Biomedical subjects

X Guan

Publications and source records attributed to X Guan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Comparison of plasma uric acid levels in five varieties of the domestic turkey, Meleagris gallopavo.

Plasma uric acid (PUA) is a consensus physiological biomarker for many phenotypes in vertebrates because it is a reliable indicator for processes such as oxidative stress and tubular function. In birds, it is considered a major antioxidant and is also the primary endproduct of nitrogen metabolism. Despite this importance, knowledge of baseline levels of PUA in physiologically normal birds, including the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, is limited. Here, we compared PUA levels in a total of 106 apparently normal male and female birds at 8 and 32 wk of age from 5 strains of the domestic turkey, including Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Blue Slate, Royal Palm, and Spanish Black. Though differences in PUA were not significant at 8 and 32 wk of age, BW, variety, and sex effects were highly significant. When adjusted for BW, female birds had, on average, a higher PUA per kilogram of BW than male birds. When adjusted for both sex and BW, Royal Palm birds had the lowest average PUA, and Blue Slate had the highest PUA. Results of these investigations represent the first comparative analysis of PUA in physiologically normal turkey varieties. They suggest that differences in basal plasma levels of uric acid in physiologically normal turkeys are influenced by sex, weight, and genetic background but may be independent of age.

Aging↗

PubMed2004

Dietary protein concentration affects plasma arteriovenous difference of amino acids across the porcine mammary gland.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the porcine mammary gland responds to increasing dietary CP concentration through changes in AA arteriovenous difference (a-v). Sixteen Landrace x Yorkshire lactating sows were provided ad libitum access to one of four isocaloric diets varying in CP concentration (7.8, 13.0, 18.2, and 23.5 %; as-fed basis). Litters were adjusted to 11 pigs within 48 h of birth. Sows were fitted with catheters in the carotid artery and main mammary vein on d 4. On d 10, 14, 18, and 22 of lactation, arterial and venous blood samples were obtained every 30 min over 6 h. Milk yield was estimated on d 11 and 21 using the D2O dilution technique. Final litter sizes on d 21 were 10.3, 11, 9.5, and 11 piglets for sows fed the 7.8, 13.0, 18.2, and 23.5% CP diets, respectively. Piglet ADG tended (P = 0.088) to increase with increasing dietary CP concentration and were 186, 221, 220, and 202 g for sows fed the 7.8, 13.0, 18.2, and 23.5% CP diet, respectively. Daily total milk yield on d 21 (kg milk/d) tended (P = 0.099) to increase, and average milk yield per nursed piglet (kg of milk-pig(-1)d(-1)) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing CP concentration and were, on a per-piglet basis, 0.95, 1.19, 1.14 and 1.13 kg of milk/d for the 7.8, 13.0, 18.2, and 23.5% CP diets, respectively. As dietary CP increased from 7.8 to 23.5%, isoleucine and leucine a-v increased linearly only (linear, P < 0.01); all other AA a-v increased, reached a maximum in sows fed 18.2% CP, and decreased thereafter in sows fed 23.5% CP (quadratic, from P = 0.10 to P < 0.05). Amino acid uptake by the entire udder and by each gland increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CP. Arteriovenous differences response to increasing day of lactation varied among AA, from no change for histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and valine, to a linear trend increase for arginine (P = 0.055), leucine (P = 0.064), phenylalanine (P = 0.101), and threonine (P = 0.057). In summary, for the majority of AA, a-v increased with increasing dietary CP concentration from 7.8 to 18.2%, but decreased when CP concentration exceeded 18.2%. In contrast, mammary AA uptake, piglet ADG and milk yield per pig increased linearly with increasing dietary CP, suggesting a coordinated regulation between AA delivery and transport to meet the demand for milk yield.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2003

Comparative analyses of multi-species sequences from targeted genomic regions.

The systematic comparison of genomic sequences from different organisms represents a central focus of contemporary genome analysis. Comparative analyses of vertebrate sequences can identify coding and conserved non-coding regions, including regulatory elements, and provide insight into the forces that have rendered modern-day genomes. As a complement to whole-genome sequencing efforts, we are sequencing and comparing targeted genomic regions in multiple, evolutionarily diverse vertebrates. Here we report the generation and analysis of over 12 megabases (Mb) of sequence from 12 species, all derived from the genomic region orthologous to a segment of about 1.8 Mb on human chromosome 7 containing ten genes, including the gene mutated in cystic fibrosis. These sequences show conservation reflecting both functional constraints and the neutral mutational events that shaped this genomic region. In particular, we identify substantial numbers of conserved non-coding segments beyond those previously identified experimentally, most of which are not detectable by pair-wise sequence comparisons alone. Analysis of transposable element insertions highlights the variation in genome dynamics among these species and confirms the placement of rodents as a sister group to the primates.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Glucagon-like peptide 2 function in domestic animals.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a member of family of peptides derived from the proglucagon gene expressed in the intestines, pancreas and brain. Tissue-specific posttranslational processing of proglucagon leads to GLP-2 and GLP-1 secretion from the intestine and glucagon secretion from the pancreas. GLP-2 and GLP-1 are co-secreted from the enteroendocrine L-cells located in distal intestine in response to enteral nutrient ingestion, especially carbohydrate and fat. GLP-2 secretion is mediated by direct nutrient stimulation of the L-cells and indirect action from enteroendocrine and neural inputs, including GIP, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and the vagus nerve. GLP-2 is secreted as a 33-amino acid peptide and is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV) to a truncated peptide which acts as a weak agonist with competitive antagonistic properties. GLP-2 acts to enhance nutrient absorption by inhibiting gastric motility and secretion and stimulating nutrient transport. GLP-2 also suppresses food intake when infused centrally. The trophic actions of GLP-2 are specific for the intestine and occur via stimulation of crypt cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in mucosal epithelial cells. GLP-2 reduces gut permeability, bacterial translocation and proinflammatory cytokine expression under conditions of intestinal inflammation and injury. The effects of GLP-2 are mediated by a G-protein-linked receptor that is localized to the intestinal mucosa and hypothalamus. The intestinal localization of the GLP-2R to neural and endocrine cells, but not enterocytes, suggests that its actions are mediated indirectly via a secondary signaling mechanism. The implications of GLP-2 in domestic animal production are largely unexplored. However, GLP-2 may have therapeutic application in treatment of gastrointestinal injury and diarrheal diseases that occur in developing neonatal and weanling animals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Whole-cell biosensing of 3-chlorocatechol in liquids and soils.

A rapid and sensitive technique is needed to analyze water and soils for chlorocatechols, common environmental pollutants produced from wood pulp chlorination and other processes. The soil bacteria Pseudomonas putida, harboring plasmid pSMM50R-B', selectively express beta-galactosidase in response to 3-chlorocatechol in pure water samples. The objective of the study was to determine whether background matrices in fresh water, sea water, soils, and organic solvents interfered with 3-chlorocatechol analysis by use of a bacteria-sensing system and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Although 3-chlorocatechol detection by HPLC was not substantially affected by the background composition of aqueous or organic solvents, HPLC was ineffective in the analysis of contaminated soils due to irreversible contaminant sorption. Whereas detection by the bacteria-sensing system was reduced in the presence of aqueous and organic solvents, interferences could be reduced by sample dilution. 3-Chlorocatechol was detected when the bacteria were added directly to contaminated soils, suggesting that the organism enhanced desorption or had access to the sorbed compounds. Results indicate that the bacteria-sensing system has wide application for detection of 3-chlorocatechols in environmental samples, especially in soils where extraction and HPLC analysis are not efficient due to extensive contaminant sorption.

Catechols↗

PubMed2001

A catalytic antibody produces fluorescent tracers of gap junction communication in living cells.

The antibody 38C2 efficiently catalyzed a retro-Michael reaction to convert a novel, cell-permeable fluorogenic substrate into fluorescein within living cells. In vitro, the antibody converted the substrate to fluorescein with a k(cat) of 1.7 x 10(-5) s(-1) and a catalytic proficiency (k(cat)/k(uncat)K(m)) of 1.4 x 10(10) m(-1) (K(m) = 7 microm). For hybridoma cells expressing antibody or Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells injected with antibody, incubation of the substrate in the extracellular medium resulted in bright intracellular fluorescence distinguishable from autofluorescence or noncatalyzed conversion of substrate. CHO cells loaded with antibody were 12 times brighter than control cells, and more than 85% of injected cells became fluorescent. The fluorescein produced by the antibody traveled into neighboring cells through gap junctions, as demonstrated by blocking dye transfer using the gap junction inhibitor oleamide. The presence of functional gap junctions in CHO cells was confirmed through oleamide inhibition of lucifer yellow transfer. These studies demonstrate the utility of the intracellular antibody reaction, which could generate tracer dyes in specific cells within complex multicellular environments simply by bathing the system in substrate.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of complete nuclear receptor sets from the human, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila genomes.

BACKGROUND: The availability of complete genome sequences enables all the members of a gene family to be identified without limitations imposed by temporal, spatial or quantitative aspects of mRNA expression. Using the nearly completed human genome sequence, we combined in silico and experimental approaches to define the complete human nuclear receptor (NR) set. This information was used to carry out a comparative genomic study of the NR superfamily. RESULTS: Our analysis of the human genome identified two novel NR sequences. Both these contained stop codons within the coding regions, indicating that both are pseudogenes. One (HNF4 gamma-related) contained no introns and expressed no detectable mRNA, whereas the other (FXR-related) produced mRNA at relatively high levels in testis. If translated, the latter is predicted to encode a short, non-functional protein. Our analysis indicates that there are fewer than 50 functional human NRs, dramatically fewer than in Caenorhabditis elegans and about twice as many as in Drosophila. Using the complete human NR set we made comparisons with the NR sets of C. elegans and Drosophila. Searches for the >200 NRs unique to C. elegans revealed no human homologs. The comparative analysis also revealed a Drosophila member of NR subfamily NR3, confirming an ancient metazoan origin for this subfamily. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides the basis for new insights into the evolution and functional relationships of NR superfamily members.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Analysis of genetic alterations in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma by comparative genomic hybridization.

To identify genetic alterations associated with the development and progression of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 57 tumors were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). In 47 cases, chromosomal imbalances were found. Several recurrent chromosomal abnormalities were identified in the present study. The most frequently detected chromosomal gains involved chromosome arms 12q (24 cases, 51%), 4q (17 cases, 36%), 3q (16 cases, 34%), 1q (15 cases, 32%), and 18q (15 cases, 32%). Common regions of gain involved 12q13--q15, 4q12--q21, and 3q21--q26. High-copy-number increases of chromosomal materials were detected in four chromosomal regions, 3q21--q26.2, 4p12--q21, 8p, and 12q14--q15. The most frequently detected loss of chromosomal materials involved chromosome arms 16q (26 cases, 55%), 14q (21 cases, 45%), 1p (20 cases, 43%), 3p (20 cases, 43%), 16p (19 cases, 40%), 11q (17 cases, 36%), and 19p (16 cases, 34%). The most common regions of loss involved 14q24--qter, 1pter--p36.1, 3p22--p21.3, 11q21--qter, and the distal region of 19p. Genomic alterations detected by CGH were compared and found to be largely consistent with those identified in banding analysis and loss of heterozygosity studies. However, several previously unrecognized recurrent alterations were also identified in the present study, including gain of 4q and 18q, and loss of 16q, 14q, and 19p. In addition, gain of 1q, 8q, 18q, and loss of 9q showed a statistically significant association with advanced clinical stages (P < 0.05). Identification of recurrent sites of chromosomal gain and loss identify regions of the genome that may contain oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, respectively, which may be involved in the tumorigenesis of NPC. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Differential regulation of neuropeptide Y receptors in the brains of NPY knock-out mice.

To study the effect of NPY deletion on the regulation of its receptors in the NPY knockout (NPY KO) mice, the expression and binding of NPY receptors were investigated by in situ hybridization and receptor autoradiography using (125)I-[Leu(31),Pro(34)]PYY and (125)I-PYY(3-36) as radioligands. A 6-fold increase in Y2 receptor mRNA was observed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in NPY KO mice, but a significant change could not be detected for Y1, Y4, Y5 and y6 receptors. Receptor binding reveals a 60-400% increase of Y2 receptor binding in multiple brain areas. A similar increase in Y1 receptor binding was seen only in the hypothalamus. These results demonstrate the NPY receptor expression is altered in mice deficient for its natural ligand.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Fluid dynamics in airway bifurcations: I. Primary flows.

The subject of fluid dynamics within human airways is of great importance for the risk assessment of air pollutants (inhalation toxicology) and the targeted delivery of inhaled pharmacologic drugs (aerosol therapy). As cited herein, experimental investigations of flow patterns have been performed on airway models and casts by a number of investigators. We have simulated flow patterns in human lung bifurcations and compared the results with the experimental data of Schreck (1972). The theoretical analyses were performed using a third-party software package, FIDAP, on the Cray T90 supercomputer. This effort is part of a systematic investigation where the effects of inlet conditions, Reynolds numbers, and dimensions and orientations of airways were addressed. This article focuses on primary flows using convective motion and isovelocity contour formats to describe fluid dynamics; subsequent articles in this issue consider secondary currents (Part II) and localized conditions (Part III). The agreement between calculated and measured results, for laminar flows with either parabolic or blunt inlet conditions to the bifurcations, was very good. To our knowledge, this work is the first to present such detailed comparisons of theoretical and experimental flow patterns in airway bifurcations. The agreement suggests that the methodologies can be employed to study factors affecting airflow patterns and particle behavior in human lungs.

Bronchi↗

PubMed2001

Fluid dynamics in airway bifurcations: II. Secondary currents.

As the second component of a systematic investigation on flows in bifurcations reported in this journal, this work focused on secondary currents. The first article addressed primary flows and the third discusses localized conditions (both in this issue). Secondary flow patterns were studied in two lung bifurcation models (Schreck, 1972) using FIDAP with the Cray T90 supercomputer. The currents were examined at different prescribed distances distal to the carina. Effects of inlet conditions, Reynolds numbers, and diameter ratios and orientations of airways were addressed. The secondary currents caused by the presence of the carina and inclination of the daughter tubes exhibited symmetric, multivortex patterns. The intensities of the secondary currents became stronger for larger Reynolds numbers and larger angles of bifurcation.

Bronchi↗

PubMed2001

Fluid dynamics in airway bifurcations: III. Localized flow conditions.

Localized flow conditions (e.g., backflows) in transition regions between parent and daughter airways of bifurcations were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics software code (FIDAP) with a Cray T90 supercomputer. The configurations of the bifurcations were based on Schreck s (1972) laboratory models. The flow intensities and spatial regions of reversed motion were simulated for different conditions. The effects of inlet velocity profiles, Reynolds numbers, and dimensions and orientations of airways were addressed. The computational results showed that backflow was increased for parabolic inlet conditions, larger Reynolds numbers, and larger daughter-to-parent diameter ratios. This article is the third in a systematic series addressed in this issue; the first addressed primary velocity patterns and the second discussed secondary currents.

Bronchi↗

PubMed2001

Estradiol (E2) elicits SRC phosphorylation in the mouse neocortex: the initial event in E2 activation of the MAPK cascade?

In neocortical explants, E2 activates various signaling components of the MAPK cascade, including B-Raf and MAPK kinase-dependent ERK, suggesting a possible role in the differentiative actions of E2 in the brain. To further characterize the signaling pathways activated by E2, we determined whether c-Src, a member of the Src family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and an important modulator of both the MAPK cascade and neuronal differentiation, may play a role in E2 signaling. The present studies show for the first time in the brain that E2 elicits phosphorylation of c-Src on three functionally critical tyrosine residues (Y220, Y423, and Y534), and that this phosphorylation occurs despite disruption of ER alpha (in ER knockout mice). PP2, a Src family kinase inhibitor, suppressed not only E2-induced phosphorylation of c-Src, but ERK phosphorylation as well, suggesting that c-Src may be an upstream regulator of E2 signaling. E2-induced phosphorylation of c-Src is associated with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, increased association of Shc with Grb2, and induction of Ras, but not Rap1, activation. Together, these data provide evidence that E2 activates a novel c-Src-dependent signal transduction pathway in the developing brain.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2001

Effects of tumors on inhaled pharmacologic drugs: I. Flow patterns.

Lung carcinomas are now the most common form of cancer. Clinical data suggest that tumors are found preferentially in upper airways, perhaps specifically at carina within bifurcations. The disease can be treated by aerosolized pharmacologic drugs. To enhance their efficacies site-specific drugs must be deposited selectively. Since inhaled particles are transported by air, flow patterns will naturally affect their trajectories. Therefore, in Part I of a systematic investigation, we focused on tumor-induced effects on airstreams, in Part II (the following article [p. 245]), particle trajectories were determined. To facilitate the targeted delivery of inhaled drugs, we simulated bifurcations with tumors on carinas using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package (FIDAP) with a Cray T90 supercomputer and studied effects of tumor sizes and ventilatory parameters on localized flow patterns. Critical tumor sizes existed; e.g., tumors had dominant effects when r/R > or = 0.8 for bifurcation 3-4 and r/R > or = 0.6 for bifurcation 7-8 (r = tumor radius and R = airway radius). The findings suggest that computer modeling is a means to integrate alterations to airway structures caused by diseases into aerosol therapy protocols.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

Effects of tumors on inhaled pharmacologic drugs: II. Particle motion.

Computer simulations were conducted to describe drug particle motion in human lung bifurcations with tumors. The computations used FIDAP with a Cray T90 supercomputer. The objective was to better understand particle behavior as affected by particle characteristics, airflow conditions, and disease-modified airway geometries. The results indicated that increases in particle sizes, breathing intensities and tumor sizes could enhance drug deposition on the tumors. The modeling suggested that targeted drug delivery could be achieved by regulating breathing parameters and designing (selecting physical features of) aerosolized drugs. We present the theoretical work as a step towards improving aerosol therapy protocols. Since modeling describes factors affecting dose, it is complementary to considerations of the molecular aspects of drug formulation and pharmacokinetics.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin: a study by magnetic resonance imaging, 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A region of T2 hyperintensity was observed in left temporal neocortex in infarction group and batroxobin group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction. The volume of the region gradually decreased from 1 day to 7 days after infarction. The ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding region in the sham-operated group 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction respectively (P < 0.05). Lac appeared in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction, but it was not observed in the corresponding region in sham-operated group at all time points. Compared with the sham-operated group, the ratios of beta ATP/PME + PDE and PCr/PME + PDE of the whole brain in the infarction group were significantly lower 1, 3 and 5 days after infarction respectively (P < 0.05), and the ratio of beta ATP/PCr also was significantly lower 1 day after infarction (P < 0.05). Batroxobin significantly decreased the volume of the region of T2 hyperintensity 1 and 3 days after infarction (P < 0.05), significantly increased the ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region 5 and 7 days after infarction (P < 0.05), significantly decreased the ratios of Lac/Cho + Cr and Lac/NAA in the region 5 and 7 days after infarction (P < 0.05), and significantly increased the ratios of beta ATP/PME + PDE and beta ATP/PCr in the whole brain 1 day after infarction (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the infracted region had severe edema, increased Lac and apparent neuronal dysfunction and death, and energy metabolism of the whole brain decreased after focal infarction, and that batroxobin effectively ameliorated the above-mentioned abnormal changes.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Optimization of synthetic culture condition on lignin biodegradation ability of alkaliphilic ligninolytic bacteria using orthogonal experimental design].

The effects of seven single culture factors on lignin biodegradation ability of alkaliphilic ligninolytic bacteria strain 6 in alkaline liquid medium (pH approximately 10.5) with compounded carbons were optimized using orthogonal experiments. The result showed the seven single culture factors promote the activities of Laccase and MnP and the degradation rate of wheat straw lignin in varying degrees. The synthetic result was analysised. The optimal synthetic condition was static culture (10 days culture period), 37 degrees C, the initial pH10.6, 1 g/L sugar (the starting carbons), wheat straw lignin (the second carbons, wheat straw powder 20 g/L, added into on the fourth day after inoculation), 1.2 g/L NH4NO3 (nitrogen), 0.3% detergent T-80, 70 ml medium/250 ml flask.

Bacteria↗

PubMed2001

[Studies on fatty liver, blood glucose and related factors in simple obese children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of fatty liver, blood glucose and related factors in simple obese children. METHODS: Their liver was scanned with B-type ultrasound and fasting blood glucose (with a microassay glucometer), as well as other related morphological and functional indices, were measured in 62 children aged 8 to 11 years, including 32 obese ones and 30 control ones. RESULTS: Prevalence of fatty liver in obese and control groups was 93.8% and 10%, respectively, with very statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Blood glucose level in obese and control groups was 5.42 mmol/L and 5.54 mmol/L, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Proportion of children with normal cardiac function was 62.5% and 93.3%, respectively, in obese and control groups, with significant difference (P < 0.05). The prevalence of fatty liver correlated positively with skin-fold thickness, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI), with coefficients of correlation of 0.8786, 0.6256 and 0.8454, respectively (P < 0.01). Blood glucose correlated with skin-fold thickness and BMI positively, with coefficients of correlation of 0.3403 and 0.3155, respectively (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that skin-fold thickness and WHR were major risk factor for fatty liver and skin-fold thickness was major risk factor for high blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Simple obesity could cause damage to the liver, glucose metabolism and cardiac function in children, forming the potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and disturbance of lipid metabolism in adults.

Blood Glucose↗