Biomedical subjects

L Yu

Publications and source records attributed to L Yu.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Newcastle disease virus activates macrophages for anti-tumor activity.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), an agent with interesting immune stimulatory and anti-tumor activity, was investigated for its capacity to activate anti-tumor activity in murine macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Direct macrophage activation was seen under a variety of experimental conditions using two different strains of NDV, different sources of macrophages (spleen and peritoneum) and different strains of mice (DBA/2, C57BL/6, 615). Various macrophage enzymes (ADA, iNOS, lysozyme, acid phosphatase) became upregulated and anti-tumor effector molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-alpha were found in the supernatant. NDV activated macrophages performed anti-tumor activity in vitro such as anti-tumor cytostasis and anti-tumor cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic anti-tumor activity was broad and active against all tumor lines tested including mammary carcinoma, lung carcinoma, mastocytoma and immune escape variants (lymphoma). Macrophage activation via BCG/LPS also caused a broad range anti-tumor cytotoxic activity while activation via mixed lymphocyte culture conditioned medium had restricted anti-tumor activity. Anti-tumor activity of NDV activated macrophages could be transfered in vivo. Transfer of macrophages which had not been appropriately activated exerted either no effect or a tumor growth augmenting effect. Repeated intravenous transfer of NDV activated macrophages exerted a significant suppressive effect on pulmonary metastases in a mammary carcinoma tumor model as well as in a lung carcinoma model. Taken together these results demonstrate that NDV can strongly activate macrophages to perform anti-tumor activities in vitro and in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Refined chromosome assignment of human novel H-RalGDS gene on chromosome 9q34.1 by using radiation hybrid genebridge 4 panel].

OBJECTIVE: Refined chromosome assignment of a novel Ras-related H-RalGDS gene (the human homology of rat RalGDS, Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator recently cloned and characterized by our laboratory) by using human/rodent radiation somatic cell hybrid panel GB4. METHODS: According to the sequence of the 3'-untranslated region of H-RalGDS cDNA, forward and reverse primers were designed and used to amplify the human/rodent somatic radiation hybrid Genebridge 4 panel. The PCR result of each cell line of the panel was scored in a certain way and put into the related internet site of WI/MIT Radiation Hybrid Mapper for RH mapping and comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: The H-RalGDS gene was successfully localized to the framework of chromosome 9. After referring to literature and further integrated mapping analysis of the physical, genetic linkage and cytological mappings, the gene was assigned precisely between the markers SURF5 and RPL7A which had already been assigned to human chromosome 9q34.1. CONCLUSION: The localization of H-RalGDS not only contributed much to the construction of refined gene map and cytogenetic map within the region of chromosome 9q34, but also made clear that RH mapping of human novel genes is a simple, convenient and reliable method which can provide even more genetic information of genes within chromosomal regions.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Applicability of BSID-II in diagnosing developmental delay at Kaohsiung area.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of BSID-II in diagnosing children with developmental delay in Kaohsuing area. Five hundred and forty-four children, all who were patients of Developmental Delay Clinic of Kaohsuing Medical University, participated in this study. The instrument of this study was the Bayley Scales of Infant Development--second edition (BSID-II), the primary value of which was in diagnosing developmental delay and planning intervention strategies. The standardization and statistical properties of BSID-II made it one of the best measures of infant development available. The findings as follows: (1) the alpha coefficients were between .95 and .99, which were higher than data on manual of BSID-II; (2) the reproducibilities, which were different with each examiner, were between .9503 and .9633, that were good enough to be a developmental scale; (3) Standard Errors of Measurement were between 2.8589 and 3.8206. It was a restricted sample so that these also were lower than the data on manual of BSID-II. This evidence shows BSID-II is a highly reliable instrument of developmental assessment at Kaohsuing area. A special norm for developmentally delayed children and quality control of examiners are suggested.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2000

Association between increased levels of TNF-alpha, decreased levels of prealbumin and retinol-binding protein, and disease outcome.

We determined whether there is an association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), undernutrition [prealbumin (PA) <160 mg/L, retinol binding protein (RBP) <30 mg/L], disease stage, outcome (death or survival), and race in children with leukemia. TNF-alpha, PA, and RBP were measured in 52 patients (0.8 to 17 years old): 18 African Americans, 34 whites; 27 newly diagnosed (ND), and 25 in clinical remission (CR). Mean levels of TNF-alpha were higher in patients than in 46 healthy children (p < 0.05), but were not different between ND and CR groups. Mean acute phase proteins (APP) were different among groups: ND > CR > controls (p < 0.05). Mean levels of PA and RBP were lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.051, and tended to be higher in CR than in ND patients. African-American patients had lower concentrations of TNF-alpha, PA, and RBP but higher APP than white patients (p < 0.05). CR patients and African-American patients who died tended to have higher levels of TNF-alpha and APP, but lower PA and RBP than those who survived. A higher percentage of ND African Americans (45%) than of ND whites (13%) died. Results suggest that undernutrition and inflammation in CR patients and African Americans were associated with poor survival, and that ND African Americans have a poorer outcome than whites independently of TNF-alpha levels.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMed2000

An application of the situational interview to selection of nursing personnel.

The study was designed to develop a situational interview technique to replace the unstructured interview commonly used in the selection process of nursing personnel and explore the applicability of incorporating the situational interview and psychological tests into the development of a regression model of nursing personnel selection. The authors collected from several teaching hospitals in Kaohsiung job-related critical incidents which were used to construct the questionnaire for the situational interview and the performance appraisal checklist. A sample of subjects, 198 in the first year but only 116 the second year, were interviewed and evaluated with the situational interview, the Nursing Image Scale, the Work Values Inventory, and part of the Gordon Personal Profile-Inventory as predictor measures and the performance appraisal checklist as the criterion measure. The results showed that the reliability and validity coefficients of the situational interview were close to or even better than those obtained by the previous researchers in the same field. The reliability and validity coefficients of the performance appraisal checklist indicated its applicability and suitability. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the situational interview as well as some traits measured by the personality and values tests could predict the performance appraisal scores of nursing personnel.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Modest increases in the titers of helper virus-free herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) vectors by packaging in a cell line with inducible expression of HSV-1 VP16 or by treatment with N,N'-hexamethylene-bis-acetamide.

A recently developed helper virus-free HSV-1 vector system has potential for both gene therapy and physiological studies, but relatively low vector titers have complicated use of this system. In this report, we explored improving the vector titers by isolating a Vero cell line that uses the tetracycline-regulated promoter system to induce HSV-1 VP16 at the beginning of the packaging procedure. We isolated the required cell line and demonstrated that it supports enhanced expression from a HSV-1 immediate early (IE) promoter. However, use of this cell line in helper virus-free vector packaging results in only a modest, approximately 2-fold increase in the vector titers. Additionally, treating the packaging cells with N,N'-hexamethylene-bis-acetamide (HMBA), which is known to induce HSV-1 IE promoters, also supports only modest increases in the vector titers. These results suggest that the lack of VP16 is not the rate limiting factor in the packaging procedure.

Acetamides↗

PubMed2000

[Isolation of genes associated with renoprotective effects of astragalus and angelica by silver staining mRNA differential display].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate genes associated with chronic progression of renal diseases and renoprotective effects of Astragalus and Angelica(A & A). METHODS: Chronic puromycin nephropathy, which is characterized by massive proteinuria and progressive glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, was induced in SD rats by repeated peritoneal injections of puromycin. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) normal control (n = 7), (2) puromycin nephropathy without A&A treatment (n = 7), (3) puromycin nephropathy A & A treatment (3 ml/d, n = 7). After 12 weeks, serum, urine and renal tissue were collected for study. The technique of silver staining mRNA differential display (DD) was used to investigate the changes of gene expression in kidneys of normal and nephropathy with and without A&A treatment rats. Genes expressing differently during the progression of renal diseases were isolated and the progression could be normalized by A&A. RESULTS: Twenty-six candidate cDNA fragments were isolated with DD. Northern blot analysis of eight randomly chosen candidate cDNA fragments demonstrated one exhibiting reduced mRNA expression in the fibrogenic process but upregulated by A&A treatment. Besides kidney, the gene was also expressed in lung, heart, liver and spleen. Whether it takes part in fibrogenic processes of these organs needs further study. Homology analysis through BLAST revealed that this gene was a novel one. CONCLUSION: Silver staining mRNA differential display is a simple and quick technique for isolating differently expressed genes. The downregulated expression of the isolated new gene may contribute significantly to the fibrogenic process and be associated with A&A's protective effects.

Angelica sinensis↗

PubMed2000

Astragalus mongholicus and Angelica sinensis compound alleviates nephrotic hyperlipidemia in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of lipid-lowering effect of the Astragalus mongholicus and Angelica sinensis compound (A&A) on nephrotic hyperlipidemia in rats. METHODS: Rats with nephrotic syndrome from accelerated nephrotoxic serum nephritis were used. They were divided into two groups: A&A treatment group and nephrotic control group. Normal rats were used as a normal control group. Serum lipids, serum lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) were assayed biochemically and enzymatically. mRNAs of hepatic hydroxy-methyl glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA-R) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) were assessed by Northern blot. RESULTS: In nephrotic control group hyperlipidemia was found. The activities of serum LPL and LCAT were low. Hepatic HMG-CoA-R mRNA increased temporarily at the early stage while LDL-R mRNA decreased gradually. In A&A treatment group, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were significantly lower than those in nephrotic control group. There was no change in the amount of hepatic HMG-CoA-R mRNA, but hepatic LDL-R mRNA and activities of serum LPL and LCAT increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A&A alleviates hyperlipidemia considerably in nephrotic rats. A&A improves disorders of lipid metabolism perhaps through up-regulating the expression of hepatic LDL-R gene and through increasing the activities of serum LPL and LCAT.

Angelica sinensis↗

PubMed2000

Identification of a mutation hotspot in exon 8 of Wilson disease gene by cycle sequencing.

OBJECTIVE: To screen for mutation hotspot of Wilson disease (WD) gene in Chinese population. METHODS: Cycle sequencing was used to detect mutation in exon 8 of WD gene in 30 patients with Wilson disease. RESULTS: The same missense mutation, Arg779Leu, was identified in 14 WD patients, four of whom were homozygous and the other heterozygous for this mutation. The frequency of this mutation in Chinese patients was 30%. CONCLUSION: The codon 779 (CCG-->CTG) of exon 8 of WD gene was one of mutation hotspots in Chinese.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2000

[AP-1 mediated signal transduction in thrombin-induced regulation of PAL-1 expression in human mesangial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate activator protein-1 (AP-1) mediated mechanisms in thrombin-induced qlasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in cultured human glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). METHODS: Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was employed to assess AP-1 DNA-binding activity, and Western blot hybridization was used for quantification of c-fos and c-jun, two subunits of AP-1 dimers. PAI-1 activity and mRNA expression were analysed by the fibrin plate assay and Northern hybridization, respectively. RESULTS: Thrombin concentration enhanced PAI-1 activity in the supernatant and stimulated PAI-1 mRNA expression in cultured MCs. PAI-1 activity was blocked by hirudin, a specific inhibitor of thrombin. Further study demonstrated that thrombin promoted AP-1 DNA-binding activity but exerted little effect on c-fos or c-jun. Curcumin (AP-1 inhibitor), staurosporine (PKC inhibitor), and genistein (PTK inhibitor) all reduced AP-1-mediated PAI-1 mRNA expression induced by thrombin in cultured MCs. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that in cultured human MCs, thrombin stimulates PAI-1 expression through an AP-1 signal pathway, which may be mediated by PKC and PTK.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2000

[Study on the relationship between a polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene and the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between -308 bp polymorphism in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene promoter region and the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: One hundred eighteen Chinese women with PCOS (44 were obese, and 74 nonobese) and 54 controls were genotyped according to the fragment length [87 bp and(or) 107 bp] of TNF-alpha gene promoter by the technique of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The distribution of TNF1 genotype (87/87) and TNF2 genotype (87/107 + 107/107) in the two groups and their relations to parameters of glucose metabolism associated with PCOS were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distribution of TNF1 and TNF2 genotypes between PCOS group and the controls (P > 0.05). In obese PCOS group, only significant lower insulin sensitivity index was found in TNF-1 genotype as compared with TNF2 genotype (P < 0.05). In nonobese PCOS group, there was no significant difference in all parameters of glucose metabolism between TNF1 and TNF2 genotype. All parameters of glucose metabolism in obese patients with TNF1 genotype were significantly different from those in nonobese with TNF1 genotype. However, significant differences were found only in some parameters when comparison was made between obese and nonobese within the TNF2 genotype group. CONCLUSION: There is no association between TNF-alpha gene -308 bp polymorphism and the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, but PCOS patients with TNF2 genotype may associate with improvement to certain degree on abnormal glucose tolerance usually existed in obese PCOS women.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Clinical application of radioimmunoimaging with 99mTc-BDI-1 in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical application of radioimmunoimaging (RII) with 99mTc-BDI-1 in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. METHODS: 32 patients with bladder cancer and 5 with normal bladder were studied. RII was performed 1 hour after intravesical administration of 111-222 MBq 99mTc-BDI-1 followed by washing out and perfusing bladder with 50 ml PBS. The radioactivity ratio of target over background (CT/CB) was calculated. RESULTS: The radiochemical purity of 99mTc-BDI-1 was greater than 95%. RII showed radioactive accumulation area for most of bladder cancers but no radio-active concentration for normal bladder. The sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 81.8% respectively with the assignment of the positive criterion of CT/CB > or = 1.40. There was no statistical difference in sensitivity between tumors with diameters > or = 1 cm (1.0-4.2 cm) and < 1 cm (0.2-0.8 cm). CT/CB was related to the pathological grade (G1-G3) of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: RII by intravesical administration provides a new noninvasive method for the diagnosis of bladder cancer in morphology and in nature of tumor with high sensitivity and specificity. It may be used for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer, follow-up after surgery, and diagnosis of in situ tumor.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed2000

Intravesical immunotoxin as adjuvant therapy to prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intravesical application of immunotoxin as adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence after tumor resection in bladder cancer patients. METHODS: An anti-human immunotoxin against bladder carcinoma, BDI-1-RT, was prepared and its in vitro targeting cytotoxicity estimated. The immunoreactivity of BDI-1-RT with human bladder cancer tissue of different grades and stages was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. After safety test, intravesical administration of BDI-1-RT was performed in 31 patients while mitomycin C (MMC) was used in 36 patients serving as a control group. The recurrence rates and side effects in both groups were recorded. In addition, the development of human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) was determined by ELISA, to assess the potential safety of this immunotoxin. RESULTS: In our study, BDI-1-RT had immunoreactivity with 81.6% of bladder transitional cell carcinomas. The immunoreactivity of BDI-1-RT correlated with tumor grade. High-grade carcinoma had stronger staining than low-grade (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the BDI-1-RT group (10%) and MMC group (19.3%) in recurrence rate (P > 0.05). Side effects, including systemic and local, were more frequent in the MMC group (11 of 36 patients versus 2 of 31, P < 0.05). HAMA was not detected in any of 7 patients. CONCLUSION: Immunotoxin may have considerable potential in the prophylaxis of bladder transition cell carcinoma.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed2000

[Functional status of p53 and chemosensitivity of colon cancer cell lines].

OBJECTIVE: To study the functional status of tumor suppressor gene p53 in relation to chemotherapeutic sensitivity in colon cancer cell lines. METHODS: With the use of functional assay (FASAY) of p53, the existing p53 status (wt, mt) of 6 colon cancer cell lines was determined. The difference in chemotherapeutic sensitivity of colon cancer cells with wild-type p53 was compared with those with mutated type p53 by MTT method, followed by cytometic analysis of cell cycle. RESULTS: The chemotherapeutic sensitivity of Lovo and LS 174T cancer cell lines with wild-type p53 was 5-10 times higher than that of 4 other cell lines with mutated p53. Selective apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase occurred when treated with adriamycin. CONCLUSION: The functional status of p53 in human colon cancer cell lines directly affects their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed2000

[Studies on the interaction between interleukin-6 and human renal cell carcinoma cell line GRC-1].

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effects of IL-6 on the renal cell carcinoma cell line GRC-1. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunocytochemical staining and RT-PCR analysis indicated that this cell line could express IL-6 both on mRNA and protein levels. Secretion of IL-6 in this cell line was 465 pg/ml, which was identified by ELISA assay. By RT-PCR analysis, we found that GRC-1 expressed IL-6 receptor system including IL-6 mRNA and gp130 mRNA. The rhIL-6 did not stimulate the growth of GRC-1 while the neutralizing antibody did not inhibit its growth. For further identification of the effect of IL-6 on GRC-1 cells, we introduced an antisense IL-6 RNA into GRC-1 cells. Thereafter, the lowered expression of IL-6 mRNA was observed by Northern blot, and the secretion of IL-6 was reduced to 250 pg/ml. But there were no significant growth-inhibitory effects on GRC-1 cells. CONCLUSION: Although GRC-1 could express IL-6, IL-6 R and gp130, the rhIL-6 and IL-6 neutralizing antibody or transducing antisense IL-6 RNA could not change the growth of GRC-1 cells significantly. These results suggest that it is not likely for IL-6 functioning as an autocrine growth factor for GRC-1.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed2000

[A preliminary report of two cases of human hand allograft].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of reconstruction of amputation by hand allograft in human being. METHODS: Two male recipients with traumatic right wrist amputation for 2 years, were matched respectively to two ABO- and Rh-compatible, HLA- half mpatible brain-dead donors. Direct crossmatch was performed to confirm the absence of prior sensitization to alloantigens. After amputation the donor's arm was irrigated with UW organ preservation solution at 4 degrees, and transported in a box with ice. One of the two donor arms was randomly selected and irradiated by 8 gy x-ray before transplantation. The transplantation involved radial and ulnar bone fixation, anastomoses of radial and ulnar artery, sutures of median and ulnar and radial nerves, joining of tendons except flexors digitorum superficialis, and skin closure. After surgery the patients were given wide-spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulation and antispasm agents, and immunosuppressants, which included antithymocyte globins, FK506, mycophenolic acid, prednisone systematically and fluocinolone acetonide ointment locally. Clinical observations included vital signs and circulation of the hands. Immune state was monitored by assaying C-reactive protein, Igs and PRA in the blood. Skin biopsy was done to exclude the dermal rejection. After the surgery the patients received psychotherapy and hand rehabilitation. RESULTS: The circulation of the transplanted hands was similar to that of replanted ones. One of the patients developed hyperglycaemia, which required insulin administration. The skin healed naturally. The nerve regeneration were found more rapid by Tinel's sign. At 7 weeks erythema papulatum occurred on the skin, which was cured by withdrawing of fluocinolone acetonide ointment and application of calamine lotion. At 4 months the function of grafted hands recovered well, which could hold a drinking cup. The nerves had grown to the end of fingers and electromyograph showed regenerative action potentials of thenal muscles. Skin biopsy confirmed no rejection. CONCLUSION: Ideal histocompatability and combined usage of currently available immunosupressants can prevent hyperacute and accelerating rejection of human hand allograft. The tissues heal and the early function recover similarly to those in autologous replantation.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Correlation of transplantation tolerance and chimerism induced by allogeneic parabiosis in adult rats].

OBJECTIVE: To induce transplantation tolerance by allogeneic parabiosis in adult rats to explore the relation between chimeras and tolerance. METHODS: Cyclophosphamide (CP, 100 mg/kg) was intraperitonially administered before and after parabiosis to observe the survival days of parabiotic rats. Grafting skin for each other after separation of parabiosed rats pairs on day 5, 15 and 45 respectively to observe the survival time of skin graft survival. In the same time the percentage of cells of donor origin in the spleen and thymus of recipient rats were determined by FACS. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and delayed type hypersensivity (DTH) at day 15 of parabiosis were tested. RESULTS: Survival days of parabiotic rats were significantly prolonged (P = 0.000 5, MST = 63.5 days). After 15 day of parabiosis, the stable skin transplantation tolerance was established. During the first 15 day of parabiosis, the level of chimerism was increased with time, afterwards the chimerism became relatively stable. DTH and MLR of parabiotic rats on day 15 were donor-specifically suppressed. CONCLUSION: Parabiosis can induce specific transplantation tolerance in both parabiotic DA and LEW rats. There is a positive correlation of chimerism and transplantation tolerance.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Expression of Fas ligand in urogenital malignant cell lines and renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of Fas ligand in urogenital malignant cell lines and renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: With immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we detected the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in 6 urogenital malignant cell lines, bladder carcinoma cell lines (T(24), EJ, BIU-87), renal cell carcinoma cell lines (GRC-1, RCC-949), prostatic carcinoma cell line (PC-3M), and 10 cases of renal cell carcinoma. RESULTS: The expression of FasL was detected in 3 (BIU-87, RCC-949, GRC-1) of the 6 urogenital malignant cell lines with immunocytochemistry, and 4 (BIU-87, RCC-949, GRC-1, PC-3M) of 6 urogenital malignant cell lines with RT-PCR method. No expression of FasL was detected in bladder carcinoma cell lines T(24) and EJ. Eight of 10 renal cell carcinoma tissues positively expressed FasL mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: FasL can express in urogenital malignant cell lines and renal cell carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗