Salivary Pepsin as an Intrinsic Marker for Diagnosis of Sub-types of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-related Disorders

( Yan-jun Wang ),( Xiu-qiong Lang ),( Dan Wu ),( Yu-qin He ),( Chun-hui Lan ),( Xiao-xiao ),( Bin Wang ),( Duo-wu Zou ),( Ji-min Wu ),( Yong-bin Zhao ),( Peter W Dettmar ),( Dong-feng Chen ),( Min Yan 대한소화기 기능성질환·운동학회 2020 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.26 No.1

Background/Aims To determine the value of salivary pepsin in discriminating sub-types of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD-related disorders. Methods Overall, 322 patients with different sub-types of GERD and 45 healthy controls (HC) were studied. All patients took Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) and underwent endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and manometry. Salivary pepsin concentration (SPC) was detected by using colloidal gold double-antibody immunological sandwich assay. Oral esomeprazole treatment was administrated in the patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and extra-esophageal symptoms (EES). Results Compared to HC, patients with erosive esophagitis, NERD, EES, EES plus typical GERD symptoms, or Barrett’s esophagus had a higher prevalence of saliva and SPC (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the positive rate for pepsin in patients with functional heartburn or GERD with anxiety and depression, compared to HC. After esomeprazole treatment, the positive rate and SPC were significantly reduced in NERD (both P < 0.001) and in EES (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Of the 64 NERD patients, 71.9% (n = 46) were positive for salivary pepsin, which was significantly higher than the rate (43.8%, n = 28) of pathological acid reflux as detected by 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring (P = 0.002). Conclusions Salivary pepsin has an important significance for the diagnosis of GERD and GERD-related disorders. Salivary pepsin and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring may complement with each other to improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Activation of JNKs is essential for BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Yan Fang Zhao,Jing Xu,Wen Juan Wang,Jin Wang,Juan Wen He,Li Li,Qian Dong,Yan Xiao,Xing Lian Duan,Xue Yang,Yi Wen Liang,Tao Song,Min Tang,Dan Zhao,Jin Yong Luo 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2013 BMB Reports Vol.46 No.8

Finite-time and Fixed-time Bipartite Consensus Tracking for Second-order Multi-agent Systems via an Integral Sliding-mode Approach

Xiao-Feng Zhao,Tao Han,Bo Xiao,Xi-Sheng Zhan,Huaicheng Yan 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2023 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.21 No.12

This paper investigates the finite-time and fixed-time bipartite consensus tracking (Fin- and Fix-TBCT) problems for second-order multi-agent systems (MASs) under a signed directed communication network, in which both cooperative and competition exist. To achieve bipartite consensus tracking (BCT) within finite time and fixed time, two novel distributed control protocols utilizing integral sliding-mode control concept are presented and discussed, respectively. By virtue of Lyapunov stability and homogeneity with dilation, several sufficient conditions for achieving Fin- and Fix-TBCT for second-order MASs are obtained. Eventually, numerical simulation results are provided to verify the validity of the obtained theoretical results.

A Comparative Study on Ternary Low-Platinum Catalysts with Various Constructions for Oxygen Reduction and Methanol Oxidation Reactions

Yan-Ni Wu,Hai-Fu Guo,Peng Hu,Xiao-Peng Xiao,Zhao-Wang Xiao,Shi-Jun Liao 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2016 NANO Vol.11 No.7

Three types of ternary low-platinum nanocatalysts, alloy PdPtIr/C, core–shell PdPt@PtIr/C and Pd@PtIr/C, have been prepared, and their catalytic behaviors toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR)/oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are comparatively investigated via cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry analysis in an acidic medium. Through a two-step colloidal technique, the synthesized core–shell structured catalyst PtPd@PtIr/C with alloy core and alloy shell show the best catalytic activity toward MOR and the best poisoning tolerance. The alloy PdPtIr/C catalyst prepared via a one-step colloidal technique exhibits the best performance toward ORR among the three catalysts. All the three catalysts are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and other characterization techniques.

Mechanisms of Extracellular NO and Ca2+ Regulating the Growth of Wheat Seedling Roots

Xiang Zhao,Xiao-wei Zhao,Hui He,Yan-xiao Wang,Xiao Zhang 한국식물학회 2010 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.52 No.4

Our previous studies suggested the cross talk of nitric oxide (NO) with Ca2+ in regulating stomatal movement. However, its mechanism of action is not well defined in plant roots. In this study, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) showed an inhibitory effect on the growth of wheat seedling roots in a dose-dependent manner, which was alleviated through reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Analyzing the content of Ca2+ and K+ in wheat seedling roots showed that SNP significantly promoted Ca2+ accumulation and inhibited K+ accumulation at a higher concentration of extracellular Ca2+, but SNP promoted K+ accumulation in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. To gain further insights into Ca2+ function in the NOregulated growth of wheat seedling roots, we conducted the patch-clamped protoplasts of wheat seedling roots in a whole cell configuration. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+,NO activated inward-rectifying K+ channels, but had little effects on outward-rectifying K+ channels. In the presence of 2 mmol L−1 CaCl2 in the bath solution, NO significantly activated outward-rectifying K+ channels, which was partially alleviated by LaCl3 (a Ca2+ channel inhibitor). In contrast,2 mmol L−1 CaCl2 alone had little effect on inward or outward-rectifying K+ channels. Thus, NO inhibits the growth of wheat seedling roots likely by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx excessively. The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ appears to inhibit K+ influx, promotes K+outflux across the plasma membrane, and finally reduces the content of K+ in root cells.

Transcriptional activation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 by 17β-estradiol in SaOS-2 cells

Yu-yan Zhao,Lei Guo,Xiao-juan Zhao,Hong Liu,Tian Lei,Dong-jie Ma,Xiao-yu Gao 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells. Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells.

Downregulation of LINC01508 contributes to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer via the regulation of the Hippo-YAP pathway

Lan Xiao,Xiao-Yan Shi,Ze-Lian Li,Min Li,Min-Min Zhang,Shi-Jie Yan,Zhao-Lian Wei 대한부인종양학회 2021 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.32 No.5

Background: Some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to contribute to cisplatin resistance. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA that was downregulated in cisplatin- resistant to ovarian cancer (OC) cells and aimed to examine the contribution of LINC01508 to cisplatin resistance in OC cells. Methods: Differences in the lncRNA expression profile between OV2008 and C13K cells were assessed by lncRNA expression microarray. The expression of LINC01508 in ovarian epithelial cells, four OC cells, and OC, benign ovary tumor and normal ovary, cisplatin- resistant and non-resistant OC specimens were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The role of LINC01508 in OC cisplatin-resistant was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell, and tumor growth inhibition study in vivo. The clinical associations of LINC01508 in OC were evaluated using correlation analysis. The effects of verteporfin (VP) on cisplatin were explored to reveal the function of the hippo-YAP pathway on the cisplatin tolerance of C13K. Results: LINC01508 was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant OC cells and platinum- resistant OC tissue (p<0.01). LINC01508 downregulation was correlated with tumor size, residual tumor, and platinum resistance. The overexpression of LINC01508 improves in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to cisplatin while predicts the poor overall survival which need further follow-up research. The increased level of LINC01508 could suppress the cisplatin resistance of OC cells through the inhibition of the hippo-YAP pathway. Conclusions: The study proposes that dysregulation of LINC01508 expression results in resistance of OC to cisplatin through the inhibition of the hippo-YAP pathway.

Isolation of Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Verbascum thapsus and Their Antiangiogenic and Antiproliferative Activities

Yan-Li Zhao,Yong-Ping Yang,Si-Feng Wang,Yang Li,Qiu-Xia He,Ke-Chun Liu,Xiao-Li Li 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.5

Phytochemical investigation of Verbascum thapsus led to the isolation and identification of one new iridoid compound named verbathasin A, along with ten known compounds. The structure and relative stereochemistry of verbathasin A were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. All the isolates except 10-deoxyeucommiol and ajugol were tested for antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities, and compounds luteolin and 3-O-fucopyranosylsaikogenin F showed promising antiproliferative activities, with an obvious effect of inducing apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.

A Report of Chigger Mites on the Striped Field Mouse, Apodemus agrarius, in Southwest China

Yan-Ling Chen,Xian-Guo Guo,Tian-Guang Ren,Lei Zhang,Rong Fan,Cheng-Fu Zhao,Zhi-Wei Zhang,Ke-Yu Mao,Xiao-Bin Huang,Ti-Jun Qian 대한기생충학열대의학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.59 No.6

Establishment of a novel myocarditis mouse model based on cyclosporine A

Zhao Tian Hao,Jiang Yi Xuan,Chen Kai Qin,Qiu Dan,Xu Yan Zhe,Ye Chun,Ren Ting,Zhang Bo,Dai Bin,Hu Jue,Lu Jun,Zhou Fang Liang,Xiao Rong,Lu Fang Guo,Wei Ke 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.12

Background: Myocarditis is a myocardial injury that can easily cause adolescent death. Traditional research models of animal invasion with viral components, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or porcine myocardial myosin, among others, have the shortcomings of potential biological safety hazards and high animal mortality. Objective: To explore the construction of a novel myocarditis model with cyclosporine A and the potential genes and pathways associated with it. Methods: BALB/c mice were used in this study, and cyclosporin A and LPS were injected into the peritoneal cavity of mice. The successful establishment of the model was assessed by detecting serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors levels, HE, IHC staining, and RT-qPCR methods. Key genes were obtained using the GSE35182 dataset from the GEO database and validated with the RT-qPCR method. Results: We found that a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the myocardium of mice in each group of Cyclosporin A constructed model, while the expression of inflammatory factor indicators was increased, and this model has the characteristics of high degree of local inflammation in myocardial tissue, low mortality, and safe and non-toxic treatment. Using GSE35182 data, we selected 18 Hub genes and validated Hub genes in myocardial tissue with RT-qPCR and found that multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-likereceptor signaling pathway(TLRs), Rap1 signal pathway(Rap1), and Chemokine signaling pathway may be involved in the development of myocarditis. Conclusion: Cyclosporin A can construct a new myocarditis model, and TLRs, Chemokines and Rap1 signaling pathways may be the core pathways of myocarditis.