hong Qing,Li, Zhi Liang,Liu, Jun,Zhou, Cui Lan,Guo, Zi Fen,Xie, Hong Yan,Peng, Cui Ying Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.12

mTOR, the mammalian target of rapamycin, is a conserved serine/threonine kinase which belongs to the phosphatidyl-linositol kinase-related kinase (PIKK) family. It has two complexes called mTORC1 and mTORC2. It is well established that mTOR plays important roles in cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Over-activation of the mTOR pathway is considered to have a relationship with the development of many types of diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer (OC). mTOR pathway inhibitors, such as rapamycin and its derivatives, can directly or indirectly treat or relieve the symptoms of patients suffering from PCOS or OC. Moreover, mTOR inhibitors in combination with other chemical-molecular agents may have extraordinary efficacy. This paper will discuss links between mTOR signaling and PCOS and OC, and explore the mechanisms of mTOR inhibitors in treating these two diseases, with conclusions regarding the most effective therapeutic approaches.

Priming and Activation of Inflammasome by Canarypox Virus Vector ALVAC via the cGAS/IFI16—STING—Type I IFN Pathway and AIM2 Sensor

Liu, Fengliang,Niu, Qingli,Fan, Xiuzhen,Liu, Connie,Zhang, Jie,Wei, Zhi,Hou, Wei,Kanneganti, Thirumala-Devi,Robb, Merlin L.,Kim, Jerome H. American Association of Immunologists 2017 Journal of Immunology Vol. No.

CD44v3 and VEGF-C Expression and its Relationship with Lymph Node Metastasis in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Uterine Cervix

Liu, Ye-Qing,Li, Hai-Feng,Han, Jing-Jing,Tang, Qiong-Lan,Sun, Qing,Huang, Zhi-Quan,Li, Hai-Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Background: To investigate the expression of CD44v3 and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and their relationship with lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the uterine cervix. Materials and Methods: Expression of CD44v3 and VEGF-C was analyzed in 109 cases of cervical SCC by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship was analyzed between expression and the patient age, histological differentiation, formation of tumor emboli in lymphoid vessels, lymph node metastasis, FIGO staging, and TNM classification. Results: Expression rates for both CD44v3 and VEGF-C were 43.1% in cervical SCC. The cells with positive immunohistochemical staining of CD44v3 were distributed mainly around the keratin pearls in well differentiated carcinomas, but distributed diffusely in the moderately and poorly differentiated lesions. VEGF-C was found stained positively in most of the tumor cells. There were differences in expression between normal epithelium and atypical hyperplasia as well as carcinoma. Both CD44v3 and VEGF-C were found to be associated positively with lymph node metastasis and TNM classification (both p=0.000). Neither CD44v3 nor VEGF-C was found to be associated with patient age, histological differentiation, formation of tumor emboli in lymphoid vessels and FIGO staging. CD44v3 was found to be associated with VEGF-C positively (p=0.000). Conclusions: Abnormal expression of CD44v3 and VEGF-C is associated closely with the lymph node metastasis in cervical SCC, and these agents may cooperate in carcinogenesis and development of metastatic lesions.