Staged Improvement in Awareness of Disease for Elderly Cancer Patients in Southern China

Li, Xing,Dong, Min,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Xing, Yan-Fang,Deng, Yun,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Chen, Jie,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wang, Tian-Tian,Wu, Dong-Hao,Liu, Xu,Hu, Hai-Tao,Lin, Jia-Yu,Li, Zhu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.15

Background: In mainland China, awareness of disease of elderly cancer patients largely relies on the patients' families. We developed a staged procedure to improve their awareness of disease. Materials and Methods: Participants were 224 elderly cancer patients from 9 leading hospitals across Southern China. A questionnaire was given to the oncologists in charge of each patient to evaluate the interaction between family and patients, patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making. After first cycles of treatment, increased information of disease was given to patients with cooperation of the family. Then patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making was documented. Results: Among the 224 cancer elderly patients, 26 (11.6%) made decisions by themselves and 125 (55.8%) delegated their rights of decision-making to their family. Subordinate family members tended to play a passive role in decision-making significantly. Patients participating more in medical decision-making tended to know more about their disease. However, in contrast to the awareness of disease, patient awareness of violation of medical recommendations was reversely associated with their participation in medical decision-making. Improvement in awareness of diagnosis, stages and prognosis was achieved in about 20% elderly cancer patients. About 5% participated more actively in medical decision-making. Conclusions: Chinese elderly cancer patient awareness of disease and participation in medical decision-making is limited and relies on their family status. The staged procedure we developed to improve patient awareness of disease proved effective.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of two trehalose transporter genes in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi

Li Jia-Xu,Cao Zhen,Guo Shuang,Tian Zhong,Liu Wen,Zhu Fen,Wang Xiao-Ping 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.3

The trehalose, major blood sugar in insects, enhances stress resistance of diapausing individuals in adverse environment and provides an energy source for reproduction. Trehalose transporters (TRETs) play an important role in transport of trehalose from trehalose-producing tissues, e.g. fat body, to trehalose-consuming tissues. Although studies have shown that trehalose contributes to diapause and reproduction, the function of TRETs in these processes remains unclear. In this work, we cloned two TRET genes, TRET1a and TRET1b, from the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi, which is capable of entering reproductive diapause under long-day conditions. We also analyzed the expression profiles of these two genes and investigated their potential roles in diapause and reproduction. The results suggested that both TRET1a and TRET1b belong to sugar-transporter and major facilitator superfamilies. Interestingly, TRET1a was highly expressed in the fat bodies of diapause-destined (DD) females but TRET1b was predominantly expressed in the ovaries of non-diapause-destined (NDD) females. Hormonal induction indicated that juvenile hormone induced TRET1b but repressed TRET1a at transcriptional levels. Methoprene-tolerant and Krüppel homolog 1 mediated the JH-suppressed TRET1a expression but were not involved in the regulation of TRET1b expression by JH. RNAi of TRET1a in DD females elevated the trehalose content in the fat bodies and suppressed the expression of a couple of genes related to stress resistance, which is a critical diapause trait. Knockdown of TRET1b in NDD females reduced the trehalose content in the ovaries but had no apparent effect on the ovary development and yolk deposition. These data suggest that TRET1a and TRET1b could regulate the trehalose content in specific tissues and may play potential roles in reproductive diapause in the females of C. bowringi. Introduction Diapause is a survival strategy for many insects in adapting to adverse environmental conditions (Tauber and Tauber, 1976; Tougeron, 2019). Diapause is a dynamic successive process that consists of diapause induction, preparation, initiation, maintenance, termination, and post-diapause quiescence (Kostal, 2006). Insects accumulate enormous nutrients such as sugars and lipids to enter diapause during diapause preparation phase (Hahn and Denlinger, 2007, 2011). The trehalose is the major hemolymph sugar in insects. The sugar not only provides source of energy but also protects proteins and cellular membranes from dehydration, desiccation, heat, cold, and oxidation (Elbein et al., 2003; Li et al., 2002; Richards et al., 2002; Wyatt and Kalf, 1957; Yancey, 2005; Zhu et al., 2008). Therefore, trehalose can play roles in reproduction and diapause by mediating energy supply and stress tolerance, respectively (Kamei et al., 2011; Lu et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2009).

Two New Metabolites with Cytotoxicities from Deep-Sea Fungus, Aspergillus sydowi YH11-2

Li, De-Hai,Cai, Sheng-Xin,Tian, Li,Lin, Zhen-Jian,Zhu, Tian-Jiao,Fang, Yu-Chun,Liu, Pei-Pei,Zhu, Wei-Ming,Gu, Qian-Qun 대한약학회 2007 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.30 No.9

Two new compounds, 2, 3, 5-trimethyl-6-(3-oxobutan-2-yl)-4H-pyran-4-one (1) and (2R)-2, 3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethyl-2-[(E)-prop-1-enyl] chromen-4-one (2), together with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated from a deep-sea fungus, identified as Aspergillus sydowi, by a bioassay-guided method. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and the cytotoxicities were evaluated by SRB method.

Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Meeting Milan Criteria after Curative Resection

Zhu, Wen-Jiang,Huang, Chu-Ying,Li, Chuan,Peng, Wei,Wen, Tian-Fu,Yan, Lv-Nan,Li, Bo,Wang, Wen-Tao,Xu, Ming-Qing,Yang, Jia-Yin,Jiang, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Background: The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection varies greatly. Few studies had investigated the risk factors for early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1 year) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCCs meeting Milan criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the 224 patients with HCC meeting Milan criteria who underwent curative liver resection in our center between February 2007 and March 2012. The overall survival (OS) rate, recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and risk factors for early recurrence were analyzed. Results: After a median follow-up of 33.3 months, HCC reoccurred in 105 of 224 patients and 32 died during the period. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 97.3%, 81.6% and 75.6% respectively, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 73.2%, 53.7% and 41.6%. Cox regression showed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 800 ng/ml (HR 2.538, 95% CI 1.464-4.401, P=0.001), multiple tumors (HR 2.286, 95% CI 1.123-4.246, P=0.009) and microvascular invasion (HR 2.518, 95% CI 1.475-4.298, P=0.001) to be associated with early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1-year) of HCC meeting Milan criteria. Conclusions: AFP > 800 ng/ml, multiple tumors and microvascular invasion are independent risk factors affecting early postoperative recurrence of HCC. In addition resection appears capable of replacing liver transplantation in some situations with safety and a better outcome.

Growth Factor-Free Cultured Rat Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells towards Hepatic Progenitor Cell Differentiation

Tian Zhu Li,신상현,조현희,김재형,서활 한국생물공학회 2008 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.13 No.6

Induction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation by growth factors is not likely to be acceptable for clinical application. In this study, MSCs and hepatocytes isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were indirectly co-cultured by sharing media, without any growth factor, for 14 days. Differentiation was investigated by detection of hepatic markers, albumin, α-fetoprotein (AFP), cytokeratin-18 (CK18), and bile ductal epithelial cell marker cytokeratin-19 (CK19) on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining, low density lipoproteins (LDL) uptake analysis, and urea assay were performed to detect metabolic activities of differentiated cells. MSCs in co-culture group showed positive expression for albumin, AFP, and CK19, but little for CK18. Data indicates that co-cultured MSCs were differentiated into oval cell stage, the hepatic progenitor, but not directly toward complete hepatocytes. Our finding suggests that indirect co-culture system has potential to generate regenerative hepatocytes by hepatic progenitor cells differentiated from MSCs.

Elk-3 Contributes to the Progression of Liver Fibrosis by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

( Tian Zhu Li ),( Sung Min Kim ),( Wonhee Hur ),( Jung Eun Choi ),( Jung-hee Kim ),( Sung Woo Hong ),( Eun Byul Lee ),( Joon Ho Lee ),( Seung Kew Yoon ) 대한소화기학회 2017 Gut and Liver Vol.11 No.1

Background/Aims: The role of Elk-3 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during liver fibrogenesis remains unclear. Here, we determined the expression of Elk-3 in in vitro and in vivo models and in human liver fibrotic tissues. We also investigated the molecular relationships among Elk- 3, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway during EMT in hepatocytes. Methods: We established an in vitro EMT model in which normal mouse hepatocyte cell lines were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and a CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis model. Characteristics of EMT were determined by evaluating the expression levels of related markers. The expression of Elk-3 and its target Egr-1 were analyzed using Western blotting. Gene silencing of Elk-3 was performed using an siRNA knockdown system. Results: The expression levels of mesenchymal markers were increased during TGF-β1-induced EMT of hepatocytes. The expression levels of Elk-3 and Egr-1 were significantly (p<0.05) increased during the EMT of hepatocytes, in CCl₄-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues, and in human liver cirrhotic tissues. Silencing of Elk-3 and inhibition of the Ras-Elk-3 pathway with an inhibitor suppressed the expression of EMT-related markers. Moreover, Elk-3 expression was regulated by p38 MAPK phosphorylation during EMT. Conclusions: Elk-3 contributes to the progression of liver fibrosis by modulating the EMT via the regulation of Egr- 1 under MAPK signaling. (Gut Liver 2017;11:102-111)

Using Cartilage Extracellular Matrix (CECM) Membrane to Enhance the Reparability of the Bone Marrow Stimulation Technique for Articular Cartilage Defect in Canine Model

Li, Tian Zhu,Jin, Cheng Zhe,Choi, Byung Hyune,Kim, Moon Suk,Kim, Young Jick,Park, So Ra,Yoon, Jeong Ho,Min, Byoung‐,Hyun WILEY‐VCH Verlag 2012 Advanced Functional Materials Vol.22 No.20

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Bone marrow stimulation techniques (BSTs) are widely used in clinics to treat cartilage defects, but yet have a critical limitation from the loss of blood clots. In this work, a novel cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM) membrane is developed to protect blood clots after BSTs. The CECM membrane was made of ECM fabricated naturally by cultured porcine chondrocytes, and then decellularized and multi‐layered to confer optimal mechanical strength. Highly compatible with cells, the CECM membrane did not show any cytotoxicity or immune responses in vivo. The CECM membrane was very thin (30–60 μm thick) and bendable, but had good tensile strength (85.64 N), suitable for protecting blood clots from leakage in rabbit cartilage defect. Moreover, the CECM membrane showed low but enough diffusion coefficient to allow delivery of small proteins in synovial fluid into the repaired tissue. In a beagle model, covering the cartilage defect with the CECM membrane after BST generated more hyaline cartilage‐like tissues than the BST alone in histology and chemical analyses at 18 weeks. Its ICRS score was approximately 2.5 times higher than that of the BST alone. Therefore, the CECM membrane is proposed as a useful tool that can improve the outcome of BSTs to treat cartilage defects.</P>

Saroclazines A–C, thio-diketopiperazines from mangrove-derived fungi Sarocladium kiliense HDN11-84

Feng Li,Wenqiang Guo,Li Wu,Tian-jiao Zhu,Qian Qun Gu,De-Hai Li,Qian Che 대한약학회 2018 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.41 No.1

Three new diketopiperazine derivatives (DKPs), saroclazines A–C (1–3) along with three known DKPs (4– 6) were isolated from mangrove-derived fungi Sarocladium kiliense HDN11-84. Saroclazines A–B (1 and 2) possessed a free amide structure, which was first found in sulfurcontaining aromatic DKPs. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS and X-ray. The cytotoxic activity of new compounds (1–3) was tested against HeLa cell lines, among which compound 2 showed an IC50 value of 4.2 lM.

미세분진이 흰쥐의 폐포대식세포에서 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 형성에 미치는 효과

리천주 ( Tian Zhu Li ),이수진 ( Soo Jin Lee ),박세종 ( Se Jong Park ),장병준 ( Byung Joon Chang ),이종환 ( Jong Hwan Lee ),김길수 ( Kil Soo Kim ),이명헌 ( Myoung Heon Lee ),최농훈 ( Nong Hoon Choe ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2006 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.60 No.5

연구배경: 대도시의 대기오염은 점차 악화되어 시민의 건강을 위협하고 심,폐 질환의 발병률과 이로 인한 사망률을 증가시키고 있다. 서울시 도로가의 PM이 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 생성에 직접적으로 어떠한 영향을 미치는지와 PM의 노출이 LPS의 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 생성효과에는 어떠한 영향을 미치는지를 평가하고자 하였다. 방법: 폐렴이 있는 흰쥐와 SPF 흰쥐의 폐포대식 세포 각각에 PM을 농도별로 처리하여 분비되는 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 농도를 측정하였다. 측정 방법으로는 western blot, ELISA 및 세포면역화학염색법을 이용하였다. 또한 동일 PM 농도에서 배양시간을 달리하여 위와 같이 측정하였다. 결과: SPF인 흰쥐에서 분리된 폐포대식세포에 PM을 단독으로 투여하였을 때 대조군에 비해서 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 생성도가 모든 투여군에서 유의하게 증가하였으나, 투여용량의 증가에 따른 유의성은 없었다. 그러나 염증성인 쥐에서 분리된 폐포대식세포에서는 모든 투여군에서 대조군에 비하여 통계 학적으로 유의하게 증가하였으며, PM 투여농도의 증가에 따른 생성량도 유의하게 증가하였다. 결론: PM을 장기간 혹은 일정 농도 이상으로 흡입할 경우 폐포대식세포의 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 분비에 영향을 미쳐 새로운 폐질환을 유발할 수 있다. 그러므로 기존에 염증성 폐질환이나 기관지천식이 있는 환자가 미세먼지를 흡입할 경우에는 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 생성에 커다란 영향을 미쳐 호흡기 질환을 더욱 악화시킬 가능성이 있을 것으로 추정된다. Background: PM is known to induce various pulmonary diseases, including asthma, cancer, fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. Despite the epidemiological evidence the pathogenesis of PM-related pulmonary diseases is unclear. Methods: This study examined the effects of PM exposure on the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β in the cultured alveolar macrophages. The cultured primary alveolar macrophages were treated with the medium, PM (5~20㎍/㎠), LPS (5ng/ml), and PM with LPS for 24h and 48h respectively. ELISA was used to assay the secreted TNF-α and IL-β in the culture medium. Western blotting was used to identify and determine the level of proteins isolated from the culture cells. The cells cultured in the Lab-Tek(R) chamber slides were stained with immunocytochemical stains. Results: PM induced TNF-α and IL-1β secretion in the culturing alveolar macrophages, collected from the SPF and inflammatory rats. However, the effects were only dose-dependent in the inflammatory macrophages. When the cells were co-treated with PM and LPS, there was a significant synergistic effect compared with the LPS in the both cell types. Conclusion: PM might be play an important role in the induction and/or potentiation of various lung diseases by oversecretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 554-563)

Two New Metabolites with Cytotoxicities from Deep-Sea Fungus, Aspergillus sydowi YH11-2

De-Hai Li,Sheng-Xin Cai,Li Tian,Zhen-Jian Lin,Tian-Jiao Zhu,Yu-Chun Fang,Pei-Pei Liu,Qian-Qun Gu,Wei-Ming Zhu 대한약학회 2007 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.30 No.9

Two new compounds, 2, 3, 5-trimethyl-6-(3-oxobutan-2-yl)-4H-pyran-4-one (1) and (2R)-2, 3- dihydro-7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethyl-2-[(E)-prop-1-enyl] chromen-4-one (2), together with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated from a deep-sea fungus, identified as Aspergillus sydowi, by a bioassay-guided method. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and the cytotoxicities were evaluated by SRB method.