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Biomedical subjects

Y Ye

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ye.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Noradrenergic activity differentially regulates the expression of rolipram-sensitive, high-affinity cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) in rat brain.

In a previous study, it was observed that the activity of rolipram-sensitive, low-Km, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) was decreased in vivo with diminished noradrenergic stimulation. The results of the present experiments indicated that the reduction in the activity may be associated with down-regulation of PDE4 protein. Immunoblot analysis using PDE4-specific, subfamily-nonspecific antibody (K116) revealed four major bands of PDE4 in rat cerebral cortex; those with apparent molecular masses of 109 and 102 kDa are variants of PDE4A. Diminished noradrenergic activity, produced by intracerebroventricular infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or chronic subcutaneous infusion of propranolol, decreased the intensities of the protein bands for the 109- and 102-kDa PDE4A variants in rat cerebral cortex but not of the 98- or 91-kDa PDE4 forms. 6-OHDA-induced noradrenergic lesioning also decreased the content of 102-kDa PDE4A in hippocampus as labeled by PDE4A-specific antibody (C-PDE4A). Enhanced noradrenergic stimulation up-regulated PDE4 in cerebral cortex. This was indicated by the finding that repeated treatment with desipramine increased the intensity of the protein band for the 102-kDa PDE4 but not for the other variants of PDE4. These results suggest that PDE4 subtypes are differentially regulated at the level of expression, as evidenced by an apparent change in the amount of PDE4 protein, following changes in noradrenergic activity. These observations are consistent with the notion that PDE4s, especially the PDE4A variants with molecular masses of 109 and 102 kDa, play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the noradrenergic signal transduction system in the brain and may be involved in the mediation of antidepressant activity.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Basic fibroblast growth factor reduces the gut and liver morphologic and functional injuries after ischemia and reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver injuries after trauma. METHODS: Animal models of superior mesenteric artery occlusion (45 minutes) and reperfusion (3 days) were used in this study. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 24 rats each. The animals in bFGF-treated group were injected with 4 microg bFGF/rat in 0.15 mL normal saline solution containing heparin 0.1% (w/v) through the jugular vein at the onset of reperfusion. In the normal saline control group, all rats received the same vehicle, but without bFGF. Group 3 (sham-operated) underwent the same laparotomy procedure, but without superior mesenteric artery occlusion. Liver function parameters, the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde (MDA), tissue bacterial examination, and pathologic study were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: In bFGF-treated rats, the amounts of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha were reduced significantly at 6, 24, and 48 hours when compared with normal saline-treated rats. However, the changes in nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, and MDA varied from each other as a function of time after injury. The amounts of nitric oxide were increased significantly at 6 hours in intestine in normal saline-treated rats and in liver in bFGF-treated rats (p < 0.05). At 6 hours after reperfusion, the activity of superoxide dismutase in normal saline-treated rats were much lower in liver than those in bFGF-treated and sham-operated rats (p < 0.05), but the levels of MDA were increased in intestine in bFGF-treated rats and in liver in normal saline-treated rats when compared with sham-operated rats (p < 0.05). At 24 hours, the levels of MDA in normal saline-treated rats were much higher than those in both bFGF and sham-operated rats (p < 0.05). Bacterial examination revealed that the ratio and the amounts of bacterial translocation from gut to liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes in bFGF-treated rats were much lower than those in normal saline-treated rats. The results of pathologic study support the assumption that bFGF provided protective effects against reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of bFGF may benefit in reducing gut and liver injuries after ischemia and reperfusion. The mechanisms of those effects may involve mitogenic and nonmitogenic effects of bFGF.

Animals↗

Nucleolar and nuclear localization properties of a herpesvirus bZIP oncoprotein, MEQ.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is one of the most oncogenic herpesviruses and induces T lymphomas in chickens within weeks after infection. Only a limited number of viral transcripts are detected in MDV tumor samples and cell lines. One of the major transcripts encodes MEQ, a 339-amino-acid bZIP protein which is homologous to the Jun/Fos family of transcription factors. The C-terminal half of MEQ contains proline-rich repeats and, when fused to the DNA-binding domain of a yeast transcription factor, Gal4 (residues 1 to 147), exhibits transactivation function. MEQ can dimerize with itself and with c-Jun. The MEQ-c-Jun heterodimers bind to an AP-1-like enhancer within the MEQ promoter region with greater affinity than do homodimers of either protein, and they transactivate MEQ expression. Here we show that MEQ is expressed in the nucleus but, interestingly, with a predominant fraction in the nucleoli and coiled bodies. This makes MEQ the first bZIP protein to be identified in the nucleoli. MEQ contains two stretches of basic residues, designated basic region 1 (BR1) and basic region 2 (BR2). Using a series of deletion mutants, we have mapped the primary nuclear localization signal (NLS) and the sole nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) to the BR2 region. BR1 was shown to provide an auxiliary signal in nuclear translocation. To demonstrate that BR2 is an authentic NoLS, BR2 was fused to cytoplasmic v-Raf (delta gag) kinase. The BR2-Raf fusion protein was observed to migrate into the nucleoplasm and the nucleolus. The BR2 region can be further divided into two long arginine-lysine stretches, BR2N and BR2C, which are separated by the five amino acids Asn-Arg-Asp-Ala-Ala (NRDAA). We provide evidence that the requirement for nuclear translocation is less stringent than that for nucleolar translocation, as either BR2N or BR2C alone is sufficient to translocate the cytoplasmic v-Raf (delta gag) into the nucleus, but only in combination can they translocate v-Raf (delta gag) into the nucleolus. Our studies demonstrate that MEQ is both a nuclear and nucleolar protein, adding MEQ to the growing list of transactivators which localize to the nucleolus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Perioperative management of open-chest surgery for cancer patients in advanced stage in aged and with respiratory insufficiency].

For patients with chest cancer who are in advanced stage, aged, or/and with respiratory insufficiency, the key to the success of open-chest surgery is intensive management of the respiratory tract and proper treatment of complications in perioperative period. From May 1984 to November 1995, 1661 patients with esophageal and lung cancer underwent thoracotomy in our hospital. 198 of the 1661 patients fit in with the standards of advanced, aged or respiratory insufficiency. The patients were aged over 70 years, with the length of esophageal cancer over 10 cm and, the MVV less than 50% (least 24.3%). The results the patients were satisfactory because a series of the effective measures of perioperative management were tahen. They incladed thyrocrico-puncture and use of a fine tube through which drugs were injected to irritate cough sputum out; examination and suction with bronchofiberoscope; tracheo-bronchial lavage through bronchofiberoscope with antibiotics solution; and tracheotomy using ventilator appropriately. Perioperative intensive management is very important for extending operation indication and tiding over critical period.

Aged↗

[Influence of idiotypic network regulation on renal transplant].

Pretransplant sera from 68 patients were tested for antiidiotypic antibodies (Ab2) and anti-antiidiotypic antibodies (Ab3) by lyphocytotoxicity inhibitory and potentiating assay. In the first six nomths, 6% of the patients in the Ab2 group had had a rejection episode compared with 21% of the patients in the no antibody (P < 0.01), whereas patients in the Ab3 group had significant rejection episodes (67%) compared with no antibody group (P < 0.01). These results suggest that Ab2 can introduce recipients tolerating the graft in some degree and patients with Ab3 are of high risk of graft rejection.

Adult↗

The mechanism of inhibition of DNA synthesis by HH07A, a derivative of hainanensine.

The synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in L1210 cells was inhibited by HH07A in a dose-dependent and time-dependent way. HH07A showed much stronger inhibitory effect on [3H]-thymidine incorporation than that on [3H]-uridine or [3H]-tyrosine incorporation. The methods of shift of absorption spectrum, shift of fluorescence emission spectrum and excitation spectrum, and isotope technique were used to investigate the mechanism of action of HH07A on DNA synthesis. The results suggested that the action of HH07A on DNA synthesis was not probably due to direct damage to the DNA template, it might mainly act by interfering with the metabolism of DNA.

Animals↗

[Arginine-glutamine replacement at residue 57 of NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase in Chinese hereditary methemoglobinemia].

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular mechanism of NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (Cytb5R) deficiency in hereditary methemoglobinemia. METHODS: Cytb5R cDNA was cloned from white blood cells from patient with hereditary methemoglobinemia by RT-PCR method, and the genomic DNA from 3 pedigrees with hereditary methemoglobinemia were analyzed by restriction enzyme analysis. RESULTS: On sequencing the cDNA, two missense mutation were found. One is CGG-->CAG at codon 57 of exon 3, caused Arg-Gln replacement. The other is GAG-->GGG at codon 222 of exon 8. The former mutation abolishes the Msp I recognition site which was confirmed in two of three hereditary methemoglobinemia family. The latter mutation generates a recognition site for Bsi Y I. Amplification of exon 8 by PCR followed by digestion with Bsi Y I revealed no mutation in all patients from the three families. CONCLUSION: Arg57-Gln replacement is responsible for Cytb5R deficiency in the two Chinese pedigrees.

Adult↗

[Surface-enhanced Raman spectra studies on four complexes derived from D-glucosamine and alpha-glycine and their effect on DNA].

Raman scattering of four complexes derived from d-glucosamine and alpha-glycine and their effects on DNA were studied with surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS). It was found that their SERS had shown little difference for their similar structural. Their interaction abilities on DNA were poor according to the change of their SERS spectrun after adding DNA to their water solution except for Co(III)GluG, which has strong effect on DNA. NiGluG's adsorptive ability on Ag sol is the strongest among other three complexes.

DNA↗

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with the clinico-pathological manifestations in immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and the clinico-pathological manifestations in patients with immunoglobulin nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: A flanking primer pair and an insertion-specific primer pair were used to perform two polymerase chain reactions so as to analyse the insertion/deletion polymorphism of ACE gene. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher genotype frequency for DD genotype in IgAN patients. The frequencies for DD genotype were also higher in those patients with hypertension and/or heavy proteinuria and/or severe glomerular sclerosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant association of the deletion polymorphism of ACE gene with renal insufficiency, hypertension and severe glomerular lesions at biopsy. The deletion allele may play a role, at least to some extent, in the deterioration and progression in IgA nephropathy.

Adolescent↗

Cloning and sequencing of human thrombopoietin cDNA.

Human thrombopoietin (hTPO), a ligand for the protooncogene c-mpl, is the major humoral regulator of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production affecting the proliferation and maturation of committed cells. Recently the hTPO gene and cDNA were cloned from human genome and cDNA libraries. In this report, hTPO cDNA was synthesized by RT-PCR from a Chinese human fetal liver. The sequence of this cDNA showed a high homology with hTPO cDNA in the Genebank database (accession no. L36052) except that base substitution occurred at four sites (497, 595, 767, and 795 bp), which led to the change of three amino acid residues in the predicted protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Effects of glycated protein on the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 of cultured human mesangial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether nonenzymatic glycated end products (AGEs) have effects on the expression and bioactivity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), one of the seripin proteinases, which lead to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in cultured human mesangial cells. METHODS: Human mesangial cells (HMC) were cultured. Cell proliferation, fibronectin production, mRNA expression and bioactivity of PAI-1 were determined after exposure to AGE-BSA for 24 hours and 48 hours in vitro. RESULTS: HMC stimulated by AGE-BSA exhibited inhibition in HMC proliferation, increase in fibronectin production, and PAI-1 bioactivity. These changes were pronounced with prolongation of experimental time. PAI-1 mRNA expression increased significantly at 24 hr (0.45% +/- 0.06% vs 0.65% +/- 0.08%, P < 0.05), however more marked increase of PAI-1 mRNA expression at 48 hr (0.51 +/- 0.08% vs 0.92 +/- 0.10%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increase of mRNA expression and bioactivity of PAI-1 induced by AGEs decreased ECM degradation and play an important role in the pathogenesis of ECM accumulation and glomerulosclerosis.

Cell Division↗

In vivo immunoadsorption of antipig antibodies in baboons using a specific Gal(alpha)1-3Gal column.

The major role of anti-alphaGal antibodies in the hyperacute rejection of pig organs by humans and baboons has been clearly demonstrated. Spacered alpha-galactose disaccharide (Gal(alpha1)-3Gal) hapten was produced by chemical synthesis and covalently attached to a flexible, hydrophilic polymer (PAA), which in turn was covalently coupled to macroporous glass beads, forming an immunoadsorbent that is mechanically and chemically stable and can be sterilized. The extracorporeal immunoadsorption (EIA) of anti-alphaGal antibodies using this column has been investigated in vivo in 3 baboons. In Baboon 1 (which had hyperacutely rejected a pig heart transplant 4 months previously, was not splenectomized, and did not receive any pharmacologic immunosuppression) the levels of anti-alphaGal antibody and antipig IgM and IgG, as well as serum cytotoxicity, fell significantly after each of 3 EIAs but were not eliminated. Serum cytotoxicity, antipig immunoglobulin and anti-alphaGal antibody rose steeply within 24 hr of the final EIA, suggesting that the return of cytotoxicity was associated with anti-alphaGa1 antibody. In Baboons 2 and 3 (which were immunologically naive and splenectomized, and received triple drug immunosuppressive therapy) serum cytotoxicity was totally eliminated and anti-alphaGal antibody and antipig IgM and IgG levels were greatly reduced by courses of EIA. In Baboon 2, cytotoxicity and all antibody levels remained negligible for approximately one week after the final (fourth) daily EIA. In Baboon 3, cytotoxicity and antibody levels were maintained low by intermittent EIA (over a period of 13 days) for almost 3 weeks, although antipig IgM began to rebound 4 days after the final EIA. We conclude that, in an immunosuppressed, splenectomized baboon, repeated EIA using a specific alphaGal disaccharide column will reduce antipig and anti-alphaGal antibody levels and serum cytotoxicity significantly for several days. This reduction in cytotoxicity will almost certainly be sufficient to delay the hyperacute rejection of a transplanted pig organ, but further studies are required to investigate whether it will be sufficient to allow accommodation to develop.

Acrylic Resins↗

Glycans derived from porcine stomach mucin are effective inhibitors of natural anti-alpha-galactosyl antibodies in vitro and after intravenous infusion in baboons.

The current shortage of donor organs has stimulated investigation of pig-to-human xenotransplantation as a practical alternative to allotransplantation. However, a major obstacle to this xenotransplantation is hyperacute rejection, which is believed to be initiated by the interaction of natural anti-alpha-galactosyl (alphaGal) antibodies with alphaGal epitopes on pig vascular endothelium. Previously, we reported that neutral oligosaccharides derived from porcine stomach mucin (PSM) are effective inhibitors of human anti-alphaGal IgG in vitro. We now report that O-glycans derived from PSM by beta-elimination (PSMO) reduce the cytotoxicity of both baboon and human sera to pig kidney (PK15) cells in vitro. Crude PSM had some inhibitory effect in vitro, but PSMO were more than 100 times more potent. Moreover, 1 microg/ml of beta-eliminated PSMO that bound to an immunoaffinity column of anti-alphaGal antibodies were four times more efficient than total PSMO in protecting PK15 cells from the cytotoxic effect of baboon or human sera. Blood recovered from baboons after intravenous infusion of PMSO also showed significant protection of PK15 cells. We conclude that PSMO eluted from an anti-alphaGal immunoaffinity column demonstrate potent inhibitory effects against baboon and human serum cytotoxicity to PK15 cells in vitro and when administered intravenously. PSM may provide a cheap and readily available source of glycans that will be of therapeutic value in the prevention of hyperacute rejection.

Animals↗

Regulation of WT1 by phosphorylation: inhibition of DNA binding, alteration of transcriptional activity and cellular translocation.

Phosphorylation is one of the major post-translational mechanisms by which the activity of transcription factors is regulated. We have investigated the role of phosphorylation in the regulation of nucleic acid binding activity and the nuclear translocation of WT1. Two recombinant WT1 proteins containing the DNA binding domain with or without a three amino acid (KTS) insertion (WT1ZF + KTS and WT1ZF - KTS) were strongly phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro. Both PKA and PKC phosphorylation inhibited the ability of WT1ZF + KTS or WT1ZF - KTS to bind to a sequence derived from the WT1 promoter region in gel mobility shift assays. The binding of WT1ZF - KTS to an EGR1 consensus binding site was also inhibited by prior PKA and PKC phosphorylation. We also demonstrate the RNA binding activity of WT1, but this was not altered by phosphorylation. PKA activation by dibutyryl cAMP in WT1-transfected cells resulted in the reversal of WT1 suppression of a reporter construct. Although WT1 protein is predominantly localized to the nucleus, this expression pattern is altered upon PKA activation, resulting in the cytoplasmic retention of WT1. Accordingly, phosphorylation may play a role in modulating the transcriptional regulatory activity of WT1 through interference with nuclear translocation, as well as by inhibition of WT1 DNA binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cobra venom factor stimulates anti-alpha-galactose antibody production in baboons. Implications for pig-to-human xenotransplantation.

Cobra venom factor (CVF) depletes complement and may therefore be of use in preventing the hyperacute rejection that follows discordant organ xenotransplantation. In two baboons studied, the intramuscular injection of CVF (0.25 mg/kg) was followed by a marked reduction in serum C3 and CH50, and serum cytotoxicity to pig kidney (PK15) cells. There was, however, a very rapid rise in the level of anti-alpha-galactose (alpha Gal) antibody, and a slower rise in anti-CVF antibody. A second intramuscular injection of CVF on day 14 was ineffective in reducing C3, CH50, and serum cytotoxicity. The major oligosaccharide of CVF is known to contain alpha Gal residues, which we suggest stimulate the major increase in anti-alpha Gal antibody level seen in the present study. In the clinical situation, this might lead to an increased immune response to a concomitantly transplanted pig organ.

Animals↗

Evolutionary origins of retroposon lineages of Mhc class II Ab alleles.

Major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) class II Ab genes have evolved into three distinct lineages. While lineage 2 alleles differ from lineage 1 alleles by the insertion of a retroposon in intron 2, the basis for the extremely large intron 2 in lineage 3 alleles has heretofore been undetermined. In this report, we demonstrate by nucleotide sequencing that the genomic sequences of prototypic alleles from all three lineages diverge significantly and that lineage 3 is derived from lineage 2 by two insertional events in intron 2. One insert, composed of a member of B1 short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs), occurs 508 base pairs (bp) 3' of exon 2, and the other, 1141 bp 3' of exon 2 within the retroposon that distinguishes lineage 2 from lineage 1. To assess the evolutionary stability of these lineages and the extent of ancestral polymorphisms of Ab within Mus species, we extended our restriction site polymorphism analysis to include 86 alleles from 120 independently derived H2 haplotypes from 12 separate species and subspecies of Mus. A phylogenetic tree revealing the relationships of these Ab alleles with respect to restriction site polymorphisms, but excluding the retroposon insertions, demonstrated that these lineages have distinctive genomic structures beyond the retroposon polymorphisms. In summary, these mouse Ab genes were produced from successive retroposon insertion events. Lineage 1 and 2 were detected in a variety of Mus species, including Mus caroli, indicating that these lineages diverged more than 2 million years ago. Lineage 3 alleles were found only in the Mus musculus subspecies, suggesting that it diverged from lineage 2 more recently. These results indicate that all three lineages of Ab have persisted through several speciation events in the genus Mus.

Alleles↗

Diminished noradrenergic stimulation reduces the activity of rolipram-sensitive, high-affinity cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in rat cerebral cortex.

The present study examined the in vivo regulation of rolipram-sensitive, high-affinity cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) in rat cerebral cortex. The hydrolysis of cyclic AMP, formed by stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, was measured in cerebral cortical slices. Hydrolysis of cyclic AMP formed under these conditions was inhibited by the PDE4-selective inhibitor rolipram but not by selective inhibitors of other PDE families. Intraventricular infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 200 micrograms) decreased the rate constant of cyclic AMP hydrolysis and increased the cyclic AMP half-life 17 days, but not 1 or 7 days, following the treatment. A reduction in norepinephrine (NE) content occurred first; the NE level was reduced to 42, 24, and 6% of control at 1, 7, and 17 days after 6-OHDA infusion, respectively. This was followed by the development of supersensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptor-linked adenylyl cyclase, which occurred 7 days after the infusion. The reduction in PDE4 activity occurred last. When a higher dose of 6-OHDA (300 micrograms) was used, the reduction in the rate constant of cyclic AMP hydrolysis occurred by 7 days; at this time NE content was depleted to 6% of control. Similar to 6-OHDA treatment, continuous blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors, produced by chronic propranolol infusion, decreased the rate constant of cyclic AMP hydrolysis. Therefore, the current results indicate that diminished stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, either by loss of noradrenergic innervation or by receptor blockade, reduces the activity of PDE4. This suggests that PDE4 regulation may contribute in the homeostasis of the noradrenergic receptor-effector system in the brain.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Mutation of the pancreatic islet inward rectifier Kir6.2 also leads to familial persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy.

Closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic islet beta-cells initiates a cascade of events that leads to insulin secretion. beta-Cell ATP-sensitive potassium currents can be reconstituted by coexpression of the inward rectifier Kir6.2 and the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. Mutations in SUR have been identified in individuals affected with familial persistent hyper-insulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI), an autosomal recessive disorder of glucose metabolism which is linked to chromosome 11p15.1 and characterized by unregulated secretion of insulin and profound hypoglycemia. Because the Kir6.2 locus is within 5 kilobases (kb) of the SUR gene on chromosome 11p15.1 and it is a necessary member of the beta-cell KATP channel, we considered Kir6.2 as a candidate gene for PHHL we identified a homozygous point mutation in Kir6.2 in the genomic DNA of a child, severely affected with PHHI, from a consanguineous family. This mutation is predicted to disrupt the conserved alpha-helical second transmembrane (M2) domain of the inward rectifier by substitution of a proline for a leucine residue (L147P). Mutation of Kir6.2, like SUR, appears to lead to the PHHI phenotype suggesting that Kir6.2 is necessary, although not sufficient, for normal regulation of insulin release.

Consanguinity↗