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H Shen

Publications and source records attributed to H Shen.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Myocardial mRNA content and stability, and enzyme activities of Ca-cycling and aerobic metabolism in canine dilated cardiomyopathies.

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with derangement of myocardial sarcoplasmic Ca-homeostasis and energy production. The molecular mechanism for these changes is unknown. Accordingly, we used genetic and experimentally-induced models of canine dilated cardiomyopathy and tested the hypothesis that these metabolic changes resulted from altered gene expression, as indicated by mRNA content. We studied dilated cardiomyopathy occurring naturally (n = 9) in Doberman pinschers, and in dogs subjected to rapid ventricular pacing (n = 5), in comparison with normal dogs (n = 9). We determined content and integrity of mRNA's using Northern and slot blotting, and measured activities of their translated product for the Ca-release channel and Ca-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum, lactate dehydrogenase of glycolysis, citrate synthase of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and for myoglobin, ATP-synthetase and the adenine nucleotide transporter, which are integral in oxidative phosphorylation. We found that, whereas both mRNA content and enzyme activity for markers of Ca-cycling, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation were downregulated (20-80%) in dilated cardiomyopathy, they were upregulated (10-15%) for tricarboxylic acid cycling and for ribosomal RNA. RNA from cardiomyopathic tissue was up to 50% more degraded than for normal hearts in association with a 150% increase in ribonuclease activity. Downregulation of the Ca-cycle was asymmetric, with the Ca-channel being 65% more affected than the Ca-ATPase. This work supports the general paradigm that transcriptional and translational responses to pathophysiology are major determinants of the metabolic response seen in cardiac failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effects of hypocaloric feeding and refeeding on myocardial Ca and ATP cycling in the rat.

Hypocaloric feeding (HCF) depresses heart function causing cardiac atrophy, bradycardia, and decreased cardiac output. We tested the hypothesis that HCF results in decreased myocardial Ca- and ATP cycling. We reduced protein-calorie intake of adult rats by 20% for 7 days and then allowed them to recover for 3 days. Changes in ionized Ca concentration (nM/s) of 2.5% myocardial homogenates that were attributable to the Ca-ATPase pump and Ca-release channel (CRC), respectively, of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were depressed 41 and 85% by HCF from 61.6 +/- 9.4 and 24.7 +/- 3.3, to 36.1 +/- 2.8 and 3.6 +/- 2.9. Activity of the Ca-pump was restored after 3 days of refeeding, whereas the CRC remained 23% depressed (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the CRC activity was inhibited to a 3-fold greater extent than controls by HCF, but was disinhibited within one day of refeeding. The greater effect on CRC than Ca-pump activity resulted in net Ca-uptake being unaffected by HCF. In addition to depression of Ca-cycling, ATP sythetase and total ATPase activities (IU/g), respectively, were depressed 20 and 15% by HCF from 174 +/- 19 and 51.3 +/- 3.8 to 140 +/- 15 and 43.7 +/- 4.7, but were restored to control values within one day of refeeding. We conclude that HCF produces a compensatory, reversible, and asymmetric downregulation and inhibition of Ca-cycling, with the CRC being preferentially affected.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1995

Bacterial reduction of hexavalent chromium.

Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria are widespread and Cr(VI) reduction occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, both NADH and endogenous cell reserves may serve as the electron donor for Cr(VI) reduction. Under anaerobic conditions, electron transport systems containing cytochromes appear to be involved in Cr(VI) reduction. High cell densities are necessary to obtain a significant rate of Cr(VI) reduction. Cr(VI) reduction by bacteria may be inhibited by Cr(VI), oxygen, heavy metals, and phenolic compounds. The optimum pH and temperature observed for Cr(VI) reduction generally coincide with the optimal growth conditions of cells. The optimum redox potential for Cr(VI) reduction has not yet been established.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1995

Simultaneous chromium reduction and phenol degradation in a coculture of Escherichia coli ATCC 33456 and Pseudomonas putida DMP-1.

In a defined coculture of a Cr(VI) reducer, Escherichia coli ATCC 33456, and a phenol degrader, Pseudomonas putida DMP-1, simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of phenol was observed. When Cr(VI) was present in the coculture, quantitative transformation of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) proceeded with simultaneous degradation of phenol. Cr(VI) reduction was correlated to phenol degradation in the coculture as demonstrated by a regression analysis of the cumulative Cr(VI) reduction and the cumulative phenol degradation. Both the rate and extent of Cr(VI) reduction and phenol degradation were significantly influenced by the population composition of the coculture. Although Cr(VI) reduction occurred as a result of E. coli metabolism, the rate of phenol degradation by P. putida may become a rate-limiting factor for Cr(VI) reduction at a low population ratio of P. putida to E. coli. Phenol degradation by P. putida was very susceptible to the presence of Cr(VI), whereas Cr(VI) reduction by E. coli was significantly influenced by phenol only when phenol was present at high concentrations (> 9 mM).

Chromium↗
PubMed1995

The suppression of macrophage secretion by calcium blockers and adenosine.

In an effort to examine the effects of calcium blockers and adenosine on superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrite secretions by mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have utilized the phenol red method, the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c method, and the Griess reagent method to test products after treating periodate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages with verapamil, nifedipine, and adenosine. The results show that after treating the macrophages with chemicals 10 minutes before adding PMA (100 ng/ml), all three chemicals inhibited superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) secretions dose-dependently, yet they failed to suppress macrophage reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) after a 24 hour treatment. On the other hand, calcium blockers, verapamil and nifedipine, could reduce nitrite secretion (NO2-), while adenosine did not show the ability to inhibit NO2-. This indicates that calcium, as a secondary messenger, is important for the production of ROI and RNI. The reason behind the loss of the ability to suppress macrophage ROI production in a 24 hour treatment remains unexplored.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1995

Modulation of detoxification gene expression in human colon HT29 cells by glutathione-S-transferase inhibitors.

We investigated the effects of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) inhibitor treatment on human colon HT29 cell mRNA levels of dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DDH), glyoxalase I, and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Time- and concentration-dependent increases in both DDH and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase mRNAs resulted from treatment with ethacrynic acid, ethacrynic acid/glutathione conjugate, and T.199 (gamma-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)-cysteinyl-R(-)-phenyl glycine diethyl ester), a selective GST pi inhibitor. In contrast, glutathione analogue GST alpha- and GST mu-selective inhibitors did not induce expression of these genes. Treatment with ethacrynic acid or T.199 had no effect on the mRNA levels of the glutathione-dependent glyoxalase I gene. Pretreatment of cells with buthionine-DL-sulfoximine, a gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase inhibitor and glutathione depleter, coupled with ethacrynic acid, ethacrynic acid/glutathione conjugate, or T.199 resulted in greater levels of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and DDH induction compared with single treatments. Treatment with buthionine-DL-sulfoximine alone resulted in modest increases in both gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and DDH expression. Analyses of DDH induction by both differential Northern hybridization with specific oligonucleotides as probes and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification of products, followed by diagnostic restriction digestion with endonucleases, showed that ethacrynic acid induced multiple DDH transcripts in HT29 cells and human HepG2 and SKHep1 hepatoma cells. Possible induction mechanisms include the alteration of sulfhydryl status by the electrophilic properties of EA or by elevations of endogenously generated oxidative stress via transient removal of GST pi from the cytosolic GST pool.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1995

[Antitumor effect in vitro and immuno-response in vivo of fructus Mume].

The antitumor action of extracts from Fructus Mume and the main triterpenoid component ursolic acid on HIMeg and HL-60 cells in vitro was tested. The immuno-response in rats was also studied. The result showed that Fructus Mume had inhibiting effect on proliferation of HIMeg and HL-60 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Dual specificity of casein kinase II from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

In the case of protein kinases, and especially in the case of casein kinase II (CKII), a link has been found between the type of the amino acids autophosphorylated and the targeted amino acids on the substrates. In the presence of Mg2+, CKII from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is autophosphorylated on serines and threonines, and a serine threonine kinase activity is found predominantly when casein is used as substrate. In the presence of Mn2+, CKII autophosphorylation is inhibited on serines, and autophosphorylation on tyrosines, negligible in the former case, becomes significant. Tyrosine phosphorylation is then found to occur on casein. Mn2+ transforms CKII into a protein kinase with dual specificity, shifting its specificity from serine/threonine kinase towards a serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase. Mn2+ decreases the level of serine and threonine phosphorylation observed, while on the other hand promoting tyrosine kinase activity.

Casein Kinase II↗
PubMed1995

[Effect of calmodulin antagonist on chemosensitivity of primary cultured lung cancer cells].

The effect of calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine (TFP) on in vitro drug sensitivity of primary cultured lung cancer cells was studied in 28 cases with MTT assay. TFP was found to enhance significantly the anticancer activities of VCR, ADR and VP16 (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). But TFP could not sensitize tumor cells to DDP. TFP may therefore be useful as an adjunct in chemotherapy of lung cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

[Expression of the extracellular domain (1-341) of rat ovarian lutropin receptor in insect cells and preliminary characterization of the expressed product].

Extracellular domain residues 1-341 (designed R 341) of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LH/hCG receptor) has high binding affinity for ligand. This paper describes expression of cDNA coding for R 341 in insect cells and preliminary identification of the expressed protein. SDS-PAGE silver staining and immunoblotting analysis show expressed product appears in two bands, major band has molecular weight 38.5 Kd, and weak band, 40.0 Kd. Ligand binding immunoblotting and 125I-hCG-binding blotting analysis indicate that expressed product R 341 has specific binding affinity for ligand. Ligand binding assay and Scatchard analysis indicate that recombinant receptor R 341 has high binding affinity for hCG and Kd is 5.68 x 10(-10) mol/L.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Primary structural constraints of P-loop of mitochondrial F1-ATPase from yeast.

Nucleotide binding proteins, including ras, elongation factor Tu, adenylate kinase, and the mitochondrial F1-ATPase have a glycine-rich motif known as the P-loop or the Walker A sequence (Walker, J. E., Saraste, M., Runswick, M. J., and Gay, N. J. (1982) EMBO J. 1, 945-951). The primary structural constraints have been determined in the P-loop located in the beta-subunit of the mitochondrial ATPase from yeast. The primary structural constraints were determined for 9 residues that form the P-loop, 190Gly-Gly-Ala-Gly-Val-Gly-Lys-Thr-Val198. Each residue was tested individually for possible functional replacements while keeping the primary structure of the remainder of the molecule constant. This analysis indicates with greater than 95% confidence that Gly190,Gly195, and Lys196 are invariant and Thr197 can only be replaced with Ser. The most alterable residue is Gly191, where 10 replacements, even Phe, form a functional enzyme. The remaining positions allow some amino acid replacements while restricting others. The primary structural constraints of the P-loop of the mitochondrial F1 suggests that the three-dimensional structure of the P-loop is similar to that of ras.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Stereochemical course of hydrolysis catalysed by Cellulomonas fimi CenE, a member of a new family of beta-1,4-glucanases.

The gene for a previously identified, extracellular, 120 kDa cellulose-binding protein (Cbp120) was isolated from a Cellulomonas fimi genomic library and expressed in Escherichia coli. Qualitative analysis of CM-cellulose hydrolysis shows that Cbp120 is an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase. Cbp120, now renamed CenE, catalyzes hydrolysis of cellohexaose with inversion of anomeric carbon configuration, characteristic of a single displacement reaction. Partial sequencing of its gene shows that CenE has significant sequence similarity with the catalytic domains of five enzymes from cellulolytic bacteria. It is proposed that the six enzymes form a new family of beta-1,4-glucanases. CenE is the first enzyme from this family to be characterized stereochemically.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

A direct retinal projection to the dorsal raphe nucleus in the rat.

A direct projection from the retina to the dorsal raphe nucleus at the pontomesencephalic junction was demonstrated with both antero- and retrograde tracing techniques in the rat. Following intravitreous injections of choleratoxin subunit B (CTB), horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and CTB-conjugated HRP, varicose fibers were labeled in the lateral region of the dorsal raphe nucleus, predominantly contralateral to the injection. Many of these labeled fibers were intermingled with serotonin-immunoreactive neurons, but some fibers were also found further laterally, beyond the boundary of dorsal raphe nucleus but within the periaqueductal gray. Following injections of the retrograde tracers Fluoro-Gold and CTB into the dorsal raphe nucleus and adjacent periaqueductal gray (without contamination of previously known targets of retinal projections), a small population of ganglion cells was labeled in the retina. These data provide evidence for the existence of a direct retinal projection to the lateral region of the dorsal raphe nucleus and the adjacent mesopontine periaqueductal gray in the rat. This projection may have a role in sensorimotor coordination and the regulation of circadian rhythm as well as sleep and wakefulness.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed1994

Compensatory asymmetry in down-regulation and inhibition of the myocardial Ca2+ cycle in congestive heart failure produced in dogs by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and rapid ventricular pacing.

In this study we used 2.5% myocardial homogenates to study sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) activity of the Ca2+ pump and Ca2+ release channel (CRC) from dogs with congestive heart failure produced by either rapid ventricular pacing or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. We used the fluorescent indicator dye and ratiometric spectrofluorometry to monitor Ca2+ uptake while the CRC was open and closed with ryanodine. We confirmed and extended conclusions derived from previous studies of the same dogs using isolated SR. Compared to controls, activities of dogs with either form of CHF were decreased by 36% for the Ca2+ pump (33.7 +/- 7.3 and 21.6 +/- 4.2 nM/s), 78% for the CRC (10.0 +/- 2.8 and 1.4 +/- 1.2 nM/s), 53% for total Ca2+-cycling (53.1 +/- 8.5 and 24.8 +/- 4.4 nM/s), and 17% for net Ca2+ uptake (23.7 +/- 4.0 and 19.6 +/- 4.0 nM/s). In the absence of SR and mitochondrial activity, ionized Ca2+ concentration in myocardial homogenates were 70% abnormally increased in dogs with CHF, probably due to decreased concentration of Ca2+-binding proteins. Comparison of homogenate and isolated SR activities indicated lower-than-normal membrane yields for dogs with CHF. This fractionation artefact previously resulted in up to 50% overestimation of the degree of downregulation of Ca2+-cycling activities in CHF. The CRC activity was found to be decreased due to decreased activity of the Ca2+-ATPase, decreased CRC content, and inhibition. Decreased CRC energy. Maintenance of net Ca2+-pump activity is expected to maintain the amplitude of the myocardial ionized Ca2+ transient whereas downregulation of the CRC and pump are predicted to reduce the total amount of Ca2+ cycled and slow the rise and fall of the Ca2+ transient.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of pPT23B, the plasmid involved in syringolide production by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato PT23.

Avirulence gene D (avrD) in strain PT23 of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) specifies the production of syringolides, which are elicitors of plant defense reactions. An 83-kb indigenous plasmid (pPT23B) that carries avrD has been mapped and characterized and a putative par region was identified. pPT23B contains a large amount of DNA that is repeated in other native plasmids in PT23. A putative mobile insertion element that occurs on plasmid pPT23A as well as on the chromosome was also identified in strain PT23. New broad-host-range expression vectors that functioned in Pst were constructed for overexpression of the cloned avrD gene and high-level production of the syringolides. Introduction of an avrD overexpression plasmid into PT23 or plasmid-cured strains led to identical syringolide peaks on HPLC with no new peaks observed. These results suggested that neither pPT23B nor other indigenous plasmids in Pst carry additional genes required for syringolide production or metabolism. Pst strains lacking pPT23B were not impaired in virulence on tomato plants.

Bacterial Toxins↗
PubMed1994

Lower extremity injuries from motorcycle crashes: a common cause of preventable injury.

Lower extremity injuries are among the most common injuries sustained by motorcycle riders in crashes and often lead to extended and costly medical treatment and permanent disability. This study characterizes lower extremity injuries in a group of 700 motorcycle riders in crashes in Los Angeles County from July 1, 1988, through October 31, 1989. Motorcycle crash fatalities (n = 163) were identified through the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, and nonfatally injured riders (n = 537) were identified at four of the ten level I and level II trauma centers in the county. Lower extremity injuries were diagnosed in 301 (56%) of nonfatally injured and in 75 (46%) of fatally injured riders. Fractures were the most common lower extremity injury and were diagnosed in 52% and 42% of riders with nonfatal and fatal injuries, respectively. Over a third of all fractures were to the tibia or fibula. Drivers and passengers did not differ in their risk for lower extremity injuries. Multiple-vehicle collisions resulted in a higher risk of lower extremity injuries than did single-vehicle collisions. The highest risk for lower extremity fractures was observed among riders in broadside collisions in which another vehicle struck the motorcycle (risk ratio = 2.7). Modifications in vehicle design and rider apparel may prevent some lower extremity injuries in motorcycle crashes.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗