Effects of Modafinil on Behavioral Learning and Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission in Rats

Wen-Wen Yan,Li-Hua Yao,Chong Chen,Hai-Xia Wang,Chu-Hua Li,Jun-Ni Huang,Peng Xiao,Cheng-Yi Liu 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2015 International Neurourology Journal Vol.19 No.4

Purpose: Modafinil is a wake-promoting agent that has been proposed to improve cognitive performance at the preclinical and clinical levels. Since there is insufficient evidence for modafinil to be regarded as a cognitive enhancer, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic modafinil administration on behavioral learning in healthy adult rats. Methods: Y-maze training was used to assess learning performance, and the whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to assess synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region of rats. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of modafinil at 200 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg significantly improved learning performance. Furthermore, perfusion with 1mM modafinil enhanced the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous postsynaptic currents and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. However, the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons were inhibited by treatment with 1mM modafinil. Conclusions: These results indicate that modafinil improves learning and memory in rats possibly by enhancing glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission and inhibiting GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic) inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Distinct mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 genes in Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) families from China

( Wen Qian Wei ),( Fang Qi Liu ),( Lei Liu ),( Zuo Feng Li ),( Xiao Yan Zhang ),( Fan Jiang ),( Qu Shi ),( Xiao Yan Zhou ),( Wei Qi Sheng ),( San Jun Cai ),( Xuan Li ),( Ye Xu ),( Peng Nan ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.5

Hereditary non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant inheritance syndrome. HNPCC is the most common hereditary variant of colorectal cancer (CRC), which accounts for 2-5% CRCs, mainly due to hMLH1 and hMSH2 mutations that impair DNA repair functions. Our study aimed to identify the patterns of hMSH2 and hMLH1 mutations in Chinese HNPCC patients. Ninety-eight unrelated families from China meeting Amsterdam or Bethesda criteria were included in our study. Germline mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 genes, located in the exons and the splice-site junctions, were screened in the 98 probands by direct sequencing. Eleven mutations were found in ten patients (11%), with six in MLH1 (54.5%) and five in MSH2 (45.5%) genes. One patient had mutations in both MLH1 and MSH2 genes. Three novel mutations in MLH1 gene (c.157_160delGAGG, c.2157dupT and c.-64G>T) were found for the first time, and one suspected hotspot in MSH2 (c.1168C>T) was revealed. [BMB reports 2011; 44(5): 317-322]

Molecular functions and therapeutic applications of exosomal noncoding RNAs in cancer

Liu Qin-Wen,He Yan,Xu Wen Wen 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases in human society. Therefore, it is urgent for us to understand its pathogenesis and improve the cure rate. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane vesicles formed by a variety of cells through endocytosis. As a new means of intercellular information exchange, exosomes have attracted much attention. Noncoding RNAs exist in various cell compartments and participate in a variety of cellular reactions; in particular, they can be detected in exosomes bound to lipoproteins and free circulating molecules. Increasing evidence has suggested the potential roles of exosomal noncoding RNAs in the progression of tumors. Herein, we present a comprehensive update on the biological functions of exosomal noncoding RNAs in the development of cancer. Specifically, we mainly focus on the effects of exosomal noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs, on tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. Moreover, we outline the current clinical implications concerning exosomal noncoding RNAs in cancer treatment.

Design of Micro Biopsy Device for Wireless Autonomous Endoscope

Wen-Wen Chen,Guo-Zheng Yan,Hua Liu,Ping-Ping Jiang,Zhi-Wu Wang 한국정밀공학회 2014 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

Well-established technology that provides assistance from outside the patient may soon give way to alternative approaches that bythe wireless robotic mechanisms inside the patient through natural orifices. For this study, two kinds of micro biopsy mechanisms weredeveloped for capsule endoscope which could traverse the gut environment automatically. This mobility allows the biopsy device tomove to the area of interest to sample specific tissues. Based on the medical and mechanism considerations, we concerned on designprecise biopsy jaw with sufficient cutting force, and the biopsy process should be safe, repeatable and visible. The lead-screw linkagesystem that actuated jaw of biopsy allowing for large force production. Using one micro-motor, the biopsy process was carried outquickly by three motions: stretching to sampling point; bite and cutting off; withdrawing into capsule body with the sample. With thecontrol and vision system, the biopsy process could compete automatically. The robot was capable of traversing in the gut environmentwirelessly and had been successfully used to biopsy gut tissue in vitro. In addition, experimental analysis of the biopsy mechanismshowed good results towards more elaborate tissue manipulation in the future.

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Prostaglandin-endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) and Phospholipase A₂ Group IIA (PLA2G2A) Genes with Susceptibility to Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Liu, Fen,Wei, Wen-Qiang,Cormier, Robert T.,Zhang, Shu-Tian,Qiao, You-Lin,Li, Xin-Qing,Zhu, Sheng-Tao,Zhai, Yan-Chun,Peng, Xiao-Xia,Yan, Yu-Xiang,Wu, Li-Juan,He, Dian,He, Yan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

Background: The prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) genes encode enzymes that are involved in arachidonic acid and prostaglandin biosynthesis. Dysregulation of both genes is associated with inflammation and carcinogenesis, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We therefore hypothesized that there is an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes and susceptibility to ESCC. Methods: We performed a gene-wide tag SNP-based association study to examine the association of SNPs in PTGS2 and PLA2G2A with ESCC in 269 patients and 269 healthy controls from Taihangshan Mountain, Henan and Hebei Provinces, the rural area of China which has the highest incidence of esophageal cancer in the world. Thirteen tag SNPs in PLA2G2A and 4 functional SNPs in PTGS2 were selected and genotyped using a high-throughput Mass Array genotyping platform. Results: We found a modest increased risk of ESCC in subjects with the PTGS2 rs12042763 AA genotype (OR=1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-3.04) compared with genotype GG. For PLA2G2A, a decreased risk of ESCC was observed in subjects with the rs11677 CT (OR=0.51, 95%CI, 0.29-0.85) or TT genotype (OR=0.51, 95%CI, 0.17-0.96) or the T carriers (CT+TT) (OR=0.52, 95%CI, 0.31-0.85) when compared with the CC genotype. Also for PLA2G2A, rs2236771 C allele carriers were more frequent in the control group (P=0.02). Subjects with the GC (OR=0.55, 95%CI, 0.33-0.93) or CC genotype (OR=0.38, 95% CI, 0.16-0.94) or the C carriers (GC+CC) (OR=0.52, 95%CI, 0.32-0.85) showed a negative association with ESCC susceptibility. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTGS2 and PLA2G2A gene polymorphisms may modify the risk of ESCC development.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters on Anti-Infective Effect of Hydrocephalus Shunt

Zhou, Wen-xiu,Hou, Wen-bo,Zhou, Chao,Yin, Yu-xia,Lu, Shou-tao,Liu, Guang,Fang, Yi,Li, Jian-wen,Wang, Yan,Liu, Ai-hua,Zhang, Hai-jun The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2021 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.64 No.2

Objective : Shunt infection is a common complication while treating hydrocephalus. The antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheter (AISC) was designed to reduce shunt infection rate. A meta-analysis was conducted to study the effectiveness of AISCs in reduction of shunt infection in terms of age, follow-up time and high-risk patient population. Methods : This study reviewed literature from three databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (from 2000 to March 2019). Clinical studies from controlled trials for shunt operation were included in this analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the patient's age, follow-up time and high-risk population. The fixed effect in RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for this meta-analysis. Results : This study included 19 controlled clinical trials including 10105 operations. The analysis demonstrated that AISC could reduce the infection rate in shunt surgery compared to standard shunt catheter (non-AISC) from 8.13% to 4.09% (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.58; p=0.01; I2=46%). Subgroup analysis of different age groups showed that AISC had significant antimicrobial effects in all three groups (adult, infant, and adolescent). Follow-up time analysis showed that AISC was effective in preventing early shunt infections (within 6 months after implant). AISC is more effective in high-risk population (OR, 0.24;95% CI, 0.14-0.40; p=0.60; I2=0%) than in general patient population. Conclusion : The results of meta-analysis indicated that AISC is an effective method for reducing shunt infection. We recommend that AISC should be considered for use in infants and high-risk groups. For adult patients, the choice for AISC could be determined based on the treatment cost.

Expression Level of Valosin Containing Protein is Associated with Prognosis of Primary Orbital MALT Lymphoma

Zhu, Wen-Wen,Kang, Li,Gao, Ya-Ping,Hei, Yan,Dong, Jie,Liu, Yu,Xiao, Li-Hua,Yang, Guang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Objective: To investigate whether the expression level of valosin-containing protein (VCP) is correlated with the prognosis of primary orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Methods: VCP expression in 58 samples from primary orbital MALT lymphoma patients was determined by immunohistochemisty using monoclonal antibodies. Correlations between VCP expression level and prognosis were clarified by statistical analysis. Results: It was found that the percentage of VCP positive cells in samples of primary orbital MALT lymphoma ranged from 32% to 95%. The samples were divided into two groups (level 1 and level 2) according to the median value (45%) of the percentage of VCP positive cells. It was found that the expression level of VCP was significantly correlated with recurrence (P=0.003) and tumor size (P=0.008). At the same time, the 5-year disease-free and overall survival rate of patients of level 1 was significantly better than that of level 2 (P=0.001; P=0.032). There was no observed correlation between the expression level of VCP and other clinical features. Conclusion: VCP could be a useful marker for predicting the prognosis of primary orbital MALT lymphoma.

Characteristics, Prognostic Factors, and Survival of Patients with NK/T-Cell Lymphoma of Non-upper Aerodigestive Tract: A 17-Year Single-Center Experience

Ze-Long Liu,Xi-Wen Bi,Xue-Wen Zhang,De-Xin Lei,Pan-Pan Liu,Hang Yang,Yan Gao,Yuan-Xue Jiang,Wen-Qi Jiang,Yi Xia 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.4

Purpose The extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) of non-upper aerodigestive tract (NUAT) was found to have clinical heterogeneity compared with NKTCL of the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) in small scale studies. We conducted this study in a much larger cohort to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, treatment modality, and clinical outcomes of patients with NUAT-NKTCL. Materials and Methods From January 2001 to December 2017, a total of 757 NKTCL patients were identified and included in this study, including 92 NUAT-NKTCL patients (12.2%) and 665 UAT-NKTCL patients (87.8%). Results NUAT-NKTCL patients had relatively poorer performance status, more unfavorable prognostic factors, and more advanced stage, compared with UAT-NKTCL patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 34.7% for NUAT-NKTCL, which was significantly worse than UAT-NKTCL (64.2%, p < 0.001). The median OS duration was 30.9 months for NUAT-NKTCL. Multivariate analysis showed that presence with B symptoms and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase independently predicted worse OS. International prognostic index score and prognostic index of NK lymphoma score still had prognostic values in NUAT-NKTCL, while the Ann Arbor system could not accurately predict the OS. Conclusion NUAT-NKTCL is a distinctive subtype of NKTCL in many aspects. Patients with NUAT-NKTCL have relatively poorer performance status, more unfavorable prognostic factors, more advanced stage, and poorer prognosis.

Patterns of Failure and Survival Trends in 3,808 Patients with Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosed from 1990 to 2012: A Large-Scale Retrospective Cohort Study

Xue-Song Sun,Di-Han Liu,Sai-Lan Liu,Qiu-Yan Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Yue-Feng Wen,Li-Ting Liu,Hao-Jun Xie,Qing-Nan Tang,Yu-Jing Liang,Xiao-Yun Li,Jin-Jie Yan,Ming-Huang Hong,Jun Ma,Lin-Quan Tang,Hai-Qiang M 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.4

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival trends and patterns of failure in patients with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy over the last 20 years. Materials and Methods Thirty-eight hundred and eight patients diagnosed with stage II NPC between January 1990 and December 2012 were involved in this retrospective cohort study. All patients were treated with RT. According to the main imaging techniques and RT technology, we categorized these patients into four calendar periods: 1990-1996, 1997-2002, 2003-2007, and 2008-2012. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) were served as the clinical outcome. Results After a median follow-up period of 84.7 months, we observed increasing trends in survival and disease control. The 3- and 5-year OS rates increased from 87.1% and 78.7% in the first calendar period to 97.4% and 94.5% in the last calendar period, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant increasing trends could be seen in the PFS and LRFS during the four calendar periods. In the subgroup analysis, the LRFS in patients older than 50 years at diagnosis showed greater improvement than younger patients. However, the rate of distant metastasis was stable and relatively low, as the 5-year DMFS ranged from 90.5% to 94.7% among the four calendar periods. Conclusion The survival rates in patients with stage II NPC showed increasing trends from 1990 to 2012. The advance of RT provided excellent locoregional control and enhanced OS.

Overexpression of the potato StEPF2 gene confers enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis

Yanli Wang,Tian Xie,Chunli Zhang,Juanjuan Li,Zhi Wang,Hongbing Li,Xiping Liu,Li-Na Yin,Shi-Wen Wang,Sui-Qi Zhang,Xiping Deng,Qingbo Ke 한국식물생명공학회 2020 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.14 No.4

Epidermal patterning factor 2 (EPF2) is a negative regulator of stomatal development, and is essential for plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses. However, the role of EPF2 in potato (Solanum tuberosum) has not been investigated to date. Here, we cloned and characterized the potato EPF2-like gene (StEPF2). StEPF2 is predominantly intercellular space localized and its transcripts were rhythmically expressed, and showed the highest expression in apical unexpanded leaves. Expression of StEPF2 was markedly down-regulated in response to abscisic acid and sodium chloride treatments; however, upon the application of polyethylene glycol, the expression of StEPF2 peaked at 4 h and then decreased gradually. Overexpression of StEPF2 in Arabidopsis (OE) substantially reduced stomatal density and photosynthetic rate, but had little effects on plant growth. Under drought stress, OE lines maintained higher photosynthetic rates, photosystem II efficiency, and instantaneous water use efficiency than wild-type (WT) plants. Moreover, OE lines showed less water loss and hydrogen peroxide accumulation in detached leaves compared with WT plants. Thus, our results suggest that StEPF2 acts as a negative regulator of stomatal development in potato, indicating that the role of EPF2 is conserved across plant species. Overall, StEPF2 represents an important target for the development of drought-tolerant potato cultivars via genetic engineering.