White-Matter Hyperintensities and Lacunar Infarcts Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly in China

Shuai Ye,Shuyang Dong,Jun Tan,Le Chen,Hai Yang,Yang Chen,Zeyan Peng,Yingchao Huo,Juan Liu,Mingshan Tang,Yafei Li,Huadong Zhou,Yong Tao 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.1

Background and Purpose This study investigated the contribution of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and lacunar infarcts (LI) to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in an elderly cohort in China. Methods Older adults who were initially cognitively normal were examined with MRI at baseline, and followed for 5 years. WMH were classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and LI were classified into a few LI (1 to 3) or many LI (≥4). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Activities of Daily Living scale. Results Among the 2,626 subjects, 357 developed AD by the end of the 5-year follow-up period. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, having only WMH, having only LI, and having both WMH and LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with having neither WMH nor LI. Moderate and severe WMH were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with no WMH. Furthermore, patients with many LI had an increased risk of developing AD compared with no LI. Conclusions Having moderate or severe WMH and many LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD, with this being particularly striking when both WMH and LI were present.

Preparation and In Vitro Release of Ramose Chitosan-Based-5-Fluorouracil Microspheres

Li, He-Ping,Li, Hui,Wang, Zhou-Dong,Zhang, Juan-Juan,Deng, Man-Feng,Chen, San-Long Korean Chemical Society 2013 대한화학회지 Vol.57 No.1

In order to construct a controlled release system of drugs and to reduce toxic side effects of 5-fluorouracil, the novel ramose chitosan-based-5-fluorouracil microspheres (CS-FU-MS) were prepared. Firstly, using chitosan (CS) as carriers and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug, ramose chitosan-based-5-fluorouracil (CS-FU) was efciently synthesized by chemical crosslinking method through microwave irradiation, drug loading was 10.6%; Secondly, CS-FU-MS were prepared by CS-FU self-assembled under the dialysis conditions and the free 5-FU was encapsulated further at the same time. The size dispersivity of particles is uniform, and the average diameter of the CS-FU-MS was $4{\mu}m$. The drug encapsulation efficiency was 76.1%, and the drug loading was increased to 26.22%. CS-FU-MS maintain the zero-order release time in PBS (pH = 7.4) and HCl/KCl (pH = 1.2) dialysis medium was 40h and 34h respectively, and the cumulative release were 58.89% and 79.33% in 182 h. The results showed that CS-FU-MS have excellent sustained release properties.

Dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides from the leaves and stems of Panax notoginseng and their antiinflammatory activities

Li, Juan,Wang, Ru-Feng,Zhou, Yue,Hu, Hai-Jun,Yang, Ying-Bo,Yang, Li,Wang, Zheng-Tao The Korean Society of Ginseng 2019 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.43 No.3

Background: Inflammation is widespread in the clinical pathology and closely associated to the progress of many diseases. Triterpenoid saponins as a key group of active ingredients in Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen were demonstrated to show antiinflammatory effects. However, the chemical structures of saponins in the leaves and stems of Panax notoginseng (PNLS) are still not fully clear. Herein, the isolation, purification and further evaluation of the antiinflammatory activity of dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from PNLS were conducted. Methods: Silica gel and reversed-phase C8 column chromatography were used. Furthermore, preparative HPLC was used as a final purification technique to obtain minor saponins with high purities. MS, NMR experiments, and chemical methods were used in the structural identifications. The antiinflammatory activities of the isolated saponins were assessed by measuring the nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the gene expressions of inflammation-related gene. Results: Eight new minor dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, namely notoginsenosides LK1-LK8 (1-8) were obtained from PNLS, along with seven known ones. Among the isolated saponins, gypenoside IX significantly suppressed the nitric oxide production and inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, interleukin 10, interferon-inducible protein 10 and $interleukin-1{\beta}$. Conclusion: The eight saponins may enrich and expand the chemical library of saponins in Panax genus. Moreover, it is reported for the first time that gypenoside IX showed moderate antiinflammatory activity.

Curdione Inhibits Proliferation of MCF-7 Cells by Inducing Apoptosis

Li, Juan,Bian, Wei-He,Wan, Juan,Zhou, Jing,Lin, Yan,Wang, Ji-Rong,Wang, Zhao-Xia,Shen, Qun,Wang, Ke-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: Curdione, one of the major components of Curcuma zedoaria, has been reported to possess various biological activities. It thus might be a candidate anti-flammatory and cancer chemopreventive agent. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of action of curdione on cancer cells are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of curdione on breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Xenograft nude mice were used to detect the effect of curdione on breast cancer in vivo; we also tested the effect of curdione on breast cancer in vitro by MTT, Flow cytometry, JC-I assay, and western blot. Results: Firstly, we found that curdione significantly suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft nude mouse breast tumor model in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, curdione treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, after curdione treatment, increase of impaired mitochondrial membrane potential occurred in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins including cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax was increased in curdione treatment groups, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was decreased. Inhibitors of caspase-3 were used to confirm that curdione induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Overall, our observations first suggested that curdione inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. These results might provide some molecular basis for the anti-cancer activity of curdione.

Tumor-Derived Transforming Growth Factor-β is Critical for Tumor Progression and Evasion from Immune Surveillance

Li, Zheng,Zhang, Li-Juan,Zhang, Hong-Ru,Tian, Gao-Fei,Tian, Jun,Mao, Xiao-Li,Jia, Zheng-Hu,Meng, Zi-Yu,Zhao, Li-Qing,Yin, Zhi-Nan,Wu, Zhen-Zhou Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Tumors have evolved numerous mechanisms by which they can escape from immune surveillance. One of these is to produce immunosuppressive cytokines. Transforming growth factor-${\beta}$(TGF-${\beta}$) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a crucial function in mediating immune suppression, especially in the tumor microenvironment. TGF-${\beta}$ produced by T cells has been demonstrated as an important factor for suppressing antitumor immune responses, but the role of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ in this process is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that knockdown of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ using shRNA resulted in dramatically reduced tumor size, slowing tumor formation, prolonging survival rate of tumor-bearing mice and inhibiting metastasis. We revealed possible underlying mechanisms as reducing the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and $CD4^+Foxp3^+$ Treg cells, and consequently enhanced IFN-${\gamma}$ production by CTLs. Knockdown of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ also significantly reduced the conversion of na$\ddot{i}$ve $CD4^+$ T cells into Treg cells in vitro. Finally, we found that knockdown of TGF-${\beta}$ suppressed cell migration, but did not change the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells in vitro. In summary, our study provided evidence that tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ is a critical factor for tumor progression and evasion of immune surveillance, and blocking tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer.

Dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides from the leaves and stems of Panax notoginseng and their antiinflammatory activities

Juan Li,Ru-Feng Wang,Yue Zhou,Hai-Jun Hu,Ying-Bo Yang,Li Yang,Zheng-Tao Wang 고려인삼학회 2019 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.43 No.3

Background: Inflammation is widespread in the clinical pathology and closely associated to the progressof many diseases. Triterpenoid saponins as a key group of active ingredients in Panax notoginseng (Burk.)F.H. Chen were demonstrated to show antiinflammatory effects. However, the chemical structures ofsaponins in the leaves and stems of Panax notoginseng (PNLS) are still not fully clear. Herein, the isolation,purification and further evaluation of the antiinflammatory activity of dammarane-type triterpenoidsaponins from PNLS were conducted. Methods: Silica gel and reversed-phase C8 column chromatography were used. Furthermore, preparativeHPLC was used as a final purification technique to obtain minor saponins with high purities. MS, NMRexperiments, and chemical methods were used in the structural identifications. The antiinflammatoryactivities of the isolated saponins were assessed by measuring the nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction wasused to measure the gene expressions of inflammation-related gene. Results: Eight new minor dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, namely notoginsenosides LK1-LK8 (1e8) were obtained from PNLS, along with seven known ones. Among the isolated saponins,gypenoside IX significantly suppressed the nitric oxide production and inflammatory cytokines includingtumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 10, interferon-inducible protein 10 and interleukin-1b. Conclusion: The eight saponins may enrich and expand the chemical library of saponins in Panax genus. Moreover, it is reported for the first time that gypenoside IX showed moderate antiinflammatory activity.

Beam position measurement system at HIRFL-CSRm

Li Min,Xiao Guoqing,Mao Ruishi,Zhao Tiecheng,Yuan Youjin,Li Weilong,Zhou Kai,Kang Xincai,Li Peng,Li Juan 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.4

Beam position measurement system can not only provide the beam position monitoring, but also be used for global orbit correction to reduce beam loss risk and maximize acceptance. The Beam Position Monitors (BPM) are installed along the synchrotron to acquire beam position with the front-end electronics and data acquisition system (DAQ). To realize high precision orbit measurement in the main heavy ion synchrotron and cooling storage ring of heavy-ion research facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL-CSRm), a series of alignment and calibration work has been implemented on the BPM and its DAQ system. This paper analyzed the tests performed in the laboratory as well as with beam based on the developed algorithms and hardware. Several filtering algorithms were designed and implemented on the acquired BPM raw data, then the beam position and resolution were calculated and analyzed. The results show that the position precision was significantly improved from more than 100 μm to about 50 μm by implementing the new designed filtering algorithm. According to the analyzation of the measurement results and upcoming physical requirements, further upgrade scheme for the BPM DAQ system of CSRm based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology was proposed and discussed.

Upregulation of adiponectin by Ginsenoside Rb1 contributes to amelioration of hepatic steatosis induced by high fat diet

Yaru Li,Shuchen Zhang,Ziwei Zhu,Ruonan Zhou,Pingyuan Xu,Lingyan Zhou,Yue Kan,Jiao Li,Juan Zhao,Penghua Fang,Xizhong Yu,Wenbin Shang 고려인삼학회 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.4

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is capable of regulating lipid and glucose metabolism through itsaction on adipocytes. However, the beneficial role of GRb1-induced up-regulation of adiponectin in liversteatosis remains unelucidated. Thus, we tested whether GRb1 ameliorates liver steatosis and insulinresistance by promoting the expression of adiponectin. Methods: 3T3-L1 adipocytes and hepatocytes were used to investigate GRb1's action on adiponectinexpression and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Wild type (WT) mice and adiponectin knockout (KO)mice fed high fat diet were treated with GRb1 for 2 weeks. Hepatic fat accumulation and function as wellas insulin sensitivity was measured. The activation of AMPK was also detected in the liver andhepatocytes. Results: GRb1 reversed the reduction of adiponectin secretion in adipocytes. The conditioned medium(CM) from adipocytes treated with GRb1 reduced TG accumulation in hepatocytes, which was partlyattenuated by the adiponectin antibody. In the KO mice, the GRb1-induced significant decrease of TGcontent, ALT and AST was blocked by the deletion of adiponectin. The elevations of GRb1-induced insulinsensitivity indicated by OGTT, ITT and HOMA-IR were also weakened in the KO mice. The CM treatmentsignificantly enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK in hepatocytes, but not GRb1 treatment. Likewise,the phosphorylation of AMPK in liver of the WT mice was increased by GRb1, but not in the KO mice. Conclusions: The up-regulation of adiponectin by GRb1 contributes to the amelioration of liver steatosisand insulin resistance, which further elucidates a new mechanism underlying the beneficial effects ofGRb1 on obesity

Rapid Detection and Monitoring Therapeutic Efficacy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Using a Novel Real-Time Assay

( Jiang Li Juan ),( Wen Juan Wu ),( Hai Wu ),( Son Sik Ryang ),( Jian Zhou ),( Wei Wu ),( Tao Li ),( Jian Guo ),( Hong Hai Wang ),( Shui Hua Lu ),( Yao Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.9

We combined real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR (R/P) assays using a hydrolysis probe to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific 16S rRNA and its rRNA gene (rDNA). The assay was applied to 28 nonrespiratory and 207 respiratory specimens from 218 patients. Total nucleic acids (including RNA and DNA) were extracted from samples, and results were considered positive if the repeat RT-PCR threshold cycle was ≤35 and the ratio of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR load was ≥1.51. The results were compared with those from existing methods, including smear, culture, and real-time PCR. Following resolution of the discrepant results between R/P assay and culture, the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of all samples (including nonrespiratory and respiratory specimens) were 98.2%, 97.2%, 91.7%, and 99.4%, respectively, for R/P assay, and 83.9%, 89.9%, 72.3%, and 94.7%, respectively, for real-time PCR. Furthermore, the R/P assay of four patient samples showed a higher ratio before treatment than after several days of treatment. We conclude that the R/P assay is a rapid and accurate method for direct detection of MTBC, which can distinguish viable and nonviable MTBC, and thus may guide patient therapy and public health decisions.

Identification, fine mapping and characterization of Rht-dp, a recessive wheat dwarfing (reduced height) gene derived from Triticum polonicum

Hou-Yang Kang,Li-Juan Lin,Zhi-Jian Song,Jing-Ya Yuan,Mei-Yu Zhong,Hai-Qin Zhang,Xing Fan,Li-Na Sha,Yi Wang,Li-Li Xu,Jian Zeng,Yong-Hong Zhou 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.5

Semi-dwarfism is an agronomically important trait in breeding for resistance to damage by wind and rain (lodging resistance)and for stable high yields. Dwarf Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L., 2n = 4x = 28, AABB AS304) is a potential donor of dwarfing and other traits for common wheat improvement. A genetic analysis using an F2 population derived from a cross of AS304 and tall cultivar AS302 and derived F2:3 lines indicated that AS304 carries a recessive dwarfing gene, temporarily designated Rht-dp. Molecular markers and bulked segregant analysis were used to characterize and map the gene. Eight polymorphic SSR markers (Xwmc511, Xgwm495, Xgwm 113, Xgwm192, Xgpw7026, Xgpw3017, Xgpw1108 and Xgpw7521) on chromosome arm 4BS and two AFLP markers (M8/E5 and M4/E3) were mapped relative to the dwarfing locus. The closest linked markers, Xgpw3017 and M8/E5 at 0.5 and 3.5 cM, respectively, from Rht-dp will enable its marker assisted transfer to wheat breeding populations. Allelic tests indicated that Rht-dp was allelic to Rht-B1b; hence it may be an alternative allele at the Rht-B1 locus.