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K Tang

Publications and source records attributed to K Tang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Physical/chemical separations in the break-up of highly charged droplets from electrosprays.

Highly-charged droplets, as formed by an electrospray process, are known to undergo asymmetric fission to form smaller droplets. We have observed a chemical and physical separation phenomenon that occurs in the droplet break-up process and is related to a compound's surface activity in solution. Two experimental approaches demonstrated that the smaller satellite droplets and the progeny droplets generated by the spray formation and asymmetric fission processes to be surfactant-enriched. These smaller droplets were also effectively separated from the larger primary and residual droplets because of their smaller inertia and high surface charge density, and a region attributed to the initially formed smaller satellite droplets was found to be strikingly confined in a narrow periphery region of the electrospray. The phenomenon may have utility for chemical separations and have significant implications for the sensitivity and selectivity of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.

Journal Article↗

Role of eicosanoids in prostate cancer progression.

Metabolism of arachidonic acid through cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, or P450 epoxygenase pathways leads to the formation of various bioactive eicosanoids. In this review, we discuss alterations in expression pattern of eicosanoid-generating enzymes found during prostate tumor progression and expound upon their involvement in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and tumor angiogenesis. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2, 12-lipoxygenase, and 15-lipoxygenase-1 are up-regulated during prostate cancer progression. It has been demonstrated that inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase cause tumor cell apoptosis, reduce tumor cell motility and invasiveness, or decrease tumor angiogenesis and growth. The eicosanoid product of 12-lipoxygenase, 12(S)-hydroeicosatetraenoic acid, is found to activate Erkl/2 kinases in LNCaP cells and PKCalpha in rat prostate AT2.1 tumor cells. Overexpression of 12-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase-1 in prostate cancer cells stimulate prostate tumor angiogenesis and growth, suggesting a facilitative role for 12-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase-1 in prostate tumor progression. The expression of 15-lipoxygenase-2 is found frequently to be lost during the initiation and progression of prostate tumors. 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, the product of 15-lipoxygenase-2, inhibits proliferation and causes apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells, suggesting an inhibitory role for 15-lipoxygenase-2 in prostate tumor progression. The regulation of prostate cancer progression by eicosanoids, in either positive or negative ways, provides an exciting possibility for management of this disease.

Apoptosis↗

Anti-ischemic action of estrogen-progestogen continuous combined hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with established angina pectoris: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial.

The benefit of treating postmenopausal women with established cardiovascular disease with combined estrogen-progestogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is controversial. This study investigated the effect of treatment with estradiol and norethisterone acetate on exercise tolerance and on the frequency and severity of ischemic attacks in postmenopausal women with stable angina pectoris. A total of 74 Chinese women were recruited for this 16-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly allocated into two groups; one group received placebo/placebo/placebo and the other group received placebo/estrogen-progestogen/placebo. Estrogen-progestogen continuous combined HRT increased both time to 1-mm ST depression (99.1 s, p < 0.05) compared with a mean decrease of 22.9 s with placebo (p < 0.05), and total exercise duration also showed a significant increase (32.7 s, p < 0.05) after treatment compared with placebo (2.5 s, p < 0.05). In addition, the total number of ischemic events/24 h during ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring decreased by 0.82 events after treatment (p < 0.05) compared with an increase in the placebo group (0.94), a highly significant difference (p = 0.006). These results suggest that the administration of this particular combined hormone replacement preparation may have a beneficial effect on myocardial ischemia in postmenopausal women with established coronary disease.

Aged↗

The Influence of hair shave on the infection rate in neurosurgery. A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether not shaving hair in neurosurgical operations carries an increased infection rate. METHODS: Taking advantage of different practices among neurosurgeons in a single institution, we embarked upon a prospective non-randomised study of 100 consecutive neurosurgical procedures involving 90 paediatric patients aged 7 days to 16.8 years. The patients were split into two groups ('hair shave' and 'no hair shave'). The differences with respect to wound complications, positive microbiology on wound culture swabs and wound infection rates were analysed. Other factors considered were the cleansing solution, prophylactic antibiotic regime, duration of the operation, the surgeon's experience and the patient's age. RESULTS: The only complications observed were 4 incidences of wound dehiscence (2 in the hair shave and 2 in the no hair shave group) and 3 shunt infections (2 in the hair shave and 1 in the no hair shave group). We did not find any significant difference between the two arms for any of the factors assessed. Age was a significant factor in shunt infection, as all shunt infections were seen in patients aged less than 6 months, regardless of whether the hair was shaved or not (p = 0.024, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: This study confirms our clinical experience that no hair shave is a good alternative to the traditional hair shaving approach, allowing patients to enjoy the psychological benefits of undisturbed body image while recovering from major surgery.

Adolescent↗

Eicosanoid activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 in human epidermoid carcinoma cells.

12(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), a 12-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, has multiple effects on tumor and endothelial cells, including stimulation of invasion and angiogenesis. However, the signaling mechanisms controlling these physiological processes are poorly understood. In a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line (i.e. A431), 12(S)-HETE activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), which is mediated by upstream kinases MEK and Raf. 12(S)-HETE stimulates phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma1 and activity of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha). In addition, independent of PKC 12(S)-HETE increases tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, and Grb2, stimulates association between Shc and Src, and increases the activity of Ras, via Src family kinases. Furthermore, at low (10-100 nm) concentrations 12(S)-HETE counteracts epidermal growth factor-stimulated activation of ERK1/2 via stimulating protein tyrosine phosphatases. We also present evidence that 12(S)-HETE stimulates ERK1/2 via G proteins and that A431 cells have multiple binding sites for 12(S)-HETE. Finally, inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase induced apoptosis of A431 cells, which was reversed by addition of exogenous 12(S)-HETE. Collectively we demonstrate that the activation of ERK1/2 by 12(S)-HETE may be regulated by multiple receptors triggering PKC-dependent and PKC-independent pathways in A431 cells.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Detailed mapping of prostate carcinoma foci: biopsy strategy implications.

BACKGROUND: Prostate carcinoma exhibits considerable anatomic heterogeneity. Detailed characterization of prostate carcinoma distribution could lead to improved detection procedures and biopsy strategies. We mapped all 607 tumor foci from 180 serially sectioned whole mount radical prostatectomy specimens and used a computer algorithm to plot and summarize the distribution of these foci. We investigated whether specimen and clinical variables predicted differences in tumor distribution. METHODS: The volume and anatomic location of each tumor focus were determined and digitized. A computer-based algorithm was used to fit the digitized tumor foci to a paradigm prostate. Pseudo-color summary plots of tumor distribution then were computed for selected cases. RESULTS: Of the 180 specimens, 149 (83%) specimens had more than one cancer focus. Most foci (448 of 607 tumor foci, 74%) were in the peripheral zone (PZ). PZ foci near the apex had a significant midline component. Toward the base, PZ foci diverged laterally. Only 3 (2%) of 180 specimens contained foci solely in the transition zone (TZ). Total TZ cancer volume was </= 0.5 cm(3) in 55% (52 of 94) of patients. Computer plots of patients with T1c classification (UICC/AJCC) and specimen Gleason score </= 6 had greater proportions of TZ tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all TZ foci occurred with PZ foci. The small volume of most TZ foci may explain the ineffectiveness of TZ biopsies to detect additional cancers during screening. Further, our results suggested that biopsies may be more effective if laterally directed biopsy samples are obtained nearer to the base of the prostate and if apical biopsy samples are obtained more medially.

Algorithms↗

Mass spectrometry of single-stranded restriction fragments captured by an undigested complementary sequence.

In this report, we describe a simple and accurate method to analyze restriction fragments using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The two complementary strands of restriction fragments are separated through hybridization to a capture probe, which is a single-stranded undigested fragment. Using the biotin-streptavidin linkage, the hybrid is immobilized on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. After conditioning the captured restriction fragments, they are eluted from the probe and their molecular weights are determined. The proposed method greatly improves the quality, and reduces the complexity of the mass spectrum by analyzing only one of the complementary strands of restriction fragments.

Biotinylation↗

Eicosanoid regulation of angiogenesis: role of endothelial arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels, is a multistep, highly orchestrated process involving vessel sprouting, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, tube differentiation, and survival. Eicosanoids, arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolites, have potent biologic activities on vascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells can synthesize various eicosanoids, including the 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) product 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). Here we demonstrate that endogenous 12-LOX is involved in endothelial cell angiogenic responses. First, the 12-LOX inhibitor, N-benzyl-N-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanamide (BHPP), reduced endothelial cell proliferation stimulated either by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Second, 12-LOX inhibitors blocked VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration, and this blockage could be partially reversed by the addition of 12(S)-HETE. Third, pretreatment of an angiogenic endothelial cell line, RV-ECT, with BHPP significantly inhibited the formation of tubelike/cordlike structures within Matrigel. Fourth, overexpression of 12-LOX in the CD4 endothelial cell line significantly stimulated cell migration and tube differentiation. In agreement with the critical role of 12-LOX in endothelial cell angiogenic responses in vitro, the 12-LOX inhibitor BHPP significantly reduced bFGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo using a Matrigel implantation bioassay. These findings demonstrate that AA metabolism in endothelial cells, especially the 12-LOX pathway, plays a critical role in angiogenesis.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Identification of 12-lipoxygenase interaction with cellular proteins by yeast two-hybrid screening.

The platelet isoform of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is expressed in a variety of human tumors. 12-LOX metabolizes arachidonic acid to 12(S)-hydroxyeicosateraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), which induces a number of cellular responses associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Little is known about 12-LOX regulation and no direct regulators of 12-LOX activity have been identified. To identify potential regulators of 12-LOX, we isolated cDNAs encoding 12-LOX interacting proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system. We screened a yeast two-hybrid interaction library from human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and identified four cellular proteins that interact specifically with 12-LOX. We identified type II keratin 5, lamin A, the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta4 subunit and a phosphoprotein C8FW as 12-LOX interacting proteins. Here, we demonstrated that keratin 5, a 58 kD protein required for formation of 8 nm intermediate filaments, binds to 12-LOX in human tumor cells and may contribute to the regulated trafficking of 12-LOX. We also showed that lamin A binds 12-LOX in human tumor cells. These proteins provide the first candidate regulators of 12-LOX.

Antigens, CD↗

Thromboxane A(2) regulation of endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis.

Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases and their arachidonate products have been implicated in modulating angiogenesis during tumor growth and chronic inflammation. Here we report the involvement of thromboxane A(2), a downstream metabolite of prostaglandin H synthase, in angiogenesis. A TXA(2) mimetic, U46619, stimulated endothelial cell migration. Angiogenic basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased TXA(2) synthesis in endothelial cells three- to fivefold. Inhibition of TXA(2) synthesis with furegrelate or CI reduced HUVEC migration stimulated by VEGF or bFGF. A TXA(2) receptor antagonist, SQ29,548, inhibited VEGF- or bFGF-stimulated endothelial cell migration. In vivo, CI inhibited bFGF-induced angiogenesis. Finally, development of lung metastasis in C57Bl/6J mice intravenously injected with Lewis lung carcinoma or B16a cells was significantly inhibited by thromboxane synthase inhibitors, CI or furegrelate sodium. Our data demonstrate the involvement of TXA(2) in angiogenesis and development of tumor metastasis.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Eicosanoid regulation of angiogenesis in human prostate carcinoma and its therapeutic implications.

Cancer of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America. There are several lines of evidence implicating the involvement of arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, an enzyme metabolizing arachidonic acid to form 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), in prostate cancer progression. First, as prostate cancer reaches a more advanced stage, the level of 12-lipoxygenase expression is increased. Second, overexpression of 12-lipoxygenase in human prostate cancer cells stimulates angiogenesis and tumor growth. Third, an inhibitor of 12-lipoxygenase has been found effective against metastatic prostate tumor growth, and the inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase is related with the reduction of tumor angiogenesis. Collectively, these studies suggest that 12-lipoxygenase regulates tumor angiogenesis in prostate cancer and that inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase is a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancers.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Anti-HBV effect of targeted antisense RNA against HBV C gene.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-HBV effect of targeted antisense RNA to hepatic cells. METHODS: pREP4-aC which would transcript antisense RNA against HBV C gene in eukaryotic cells were delivered into 2.2.15 cells by glactosylated poly-L-lisine (Gal-PLL), and the positive cells were selected. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA produced by 2. 2.15 cells were detected with ELISA or Southern blot during the experiment, and the cytotoxicity of targeted antisense on 2.2.15 cells was observed. RESULTS: The inhibition effect on HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA occurred at the 24th hour after delivery and reached the highest level at the 6th day, and kept at lest two months. No cytotoxicity on 2.2.15 cells was observed. CONCLUSION: The targeted antisense against HBV C gene by delivery of Gal-PLL could effectively inhibit the antigen expression of HBV and DNA replication.

Antiviral Agents↗

[The relationship of brainstem auditory evoked potential to cerebral blood flow volume in with vertebrobasilar transient ischemic vertigo].

This study was aimed at the relationship of brain-stem auditory evoked potential(BAEP) with cerebral blood flow(CBF) volume and vascular pathological changes in patients with vertebro-basilar transient ischemic vertigo (VBTIV). 65 patients were examined by magnetic resonance angiography(MRA), transcranial Dopplar(TCD) and BAEP; 26 controls were examined by MRA and TCD. In the patient group, MRA showed that vascular pathological changes were obvious in 50 patients, and obscure or absent in 15 patients. The CBF volume [112.3-278.9 ml/min (2s)] of control group was higher than that (48.0-262.0 ml/min) of the patients group (t = 2.43, P < 0.01) in which 15 patients had low CBF volume and 50 patients had normal CBF volume. The BAEP of 47(72.3%) patients was abnormal. Out of 15 patients with low CBF volume, 14(93.3%) had abnormal BAEP, but out of 50 patients with normal CBF volume, only 33(66%) patients had abnormal BAED (chi 2 = 4.34, P < 0.05). In the 50 patients with obscure obvious vascular pathological changes, 40(80%) patients had abnormal BAEP, but in the 15 patients with obscure or without the changes, only 7(43.3%) patients had abnormal BAEP (chi 2 = 4.86, P < 0.05). These results suggested that there might be a close relationship of BAEP with CBF volume and vascular pathological changes.

Adult↗