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Biomedical subjects

Weimin Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Weimin Liu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

A positive feedback loop of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) leads to cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

cAMP plays crucial roles in cardiac remodeling and the progression of heart failure. Recently, we found that expression of cAMP hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) was significantly reduced in human failing hearts, accompanied by up-regulation of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) expression. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) also induced persistent PDE3A down-regulation and concomitant ICER up-regulation in vitro, which is important in Ang II- and ISO-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We hypothesized that interactions between PDE3A and ICER may constitute an autoregulatory positive feedback loop (PDE3A-ICER feedback loop), and this loop would cause persistent PDE3A down-regulation and ICER up-regulation. Here, we demonstrate that ICER induction repressed PDE3A gene transcription. PDE3A down-regulation activated cAMP/PKA signaling, leading to ICER up-regulation via PKA-dependent stabilization of ICER. With respect to Ang II, the initiation of the PDE3A-ICER feedback loop depends on activation of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), classical PKC(s), and CREB (cAMP response element binding protein). We further show that the PDE3A-ICER feedback loop is essential for Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. ISO and PDE3 inhibitors also induced the PDE3A-ICER feedback loop and subsequent cardiomyocyte apoptosis, highlighting the importance of this PDE3A-ICER feedback loop and cAMP signaling in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our findings may provide a therapeutic paradigm to prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the progression of heart failure by inhibiting the PDE3A-ICER feedback loop.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2005

Self-assembled structure in room-temperature ionic liquids.

Self-assembled vesicles, structurally equivalent to some hydrotropes, have been obtained from a Zn2+-fluorous surfactant or in the mixture of Zn2+-fluorous surfactant/zwitterionic surfactant in room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). The existence of bilayers arranged in vesicles in RTILs would be very exciting, open several new possibilities as reaction media, and increase our understanding of the physical and chemical factors for self-assembling systems in RTILs.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Two routes to vesicle formation: metal-ligand complexation and ionic interactions.

Two routes to vesicle formation were designed to prepare uni- and multilamellar vesicles in salt-free aqueous solutions of surfactants. The formation of a surfactant complex between a double-chain anionic surfactant with a divalent-metal ion as the counterion and a single-chain zwitterionic surfactant with the polar group of amine-oxide group is described for the first time as a powerful driving force for vesicle-phases constructed from salt-free mixtures of aqueous surfactant solutions. As a typical example, a Zn(2+)-induced charged complex fluid, vesicle-phase has been studied in aqueous mixtures of tetradecyldimethylamine oxide (C(14)DMAO) and zinc 2,2-dihydroperfluorooctanoate [Zn(OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13))(2)]. This ionically charged vesicle-phase formed due to surfactant complexation has interesting rheological properties and is not shielded by excess salts because there are no counterions in the solution. Such a vesicle-phase of surfactant complex is important for many applications; for example, the vesicle-phase was further used to produce in situ the vesicle-phase of the salt-free cationic/anionic (catanionic) surfactants, C(14)DMAOH(+)-(-)OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13). The salt-free catanionic vesicle-phase could be produced through injecting H(2)S gas into the C(14)DMAO/Zn(OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13))(2) vesicle-phase, because the zwitterionic surfactant C(14)DMAO can be charged by the H(+) released from H(2)S to become a cationic surfactant and Zn(2+) was precipitated as ZnS. After the ZnS precipitates were removed from C(14)DMAO/Zn(OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13))(2) solutions, the final mixed solution does not contain excess salts as do other cationic/anionic surfactant systems. Both the C(14)DMAO-Zn(OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13))(2) complex and the resulting catanionic C(14)DMAOH(+)-(-)OOCCH(2)C(6)F(13) solution are birefringent Lalpha-phase solutions that consist of uni- and multilamellar vesicles. Ring-shaped semiconductor ZnS materials with encapsulated ZnS precipitates and regular spherical ZnS particles were prepared, which resulted in a transition from vesicles composed of metal-ligand complexes to vesicles held together by ionic interactions in the salt-free aqueous systems. This strategy should provide a new method to prepare inorganic materials. The present routes to form vesicles solve a problem: how to prepare nanomaterials using surfactant self-assembly, with structure controlled not by the growing material, but by the phase behavior of the surfactants.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗
PubMed2005

Mechanism and modification of gastrointestinal soft tissue response to radiation: role of growth factors.

PURPOSE: The negative effects of radiation on the bowel critically limit the treatment doses possible for tumors in the abdomen. The purpose of the present study was to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in abdominally irradiated mouse bowel. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eight- to 12-week-old DBA mice were irradiated to the whole bowel in single fractions of 0 (mock irradiation), 12.5, or 13.5 Gy, and sacrificed 18-25 weeks thereafter. Gross bowel reactions were scored for bowel retraction, bowel wall thickening, mesenteric telangiectasia, and petechia. Tissues were snap frozen and processed for RNase protection assay or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, or both. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), TGFbeta2, TGFbeta3, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interferon gamma mRNA were measured. RESULTS: Radiation at 12.5 Gy and at 13.5 Gy produced significant bowel damage. Levels of all cytokines in irradiated mice were significantly increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Late radiation-related bowel fibrovascular toxicity includes cytokine signal pathways that parallel those of many other normal tissues. These cytokine responses include elevations of tumor necrosis factor alpha, TGFbeta1, and interleukin-6. There exist approaches for lowering these cytokine levels that do not also protect tumor, and thus a therapeutic gain is expected. Opportunities to use these cytokine measurements both to predict clinical toxicity and to develop interventions are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Hypoxia-induced alterations in hyaluronan and hyaluronidase.

Hyaluronan (HA), a large negatively-charged polysaccharide, is a major component of vessel basal membrane. HA is expressed by a variety of cells, including tumor and endothelial cells. We hypothesized that HA could be up-regulated by hypoxia to enhance vessel formation. To determine the effect of hypoxia on the production of HA, tumor cells were treated with either media alone (control) or a hypoxia inducer (CoCl or NaN3) for 24 h. The level of HA in the media was then measured by ELISA. The results showed that both CoCl and NaN3 induced the production of HA. Since the low molecular weight form of HA (SMW) possesses pro-angiogenic properties, we investigated whether hypoxia-induced HA can be processed into SMW. Under hypoxic conditions, the activity of hyaluronidase, the enzyme responsible for degrading HA, was measured by an ELISA-like assay. The activity of hyaluronidase was shown to be up-regulated by hypoxia and, further, could carry out the function of processing HA into SMW. In addition, the hypoxic areas of tumor tissues were stained strongly with biotinylated HA-binding proteins, indicating that the level of HA was high compared to the oxic areas. This study demonstrates that hypoxia can stimulate the production of HA and the activity of hyaluronidase, which may promote angiogenesis as a compensation mechanism for hypoxia.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed2004

Mechanisms of hydroxyl radical-induced contraction of rat aorta.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of hydroxyl radicals (*OH), generated via the Fe2+-mediated Fenton reaction, on isolated rat aortic rings with and without endothelium. In the absence of any vasoactive agent, generation of *OH alone elicited an endothelium-independent contraction in rat aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Hydroxyl radical-induced contractions of denuded rat aortic rings appeared, however, to be slightly stronger than those on intact rat aortic rings. The contractile responses to *OH were neither reversible nor reproducible in the same ring; even small concentrations of *OH radicals resulted in tachyphylaxis. Removal of extracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) or buffering intracellular Ca2+ with 10 microM acetyl methyl ester of bis(o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM) significantly attenuated the contractile actions of *OH radicals. The presence of 1 microM staurosporine, 1 microM bisindolylmaleimide I, 1 microM Gö6976 [inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC)], 2 microM PD-980592 (inhibitor of ERK), 10 microM genistein, and 1 microM wortmannin significantly inhibited the contractions induced by *OH. Proadifen (10 microM), on the other hand, significantly potentiated the hydroxyl radical-induced contractions. Exposure of primary cultured aortic smooth muscle cells to *OH produced significant, rapid rises of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Several, specific antagonists of possible endogenously formed vasoconstrictors did not inhibit or attenuate either hydroxyl radical-induced contractions or the elevation of [Ca2+]i. Our new results suggest that hydroxyl radical-triggered contractions on rat aortic rings are Ca2+-dependent. Several intracellular signal transduction systems seem to play some role in hydroxyl radical-induced vasoconstriction of rat aortic rings.

Androstadienes↗
PubMed2004

Controlling synthesis of BiIn dendritic nanocrystals by solution dispersion.

In this study, we report a novel and simple solution-phase route for one-dimensional metal nanocrystals. BiIn nanocrystals were prepared by directly dispersing melting BiIn alloy at an appropriate solvent. The as-obtained BiIn nanocrystals with a dendritic shape possess a good crystalline phase. The morphology of the nanocrystals can be greatly modified by changing the reaction parameters. This strong UV emission might arise from the quantum-confined In2O3 particles.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Control of spontaneous B lymphocyte autoimmunity with adenovirus-encoded soluble TACI.

OBJECTIVE: Serum B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is increased in autoimmune diseases, both in animal models and in humans. This study examined the effect of BLyS blockade in 3 animal models of lupus. METHODS: Antibodies and lupus-like disease manifestations were examined in mice after administration of a single injection of an adenoviral construct for the transmembrane activator and CAML interactor receptor (AdTACI) that produces high serum levels of TACI-Fc fusion protein. RESULTS: In C57BL/6 (B6) lpr/lpr mice (B6.lpr/lpr), which were used to model autoimmunity in the absence of severe disease, treatment of younger mice with AdTACI prevented the development of hypergammaglobulinemia. In contrast, use of AdTACI for BLyS blockade had only transient effects on the levels of IgG in normal B6 mice. AdTACI blocked the development of autoantibodies in younger B6.lpr/lpr mice and reversed the production of autoantibodies in older B6.lpr/lpr mice, and also reduced the numbers of splenic plasma cells. In MRL.lpr/lpr mice, which were used to examine disease manifestations, AdTACI reduced the extent of glomerulonephritis and proteinuria and improved survival, but had little effect on T cell infiltration and interstitial nephritis. However, in (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice, AdTACI induced neutralizing anti-TACI antibodies and failed to reduce the numbers of B cells. CONCLUSION: BLyS blockade has little effect on IgG levels in normal mice, but reverses the production of spontaneously produced IgM and IgG autoantibodies in the setting of established autoimmunity. Blockade of BLyS ameliorates B cell-dependent disease manifestations even in the MRL.lpr/lpr model, but its effectiveness on autonomous T cell aspects of the disease is limited. Moreover, its effectiveness is neutralized by anti-TACI antibodies when present. These results provide a basis for understanding the potential effects of BLyS blockade in human disease.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2004

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of sophoridine and matrine in rat plasma.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for the simultaneous determination of sophoridine and matrine in rat plasma. Sophoridine and matrine in the resulting supernatant of the plasma deproteinized with acetonitrile containing an internal standard (acetanilide) were directly determined by reversed-phase HPLC and ultraviolet detection. The result of limits of quantitation for matrine and sophoridine were 200 and 350 ng/mL in plasma, respectively, and recovery of both analytes was greater than 98%. The assay was linear from 250 to 4000 ng/mL for matrine and from 500 to 8000 ng/mL for sophoridine. Variation over the range of the standard curve was less than 15%. The method was used to determine the concentration-time profiles of matrine and sophoridine in the plasma following oral administration of Kexieling tablets, which is one of the preparations of Kudouzi at a dose equivalent to 30 and 60 mg/kg of matrine and sophoridine, respectively.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2004

Optimization of a high-performance liquid chromatography system by artificial neural networks for separation and determination of antioxidants.

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system was used to determine the antioxidants tert-butyl-hydroquinone (TBHQ), tert-butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), and 3,5-di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) simultaneously in oils. The paper presents a new methodology for the optimized separation of antioxidants in oils based on the coupling of experimental design and artificial neural networks. The orthogonal design and the artificial neural networks with extended delta-bar-delta (EDBD) learning algorithm were employed to design the experiments and optimize the variables. The response function (Rf) used was a weighted linear combination of two variables related to separation efficiency and retention time, according to which the optimized conditions were obtained. The above-mentioned antioxidants in rapeseed oils were separated and determined simultaneously under optimized conditions by HPLC with UV detection at 280 nm. Linearity was obtained over the range of 10-200 microg/mL with recoveries of 98.3% (TBHQ), 98.1% (BHT), and 96.2% (BHA).

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2004

Peroxynitrite induces apoptosis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells: possible relation to vascular diseases.

An emerging body of evidence is accumulating to suggest that in vivo formation of free radicals in the vasculature, such as peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and programmed cell death (i.e., apoptosis) play important roles in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis. The present study was designed to determine whether primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo apoptosis following treatment with ONOO-. Direct exposure of primary rat aortic SMCs to ONOO--induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, as confirmed by means of quantitative fluorescence staining and TUNEL assays. ONOO--induced apoptosis in rat aortic SMCs appears to involve activation of Ca2+-dependent endonucleases. Although the precise mechanisms by which peroxynitrite induces apoptosis in rat aortic SMCs need to be further investigated, the present, preliminary findings could be used to suggest that ONOO- formation in the vasculature may play roles in the processes of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis, via adverse actions on blood vessels.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Determination of glycyrrhizinic acid in biotransformation system by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography].

A method for determining glycyrrhizinic acid in the biotransformation system by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed. The HPLC conditions were as follows: Hypersil C18 column (4.6 mm i.d. x 250 mm, 5 microm) with a mixture of methanol-water-acetic acid (70:30:1, v/v) as the mobile phase; flow rate at 1.0 mL/min; and UV detection at 254 nm. The linear range of glycyrrhizinic acid was 0.2-20 microg. The recoveries were 98%-103% with relative standard deviations between 0.16% and 1.58% (n = 3). The method is simple, rapid and accurate for determining glycyrrhizinic acid.

Biotransformation↗
PubMed2003

Hydrogen peroxide induces apoptosis in cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells: possible relation to neurodegenerative diseases and strokes.

Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been suggested as important mediators of brain damage in a number of disease states, including traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases and strokes. Apoptosis has been suggested to play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury and strokes. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs) undergo apoptosis following treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that H2O2 can induce apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in primary cultured CVSMCs, as measured by several morphological and biochemical criteria. H2O2-induced apoptosis may be initiated by stimulating Ca2+-dependent endonuclease activity. The present new data suggest that apoptosis in cerebral VSMCs, induced by ROS, such as H2O2, could play important roles in neruodegenerative processes, traumatic brain injury and strokes.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Peroxynitrite induces apoptosis in canine cerebral vascular muscle cells: possible relation to neurodegenerative diseases and strokes.

Considerable evidence is accumulating to suggest that in vivo formation of free radicals in the brain, such as peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and programmed cell death (i.e. apoptosis) play important roles in neurodegeneration and stroke. However, it is not known whether ONOO- can induce apoptosis in cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs). The present study was designed to determine whether or not canine CVSMCs undergo apoptosis following treatment with ONOO-. Direct exposure of canine CVSMCs to ONOO- induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, as confirmed by means of fluorescence staining, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and comet assays. Peroxynitrite treatment resulted in an elevation of [Ca2+]i in the CVSMCs. Peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis may thus be brought about by activation of Ca2+-dependent endonucleases. Although the precise mechanisms by which peroxynitrite induces apoptosis need to be further investigated, the present findings could be used to suggest that ONOO- formation in the brain may play important roles in neurodegenerative processes and strokes via detrimental actions on cerebral microvessels and blood flow.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

TRAIL-R2 (DR5) mediates apoptosis of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis.

TRAIL has been proposed as an anti-inflammatory cytokine in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using two agonistic mAbs specific for TRAIL-R1 (DR4) and TRAIL-R2 (DR5), we examined the expression and function of these death receptors in RA synovial fibroblast cells. The synovial tissues and primary synovial fibroblast cells isolated from patients with RA, but not those isolated from patients with osteoarthritis, selectively expressed high levels of cell surface DR5 and were highly susceptible to anti-DR5 Ab (TRA-8)-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, RA synoviocytes did not show increased expression of TRAIL-R1 (DR4), nor was there any difference in expression of Fas between RA and osteoarthritis synovial cells. In vitro TRA-8 induced apoptosis of RA synovial cells and inhibited production of matrix metalloproteinases induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo TRA-8 effectively inhibited hypercellularity of a SV40-transformed RA synovial cell line and completely prevented bone erosion and cartilage destruction induced by these cells. These results indicate that increased DR5 expression and susceptibility to DR5-mediated apoptosis are characteristic of the proliferating synovial cells in RA. As highly proliferative transformed-appearing RA synovial cells play a crucial role in bone erosion and cartilage destruction in RA, the specific targeting of DR5 on RA synovial cells with an agonistic anti-DR5 Ab may be a potential therapy for RA.

Adult↗