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Biomedical subjects

X Huang

Publications and source records attributed to X Huang.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

[The clinical value of the TSGF pre and post-therapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of TSGF (tumor supplied group of factor) in early diagnosing and predicting in patients with NPC. METHOD: EBV-IgA and level of TSGF were measured before therapy and 1 month, 1 year after therapy in 35 patients with NPC, and the relationship between them was researched. RESULT: The diagnostic sensitivity of TSGF and EBV-IgA was 91%, 97% respectively, there is no significant relation between them. After treatment, the level of TSGF in PD (progression disease) patient remained higher, but had a significantly drop in RR(including the CR, PR and SI)) patient. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that TSGF may be useful in diagnosing and prediction of NPC.

Adult↗

[Analys of outer membrane protein and drug-resistant of Edwardsiella tarda].

The SDS-PAGE profiles of out membrane protein(OMP) of 27 Et strains showed diverse patterns and they could be divided into six types. Between 21 pathogenic strains and 6 non-pathogenic strains there were obviously difference. The pathogenic strains isolated from China belong to E type and were simary to ATCC 15947. The OMP bands of pathogenic strains were more and denser than those of the non-pathogenic strains, and the strains from same souce had the identical patters. Interestingly, the non-pathogenic strains from different sources also had the almost same OMP profiles. What's more, they were also high resistant to some antibiotics such as Smx, Gem Tet and so on, while the 18 pathogenic strains were sensitivity to these.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Effect of combination of Chinese herbal drugs on clinical bioavailability of ferulic acid in serum].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of combination of Chinese herbal drugs on bioavailability of Ligusticum walichii (LW) derived ferulic acid (FA) in serum. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were given LW decoction (1 g/kg), LW combined with Paeonia veitchii (PV, 1:1) decoction (2 g/kg) and Coronary Heart No. 2 (CH-II, 3 g/kg, containing LW 0.5 g/kg) once respectively. The serum FA concentration-time (c-t) curve was performed by HPLC using the method established by the authors, and the area under that curve (AUC) was calculated and compared. RESULTS: The FA c-t curve in the three groups was double peak curve. As compared with the AUC in subjects who were administered LW decoction, the AUC in those taken LW + PV decoction was lower [(15734.88 +/- 7737.97) ng/(min.ml) vs (5717.92 +/- 6124.63) ng/(min.ml)], P < 0.05), while that in those taken CH-II was relatively higher [(8072.00 +/- 4424.31) ng/(min.ml), P > 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: Combination of LW and PV could significantly lower the bioavailability of FA, but when LW was added in CH-II, the FA bioavailability was not affected.

Adolescent↗

[Randomized controlled trial for the effect of amrinone and aprotinin on proinflammatory cytokine release in patients with prosthetic valve replacement during perioperative period].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of amrinone and aprotinin on whole-body inflammatory response in the patients with prosthetic valve replacement during perioperative period. METHODS: 24 patients undergoing prosthetic valve replacement were randomized to control group (group A, n = 8), aprotinin group (group B, n = 8) and amrinone combined with aprotinin group (group C, n = 8). In the aprotinin group, 3 x 10(6) of aprotinin was added to the priming solution of the extracorporeal circulation (ECC). In the amrinone combined with aprotinin group 3 x 10(6) of aprotinin was added to the priming solution of the ECC and amrinone began with a bolus of 1 mg/kg followed by a maintenance infusion of 8 micrograms/(kg.min). The control group received an equivalent prime volume without aprotinin. Venous blood samples were drawn before the operation, at the end of ECC, 1 hour after the end of ECC, and one day after the operation respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used to measure each of the cytokines. RESULTS: Before ECC, there were no differences of the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 among groups (P > 0.05). After ECC, the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 increased significantly in all groups (P < 0.05). The levels on day one after the operation were still higher than those before the operation in all groups (except the level of IL-8 in group C), but no statistical significance was observed. (P > 0.05). At 1 hour after the end of ECC, the level of IL-6 in group B was lower than that in group A, and the level of IL-6 in group C was lower than that in group B, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05); At the end of ECC, the level of IL-8 in group B was lower than that in group A and the level of IL-8 in group C was lower than that in group B, but no significant difference was noted (P > 0.05). It was also observed that the level of IL-8 was lower in group C than group A or B at 1 hour after the end of ECC. CONCLUSION: Although amrinone and aprotinin have antiinflammatory activity, but pump prime only aprotinin or aprotinin combined with amrinone may fall in preventing proinflammatory cytokine release (IL-6, IL-8) completely in patients with prosthetic valve replacement during ECC perioperative period.

Adult↗

[Effects of calcium channel antagonist on gastrin-induced proliferation of HT29 colon carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of nifedipine on gastrin-induced proliferation of HT29 colon carcinoma cells and inquire into the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to monitor the cytoplasmic free calcium; MTT colorimetry was used to determine the proliferation of HT29 cells. RESULTS: The results showed that 2.5 x 10(-6) mol/L pentagastrin (PG) induced a quick rise of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) (P < 0.01). 10(-5) mol/L nifedipine can significantly inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i induced by pentagastrin (P < 0.01), in parallel, at growth assay we demonstrated that 10(-5)-10(-6) mol/L nifedipine could obviously block the increase in cell number elicited by 2.5 x 10(-6) mol/L PG. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that nifedipine can stop the influx of Ca2+ and hence inhibit the pentagastrin-induced proliferation.

Biological Transport, Active↗

[Expression of bcl-2 in facial motoneurons and its ultrastructural localization following facial nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of bcl-2 in facial motoneurons and its subcellular distribution. METHODS: Wistar rats were used in this study. Facial nerve transection was performed at stylomastoid foramen or internal acoustic meatus. Facial nerve crush was made at stylomastiod foramen. The animal survived for 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. Facial nucleus was treated with bcl-2 monoclonal antibody or bcl-2 DIG-labelling probe and studied with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The bcl-2 positive motoneuron was investigated with immuno-electron microscope. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that bcl-2 protein level was corresponded with bcl-2 mRNA expression. The level of bcl-2 expression in facial motoneurons was high in normal facial nerve. It increased on the first day and declined on the third day post-transection in facial motoneuron. It reached the lowest level on the 15th days following facial nerve injury (P < 0.05). The expression recovered to normal level in two months (P > 0.05). After facial nerve transected, the reduction of bcl-2 expression was more significant when facial nerve transected close to facial nucleus than that far from facial nucleus (P < 0.05). Comparing to facial nerve transection in stylomastoid foramen, there was more intensive bcl-2 expression following facial nerve crush (P < 0.05). Further study showed that bcl-2 primarily resided in the nuclear envelop, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated that high level bcl-2 protein may prevent facial motoneuron death following facial nerve injury. It is suggested that overexpression bcl-2 by transgene may prevent facial motoneurons death.

Animals↗

[Facial paralysis in temporal bone trauma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the cause and treatment of facial paralysis in temporal bone trauma. METHODS: A retrospective review of 28 patients with facial paralysis resulting from temporal bone trauma was conducted, House-Brackmann(H-B) system was used to evaluate the recovery of facial nerve function, U test was employed for statistic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases underwent following up facial nerve function of all patients was recovery partly after surgery, 46% cases reached H-B II, 84% cases reached H-B III, comparing facial nerve decompression within 4 months of injury to beyond 4 months of injury, recovery to H-B II or more of facial nerve function was 60% and 0%, respectively. The difference was significant(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgery decompression is effective on facial nerve palsy caused by temporal bone trauma. It is recommended that surgery decompression be carried out as soon as possible since a better prognosis is obtained if it is performed within four months after injury.

Adolescent↗

[Beta-actin changes during hair cell regeneration in the chick basilar papilla].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of beta-actin and beta-actin mRNA expression during hair cell regeneration in the chick basilar papilla(BP) following gentamicin ototoxicity. METHODS: Thirty-six chicks were given muscular injection of gentamicin at dosage of 100 mg/kg.d for 10 consecutive days, and twelve additional chicks received injection of normal saline instead of gentamicin as controls. At 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the treatment, six chicks in experimental group and two chicks in control group were sacrificed. Basilar papillas were prepared for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization study. beta-actin and beta-actin mRNA expression in the damaged region were histologically analyzed by computer image system. RESULTS: beta-actin immunoreactivity of BP changed significantly after treatment with gentamicin. From the first day to the fourteenth day after gentamincin, beta-actin immunoreactivity turned positive gradually. It approximated the normal response level at the fourteenth day after treatment of gentamincin. Then increasing rate of beta-actin immunoreactivity positive response level slowed from the fourteenth day after the treatment. At seventh day after treatment, beta-actin mRNA expression in BP increased to peak value, which preceded the peak expression of beta-actin in the regenerated hair cells. CONCLUSION: Nascent hair cells seem to mature 14 days after hair cell damage, which may play a role in auditory functional recovery.

Actins↗

[Relationship between three inner ear antigens and autoimmune inner ear disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between three purified inner ear antigens and autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), and to determine their expressions in normal guinea pig cochleas. METHODS: Guinea pigs were divided into group B, group C and group D and immunized respectively with three subcomponents of crude inner ear antigens (31,000, 42,000-45,000 and 60,000 proteins). Hearing thresholds, serum IgG levels and morphological changes of inner ear were observed. The protein expressions of these antigens were examined by immunohistochemistry. In the control group, antigens were replaced by gel homogenate of polyacrylamide. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of hearing threshold among groups before immunization with inner ear antigens (F = 0.07, P > 0.05). There were no significant changes of hearing thresholds and inner ear morphology in group C and control group. Hearing thresholds dropped in part of animals immunized with 31,000 or 60,000 protein. Hearing threshold of group B and D changed significantly after immunization, as compared with the control group(F = 9.12, P < 0.01). Serum IgG levels increased significantly in all experimental groups compared with the control group(F = 7.46, P < 0.01). The 31,000 protein distributed strictly in cochlear nerve, and 42,000-45,000 or 60,000 protein distributed widely, including the spiral ganglion, Corti's organ, stria vascularis and spiral ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Two subcomponents of 31,000 and 60,000 in crude inner ear antigen could induce autoimmune inner ear disease. The distribution of 31,000 protein was more tissue specific and might be used as a marker protein for clinical diagnosis of autoimmune inner ear disease.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of a novel gene KE04 differentially expressed by activated human dendritic cells.

To better understand the molecular mechanisms of dendritic cells (DC) function, we isolated differentially expressed genes in Ag-activated DC by a PCR-based subtractive hybridization technique. A novel full-length cDNA, KE04, was thus isolated from KLH-activated human PBMC-derived DC. KE04 cDNA encoded a 346-aa protein devoid of functionally indicative motifs. KE04 protein showed 64% identity with a Caenorhabditis elegans protein and 83% identity with a human putative protein. Distant relationship was also found with other prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins. Differential expression of KE04 in activated DC other than nonactivated DC was confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels. KE04 mRNA expression was detectable in various human tissues and cell lines by Northern blot and RT-PCR. Western blot and confocal microscopy analysis indicated that its cytolocalization was intracellular. Our data suggest the potential involvement of KE04 in DC activation and will facilitate the research of molecular mechanism of DC function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cystathionine-beta-synthase cDNA transfection alters the sensitivity and metabolism of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine in CCRF-CEM leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo: a model of leukemia in Down syndrome.

The significantly higher event-free survival rates of Down syndrome (DS) children with acute myeloid leukemia compared with non-DS children is linked to increased sensitivity of DS myeloblasts to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and the enhanced metabolism of ara-C to ara-C triphosphate (J. W. Taub et al., Blood, 87: 3395-3403, 1996). The cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) gene (localized to chromosome 21q22.3) may have downstream effects on reduced folate and S-adenosylmethionine pathways; ara-C metabolism and folate pools are linked by the known synergistic effect of sequential methotrexate and ara-C therapy. We have shown that relative CBS transcripts were significantly higher in DS compared with non-DS myeloblasts, and CBS transcript levels correlated with in vitro ara-C sensitivity (J. W. Taub et al., Blood, 94: 1393-1400, 1999). A leukemia cell line model to study the relationship of the CBS gene and ara-C metabolism/sensitivity was developed by transfecting CBS-null CCRF-CEM cells with the CBS cDNA. CBS-transfected cells were a median 15-fold more sensitive in vitro to ara-C compared with wild-type cells and generated 8.5-fold higher [3H]ara-C triphosphate levels after in vitro incubation with [3H]ara-C. Severe combined immunodeficient mice implanted with CBS-transfected CEM cells demonstrated greater responsiveness to therapy, reflected in significantly prolonged survivals after ara-C administration compared with mice implanted with wild-type cells and treated with the same dosage schedule. The transfected cells also demonstrated increased in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to gemcitabine. Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activity was approximately 22-fold higher in transfected CEM cells compared with wild-type cells. However, levels of dCK transcripts on Northern blots and protein levels on Western blots were nearly identical between CBS-transfected and wild-type cells. Collectively, these results suggest a posttranscriptional regulation of dCK in CBS-overexpressing cells that contributes to increased ara-C phosphorylation and drug activity. Further elucidating the mechanisms of increased sensitivity of DS cells to ara-C related to the CBS gene may lead to the application of these novel approaches to acute myeloid leukemia therapy for non-DS patients.

Animals↗

Reactions and reactivity of Co-bpdc coordination polymers (bpdc = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate).

By choosing a suitable metal center, ligand, and solvents, we have revealed several structural transformations involving a polymer precursor. infinity 1[Co(bpdc)(H2O)2].H2O (1) was prepared by reaction of Na2bpdc and Co(NO3)2 in aqueous solution. Immersing 1 in pyridine/water solutions of (2:1) and (8:1) ratios yielded a second one-dimensional structure infinity 1[Co(bpdc)(py)2(H2O)2].2py (2) and a two-dimensional structure infinity 2[Co(bpdc)(py)2].H2O (3), respectively. After heating 1 under N2 to remove all water within the structure, the compound Co(bpdc) (IR) was obtained. When IR was immersed in solutions of pyridine/water (5:4) and in pure pyridine (in air), a third one-dimensional structure of infinity 1[Co(bpdc)(py)2(H2O)2].2py.H2O (4) and 3, respectively, were obtained. Compounds 2-4 easily transformed to 1 when immersed in water. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 6.950(1), b = 31.585(6), and c = 6.226(1) A, beta = 95.84(3) degrees, Z = 4. Crystal data for 2: triclinic, space group P1 with a = 9.646(2), b = 10.352(2), and c = 17.031(3) A, alpha = 79.02(3) degrees, beta = 86.88(3) degrees, gamma = 77.16(3) degrees, Z = 2. Crystal data for 3: triclinic, space group P1 with a = 9.137(2), b = 10.480(2), and c = 12.254(2) A, alpha = 102.10(3) degrees, beta = 100.80(3) degrees, gamma = 99.43(3) degrees, Z = 2. Crystal data for 4: orthorhombic, space group Pbcn with a = 13.468(3), b = 16.652 (3), and c = 14.977(3) A, Z = 4.

Journal Article↗

Evaluation of the utility of NMR structures determined from minimal NOE-based restraints for structure-based drug design, using MMP-1 as an example.

The application of deuterium labeling and residual dipolar coupling constants in combination with other structural information has demonstrated the potential for significantly expanding the range of viable protein targets for structural analysis by NMR. A previous study by Clore et al. [(1999) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121, 6513-6514] demonstrated that a significant improvement in the overall protein structure occurs with the combination of residual dipolar coupling constants and minimal tertiary long-range distance restraints. The analysis of NMR protein structures determined with minimal structural information is extended with a particular interest in the utility of these structures for a structure-based drug design program. As an example, the catalytic fragment of human fibroblast collagenase (MMP-1) was used to follow the effect of minimal restraint sets on the protein structure and its utility in drug design with a particular interest in the effect on the active site conformation. An MMP-1 structure that was calculated with the maximal number of restraints attainable with the constraint of a deuterated protein was shown to be very similar to a high-quality MMP-1 structure that was calculated from a complete set of restraints. The superposition of the active site backbone atoms for the high-quality and minimal restraint MMP-1 structures yielded an rmsd of 0.68 A where the size and shape of the S1' pocket are nearly identical. Additionally, an MMP-1-CGS-27023A complex based on a minimal set of NOE-based restraints reliably reproduced the structure of the complex, establishing the usefulness of the structures for drug design.

Binding Sites↗

Structural identification of a key protective B-cell epitope in Lyme disease antigen OspA.

Outer surface protein A (OspA) is a major lipoprotein of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Vaccination with OspA generates an immune response that can prevent bacterial transmission to a mammalian host during the attachment of an infected tick. However, the protective capacity of immune sera cannot be predicted by measuring total anti-OspA antibody. The murine monoclonal antibody LA-2 defines an important protective B-cell epitope of OspA against which protective sera have strong levels of reactivity. We have now mapped the LA-2 epitope of OspA using both NMR chemical-shift perturbation measurements in solution and X-ray crystal structure determination. LA-2 recognizes the three surface-exposed loops of the C-terminal domain of OspA that are on the tip of the elongated molecule most distant from the lipid-modified N terminus. The structure suggests that the natural variation at OspA sequence position 208 in the first loop is a major limiting factor for antibody cross-reactivity between different Lyme disease-causing Borrelia strains. The unusual Fab-dominated lattice of the crystal also permits a rare view of antigen flexibility within an antigen:antibody complex. These results provide a rationale for improvements in OspA-based vaccines and suggest possible designs for more direct tests of antibody protective levels in vaccinated individuals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Unique regio- and stereoselectivity in Pd-catalyzed chlorocarbonylation reaction of 2-phenylethynyl selenides and 2-alkylethynyl selenides. Highly stereoselective synthesis of 2-seleno-3-chloroacrylates

Regio- and stereoselectivity in the chloropalladation carbonylation reaction of different acetylenic selenides in the presence of 0.05 equiv of PdCl2 and 3 equiv of cupric chloride under 1 atm of carbon monoxide affording 2-seleno-3-chloroacrylates were investigated. Opposite stereoselectivities were observed with 2-phenylethynyl selenides and 2-alkylethynyl selenides: the reactions of 2-phenylethynyl selenides afforded (E)-2-seleno-3-chloro-3-phenylacrylates, while the reactions of 2-alkylethynyl selenides gave (Z)-2-seleno-3-chloro-3-alkylacrylates. A chloropalladation carbonylation mechanism for this reaction was proposed. The regio- and stereoselective chloropalladation of the carbon-carbon triple bond in acetylenic selenides affords 1-enylpalladium intermediates, in which the palladium atom connects with the carbon atom bonding with the selenium atom. Carbonylation in the presence of an alcohol affords 2-seleno-3-chloroacrylates.

Journal Article↗

Small Variations in the Composition and Properties of Triton X-100.

Two samples of Triton X-100 (TX100) were compared. The "old sample," manufactured by Rohm and Haas, has a mean degree of ethoxylation of 10.1. The "new sample," manufactured by Union Carbide, has a mean degree of ethoxylation of 9.6. The cmc values near room temperature (23 degrees C, old sample; 24.6 degrees C, new sample), as determined from surface tension measurements, are similar. Dynamic light scattering measurements on the new sample gave hydrodynamic radii at different temperatures in reasonable accord with those reported a number of years ago. In contrast, time-resolved fluorescence quenching (TRFQ) experiments using a pyrene-labeled triglyceride as a probe gave aggregation numbers N(agg) near room temperature that were similar to those determined previously by light scattering; however, the N(agg) of the new sample was larger, and the difference was outside of experimental error to one standard deviation. More troubling was that the TRFQ experiment failed to give meaningful results on solutions exposed to air, as in the case of the older TX100 sample. To get useful data by TRFQ measurements, one had to first remove oxygen from the solution. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Restricted passage of reaction intermediates through the ammonia tunnel of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase.

The x-ray crystal structure of the heterodimeric carbamoyl phosphate synthetase from Escherichia coli has identified an intermolecular tunnel that connects the glutamine binding site within the small amidotransferase subunit to the two phosphorylation sites within the large synthetase subunit. The tunneling of the ammonia intermediate through the interior of the protein has been proposed as a mechanism for the delivery of the ammonia from the small subunit to the large subunit. A series of mutants created within the ammonia tunnel were prepared by the placement of a constriction via site-directed mutagenesis. The degree of constriction within the ammonia tunnel of these enzymes was found to correlate to the extent of the uncoupling of the partial reactions, the diminution of carbamoyl phosphate formation, and the percentage of the internally derived ammonia that is channeled through the ammonia tunnel. NMR spectroscopy and a radiolabeled probe were used to detect and identify the enzymatic synthesis of N-amino carbamoyl phosphate and N-hydroxy carbamoyl phosphate from hydroxylamine and hydrazine. The kinetic results indicate that hydroxylamine, derived from the hydrolysis of gamma-glutamyl hydroxamate, is channeled through the ammonia tunnel to the large subunit. Discrimination between the passage of ammonia and hydroxylamine was observed among some of these tunnel-impaired enzymes. The overall results provide biochemical evidence for the tunneling of ammonia within the native carbamoyl phosphate synthetase.

Binding Sites↗