Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Zhang, Qiong-Wen,Liu, Lei,Chen, Ru,Wei, Yu-Quan,Li, Ping,Shi, Hua-Shan,Zhao, Yu-Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with disruption of basement membranes of blood vessels and promotion of metastasis through the lymphatics. However, its prognostic value for survival in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. Method: We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature in order to clarify the impact of MMP-9. Clinical studies were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of MMP-9 in gastric cancer and reported analysis of survival data according to MMP-9 expression. Results: A total of 11 studies, covering 1700 patients, were included for meta-analysis. A summary hazard ratio (HR) of all studies and sub-group hazard ratios were calculated. The combined HR suggested that a positive MMP-9 expression had an impact on overall survival: 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.11-1.40) in all eligible studies; 1.13 (1.06-1.20) in 8 studies detecting MMP-9 by immunohistochemistry; 1.36 (1.12-1.65) in 7 studies from Asia. Only one study for DFS showed a significant impact on disease free survival (HR 1.73, 95%CI 1.27-2.34). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that MMP-9 protein expression might be a factor for a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. However, the association was rather weak, so that more prospective studies should further explore the prognostic impact of MMP-9 mRNA and correlations between MMP-9 and clinicopathological characteristics.

Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

Yue-Hua Han,Wen-Zhong Liu,Yao-Zhou Shi,Li-Qiong Lu,Shudong Xiao,Qing-Hua Zhang,Guo-Ping Zhao 한국미생물학회 2007 The journal of microbiology Vol.45 No.1

In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China.The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on ln(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori’s growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522(31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strainspecific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

Gene Expression Profile of Helicobacter pylori in Response to Growth Temperature Variation

Yue-hua Han,Wen-zhong Liu,Yao-zhou Shi,Li-qiong Lu,Shu-dong Xiao,Qing-hua Zhang 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.4

A Helicobacter pylori whole-genome DNA microarray was constructed to study expression profiles of H. pylori in response to a sudden temperature transfer from 37°C to 20°C. The expression level of the genome at each of four time points (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) after temperature downshift was compared with that just before cold treatment. Globally, 10.2% (n=167) of the total predicted H. pylori genes (n=1636) represented on the microarray were significantly differentially expressed (p<0.05) over a 120 min period after shift to low temperature. The expression profiles of the differentially expressed genes were grouped, and their expression patterns were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Up-regulated genes mainly included genes involved in energy metabolism and substance metabolism, cellular processes, protein fate, ribosomal protein genes, and hypothetical protein genes, which indicate the compensational responses of H. pylori to temperature downshift. Those genes play important roles in adaption to temperature downshift of H. pylori. Down-regulation of DNA metabolism genes and cell envelope genes and cellular processes genes may reflect damaged functions under low temperature, which is unfavorable to bacterial infection and propagation. Overall, this time-course study provides new insights into the primary response of H. pylori to a sudden temperature downshift, which allow the bacteria to survive and adapt to the new host environment.

Constraining the Uncertainties Measuring in Urban Stormwater Pollution: using Optimal Monitoring Program

Qian Wang,Qiong-hua Zhang,Xiao-chang Wang 대한환경공학회 2015 대한환경공학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.2015 No.10

Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

Han, Yue-Hua,Liu, Wen-Zhong,Shi, Yao-Zhou,Lu, Li-Qiong,Xiao, Shudong,Zhang, Qing-Hua,Zhao, Guo-Ping The Microbiological Society of Korea 2007 The journal of microbiology Vol.45 No.1

In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China. The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on In(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori's growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522 (31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strain-specific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

QTL mapping and identification of candidate genes for cold tolerance at the germination stage in wild rice

Pan Ying-Hua,Nong Bao-Xuan,Chen Lei,Yang Xing-Hai,Xia Xiu-Zhong,Zhang Zong-Qiong,Qing Dong-Jin,Gao Ju,Huang Cheng-Cui,Li Dan-Ting,Deng Guo-Fu 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.7

Background Cold damage stress significantly affects rice growth (germination and seedling) and causes serious losses in yield in temperate and high-altitude areas around the globe. Objective This study aimed to explore the cold tolerance (CT) locus of rice and create new cold-tolerant germplasm. We constructed a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) with strong CT and fine mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with CT by performing the whole-genome resequencing of CSSL with phenotypes under cold treatment. Methods A chromosome CSSL, including 271 lines from a cross between the cold-tolerant wild rice Y11 (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) and the cold-sensitive rice variety GH998, was developed to map QTLs conferring CT at the germination stage. The whole-genome resequencing was performed on CSSL for mapping QTLs of associated with CT at the germination stage. Results A high-density linkage map of the CSSLs was developed using the whole-genome resequencing of 1484 bins. The QTL analysis using 615,466 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) led to the identification of 2 QTLs related to germination rate at low-temperature on chromosome 8 (qCTG-8) and chromosome 11 (qCTG-11). The qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 explained 14.55% and 14.31% of the total phenotypic variation, respectively. We narrowed down qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 to 195.5 and 78.83-kb regions, respectively. The expression patterns of important candidate genes in different tissues, and of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) in CSSLs, were identified based on gene sequences in qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 cold-induced expression analysis. LOC_Os08g01120 and LOC_Os08g01390 were identified as candidate genes in qCTG-8, and LOC_Os11g32880 was identified as a candidate gene in qCTG-11. Conclusions This study demonstrated a general method that could be used to identify useful loci and genes in wild rice and aid in the future cloning of candidate genes of qCTG-8 and qCTG-11. The CSSLs with strong CT were supported for breeding cold-tolerant rice varieties.

Association of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A_2 with Characteristics of Vulnerable Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Yu-Sheng Liu,Qing-Hua Lu,Xiao-Bo Hu,Hong-Zhuan Li,Wei-Dong Jiang,Xin Wang,Hao Lin,Ai-Qiong Qin,Yong-Mei Wang,Tong Zhao,Zhao-Qiang Dong,Mei Zhang 연세대학교의과대학 2011 Yonsei medical journal Vol.52 No.6

Purpose: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA_2) is an inflammatory enzyme expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the association of circulating Lp-PLA_2 with characteristics of vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Materials and Methods: We recruited 113 patients with either unstable angina (UA, n=59) and stable angina (SA, n=54) by coronary angiography. Thirty-six healthy subjects served as controls. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to evaluate the characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and serum Lp-PLA2 concentration was measured as well. Results: Lp-PLA_2 concentration was significantly higher in both UA and SA patients [(396±36) μg/L and (321±39) μg/L, respectively]compared with the controls [(127±49) μg/L, p<0.01], and higher in UA than SA group. IVUS findings showed that remodeling index (RI) (0.91±0.15 vs. 0.85±0.11, p=0.005) and eccentricity index (EI) (0.73±0.16 vs. 0.65±0.22, p=0.039) were larger in UA than in SA group, and fibrous caps were thicker in SA than UA group [(0.91±0.23) mm vs. (0.63±0.21) mm, p=0.032]. Moreover, Lp-PLA_2 correlated positively with EI (r=0.439, p<0.01) and RI (r=0.592, p<0.05) in UA group. There was an inverse relationship between Lp-PLA_2 and fibrous cap thickness in both UA (r=-0.587, p<0.001) and SA (r=-0.318, p<0.05) groups. The independent risk factors in UA group were Lp-PLA_2 (OR=1.055, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, p=0.013), LDL-cholesterol (OR=0.032, 95% CI: 0.00-0.05, p=0.041) and fibrous cap thickness (OR=0.008, 95% CI: 0.00-0.45, p=0.019). Lp-PLA_2 was strongly associated with both EI and fibrous cap thickness in both groups. Conclusion: Serum level of Lp-PLA_2 is associated with both eccentricity index and fibrous cap thickness in both UA and SA groups. Elevated levels of circulating Lp-PLA_2 might to be a strong risk factor and more serious for unstable angina than stable angina.

Does HBV Infection Increase Risk of Endometrial Carcinoma?

Jiang, Xue-Feng,Tang, Qiong-Lan,Zou, Yuan,Xu, Ling,Zeng, Hua,Chi, Cong,Jiang, Jing-Ru,Zhang, Bin-Zhong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Objective: Connections between chronic inflammation and tumor development and progression are now generally accepted. Recent evidence indicates that hepatitis B is associated with several types of cancer, but whether endometrial carcinoma (EC) is included has not been reported. Methods: We analyzed HBV serum marker status in 398 patients with endometrial cancer, comparing them to 788 control women undergoing health examination. Results: The total prevalence of HBsAg tested positive in cancer group was significantly higher than the control group (12.8% vs 6.0%, P=0.001), while positive HBsAb was significantly lower (41.2% vs 68.5%, P=0.001). Hepatitis B carriers in endometrial cancer group were also more frequent than in the control group (9.3% vs 5.5%, P=0.013). Interestingly, in the endometrial cancer group, 147 cases were HBV serum marker negative, which was also higher than in the control group (36.9% vs 15.6%, P=0.001). Conclusion: There may be a correlation between HBV infection and endometrial carcinoma.

Protective effects of l-theanine on rats with dextran sulfate sodium-induced infl ammatory bowel disease

Ling Chen,Wen-jun Xiao,Qiong-xian Yan,Zhi-hua Gong,Sheng Zhang,Li Zeng,Ming Yang,Yan-he Zhou 대한약학회 2020 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.43 No.8

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antiinflammatory and protective eff ects of L -theanine in infl ammatorybowel disease (IBD) and to identify the underlyingmolecular mechanisms. Rats were pre-treated with L -theanineat 0, 50, 200, or 800 mg/kg/day. IBD was induced inrats using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Histopathologicalanalysis suggests that L -theanine can suppress DSS-inducedIBD with signifi cant inhibition of infl ammation in large andsmall intestinal tissues. Moreover, the 200 mg/kg/day L -theanine-treated DSS group had higher body and small intestineweights, a lower disease activity index and expression ofinfl ammatory factors than the DSS group without pre-treatment. In RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag labelinganalyses, large number of mRNAs and proteins expressionlevel diff ered when compared with the DSS-induced ratswith and without 200 mg/kg/day L -theanine pre-treatment. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathwayanalysis indicates the anti-infl ammatory activities ofL -theanine in DSS-induced IBD, with a high representationof genes in “Cholesterol metabolism” and “Retinol metabolism”pathways. Analysis of protein–protein interaction networksfurther indicates the involvement of these two pathways. These studies suggest that medium-dose L -theaninepre-treatment could ameliorate DSS-induced IBD throughmolecular mechanisms involving cholesterol and retinolmetabolism.

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.