Genomic Screening for Targets Regulated by Berberine in Breast Cancer Cells

Wen, Chun-Jie,Wu, Lan-Xiang,Fu, Li-Juan,Yu, Jing,Zhang, Yi-Wen,Zhang, Xue,Zhou, Hong-Hao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Berberine, a common isoquinoline alkaloid, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. In the current study, we investigated the effects of berberine on cell growth, colony formation, cell cycle distribution, and whether it improved the anticancer efficiency of cisplatin and doxorubicin in human breast cancer estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF-7 cells and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, berberine treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and colony formation in the two cell lines, berberine in combination with cisplatin exerting synergistic growth inhibitory effects. Accompanied by decreased growth, berberine induced G1 phase arrest in MCF-7 but not MDA-MB-231 cells. To provide a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of berberine, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of berberine-treated cells using cDNA microarrays. This revealed that there were 3,397 and 2,706 genes regulated by berberine in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Fene oncology (GO) analysis identified that many of the target genes were involved in regulation of the cell cycle, cell migration, apoptosis, and drug responses. To confirm the microarray data, qPCR analysis was conducted for 10 selected genes based on previously reported associations with breast cancer and GO analysis. In conclusion, berberine exhibits inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells proliferation, which is likely mediated by alteration of gene expression profiles.

Analysis of dynamic behavior for truss cable structures

Wen-Fu Zhang,Ying-Chun Liu,Jing Ji,Zhen-Chao Teng 국제구조공학회 2014 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.16 No.2

Natural vibration of truss cable structures is analyzed based upon the general structural analysis software ANSYS, energy variational method and Rayleigh method, the calculated results of three methods are compared, from which the characteristics of free-vibration are obtained. Moreover, vertical seismic response analysis of truss cable structures is carried out via time-history method. Introducing three natural earthquake waves calculated the results including time-history curve of vertical maximal displacement, time-history curve of maximal internal force. Variation curve of maximal displacement of node along span, and variation curve of maximal internal force of member along span are presented. The results show the formulas of frequencies for truss cable structures obtained by energy variational method are of high accuracy. Furthermore, the maximal displacement and the maximal internal force occur near the 1/5 span point. These provide convenient and simple design method for practical engineering.

Preferential Induction of CYP1A1 over CYP1B1 in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells after Exposure to Berberine

Wen, Chun-Jie,Wu, Lan-Xiang,Fu, Li-Juan,Shen, Dong-Ya,Zhang, Xue,Zhang, Yi-Wen,Yu, Jing,Zhou, Hong-Hao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

Estrogens are considered the major breast cancer risk factor, and the carcinogenic potential of estrogens might be attributed to DNA modification caused by derivatives formed during metabolism. $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$), the main steroidal estrogen present in women, is metabolized via two major pathways: formation of 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH $E_2$) and 4-hydroxyestradiol ($4-OH\;E_2$) through the action of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1, respectively. Previous reports suggested that $2-OH\;E_2$ has putative protective effects, while $4-OH\;E_2$ is genotoxic and has potent carcinogenic activity. Thus, the ratio of $2-OH\;E_2/4-OH\;E_2$ is a critical determinant of the toxicity of $E_2$ in mammary cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of berberine on the expression profile of the estrogen metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Berberine treatment produced significant induction of both forms at the level of mRNA expression, but with increased doses produced 16~ to 52~fold greater induction of CYP1A1 mRNA over CYP1B1 mRNA. Furthermore, berberine dramatically increased CYP1A1 protein levels but did not influence CYP1B1 protein levels in MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, we present the first report to show that berberine may provide protection against breast cancer by altering the ratio of CYP1A1/CYP1B1, could redirect $E_2$ metabolism in a more protective pathway in breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Analytical Solutions for the Inelastic Lateral-Torsional Buckling of I-Beams Under Pure Bending via Plate-Beam Theory

Wen-Fu Zhang,Leroy Gardner,M. Ahmer Wadee,Minghao Zhang 한국강구조학회 2018 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.18 No.4

The Wagner coeffi cient is a key parameter used to describe the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) behaviour of the I-beam, since even for a doubly-symmetric I-section with residual stress, it becomes a monosymmetric I-section due to the characteristics of the non-symmetrical distribution of plastic regions. However, so far no theoretical derivation on the energy equation and Wagner’s coeffi cient have been presented due to the limitation of Vlasov’s buckling theory. In order to simplify the nonlinear analysis and calculation, this paper presents a simplifi ed mechanical model and an analytical solution for doubly-symmetric I-beams under pure bending, in which residual stresses and yielding are taken into account. According to the plate-beam theory proposed by the lead author, the energy equation for the inelastic LTB of an I-beam is derived in detail, using only the Euler–Bernoulli beam model and the Kirchhoff -plate model. In this derivation, the concept of the instantaneous shear centre is used and its position can be determined naturally by the condition that the coeffi cient of the cross-term in the strain energy should be zero; formulae for both the critical moment and the corresponding critical beam length are proposed based upon the analytical buckling equation. An analytical formula of the Wagner coeffi cient is obtained and the validity of Wagner hypothesis is reconfi rmed. Finally, the accuracy of the analytical solution is verifi ed by a FEM solution based upon a bi-modulus model of I-beams. It is found that the critical moments given by the analytical solution almost is identical to those given by Trahair’s formulae, and hence the analytical solution can be used as a benchmark to verify the results obtained by other numerical algorithms for inelastic LTB behaviour.

Lateral-torsional Buckling Analysis of Cantilever Beam with Tip Lateral Elastic Brace under Uniform and Concentrated Load

Wen-Fu Zhang,Ying-Chun Liu,Gui-Lan Hou,Ke-Shan Chen,Jing Ji,Yun Deng,Shi-Lin Deng 한국강구조학회 2016 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.16 No.4

The studies on the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace are rarely reported. The total potential energy is first established for the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace under uniform and concentrated load. The modal trial function of the lateral displacement and torsional angle are expressed as trigonometric function combination with six terms. By introducing new dimensionless parameters, the analytical solution of the dimensionless buckling equation for the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace is obtained. With the help of 1stOpt software which is mathematical optimization analysis software, the non-dimensional critical moment formula of the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever beam with tip lateral elastic brace is obtained. Then, the accuracy of the formula is verified by ADINA finite element software. The results show that the given critical moment formula is of high accuracy. It provides convenient and simple design method for practical engineering.

Nonlinear Increase of Spatial Noise for Ultrashort Pulses with Different Temporal Widths

Lifu Zhang,Xiquan Fu,Jianqin Deng,Hua Yang,Youwen Wang,Shuangchun Wen,Huiwen Xu,Jinggui Zhang,Jin Zhang,Dianyuan Fan 한국물리학회 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.55 No.2

In this paper, the dynamic evolution of the spatial noise modulation of ultrashort laser pulses in carbon disulfide (CS2) is investigated experimentally, and different temporal widths of the stretched pulse are analyzed for spatial noise gain. The spatial noise evolution (i.e., small-scale self-focusing) of ultrashort laser pulses with different temporal widths as a function of the length of the CS2 has been observed. If the spectral bandwidth is invariant, the experimental results show that a stretched pulse with a broader temporal width can postpone the small-scale self-focusing of spatial noise for longer medium length with constant input power or for greater input power with the same medium length. In this paper, the dynamic evolution of the spatial noise modulation of ultrashort laser pulses in carbon disulfide (CS2) is investigated experimentally, and different temporal widths of the stretched pulse are analyzed for spatial noise gain. The spatial noise evolution (i.e., small-scale self-focusing) of ultrashort laser pulses with different temporal widths as a function of the length of the CS2 has been observed. If the spectral bandwidth is invariant, the experimental results show that a stretched pulse with a broader temporal width can postpone the small-scale self-focusing of spatial noise for longer medium length with constant input power or for greater input power with the same medium length.

Chinese Society of Allergy Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Lei Cheng,Jianjun Chen,Qingling Fu,Shaoheng He,Huabin Li,Zheng Liu,Guolin Tan,Zezhang Tao,Dehui Wang,Weiping Wen,Rui Xu,Yu Xu,Qintai Yang,Chonghua Zhang,Gehua Zhang,Ruxin Zhang,Yuan Zhang,Bing Zhou,Do 대한천식알레르기학회 2018 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.10 No.4

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem that causes major illnesses and disabilities worldwide. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of AR has increased progressively over the last few decades in more developed countries and currently affects up to 40% of the population worldwide. Likewise, a rising trend of AR has also been observed over the last 2-3 decades in developing countries including China, with the prevalence of AR varying widely in these countries. A survey of self-reported AR over a 6-year period in the general Chinese adult population reported that the standardized prevalence of adult AR increased from 11.1% in 2005 to 17.6% in 2011. An increasing number of original articles and imporclinical trials on the epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, management and comorbidities of AR in Chinese subjects have been published in international peer-reviewed journals over the past 2 decades, and substantially added to our understanding of this disease as a global problem. Although guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in Chinese subjects have also been published, they have not been translated into English and therefore not generally accessible for reference to non-Chinese speaking international medical communities. Moreover, methods for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in China have not been standardized entirely and some patients are still treated according to regional preferences. Thus, the present guidelines have been developed by the Chinese Society of Allergy to be accessible to both national and international medical communities involved in the management of AR patients. These guidelines have been prepared in line with existing international guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AR in China.

Sorafenib Continuation after First Disease Progression Could Reduce Disease Flares and Provide Survival Benefits in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Pilot Retrospective Study

Fu, Si-Rui,Zhang, Ying-Qiang,Li, Yong,Hu, Bao-Shan,He, Xu,Huang, Jian-Wen,Zhan, Mei-Xiao,Lu, Li-Gong,Li, Jia-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.7

Background: Sorafenib is a promising drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, treatment may be discontinued for multiple reasons, such as progressive disease, adverse events, or the cost of treatment. The consequences of sorafenib discontinuation and continuation are uncertain. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 88 HCC patients treated with sorafenib from July 2007 to January 2013. Overall survival (OS), post-disease progression overall survival (pOS), and time to disease progression (TTP) were compared for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to assess the effect of important factors on OS in the overall patient population and on pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. Results: Sorafenib was discontinued and continued in 24 and 64 patients, respectively. The median OS (355 vs 517 days respectively; p=0.015) and median post-PD OS (260 vs 317 days, respectively; p=0.020) were statistically different between the discontinuation and continuation groups. Neither the median time to first PD nor the time to second PD were significantly different between the 2 groups. In the discontinuation group, 3 of the 24 patients (12.5%) suffered disease outbreaks. In Cox proportional hazard regression analysis after correction for confounding factors, BCLC stage (p=0.002) and PD site (p=0.024) were significantly correlated with pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. Conclusions: Sorafenib discontinuation may cause HCC flares or outbreaks. It is advisable to continue sorafenib treatment after first PD, particularly in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B disease or only intrahepatic PD.

Association of CYP2E1 and NAT2 Polymorphisms with Lung Cancer Susceptibility among Mongolian and Han Populations in the Inner Mongolian Region

Zhang, Jing-Wen,Yu, Wan-Jia,Sheng, Xiao-Min,Chang, Fu-Hou,Bai, Tu-Ya,Lv, Xiao-Li,Wang, Guang,Liu, Su-Zhen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.21

Purpose: To explore associations of CYP2E1 and NAT2 polymorphisms with lung cancer susceptibility among Mongolian and Han populations in the Inner Mongolian region. Materials and Methods: CYP2E1 and NAT2 polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP in 930 lung cancer patients and 1000 controls. Results: (1) Disequilibrium of the distribution of NAT2 polymorphism was found in lung cancer patients among Han and Mongolian populations (p=0.031). (2) Lung cancer risk was higher in individuals with c1, D allele of CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI, DraI polymorphisms and slow acetylation of NAT2 (c1 compared with c2, OR=1.382, 95%CI: 1.178-1.587, p=0.003; D compared with C, OR=1.241, 95%CI: 1.053-1.419, P<0.001; slow acetylation compared with rapid acetylation, OR=1.359, 95%CI:1.042-1.768, p=0.056) (3) Compared with c2/c2 and rapid acetylation, c1/c1 together with slow acetylation synergetically increased risk of lung cancer 2.83 fold. (4) Smokers with CYP2E1 c1/c1, DD, and NAT2 slow acetylation have 2.365, 1.916, 1.841 fold lung cancer risk than others with c2/c2, CC and NAT2 rapid acetylation, respectively. (5) Han smokers with NAT2 slow acetylation have 1.974 fold lung cancer risk than others with rapid acetylation. Conclusions: Disequilibrium distribution of NAT2 polymorphism was found in lung cancer patients among Han and Mongolian populations. Besides, Han smokers with NAT2 slow acetylation may have higher lung cancer risk compared with rapid acetylation couterparts. CYP2E1 c1/c1, DD and NAT2 slow acetylation, especially combined with smoking, contributes to the development of lung cancer. CYP2E1 c1/c1 or DD genotype and NAT2 slow acetylation have strong synergistic action in increasing lung cancer risk.

A Color-Reaction-Based Biochip Detection Assay for RIF and INH Resistance of Clinical Mycobacterial Specimens

( Wen Fei Xue ),( Jing Fu Peng ),( Xiao Li Yu ),( Shu Lin Zhang ),( Boping Zhou ),( Dan Qing Jiang ),( Jian Bo Chen ),( Bing Bing Ding ),( Bin Zhu ),( Yao Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.1

The widespread occurrence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis places importance on the detection of TB (tuberculosis) drug susceptibility. Conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) is a lengthy process. We developed a rapid enzymatic color-reaction-based biochip assay. The process included asymmetric multiplex PCR/templex PCR, biochip hybridization, and an enzymatic color reaction, with specific software for data operating. Templex PCR (tem- PCR) was applied to avoid interference between different primers in conventional multiplex- PCR. We applied this assay to 276 clinical specimens (including 27 sputum, 4 alveolar lavage fluid, 2 pleural effusion, and 243 culture isolate specimens; 40 of the 276 were non-tuberculosis mycobacteria specimens and 236 were M. tuberculosis specimens). The testing process took 4.5 h. A sensitivity of 50 copies per PCR was achieved, while the sensitivity was 500 copies per PCR when tem-PCR was used. Allele sequences could be detected in mixed samples at aproportion of 10%. Detection results showed a concordance rate of 97.46% (230/236) in rifampicin resistance detection (sensitivity 95.40%, specificity 98.66%) and 96.19% (227/236) in isoniazid (sensitivity 93.59%, specificity 97.47%) detection with those of DST assay. Concordance rates of testing results for sputum, alveolar lavage fluid, and pleural effusion specimens were 100%. The assay provides a potential choice for TB diagnosis and treatment.