Curcumin targets vascular endothelial growth factor via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improves brain hypoxic-ischemic injury in neonatal rats

Jia Li,Yan An,Jia-Ning Wang,Xiao-Ping Yin,Huan Zhou,Yong-Sheng Wang 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2020 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.24 No.5

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin on brain hypoxicischemic (HI) damage in neonatal rats and whether the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway is involved. Brain HI damage models were established in neonatal rats, which received the following treatments: curcumin by intraperitoneal injection before injury, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by subcutaneous injection after injury, and VEGF by intracerebroventricular injection after injury. This was followed by neurological evaluation, hemodynamic measurements, histopathological assessment, TUNEL assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting to assess the expression of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, and VEGF. Compared with rats that underwent sham operation, rats with brain HI damage showed remarkably increased neurological deficits, reduced right blood flow volume, elevated blood viscosity and haematocrit, and aggravated cell damage and apoptosis; these injuries were significantly improved by curcumin pretreatment. Meanwhile, brain HI damage induced the overexpression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and VEGF, while curcumin pretreatment inhibited the expression of these proteins. In addition, IGF-1 treatment rescued the curcumin-induced down-regulated expression of p- PI3K, p-Akt, and VEGF, and VEGF overexpression counteracted the inhibitory effect of curcumin on brain HI damage. Overall, pretreatment with curcumin protected against brain HI damage by targeting VEGF via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in neonatal rats.

Complete ¹H-NMR and <SUP>13</SUP>C-NMR spectral assignment of five malonyl ginsenosides from the fresh flower buds of Panax ginseng

Yu-Shuai Wang,Yin-Ping Jin,Wei Gao,Sheng-Yuan Xiao,Yu-Wei Zhang,Pei-He Zheng,Jia Wang,Jun-Xia Liu,Cheng-He Sun,Ying-Ping Wang 고려인삼학회 2016 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.40 No.3

Background: Ginsenosides are the major effective ingredients responsible for the pharmacological effects of ginseng. Malonyl ginsenosides are natural ginsenosides that contain a malonyl group attached to a glucose unit of the corresponding neutral ginsenosides. Methods: Medium-pressure liquid chromatography and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography were used to isolate purified compounds and their structures determined by extensive one-dimensional- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Results: A new saponin, namely malonyl-ginsenoside Re, was isolated from the fresh flower buds of Panax ginseng, along with malonyl-ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd. Some assignments for previously published ¹H- and <SUP>13</SUP>C-NMR spectra were found to be inaccurate. Conclusion: This study reports the complete NMR assignment of malonyl-ginsenoside Re, Rb₁, Rb₂, Rc, and Rd for the first time.

Construction and Cloning of the Rc/CMV-GFP Fluorescence Expression Vector

Wang, Yi-Xiang,Li, Sheng-lin,Fu, Jia,Zhang, Kui-hua Korean Academy of Oral Biology and the UCLA Dental 2000 International Journal of Oral Biology Vol.25 No.1

A plasmid that can express fluorescence in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, RC/CMV-GFP was constructed by cloning the green fluorescent protein gene〔gfp〕into the Rc/CMV expression vector. The green fluorescent protein 〔GFP〕was expressed in E. coli JM109〔Rc/CMV-FGP〕, and green light was emitted under UV irradiation. Thus, this vector can be used to label oral microorganisms or tumor cells for studies of their biological behavior.

Soluble Expression and Purification of the Catalytic Domain of Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Escherichia coli

( Jia Wei ),( Xiao Dan Cao ),( Sheng Min Zhou ),( Chao Chen ),( Hai Jun Yu ),( Yao Zhou ),( Ping Wang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2015 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.25 No.8

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis through binding to its specific receptors, which mainly occurs to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), a kinase insert domain-containing receptor. Therefore, the disruption of VEGFR-2 signaling provides a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer by inhibiting abnormal or tumorinduced angiogenesis. To explore this potential, we expressed the catalytic domain of VEGFR- 2 (VEGFR-2-CD) as a soluble active kinase in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was purified and the VEGFR-2-CD activity was investigated. The obtained VEGFR-2-CD showed autophosphorylation activity and phosphate transfer activity comparable to the commercial enzyme. Furthermore, the IC50 value of known VEGFR-2 inhibitor was determined using the purified VEGFR-2-CD. These results indicated a possibility for functional and economical VEGFR-2-CD expression in E. coli to use for inhibitor screening.

Long non-coding RNAs in Sus scrofa ileum under starvation stress

Wang Shu,Ma Yi Jia,Li Yong Shi,Ge Xu Sheng,Lu Chang,Cai Chunbo,Yang Yang,Zhao Yan,Liang Guo Ming,Guo Xiaohong,Cao Guoqing,Li Bugao,Gao Pengfei 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.7

Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play important roles in starvation stress, analyze their functions, and discover potential molecular targets to alleviate starvation stress to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent in-depth research. Methods: We generated a piglet starvation stress animal model. Nine Yorkshire weaned piglets were randomly divided into a long-term starvation stress group (starved for 72 h), short-term starvation stress group (starved for 48 h), and the control group. LncRNA libraries were constructed using high-throughput sequencing of piglet ileums. Results: We obtained 11,792 lncRNAs, among which, 2,500 lncRNAs were novel. In total, 509 differentially expressed (DE)lncRNAs were identified in this study. Target genes of DElncRNAs were predicted via cis and trans interactions, and functional and pathway analyses were performed. Gene ontology functions and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed that lncRNA-targeted genes mainly participated in metabolic pathways, cellular processes, immune system processes, digestive systems, and transport activities. To reveal the mechanism underlying starvation stress, the interaction network between lncRNAs and their targets was constructed based on 26 DElncRNAs and 72 DEmRNAs. We performed an interaction network analysis of 121 DElncRNA–DEmRNA pairs with a Pearson correlation coefficient greater than 0.99. Conclusion: We found that MSTRG.19894.13, MSTRG.16726.3, and MSTRG.12176.1 might play important roles in starvation stress. This study not only generated a library of enriched lncRNAs in piglets, but its outcomes also provide a strong foundation to screen key lncRNAs involved in starvation stress and a reference for subsequent in-depth research. Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play important roles in starvation stress, analyze their functions, and discover potential molecular targets to alleviate starvation stress to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent in-depth research.Methods: We generated a piglet starvation stress animal model. Nine Yorkshire weaned piglets were randomly divided into a long-term starvation stress group (starved for 72 h), short-term starvation stress group (starved for 48 h), and the control group. LncRNA libraries were constructed using high-throughput sequencing of piglet ileums.Results: We obtained 11,792 lncRNAs, among which, 2,500 lncRNAs were novel. In total, 509 differentially expressed (DE)lncRNAs were identified in this study. Target genes of DElncRNAs were predicted via cis and trans interactions, and functional and pathway analyses were performed. Gene ontology functions and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed that lncRNA-targeted genes mainly participated in metabolic pathways, cellular processes, immune system processes, digestive systems, and transport activities. To reveal the mechanism underlying starvation stress, the interaction network between lncRNAs and their targets was constructed based on 26 DElncRNAs and 72 DEmRNAs. We performed an interaction network analysis of 121 DElncRNA–DEmRNA pairs with a Pearson correlation coefficient greater than 0.99.Conclusion: We found that MSTRG.19894.13, MSTRG.16726.3, and MSTRG.12176.1 might play important roles in starvation stress. This study not only generated a library of enriched lncRNAs in piglets, but its outcomes also provide a strong foundation to screen key lncRNAs involved in starvation stress and a reference for subsequent in-depth research.

Spectroscopic Determination of the Species Fractions and the Power Profiles of the Diagnostic Neutral Beam on the HT-7 Tokamak

Jia Fu,Yuejiang Shi,Yingying Li,Fudi Wang,Sheng Liu,Jian Zhang,Jun Li,Yiyyun Huang,Yuanlai Xie,Zhimin Liu,Chundong Hu,Chundong Hu,DNB Team,William Rowan,He Huang 한국물리학회 2011 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.58 No.5

A diagnostic neutral beam (DNB) has been installed on the HT-7 tokamak for the measurement of charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CXRS). The H_α-light Doppler shift spectroscopy from the drifted duct is measured to determine the components of the neutral beam. The fractions of neutral beam species are investigated under a wide range of arc voltages and extraction high voltages of the beam aimed to the optimized species fractions for the CXRS applications. A magnet ring is used to improve the magnetic property of the ion source. The result shows that the full-energy component fractions increase from 19 to 25 percent with optimization of the beam operation, but with a dramatic increase of the water component. There are nine optical fiber channels observing one section of the beam simultaneously for this spectroscopy, which provides information of the power profiles of the beam. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the beam profile is 8 cm, as measured by using the spectroscopy.

A Clinical Database of Breast Cancer Patients Reveals Distinctive Clinico-pathological Characteristics: a Study From Central China

Wang, Lin-Wei,Yang, Gui-Fang,Chen, Jia-Mei,Yang, Fang,Yuan, Jing-Ping,Sun, Sheng-Rong,Chen, Chuang,Hu, Ming-Bai,Li, Yan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in females worldwide. Many differences exist in clinico-pathological characteristics of breast cancer patients between China and Western countries. This study aimed to analyze clinico-pathological characteristics of breast cancer from central China. Methods: Clinico-pathological information on breast cancer from three hospitals in central China was collected and analyzed. Results: From 1994 to 2012, 2,525 patients with a median age 50 years were included in this study. The 45-49-year age group and invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified accounted for the highest proportions (19.1%, 480/2,525 and 81.0%, 1,982/2,446). Stages 0-I, II and III accounted for 28.0% (682/2,441), 48.4% (1,180/2,441), and 23.7% (578/2,441), respectively. Distribution of N stage showed that N0 accounted for 53.2% (1,344/2,525), and proportion of N0 rose from 51.1% (157/307) in 30-39-year age group to 64.3% (110/171) in ${\geq}$ 70-year age group, with an average increase of 2.1% in each age group. Modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery and simple mastectomy were performed for 71.8% (1,812/2,525), 18.0% (454/2,525), 5.2% (131/2,525) and 2.6% (66/2,525), respectively. Proportions of breast-conserving surgery in age ${\leq}$ 44-year group (68/132, 51.5%) and simple mastectomy in age ${\geq}$ 60-year group (57/89, 64.0%) were higher than in the other age groups. Breast cancers positive for estrogen receptor accounted for 53.0% (1,107/ 2,112). The comparisons among this study and other reports showed higher proportion of younger patients, lower proportion of breast-conserving surgery and positive estrogen receptor patients in China than western countries. Conclusions: Clinico-pathological characteristics in this study demonstrated clear differences between the center of China than Western countries. Additional classification systems should be developed to guide grading of early breast cancer more accurately, especially for N0 patients. Invasive ductal carcinoma is a focus for intensive research.

Professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in hospice palliative inpatient care units: A multicenter survey in Taiwan

Yu-Jia Lin,Hsiao-Ting Chang,Ming-Hwai Lin,Ru-Yih Chen,Ping-Jen Chen,Wen-Yuan Lin,Jyh-Gang Hsieh,Ying-Wei Wang,Chung-Chieh Hu,Yi-Sheng Liou,Tai-Yuan Chiu,Chun-Yi Tu,Yi-Jen Wang,Bo-Ren Cheng,Tzeng-Ji Ch 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.2

Background: Medical staff may have difficulties in using conventional medicine to manage symptoms among terminally ill patients, including adverse effects of the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine, and has been increasingly used in the field of palliative medicine in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of and attitudes toward using TCM among palliative care professionals, and to provide preliminary information about its use in palliative care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in eight inpatient hospice wards in Taiwan between December 2014 and February 2016. The questionnaire was self-administered, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics including Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 251 palliative care professionals responded to the questionnaire, of whom 89.7% and 88.9% believed that the use of TCM could improve the physical symptoms and quality of life in terminally ill patients, respectively. Overall, 59.8%, of respondents suggested that TCM had rare side effects, and 58.2% were worried that TCM could affect the liver and kidney function of patients. In total, 89.7% and 88.0% of professionals agreed there were no suitable clinical practice guidelines and educational programs, respectively, for TCM use in palliative care. Conclusions: Most of the respondents agreed there was insufficient knowledge, skills-training, and continuing education on the use of TCM in terminally ill patients in Taiwan. These results show that to address patient safety considerations, guidelines about use of TCM in palliative care should be established.

Detection for Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Potato Virus Y by DNA Chips Techniques

Hui Jia,Jin-Zhong Wang,Si-yuan Wen,Sheng-Qi Wang,Jin-Gao Dong,Min-Zhao Zhang 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

In situ Copolymerized Toughened Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with Highly Transparency for Support Film of Polarizers

Yingying Wang,Bin Yang,Liangyong He,Yuqing Yang,Nuo Zhang,Yang Wang,Zhiqiang Shi,Yuchao Ke,Lifen Su,Jia-Sheng Qian,RU XIA,Tao Jiang 한국고분자학회 2022 폴리머 Vol.46 No.5

In this study, a series of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymer films were prepared via solutionpolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with butyl acrylate (BA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) as monomers. Mechanical properties, hydrophobic properties, and optical properties of the films were intensively investigated. The rheological results showed that the fluidity of the copolymer was considerably enhanced. When the monomer ratio ofMMA:BA:LMA was 100:30:10, the copolymer film S4 showed the best overall performance with perfect optical transparency maintained. The results of the dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis suggested that the glass transition temperature (Tg) moved towards lower temperature, with enhanced ductility of the PMMA films. A large number of yieldfolds and crazes appeared on the cross-sectional surface of copolymer films through morphological observations, displaying the obvious characteristics of toughness fracture and obeying the energy dissipation mechanism of cracks shearband. The present study provided a facile way of preparing PMMA films with high toughness and light transmittanceby appropriate selection of the monomers, which will be of practical significance for further studies on the replacementof triacetyl cellulose as a support film of polarizers.