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Biomedical subjects

X Shi

Publications and source records attributed to X Shi.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

[Reconstruction of tendon sheath by autogenous vein graft in preventing adhesion].

In order to prevent tendon adhesion following operation, autogenous great saphenous vein graft was used to reconstruct the tendon sheath. The operation was performed under microsurgical technique. This method was used to repair 23 tendons and 17 tendon sheaths. The early functional exercises were carried out after operation. Follow up from 10 months to 4 years, the prognosis was good except in 3 fingers, in which, the wounds were infected resulting the necrosis of the grafted veins and exposure of the repaired tendons. The details of the operation were introduced. It was emphasized that non-traumatic handling of the tissues was essential in preventing tendon from adhesion.

Adult↗

Discrete steps in binding and signaling of interleukin-8 with its receptor.

The mechanisms by which chemokines bind and signal through their receptors are complex and poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to dissect these processes and to map important functional domains of the two CXC chemokine (interleukin-8) receptors, CXCR1 (formally IL-8RA) and CXCR2 (formally IL-8RB), using blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the receptors and a series of chimeras between CXCR1 and CXCR2. A panel of specific mAbs against CXCR1 or CXCR2, generated by immunizing mice with transfectants expressing either receptor, were shown to effectively block IL-8- and/or growth-related oncogene alpha (GROalpha) -mediated ligand binding, chemotaxis, elastase release, and VCAM-1 binding in CXCR1 and CXCR2 transfectants and/or human neutrophils. Of particular interest was an anti-CXCR1 mAb, 7D9, that inhibited chemotaxis, elastase release, and VCAM-1 binding but had no detectable effects on ligand binding. The epitopes of these blocking mAbs were mapped by using a series of CXCR1/2 chimera transfectants and synthetic peptides. Most of the anti-CXCR1 antibodies, except 7D9, mapped to the amino acid sequence WDFDDL (CXCR1 residues 10-15), and all the anti-CXCR2 antibodies mapped to the amino acid sequence FEDFW (CXCR2 residues 6-10). The epitope of mAb 7D9 mainly involved a region within the first 45 residues of CXCR1, and it appeared to be conformation-sensitive. These results support a model in which the binding and signaling of IL-8 with its receptor occur in at least two discrete steps involving distinct domains of the receptor. This model is consistent with the notion that discrete conformational changes of the receptor secondary to ligand binding are required to trigger various biological responses. Moreover, the ligand binding and chemotaxis properties of each CXCR1/2 chimeric receptor to IL-8 and GROalpha were determined. It was found that each is distinct in its ability to confer ligand binding and chemotactic response to IL-8 and GROalpha, and two conclusions could be made. 1) The N-terminal segment of CXCR1 is a dominant determinant of receptor subtype selectivity, consistent with previous studies using rabbit/human CXCR1/2 chimeras; and 2) the specificity determinant for GROalpha binding in CXCR2 involves sequences in the N terminus, distal to the first 15 residues, as well as other parts of the receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The 1.85 A structure of vaccinia protein VP39: a bifunctional enzyme that participates in the modification of both mRNA ends.

VP39 is a bifunctional vaccinia virus protein that acts as both an mRNA cap-specific RNA 2'-O-methyltransferase and a poly(A) polymerase processivity factor. Here, we report the 1.85 A crystal structure of a VP39 variant complexed with its AdoMet cofactor. VP39 comprises a single core domain with structural similarity to the catalytic domains of other methyltransferases. Surface features and mutagenesis data suggest two possible RNA-binding sites with novel underlying architecture, one of which forms a cleft spanning the region adjacent to the methyltransferase active site. This report provides a prototypic structure for an RNA methyltransferase, a protein that interacts with the mRNA 5' cap, and an intact poxvirus protein.

Binding Sites↗

Oligonucleotide targeting to alveolar macrophages by mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) have proven useful for selective inhibition of gene expression. However, their effective use is limited by inefficient cellular uptake and lack of cellular targeting. In this paper, we report a drug targeting system which utilizes mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis to enhance cellular uptake of ONs in alveolar macrophages (AMs). The system employs a molecular complex consisting of partially substituted mannosylated poly(L-lysine) (MPL), electrostatically linked to a 5' fluorescently labeled ON. Upon recognition by the macrophage mannose receptors, the MPL was internalized by the receptor-mediated pathway, co-transporting the ON. Our results indicate that the AMs treated with the MPL:ON complex exhibited a significant increase in ON uptake (up to 17-fold) over free ON-treated controls. Effective ON uptake was shown to require the recognition of the mannose moiety since unmodified polylysine was much less effective in promoting ON uptake. Specific internalization of the ON:MPL complex by the mannose receptor pathway was verified by competitive inhibition using mannosylated albumin. Under this condition, the ON complex uptake was inhibited. The requirement of mannose receptors for complex uptake was further demonstrated using a macrophage cell line, J774.1, which expresses a low level of mannose receptors. When treated with the complex, these cells showed no susceptibility to ON uptake, thus suggesting the targeting ability of the carrier system to the AMs. Following cellular internalization, the ON complex appeared largely accumulated in endocytic vesicles. Enhanced endosomal exit of the ON was achieved using a fusogenic peptide derived from the amino terminal sequence of influenza virus hemagglutinin HA2. Cytotoxicity studies showed that at the concentrations effectively enhancing ON uptake, both MPL and the fusogenic peptide caused no toxic effects to the cells, thereby suggesting their potential safety and utilization in vivo.

Animals↗

Cloning of the human eosinophil chemoattractant, eotaxin. Expression, receptor binding, and functional properties suggest a mechanism for the selective recruitment of eosinophils.

The CC chemokine eotaxin, identified in guinea pigs and also recently in mice, may be a key element for the selective recruitment of eosinophils to certain inflamed tissues. Using a partial mouse eotaxin CDNA probe, the human eotaxin gene was cloned and found to be 61.8 and 63.2% identical at the amino acid level to guinea pig and mouse eotaxin. Human eotaxin protein was a strong and specific eosinophil chemoattractant in vitro and was an effective eosinophil chemoattractant when injected into the skin of a rhesus monkey. Radiolabeled eotaxin was used to identify a high affinity receptor on eosinophils (0.52 nM Kd), expressed at 4.8 x 10(4) sites per cell. This receptor also bound RANTES and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 with lower affinity, but not macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha. Eotaxin could desensitize calcium responses of eosinophils to RANTES and monocyte chemotactic protein-3, although RANTES was able to only partially desensitize eosinophil calcium responses to eotaxin. Immunohistochemistry on human nasal polyp with antieotaxin mAbs showed that certain leukocytes as well as respiratory epithelium were intensely immunoreactive, and eosinophil infiltration occurred at sites of eotaxin upregulation. Thus eotaxin in humans is a potent and selective eosinophil chemoattractant that is expressed by a variety cell types in certain inflammatory conditions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protection against oxidative injury and permeability alteration in cultured alveolar epithelium by transferrin-catalase conjugate.

The successful prevention of hydrogen peroxide-induced alveolar permeability alterations and cell injury by transferrin-catalase conjugate is described in this study. Permeability alterations and cell injury were induced in cultured alveolar epithelial monolayers by hydrogen peroxide. Transepithelial transport of a permeability marker, [14C] mannitol, and cellular nuclear fluorescence of a membrane integrity indicator, propidium iodide, were used to quantitate epithelial permeability and damage respectively. Hydrogen peroxide (0.1 - 10 mM) induced a dose-dependent increase in both alveolar permeability and cellular damage; however, the oxidant effect on monolayer permeability did not require prior cell damage. Electron spin resonance measurements using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-N-oxide indicated the formation of hydroxyl radicals in hydrogen peroxide-treated cells. Chelation of the cellular pool of iron by deferoxamine inhibited radical formation and helped protect the cells from oxidative changes. Prior treatment of the cells with catalase (0.1 U-10 U/ml) had minimal protective effects on cell injury and permeability alterations. In contrast, transferrin-catalase conjugate, at the same concentration range, exhibited much improved protective effects on the cells in response to oxidant stress. This enhanced protection was found to correlate well with an increase in cellular uptake of the enzyme conjugate via the transferrin receptor endocytosis pathway. Effective protection by the enzyme conjugate was shown to require both the antioxidant enzyme moiety and the cognate moiety for the cell surface receptor. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic merit of transferrin-catalase conjugate for the treatment of pathological processes in the lung, whenever oxidative stress is involved.

Animals↗

Vanadium(IV)-mediated free radical generation and related 2'-deoxyguanosine hydroxylation and DNA damage.

Free radical generation, 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) hydroxylation and DNA damage by vanadium(IV) reactions were investigated. Vanadium(IV) caused molecular oxygen dependent dG hydroxylation to form 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). During a 15 min incubation of 1.0 mM dG and 1.0 mM VOSO4 in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) at room temperature under ambient air, dG was converted to 8-OHdG with a yield of about 0.31%. Catalase and formate inhibited the 8-OHdG formation while superoxide dismutase enhanced it. Metal ion chelators, DTPA and deferoxamine, blocked the 8-OHdG formation. Incubation of vanadium(IV) with dG in argon did not generate any significant amount of 8-OHdG, indicating the role of molecular oxygen in the mechanism of vanadium(IV)-induced dG hydroxylation. Vanadium(IV) also caused molecular oxygen-dependent DNA strand breaks in a pattern similar to that observed for dG hydroxylation. ESR spin trapping measurements demonstrated that the reaction of vanadium(IV) with H2O2 generated OH radicals, which were inhibited by DTPA and deferoxamine. Incubation of vanadium(IV) with dG or with DNA in the presence of H2O2 resulted in an enhanced 8-OHdG formation and substantial DNA double strand breaks. Sodium formate inhibited 8-OHdG formation while DTPA had no significant effect. Deferoxamine enhanced the 8-OHdG generation by 2.5-fold. ESR and UV measurements provided evidence for the complex formation between vanadium(IV) and deferoxamine. UV-visible measurements indicate that dG, vanadium(IV) and deferoxamine are able to form a complex, thereby, facilitating site-specific 8-OHdG formation. Reaction of vanadium(IV) with t-butyl hydroperoxide generated hydroperoxide-derived free radicals, which caused 8-OHdG formation from dG and DNA strand breaks. DTPA and deferoxamine attenuated vanadium(IV)/t-butyl-OOH-induced DNA strand breaks.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 receptors on subsets of T cells: correlation with transendothelial chemotactic potential.

The differential expression of chemokine receptors may be an important mechanism for the regulation of T cell migration. To test this, we examined the expression and function of the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-8 receptors on various population of T cells. Using a simple and reliable transendothelial chemotaxis assay, both MCP-1 and IL-8 were shown to be chemotactic for subsets of blood T cells, although the relative response varied from donor to donor. To examine receptor expression and correlate it with chemotaxis of T cell subsets, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to the receptors were produced by immunizing mice either with synthetic peptides (MCP-1 receptor), or with receptor transfectants (IL-8 receptors A and B). A flow cytometric analysis of blood T cells with an anti-MCP-1 receptor mAb revealed low expression on the CD26hi subset and undetectable expression on other T cells. Staining of T cells with anti-Il-8RA and anti-IL-8RB showed much higher levels of expression, but only on a subset of CD3+ cells which were CD8+ and CD56+. That IL-8 and MCP-1 attracted distinct subsets of T cells was best illustrated using the CD26 marker, since IL-8R+ T cells were CD26-, whereas T cells expressing detectable MCP-1R or which responded to MCP-1 in chemotaxis assays were CD26hi. T cells activated in vitro with anti-CD3 up-regulated expression of the MCP-1 receptor, but not the IL-8 receptors, and were attracted to MCP-1 much more efficiently than resting T cells. These results show that there is a clear distinction between the IL-8 and MCP-1-responsive T cell populations and that chemokine receptor expression on T cells may be regulated with respect to linkage as well as cellular activation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Comparison of rheumatoid factors of rheumatoid arthritis patients, of individuals with mycobacterial infections and of normal controls: evidence for maturation in the absence of an autoimmune response.

We analyzed the rheumatoid factors (RF) produced by Epstein-Barr virus-transformed monoclonal B cells established from four patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), three individuals with a history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and four normal controls (NI). Fifty-eight RF were analyzed for specific activity (international units-RF/microgram) for the Fc part of IgG and their interaction with tetanus toxoid (TT) and DNA (polyspecificity). Furthermore, we sequenced the V-D-J heavy chain region of 16 (9TB-/7RA-) RF. Significant differences were observed between the NI-RF and the TB- and RA-RF. While the RF repertoire of normal individuals comprised of low-avidity RF of which the majority (15/17) were polyspecific, more than half of the TB- and RA-RF were monoreactive. Furthermore, the monospecific TB- and RA-RF were of significantly higher avidity than the NI-RF (RA > TB > > NI). With respect to polyspecificity specificity, the RF in the three groups were comparable: the interaction with DNA, TT as well as with Fc was inhibited either by an increase of the ionic strength to 0.3-0.5 M NaCl or by addition of the polyanion dextran sulfate, indicating that the antibodies interacted with similar anionic epitopes shared by the three antigens. Analysis of the V-D-J heavy chain regions showed significant differences between the respective RF. The salt-sensitive binding was highly correlated with the presence of arginine in the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3). Furthermore, whereas the polyspecific RF consisted predominantly of germ-line encoded antibodies, the genes of the monospecific RA/TB-RF were somatically mutated (RA > TB). It is therefore likely that maturation of RF can be initiated by chronic infections and that monospecific, somatically mutated RF are not a unique characteristic of autoimmune diseases.

Adolescent↗

Role of chromium(IV) in the chromium(VI)-related free radical formation, dG hydroxylation, and DNA damage.

A reactive Cr(IV) ester was synthesized from a reaction of CrO3 with 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol as verified by electron spin resonance (ESR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements. ESR spin trapping studies demonstrate that the Cr(IV) ester is capable of generating hydroxyl free radical (.OH) through a Fenton-like mechanism (Cr(IV)+H2O2-->Cr(V)+.OH+OH-) with a concomitant generation of Cr(V) species (g = 1.9787). Cr(IV) caused DNA strand breaks as measured by electrophoretic assays. H2O2 enhanced the DNA strand breaks via .OH formation by a Cr(IV)-mediated Fenton-like reaction. In the Cr(IV)/H2O2 system, formate did not block Cr(V) formation, but prevented DNA damage, indicating that .OH radicals, and not Cr(V), caused the DNA damage. Reaction of Cr(VI) with ascorbate was also used as a source of Cr(IV). Incubation of Cr(VI), ascorbate, and DNA caused DNA strand breaks. A free radical trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline (DMPO), only slightly inhibited the DNA damage. Addition of Mn(II), which inhibited Cr(IV), caused significant protection. H2O2 enhanced the DNA damage via Cr(IV)-mediated .OH radical generation and Mn(II) inhibited the damage, again showing that Cr(IV) and its related .OH generation caused DNA strand breaks. HPLC measurements showed that .OH radicals generated by a Cr(IV)-mediated Fenton-like reaction generated 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine from 2'-deoxyguanosine. The results demonstrate that Cr(IV) and its generated .OH radicals are capable of damaging DNA. Moreover, in comparison with Cr(V), Cr(IV) is a more potent DNA damaging agent.

Chromium↗

Assignment of absolute stereochemistry to an insect pheromone by chiral amplification.

Chiral amplification, a new strategy for determining the absolute configuration of difficulty available natural secondary alcohols or analogous amines, is described. Using this technique, the R configuration can be assigned to both components of the male sex pheromone emitted by the longhorn beetle, Anaglyptus subfasciatus. The application of this approach to fourteen alcohols and four amines illustrates its scope and limitations.

Acylation↗

Simultaneous determination of gastric emptying and intestinal absorption during cycle exercise in humans.

Because fluid absorption values derived from intestinal perfusion may not represent intestinal absorption of the same solution following its oral ingestion, the present study measured intestinal absorption following oral ingestion of a beverage. To do so required the simultaneous determination of gastric emptying. Seven males positioned a nasogastric tube in the gastric antrum and a multilumen tube in the duodenum under fluoroscopic guidance. Gastric emptying (GE) and intestinal water flux (WF) were measured during 85 min of cycle exercise at 60.6 +/- 3.7% VO2max (x +/- SE) in a 22 degrees C environment. Subjects ingested a total of 23 ml.kg-1 body weight (2005 +/- 187 ml) of a 6% isotonic carbohydrate-electrolyte solution by drinking 396 +/- 34 ml 5 min prior to exercise followed by 198 +/- 17 ml every 10 min during exercise. Mean stomach volume (312 +/- 80 ml) and GE (19.7 +/- 2.0 ml.min-1) did not change significantly after the initial 35 min equilibration period. Mean WF during oral ingestion of the solution (19.5 +/- 2.6 ml.cm-1.h-1) did not differ significantly from mean WF (16.4 +/- 1.9 ml.cm-1.h-1) during perfusion of the same solution directly into the duodenum at a rate equal to each subject's GE rate. Total solute flux (mmol.cm-1.h-1) was not different between drinking (4.1 +/- 1.3) and infusion (3.8 +/- 1.0) trials, nor were the changes in plasma volume. Urine production immediately following the exercise bout was unchanged between drinking (89.1 +/- 27.5 ml) and perfusion (88.5 +/- 24.2) experiments. These data indicate that: 1) relatively constant stomach volumes can be maintained over a prolonged period of time and can produce relatively constant GE rates, and 2) intestinal absorption of an isotonic carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage can be accurately determined by a modified segmental perfusion technique employing ingestion rather than intestinal perfusion.

Adult↗

Generation of reactive oxygen species by Co(II) from H2O2 in the presence of chelators in relation to DNA damage and 2'-deoxyguanosine hydroxylation.

The generation of reactive oxygen species by Co(II) from H2O2 in the presence of chelators and related DNA damage was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR), electrophoretic assays, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Incubation of Co(II) with beta-alanyl-3-methyl-L-histidine (anserine) and H2O2 generated .OH radicals. Omission of any one component sharply reduced the amount of .OH radicals generated, indicating that anserine modulated the oxidation potential of Co(II) to enhance its capability to generate .OH radicals from H2O2. Formate only moderately decreased the .OH radical generation, while ethanol had no observable effect, indicating that the generation of .OH radical is site specific. The metal ion chelator 1,10-phenanthroline reduced the .OH radical generation, and deferoxamine suppressed it with the formation of deferoxamine nitroxide radical. Electrophoretic assays using both lambda Hind III linear DNA and PM2 supercoiled DNA showed that .OH radicals generated from a mixture of Co(II), H2O2, and anserine caused DNA strand breaks. A mixture of Co(II), H2O2, and 1,10-phenanthroline also caused DNA strand breaks, which were inhibited by sodium azide, indicating that 1O2 was involved in DNA damage. HPLC measurements showed that .OH radicals and 1O2 generated by Co(II) reactions caused 2'-deoxyguanosine hydroxylation to form 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. ESR spin trapping measurements provided evidence for 1O2 generation by Co(II) from H2O2 in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline. The results indicate that the oxidation potential of Co(II) can be modulated by chelators to facilitate its generation of reactive oxygen species from H2O2. These species may be involved in Co(II)-induced cellular damage.

Anserine↗

GM-CSF induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of three isoforms of Shc and its association with Grb2 in TF-1 cell.

This report demonstrates that GM-CSF induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc protein which is implicated in Ras activation. Three isoforms of Shc are ubiquitously phosphorylated induced by GM-CSF in TF-1, a cell line of erythroid origin. It is also shown that Shc is associated with the adaptor protein Grb2. The formation of Shc-Grb2 complex may directly link tyrosine phosphorylation events to Ras activation in TF-1 cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Paracellular transport of water and carbohydrates during intestinal perfusion of protamine in the rat.

With these experiments, the authors' purpose was to determine whether the intestinal perfusion of protamine would successfully block paracellular transport without causing significant change in cardiovascular function. In anesthetized (50 mg x kg-1 sodium pentobarbital) rats (n=12), heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were measured during perfusion (0.5 mL x min-1) of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution through the small intestine. The carbohydrate-electrolyte solution contained 150 mM glucose, 150 mM fructose, 10 mM lactulose, 17 mEq sodium, 3 mEq potassium, and either 0.0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg x mL-1 protamine. Osmolality of the 4 solutions ranged from 363 +/- 2 to 365 +/- 3 mOsm x kg-1. Core temperature was maintained at 37 degrees C in an environmental chamber. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were constant during all intestinal perfusions. Forty-one percent of the perfused lactulose was absorbed. Absorption of glucose, fructose, and lactulose was significantly inhibited by 0.1 mg x mL-1 protamine, while water absorption was decreased 41 percent by 1.0 mg x mL-1 protamine. Water and lactulose absorption fell 75% with protamine, and glucose and fructose absorption fell 50%. Lactulose and fructose absorption did not decrease further when protamine dose rose to 10 mg x mL-1. These results indicate that 1) perfusion of protamine into the small intestine in doses that significantly affect intestinal transport does not significantly affect heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure; and 2) if the primary effect of protamine is to block paracellular movement of water and solute, the greater protamine inhibition of water and lactulose absorption is consistent with a greater paracellular transport of water and lactulose than for glucose and fructose.

Animals↗