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D Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to D Zhou.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Leukemia inhibitory factor is synthesized and released by human eosinophils and modulates activation state and chemotaxis.

BACKGROUND: The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is known to be produced by both inflamed peripheral autonomic nerves and several cell types involved in the regulation of the immune response. We have recently demonstrated that several structural cell types in human airways produce LIF in response to inflammatory stimuli and that LIF augments contractile responses to tachykinins in airway explants. Because the eosinophil is a major effector cell in asthma and often found adjacent to the nerves, we hypothesized that eosinophils produce LIF and that LIF primes and upregulates eosinophil recruitment and function, allowing bidirectional neuroimmune interactions and augmentation of eosinophil-mediated injury. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that human eosinophils synthesize and release LIF, to determine the effects of LIF on eosinophil functions (ie, chemotaxis, granule protein release, expression of the activation marker CD69, and apoptosis), and to compare serum LIF levels between atopic and nonatopic individuals. METHODS: Reverse-transcription PCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, chemotaxis assay, and flow cytometry were used. RESULTS: Peripheral blood eosinophils express LIF and messenger RNA for LIF and LIF receptor. Serum LIF levels were higher in atopic patients with mild asthma than in nonatopic normal donors. Eosinophils from nonatopic donors were stimulated by calcium ionophore to release small amounts of LIF (from almost none to 5.3 +/- 1.8 pg/10(6) cells). Eosinophils from atopic donors showed a 10-fold increase (from 45.1 +/- 38.7 pg/106 cells to 414.5 +/- 189.9 pg/10(6) cells). Preincubation of eosinophils with LIF increased eosinophil peroxidase release 4-fold. LIF was not chemotactic for eosinophils but augmented chemotaxis mediated by substance P by 82% and by platelet-activating factor by 31%. LIF did not effect eosinophil apoptosis but increased CD69 expression. CONCLUSION: LIF has proinflammatory roles in eosinophil-dependent airway disorders.

Antigens, CD↗

Cosmic rays and dosimetry at aviation altitudes.

Recent concerns regarding the effects of the cosmic radiation field at aircraft altitudes on aircrew have resulted in a renewed interest in detailed measurements of the neutral and charged particle components in the atmosphere. CR-39 nuclear track detectors have been employed on a number of subsonic and supersonic aircraft to measure charge spectra and LET spectra at aircraft altitudes. These detectors are ideal for long term exposures required for these studies and their passive nature makes them suitable for an environment where interference with flight instrumentation could be a problem. We report here on measurements and analysis of short range tracks which were produced by high LET particles generated mainly by neutron interactions at aviation altitudes. In order to test the overall validity of the technique measurements were also carried out at the CERN-CEC field which simulates the radiation field at aviation altitudes and good agreement was found with dose values obtained using mainly heavy ion calibration.

Aircraft↗

Pac1p, an RNase III homolog, is required for formation of the 3' end of U2 snRNA in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Like its homologs in higher eukaryotes, the U2 snRNA in Schizosaccharomyces pombe is transcribed by RNA polymerase II and is not polyadenylated. Instead, an RNA stem-loop structure located downstream of the U2 snRNA coding sequence and transcribed as part of a 3' extended precursor serves as a signal for 3'-end formation. We have identified three mutants that have temperature-sensitive defects in U2 snRNA 3'-end formation. In these mutants, the synthesis of the major snRNAs is also affected and unprocessed rRNA precursors accumulate at the restrictive temperature. Two of these mutants contain the same G-to-A transition within the pac1 gene, whereas the third contains a lesion outside the pac1 locus, indicating that at least two genes are involved. The pac1+ gene is codominant with the mutant allele and can rescue the temperature-sensitive phenotype and the defects in snRNA and rRNA synthesis, if overexpressed. In vitro, Pac1p, an RNase III homolog, can cleave a synthetic U2 precursor within the signal for 3'-end formation, generating a product that is a few nucleotides longer than mature U2 snRNA. In addition, U2 precursors are cleaved and trimmed to the mature size in extracts made from wild-type S. pombe cells. However, extracts made from pac1 mutant cells are unable to do so unless they are supplemented with purified recombinant Pac1p. Thus, the 3' end of S. pombe U2 snRNA is generated by a processing reaction that requires Pac1p and an additional component, and can be dissociated from transcription in vitro.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemical defense in the zebra swallowtail butterfly, Eurytides marcellus, involving annonaceous acetogenins.

Few herbivores feed on the foliage of the North American paw paw tree, Asimina triloba; notable exceptions are the larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterfly, Eurytides marcellus. Toxic annonaceous acetogenins, produced by A. triloba, are responsible for the relative unpalatability of the leaves. Acetogenins found in A. triloba extracts are potent pesticidal and antineoplastic agents and have emetic activity in vertebrates. In this study, partitioned aqueous MeOH fractions of the bioactive CH2Cl2 extracts, of freeze-dried and pulverized larvae, and of mature butterflies revealed acetogenin content through the use of HPLC coupled to tandem MS (LC-MS/MS). This sensitive technique provides an uncomplicated method for the detection of trace compounds and, in this instance, has confirmed tissue presence of acetogenins that serve a probable role as chemical defense agents against bird predation in zebra swallowtail larvae and adults.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of aminolevulinic acid after intravesical administration to dogs.

PURPOSE: To examine the stability and systemic absorption of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in dogs during intravesical administration. METHODS: Nine dogs received an intravesical dose of ALA either with no prior treatment, after receiving ammonium chloride for urinary acidification, or after receiving sodium bicarbonate for urinary alkalinization. Urine and blood samples collected during and after administration were monitored for ALA using an HPLC assay developed in our laboratories. Concentrations of pyrazine 2,5-dipropionic acid, the major ALA degradation product, and radiolabeled inulin, a nonabsorbable marker for urine volume, were also determined. RESULTS: Less than 0.6% of intravesical ALA doses was absorbed into plasma. Urine concentrations decreased to 37% of the initial concentration during the 2 hour instillation. Decreases in urinary ALA and radiolabeled inulin concentrations were significantly correlated, indicating that urine dilution accounted for over 80% of observed decreases in urinary ALA. ALA conversion to pyrazine 2,5-dipropionic acid was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that ALA is stable and poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation during intravesical instillation. Future studies utilizing intravesical ALA for photodiagnosis of bladder cancer should include measures to restrict fluid intake as a means to limit dilution and maximize ALA concentrations during instillation.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Molecular cloning of a human UDP-galactose:GlcNAcbeta1,3GalNAc beta1, 3 galactosyltransferase gene encoding an O-linked core3-elongation enzyme.

Using the full-length amino-acid sequences of the human beta1,3 galactosyltransferase (beta3GalT)-I, -II and III enzymes as query, we have identified an additional member of the beta3GalT gene family within a sequenced region of the human chromosome 21 as found in GenBank. The novel human beta3GalT-V gene included an open reading frame of 933 bp encoding a protein of 310 amino acids with a short N-terminal cytoplasmic tail, a single predicted transmembrane domain and a large lumenal catalytic domain. The human beta3GalT-V protein showed 34%, 27%, 31% and 23% sequence identity with the human beta3GalT-I, -II, -III and -IV enzymes, respectively. The expression of beta3GalT-V as a recombinant protein in Sf9 insect cells confirmed the galactosyltransferase activity catalyzed by this enzyme. Similarly to beta3GalT-I, -II and -III, the beta3GalT-V enzyme used beta-linked GlcNAc as an acceptor, but unlike the former enzymes beta3GalT-V exhibited a marked preference for the O-linked core3 GlcNAcbeta1,3GalNAc substrate. The beta3GalT-V gene was mainly expressed in human small intestine and to a lesser extent in pancreas and testis. Although beta3GalT-V transcripts were not detected in normal colon tissue, based on Northern analysis, beta3GalT-V mRNA was found in the adenocarcinoma cell line Colo 205.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

High prevalence of cagA-positive strains in Helicobacter pylori-infected, healthy, young Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) has been implicated as a potential pathogenic marker for Helicobacter pylori-induced severe gastroduodenal diseases. Although the prevalence of cagA-positive strains has been reported in patient populations from developed countries, only limited information from developing countries is available. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in combination with immunoblot analysis was used to determine the prevalence of cagA and its adjacent cagE genes and to evaluate the expression of CagA protein in 55 H. pylori clinical isolates from China. RESULTS: The expected PCR products derived from H. pylori cagA and cagE genes were identified in all Chinese H. pylori clinical isolates. Similarly, the CagA protein was detected in all 40 isolates tested. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the presence of the cagA gene correlated well with expression of the CagA protein in all surveyed Chinese H. pylori isolates and that infection with cagA-positive H. pylori strains is highly common in China and independent of clinical presentation.

Adolescent↗

Activating mutation of adenylyl cyclase reverses its inhibition by G proteins.

We have implemented a yeast genetic selection developed previously by our laboratory to identify mutant mammalian type V adenylyl cyclases insensitive to inhibition by G(ialpha.) One mutation isolated was localized to the first cytoplasmic domain at a Phe residue (position 400), which is conserved in all nine isoforms of membrane-bound mammalian adenylyl cyclase. Biochemical characterization of the F400Y mutant revealed a dramatic conversion of the G(ialpha) response from inhibitory to stimulatory. This mutation results in additional activating effects. The mutant exhibits an enhanced sensitivity toward activation by either G(salpha) or forskolin. Synergism between G(salpha) and forskolin is not observed for the F400Y mutant, presumably because the mutant already is in the sensitized state. Additionally, an enhancement of the basal unstimulated activity was observed. This mutation, which is the first demonstration of an activating point in a mammalian adenylyl cyclase, mimics a sensitized conformation of the wild-type enzyme that underlies the synergism between stimulatory inputs, and additionally, removes the inhibitory regulatory input provided by G(ialpha). Because sensitizing adenylyl cyclase toward its stimulators can have profound biological implications, this raises the possibility that naturally occurring mutations resembling those at the Phe400 residue may be associated with human disease states.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Salmonella typhimurium encodes a putative iron transport system within the centisome 63 pathogenicity island.

Upon entry into the host, Salmonella enterica strains are presumed to encounter an iron-restricted environment. Consequently, these bacteria have evolved a variety of often-redundant high-affinity acquisition systems to obtain iron in this restricted environment. We have identified an iron transport system that is encoded within the centisome 63 pathogenicity island of Salmonella typhimurium. The nucleotide composition of this locus is significantly different from that of the rest of this pathogenicity island, suggesting a different ancestry and a mosaic structure for this region of the S. typhimurium chromosome. This locus, designated sit, consists of four open reading frames which encode polypeptides with extensive homology to the yfe ABC iron transport system of Yersinia pestis, as well as other ABC transporters. The sitA gene encodes a putative periplasmic binding protein, sitB encodes an ATP-binding protein, and sitC and sitD encode two putative permeases (integral membrane proteins). This operon is capable of complementing the growth defect of the enterobactin-deficient Escherichia coli strain SAB11 in iron-restricted minimal medium. Transcription of the sit operon is repressed under iron-rich growth conditions in a fur-dependent manner. Introduction of a sitBCD deletion into wild-type S. typhimurium resulted in no apparent growth defect in either nutrient-rich or minimal medium and no measurable virulence phenotype. These results further support the existence of redundant iron uptake systems in S. enterica.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Interactive effects of central leptin and peripheral fuel oxidation on estrous cyclicity.

A 48-h period of fasting inhibits estrous cycles in Syrian hamsters, and fasting-induced anestrus can be prevented by intracerebroventricular treatment with leptin during the fasting period. In the present experiment, the effects of intracerebroventricular leptin were blocked by systemic treatment with inhibitors of metabolic fuel oxidation. Leptin was infused continuously into the lateral ventricles (1 microgram/day) during fasting on days 1 and 2 of the estrous cycle. Intraperitoneal injection of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) was used to block both central and peripheral glucose oxidation, and intragastric treatment with methyl palmoxirate (MP) was used to inhibit peripheral long-chain fatty acid oxidation during the fasting and leptin-treatment period. 2DG or MP were administered at doses that did not induce anestrus in ad libitum-fed hamsters. Despite elevated central levels of leptin, fasting-induced anestrus occurred in hamsters treated with either 2DG or MP. Thus an elevated intracerebroventricular leptin concentration is not a sufficient condition for normal estrous cycles when fuel oxidation is inhibited. These results raise the possibility that central leptin influences reproduction by indirect effects on peripheral fuel metabolism.

Anestrus↗

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and LIF receptor in human lung. Distribution and regulation of LIF release.

The distribution and regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its receptor (LIFR) in human lung tissue is unknown. We recently found that LIF was immunolocalized to several cell types in human airways, and that exogenous LIF modulated neural and contractile responses of explanted airways. The present study aimed to determine the cellular distribution and regulation of gene transcripts for LIF and LIFR in human lung, and measured the release of LIF in response to anti-immunoglobulin (Ig)E, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6. Exposure of human lung to IL-1beta (100 pg/ml) resulted in the rapid induction of LIF messenger RNA (mRNA) (1 h) and subsequent protein release (6 h). Similar results were observed when lung tissue was exposed to anti-IgE (6 U/ml). Gene transcripts for LIF were observed in nine pulmonary cell types, with the greatest expression occurring in fibroblasts. LIFR transcripts were also widely expressed in these cell types. In cultures of nontransformed epithelial cells, lung fibroblasts, and airway smooth-muscle cells, IL-1beta (100 pg/ml) induced the rapid accumulation of LIF mRNA and protein release, with fibroblasts liberating the greatest amount. IL-6 also induced the expression of LIF mRNA and release of LIF in airway smooth-muscle cells, whereas exogenous LIF itself had no effect. Expression of LIFR mRNA was not influenced by exposure to IL-1beta or LIF in any of the cell lines used. These results highlight the widespread distribution and rapid release of LIF in human lung tissue and, in conjunction with our previous report, suggest that this cytokine may play an important role in lung inflammatory processes and neuroimmune interactions.

Bronchi↗

Breast tumor aromatase: functional role and transcriptional regulation.

Aromatase has been shown to be expressed at a higher level in human breast cancer tissue than in normal breast tissue, by means of enzyme activity measurement, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR analysis. Cell culture including MCF-7 breast cancer cells, animal experiments using aromatase-transfected breast cancer cells, and transgenic mouse studies have demonstrated that estrogen production in situ plays a more important role than circulating estrogens in breast tumor promotion. In addition, tumor aromatase is believed to be able to stimulate breast cancer growth through both autocrine and paracrine pathways, as demonstrated by a three-dimensional cell culture study. RT-PCR and gene transcriptional studies have revealed that the aromatase promoter is switched from a glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter, I.4, in normal tissue to cAMP-stimulated promoters, I.3 and II, in cancerous tissue. Recently, we identified and characterized a cAMP-responsive element (CREaro) upstream from promoter I.3 by DNA deletion and mutational analyses. Our results from promoter functional analysis also demonstrated an interaction between the CREaro and the silencer element (S1) that was identified previously in our laboratory. In the presence of cAMP, the positive regulatory CREaro can overcome the action of the silencer on the function of promoter I.3. On the basis of results generated from our own and other laboratories, we propose that, in normal breast adipose stromal cells and fibroblasts, aromatase expression is driven by promoter I.4 (glucocorticoid dependent), and that the action of promoters I.3 and II is suppressed by the silencer negative regulatory element. However, in cancer cells and surrounding adipose stromal cells, the cAMP level increases, and aromatase promoters are switched to cAMP-dependent promoters - I.3 and II. Furthermore, we applied the yeast one-hybrid screening method to search for proteins interacting with the silencer element, S1. The major protein identified was ERRalpha-1; however, SF-1, which is present in the ovary, is not detected in breast cancer tissue. Using a reporter plasmid with the aromatase genomic fragment containing promoter I.3 and S1, in breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells, ERRalpha-1 was found to have a positive regulatory function. It is believed that the silencer element in the human aromatase gene may function differently in different tissues, as a result of distinct expression patterns of transcription factors.

Animals↗

A high dose of ionizing radiation induces tissue-specific activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in vivo.

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is one of the important responses of cells to an external stress such as ionizing radiation. We studied radiation-induced NF-kappaB activation in vivo in male BALB/c mice. After the mice were exposed to 8.5 Gy total-body gamma irradiation, the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, liver, lung, colon, brain and bone marrow were harvested 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 h postirradiation. NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was analyzed in the nuclear protein extracts by a gel shift assay. When compared to the levels in untreated control mice, radiation induced activation of NF-kappaB in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and bone marrow but not in the other tissues examined. In contrast, an i.p. injection of a lethal dose (3 mg/kg) of lipopolysaccharide also increased activity of NF-kappaB in the liver and lung. The gel supershift assay with Nfkb1, Rela and/or Rel antibodies revealed that the specific molecular forms of NF-kappaB activated by radiation in the spleen were Nfkb1 homodimers and Nfkb1/Rela heterodimers. In mesenteric lymph nodes, the heterodimerized Rel/Rela NF-kappaB was also activated. In bone marrow, an NF-kappaB-like binding factor was induced that may be Nfkb1/Rela- and Rel/Rela-like heterodimers, but it exhibited a higher mobility than Nfkb1 homodimers. These results indicate that in vivo, ionizing radiation induces NF-kappaB activation that varies in both tissue distribution and moleoular composition.

Animals↗

Relationship between fossa-condylar position, meniscus position, and morphologic change in patients with Class II and III malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fossa-condylar-meniscus morphologic changes in patients with skeletal and dental Class III and Class II division 1 and 2 malocclusion to determine which type is related to internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and whether the variation of TMJ structure is related to a particular type of malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two pretreatment orthodontic patients, ranging in age from 10 to 27 years, underwent examination of the right and left TMJs with corrected Schöller's position radiographs. Bilateral TMJ relationships of the fossa-condyle were examined through subjective evaluation and linear and area measurements. In addition, in 20 of the 72 patients, meniscus positions and morphologic changes were imaged with a 0.5 T sagittal magnetic resonance imaging system on the right and left TMJ. RESULTS: (1) The variation of condyle-fossa positions for identical types of malocclusion was very large. (2) Skeletal and functional Class III malocclusion patients demonstrated significantly more anteriorly positioned condyles. (3) Class II division 1 patients showed concentrically positioned condyles, but with slightly anterior displacement. (4) Class II division 2 patients demonstrated more posteriorly positioned condyles. (5) When condyles were in anterior or concentric positions, meniscus positions and morphology were normal and in concavoconcave shapes. (6) When condyles were in posterior positions, most meniscus positions were in normal or slightly anterior range and their shapes were also concavoconcave. The rest were significantly more anterior and their shapes were abnormal, as evidenced by thickened anterior bands. CONCLUSION: Class III and Class II division 1 malocclusion demonstrated normal structure and function of the TMJ. Class II division 2 malocclusion was obviously associated with abnormal structure and function of the TMJ.

Adolescent↗

[Endarterectomy for carotid stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the indications, anesthesia and surgical techniques of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Twenty-two sides of carotid stenosis were revealed in 20 patients. CEA was performed under general anesthesia in 21 sides and local anesthesia in one. The time of carotid occlusion ranged from 27 to 52 minutes (average 35.5 min) in 20 operations, and intraoperative shunt was used in the other two. Fifteen operations were monitored with EEG. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful in 17 patients after 18 operations, while transient muscle strength decrease on contralateral side and ipsilateral lower facial paresis occurred after three operations in the other three patients. Nineteen patients were followed-up for 38 months on the average. Among nine patients with TIA, ischemic attacks ceased in eight and decreased in one. Improvement was achieved in six patients with cerebral infarction. One patient without symptoms of carotid ischemia was still normal after operation. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe and effective way for treating carotid stenosis.

Adult↗

The effects of classic antipsychotic haloperidol plus the extract of ginkgo biloba on superoxide dismutase in patients with chronic refractory schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between schizophrenic symptoms and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and to investigate the effect of classic antipsychotic haloperidol plus the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) on SOD. METHODS: In 54 patients with chronic refractory schizophrenia, 27 were treated with haloperidol plus EGb (group 1), and the rest received haloperidol plus placebo (group 2). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of these patients were measured before and after treatment and compared with the levels of 25 healthy volunteers. Therapeutic efficacy was equated with a change in clinical rating scores assessed by standardized measurement tools including the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). RESULTS: Patients in group 1 improved significantly as demonstrated by scores from both SAPS and SANS, while those in group 2 only by scores from SANS. Assessed by SAPS, the response of patients receiving haloperidol plus EGb was more significant than those receiving haloperidol only. SOD levels before treatment in all patients were significantly higher than those in normal controls. After treatment, SOD levels decreased significantly in group 1 but not in group 2. In addition, before treatment, SOD levels in all patients correlated significantly with SAPS score. The levels of SOD measured before treatment were also correlated with the improvement of patients as measured by SAPS and SANS after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: EGb may enhance the efficacy of classic antipsychotic haloperidol on schizophrenia, especially on positive symptoms. It may work through an antioxidant efficacy that is involved in the therapeutic mechanism.

Adult↗

[Clinical observation of the treatment of infantile viral myocarditis with puerarin].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of the treatment of infantile viral myocarditis with puerarin. METHODS: Puerarin was administered intravenously together with conventional treatment in the treated group, while that of conventional treatment solely was given in the control group. Creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme, cardiac function and clinical manifestations before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: Puerarin could significantly relieve the symptoms of patients of infantile viral myocarditis, enhance the metabolism of myocardium and improve the cardiac function. The total effective rate of the treated group was 87.04%, significantly higher than that of the control group, the difference between them was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Puerarin can be used to treat patients with infantile viral myocarditis with a satisfactory result.

Adolescent↗

[An analysis of 35 cases of multiple gastrointestinal cancers].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical and pathologic features of multiple gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: In the past 5 years 820 cases of gastric and colorectal carcinomas were surgically treated in the Nanfang hospital. Multiple primary cancers were pathologically confirmed in 35 (4.3%) of these patients. Ratio of male to female was 2.5:1. RESULTS: Of these 35 cases, there were 25 multiple colorectal cancers, 10 gastric or gastrointestinal multiple carcinomas. The cancers of 23 of the cases were synchronous and 12 metachronous. The age, interval time and degree of differentiation of the multiple gastric cancers were higher or longer than those of the multiple colorectal and gastrointestinal ones. High frequency of multiple gastrointestinal cancers in the right colon and high incidence of polyps accompanying multiple tumors were found in patients of young age. Survival rate in patients with synchronous cancer were similar to that in patients with single tumor. However patients with metachronous tumors had better prognosis than those with single cancer. CONCLUSION: Multiple cancers must be detected as early as possible. Early detection and excision may increase the 5 year survival rate.

Adult↗