Biomedical subjects

Z Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Z Wang.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Relationship between the regulatory region polymorphism of human tissue kallikrein gene and essential hypertension.

Ten alleles with length and nucleotide sequence variations were identified in the regulatory region of human tissue kallikrein gene. This present study aimed to study the polymorphisms of the regulatory region of human tissue kallikrein gene of the Chinese and investigate the relationship of the polymorphisms with essential hypertension. A case-control study was conducted in 200 hypertensive and 200 normotensive subjects of unrelated Chinese Han origin. All subjects were aged from 30 to 70 years and had no history of diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or thyroid gland disease. The alleles were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyping was performed with allele-specific oligonucleotide analysis (ASO). Data from the essential hypertensive and control subjects were statistically analysed by the Student's t-test and chi2-test. The age- and gender-matching of the groups were accurate. The case group and the control group were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at this locus (cases, P=0.313; control subjects, P=0.457). There were nine alleles among the case and control groups, and the allele frequencies were found to be significantly different between cases and controls (chi2=25.701, P<0.001). The genotype frequencies were also significantly different (chi2=70.100, P<0.001) between these two groups. In conclusion, there are polymorphisms in the regulatory region of human tissue kallikrein gene in the Chinese Han people. Differences in both allele frequencies and genotype frequencies between these two groups have provided evidence towards the association of hypertension with the polymorphisms in this studied site.

Asian People↗

PubMed2005

Selective enzymatic cleavage of gold nanoparticle-labelled DNA on a microarray.

The use of the restriction enzyme EcoRI for the manipulation of double-stranded DNA on microarrays is introduced. Gold nanoparticles are attached to a microarray via base pairing between complementary DNA sequences on the array and on the particles. These particles could be detected by light scattering measurements following an enhancement step, in which silver islands were deposited on top of the gold particles. This deposition of silver could be completely suppressed if the particles were removed by enzymatic cleavage of their DNA linker molecules. This cleavage step critically depends on the presence of a specific enzyme recognition site.

Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗

PubMed2005

Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans.

NovaSil clay (NS) provides significant protection from the adverse effects of aflatoxins (AFs) in multiple animal species by decreasing bioavailability from the gastrointestinal tract. It is postulated that NS clay can be safely added to human diets to diminish exposure and health risks from AF contaminated food. To determine the safety and tolerance of NS in humans and establish dosimetry protocols for long-term efficacy studies, a randomized and double-blinded phase I clinical trial was conducted. Volunteers (20-45 yr in age), were clinically screened for confirmation of their health status. Fifty subjects (23 males and 27 females) were randomly divided into two groups: The low-dose group received nine capsules containing 1.5 g/day, and the high-dose group received nine capsules containing 3.0 g/day for a period of 2?wk. NS capsules were manufactured in the same color and size and were distributed to each participant three times a day at designated sites where follow-up was taken to record any side effects and complaints. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the study for laboratory analysis. All participants completed the trial and compliance was 99.1%. Mild GI effects were reported in some participants. Symptoms included abdominal pain (6%, 3/50), bloating (4%, 2/50), constipation (2%, 1/50), diarrhea (2%, 1/50), and flatulence (8%, 4/50). No statistical significance was found between the two groups for these adverse effects (p > 0.25). No significant differences were shown in hematology, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, vitamins A and E, and minerals in either group. These results demonstrate the relative safety of NS clay in human subjects and will serve as a basis for long-term human trials in populations at high risk for aflatoxicosis.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2005

Geographic distribution, virologic and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus genotypes in China.

The significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes for the heterogeneity of chronic HBV infection and severity of liver disease is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and virologic characteristics of HBV genotypes in China and possible association with the diversity of liver disease. The study includes 1096 chronic HBV carriers from nine provinces in China. We collected clinical and laboratory data and analysed the HBV strains in sera by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and nucleotide sequencing techniques. The most common HBV genotypes were B (41%) and C (53%), while genotypes A and D were also found. A North-South divide was identified in genotype B and C distribution - genotype C was predominant in northern China, while genotype B was more prevalent in southern provinces. Patients with genotype B were younger than those with genotype C, and had a lower prevalence of HBeAg - 65%vs 72%, respectively (P = 0.03). However, the severity of liver disease did not differ significantly between patients infected with genotype B or C - neither when comparing liver function tests (1024 patients), nor hepatic inflammation and fibrosis (264 patients). Amongst 47 patients with genotype D (by PCR-RFLP), 37 (79%) were infected with a new subtype (designated Dc), having a recombination fragment from genotype C precore/core region. This is the first large-scale HBV genotype study from China and convincing documentation of the North-to-South gradient of genotypes C vs B in this country. HBV DNA recombination over the surface and precore/core genes increases the diversity of HBV strains and may have diagnostic and clinical implications.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

UCP1 deficiency increases susceptibility to diet-induced obesity with age.

Loss of nonshivering thermogenesis in mice by inactivation of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein gene (Ucp1-/- mice) causes increased sensitivity to cold and unexpected resistance to diet-induced obesity at a young age. To clarify the role of UCP1 in body weight regulation throughout life and influence of UCP1 deficiency on longevity, we longitudinally analyzed the phenotypes of Ucp1-/- mice maintained in a room at 23 degrees C. There was no difference in body weight and lifespan between genotypes under the standard chow diet condition, whereas the mutant mice developed obesity with age under the high-fat (HF) diet condition. Compared with Ucp1+/+ mice, Ucp1-/- mice showed increased expression of genes related to thermogenesis and fatty acid metabolism, such as beta3-adrenergic receptor, in adipose tissues of the 3-month-old mutants; however, the augmented expression was reduced in Ucp1+/+ mice in 11-month-old Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet. Likewise, the increased levels of UCP3 and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the brown adipose tissue of Ucp1-/- mice given the standard diet were decreased significantly in that of Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet, which animals showed impaired norepinephrine-induced lipolysis in their adipose tissues. These results suggest profound attenuation of beta-adrenergic responsiveness and fatty acid utilization in Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet, bringing them to late-onset obesity. Our findings provide evidence that UCP1 is neither essential for body weight regulation nor for longevity under conditions of standard diet and normal housing temperature, but deficiency increases susceptibility to obesity with age in combination with HF diet.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

PubMed2005

Plasma low-molecular weight fluorescence in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Characteristic tissue fluorescence is associated with advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation in experimental diabetes models, but its utility in patients with type 1 diabetes remains to be established. We studied 148 patients with type 1 diabetes and 77 healthy age-matched control subjects. Low-molecular weight (LMW) fluorophore levels were estimated in plasma samples obtained after an overnight fast. Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 4.7% and 6.4%, respectively. LMW fluorophore levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes than in control subjects (6.3 +/- 0.6 AU/mL vs. 4.1 +/- 0.3; P = 0.007). However, all of this difference came from patients with microvascular complications (n = 67, 7.5 +/- 1.3). There was no significant difference in LMW fluorescence between complication-free patients (4.4 +/- 0.2) and control subjects (P > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, LMW fluorophores correlated with measures of renal function (P < 0.05) but not with diabetes per se. In addition, there was no correlation between LMW fluorophores and the markers of oxidative stress or systemic inflammation. Longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine whether the association between LMW fluorophores and nephropathy is cause or effect.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Testosterone induced Ca2+ influx in bone marrow-derived macrophages via surface binding sites.

The biological activity of testosterone is thought to occur predominantly through binding to the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor. Here, we found that testosterone could induce a rapid rise in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of Fura-2 loaded bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs), which was found to be predominantly due to the influx of extracellular Ca2+ through Ni2+-blockable Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. However, these effects of testosterone could not be associated with the classical intracellular AR in BMMs, since AR was not detectable using different experimental techniques. Instead, it was found that testosterone could bind to the surface of BMMs by the use of an impermeable testosterone-BSA-FITC, and Ca2+ influx could also be induced by testosterone conjugated to BSA. Our data indicated a novel mode of direct action of testosterone on BMMs, which was not mediated through the classical AR response, but through the binding sites of testosterone on cell surfaces.

Androgen Antagonists↗

PubMed2005

Effect of small-sized liposomal Adriamycin administered by various routes on a metastatic breast cancer model.

The antitumor effects of small-sized liposomal Adriamycin (LADR) administered by various routes were investigated in rabbits bearing well-developed VX2 tumors in the mammary gland. Rabbits received s.c. or i.v., or s.c. combined with i.v., injections of LADR 6 weeks after tumor implantation. The i.v. route showed a significant inhibitory effect on breast tumors and distant metastases. In comparison, metastases in axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes were more efficiently inhibited after s.c. injection. LADR administered concurrently by both the i.v. and s.c. routes produced satisfactory therapeutic activities on both primary breast tumors and metastases in local-regional lymph nodes, lungs and liver, as shown by slowed growth rates, decreased mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and extensive necrosis and apoptosis of tumor cells. It is concluded that small-sized LADR administered s.c. provides reliable efficacy on lymphatic metastases of breast cancer and that the addition of treatment by the s.c. route to that by the conventional i.v. route can be recommended as a promising procedure to enhance chemotherapeutic effects in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The role of COX-2 in oral cancer development, and chemoprevention/ treatment of oral cancer by selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Oral cancer is challenging for clinicians due to its high mortality and increasing incidence rate. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is extensively expressed in oral cancer and oral premalignant lesions and seems to be enhanced specifically in high-risk oral lesions. Mounting evidence suggests that these inhibitors may represent a promising approach for chemoprevention or treatment of oral cancer. This review reports on Medline and PubMed literature searches of published articles from 1995 to 2003. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive examination and discussion of the potential role of COX-2 in oral cancer development and the use of COX-2 inhibitors for oral cancer chemoprevention or treatment. The data in the literature strongly indicate that COX-2 is significantly upregulated in oral cancer and premalignant lesions, and we believe that inhibition of COX-2 would suppress development of oral lesions by affecting several pathways of oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, the COX-2 inhibitors should be investigated as a new treatment, particularly new chemoprevention agents, for patients who are at high risk for developing oral cancer.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Inhibition of Measles virus multiplication in cell culture by RNA interference.

Measles takes a toll of one million people a year worldwide, especially in developing countries. As the so far applied vaccines were not able to control this disease, novel approaches to this problem are needed. In this study, we investigated the possibility of inhibition of Measles virus (MV) infection through RNA interference (RNAi), namely the interference with the second but main receptor of MV, signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM), in an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed marmoset B cell line B95-8. Three potential target sequences in the SLAM gene were chosen and cloned into the pSilencer 3.0-H1 vector. The vector constructs were used for transfection of B95-8 cells in which SLAM was then detected by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and RT-PCR both at transcription and expression levels. One of the vector constructs was found to block effectively the SLAM expression as well as MV infection. These results suggest that RNAi could silence SLAM expression and inhibit the MV infection of host cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Fermi surface topology of Ca1.5Sr0.5RuO4 determined by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.

We report angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy results of the Fermi surface of Ca1.5Sr0.5RuO4, which is at the boundary of magnetic/orbital instability in the phase diagram of the Ca-substituted Sr ruthenates. Three t(2g) energy bands and the corresponding Fermi surface sheets are observed, which are also present in the Ca-free Sr2RuO4. We find that while the Fermi surface topology of the alpha,beta (d(yz,zx)) sheets remains almost the same in these two materials, the gamma (d(xy)) sheet exhibits a holelike Fermi surface in Ca1.5Sr0.5RuO4 in contrast to being electronlike in Sr2RuO4. Our observation of all three volume conserving Fermi surface sheets clearly demonstrates the absence of orbital-selective Mott transition, which was proposed theoretically to explain the unusual transport and magnetic properties in Ca1.5Sr0.5RuO4.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Sp17 gene expression in myeloma cells is regulated by promoter methylation.

The mechanisms underlying sperm protein 17 (Sp17) gene expression in myeloma cells remained unclear. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Sp17 transcripts were detected in ARK-B, ARP-1, RPMI-8226 and KMS-11 but not in H929, IM-9, MM1-R and U266 cells. Using a panel of primer pairs in methylation-sensitive PCR to amplify overlapping gene segments, our screening studies showed that the HpaII sites at -359 and -350 are involved in the regulation of Sp17 gene expression. To confirm the differences in methylation status between Sp17-positive and Sp17-negative cell lines, KMS-11 cells (Sp17-positive) and IM-9 cells (Sp17-negative) were subjected to the more accurate method of bisulphite conversion. KMS-11 cells were more hypomethylated at these HpaII sites of exon 1 compared to IM-9 cells, indicating the association of hypomethylated promoter with Sp17 gene expression. In addition, the level of methylation at other CpG sites within the promoter sequence was also higher in IM-9 than KMS-11. Exon 1 was cloned into a reporter vector, pCAT*3 Enhancer. Chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) activity was restored in cells transfected with the recombinant plasmid, indicating the promoter function of exon 1. Exposure of Sp17-negative cell lines to the hypomethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, resulted in the upregulation of Sp17 gene expression. Our results therefore provide evidence for the regulation of Sp17 gene expression by promoter methylation.

Antigens, Surface↗

PubMed2004

Realization of a magnetically guided atomic beam in the collisional regime.

We describe the realization of a magnetically guided beam of cold rubidium atoms, with a flux of 7 x 10(9) atoms/s, a temperature of 400 microK, and a mean velocity of 1 m/s. The rate of elastic collisions within the beam is sufficient to ensure thermalization. We show that the evaporation induced by a radio-frequency wave leads to appreciable cooling and an increase in the phase space density. We discuss the perspectives to reach the quantum degenerate regime using evaporative cooling.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Radial compression of protons and H3+ ions in a multiring trap for the production of ultralow energy antiproton beams.

Radial compression of a proton cloud was performed in a multiring trap which was designed to trap and cool a large number of antiprotons for the production of low-energy ( 10-1000 eV ) antiproton beams. The resonance frequency for the radial compression was almost constant from 3 x 10(5) to 3 x 10(6) protons. The collision process of the trapped protons was also investigated to estimate the energy of the protons inside the trap. This technique will be applied to the ASACUSA experiment at the antiproton decelerator, CERN, to extract ultraslow antiprotons with good emittance.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Control of myocardial oxygen consumption in transgenic mice overexpressing vascular eNOS.

Our objective was to investigate the potential role of selective endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) overexpression in coronary blood vessels in the control of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). Transgenic (Tg) eNOS-overexpressing mice (eNOS Tg) (n=22) and wild-type (WT) mice (n=24) were studied. Western blot analysis indicated greater than sixfold increase of eNOS in cardiac tissue. Echocardiography in awake mice indicated no difference in cardiac function between WT and eNOS Tg; however, systolic pressure in eNOS Tg mice decreased significantly (126 +/- 2.3 to 109 +/- 2.3 mmHg; P <0.05), whereas heart rate (HR) was not different. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was also decreased (9.8 +/- 0.8 to 7.6 +/- 0.4 4 mmHg.ml(-1).min; P <0.05) in eNOS Tg. Furthermore, female eNOS Tg mice showed even lower TPR (7.2 +/- 0.4 mmHg.ml(-1).min) compared with male eNOS mice (8.6 +/- 0.5, mmHg.ml.min(-1); P <0.05). Left ventricular slices were isolated from WT and eNOS Tg mice. With the use of a Clark-type oxygen electrode in an airtight bath, MVO2 was determined as the percent decrease during increasing doses (10(-10) to 10(-4) mol/l) of bradykinin (BK), carbachol (CCh), forskolin (10(-12) to 10(-6) mol/l), or S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP; 10(-7) to 10(-4) mol/l). Baseline MVO2 was not different between WT (181 +/- 13 nmol.g(-1).min(-1)) and eNOS Tg (188 +/- 14 nmol.g(-1).min(-1)). BK decreased MVO2 (10(-4) mol/l) in WT by 17% +/- 1.1 and 33% +/- 2.7 in eNOS Tg (P < 0.05). CCh also decreased MVO2, 10(-4) mol/l, in WT by 20% +/- 1.7 and 31% +/- 2.0 in eNOS Tg (P <0.05). Forskolin (10(-6) mol/l) or SNAP (10(-4) mol/l) also decreased MVO2 in WT by 24% +/- 2.8 and 36% +/- 1.8 versus eNOS 31% +/- 1.8 and 37% +/- 3.5, respectively. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-3) mol/l) inhibited the MVO2 reduction to BK, CCh, and forskolin by a similar degree (P <0.05), but not to SNAP. Thus selective overexpression of eNOS in cardiac blood vessels in mice enhances the control of MVO2 by eNOS-derived NO.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

ARPES on Na0.6CoO2: Fermi surface and unusual band dispersion.

The electronic structure of single crystals Na0.6CoO2, which are closely related to the superconducting Na0.3CoO2.yH(2)O (T(c) approximately 5 K), is studied by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. While the measured Fermi surface (FS) is consistent with the large FS enclosing the Gamma point from the band theory, the predicted small FS pockets near the K points are absent. In addition, the band dispersion is found to be highly renormalized, and anisotropic along the two principal axes (Gamma-K, Gamma-M). Our measurements also indicate that an extended flatband is formed slightly above E(F) along Gamma-K.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Near-infrared spectra and rovibrational dynamics on a four-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface of (HBr)2.

Supersonic jet investigations of the (HBr)(2) dimer have been carried out using a tunable diode laser spectrometer to provide accurate data for comparison with results from a four-dimensional (4-D) ab initio potential energy surface (PES). The near-infrared nu(1) (+/-), nu(2) (+/-), and (nu(1)+nu(4))(-) bands of (H (79)Br)(2), (H (79)Br-H (81)Br), and (H (81)Br)(2) isotopomers have been recorded in the range 2500-2600 cm(-1) using a CW slit jet expansion with an upgraded near-infrared diode laser spectrometer. The 4-D PES has been calculated for (HBr)(2) using second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory with an augmented and polarized 6-311G basis set. The potential is characterized by a global minimum occurring at the H bond structure with the distance between the center of masses (CM) of the monomer being R(CM)=4.10 A with angles theta(A)=10 degrees, theta(B)=100 degrees and a well depth of 692.2 cm(-1), theta(A) is the angle the HBr bond of monomer A makes with the vector from the CM of A to the CM of B, and theta(B) is the corresponding angle monomer B makes with the same CM-CM vector. The barrier for the H interchange occurs at the closed C(2h) structure for which R(CM)=4.07 A, theta(A)=45 degrees, theta(B)=135 degrees, and the barrier height is 73.9 cm(-1). The PES was fitted using a linear-least squares method and the rovibrational energy levels of the complex were calculated by a split pseudospectral method. The spectroscopic data provide accurate molecular parameters for the dimer that are then compared with the results predicted on the basis of the 4-D ab initio PES.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Measurements of scattered light on a microchip flow cytometer with integrated polymer based optical elements.

Flow cytometry is widely used for analyzing microparticles, such as cells and bacteria. In this paper, we report an innovative microsystem, in which several different optical elements (waveguides, lens and fiber-to-waveguide couplers) are integrated with microfluidic channels to form a complete microchip flow cytometer. All the optical elements, the microfluidic system, and the fiber-to-waveguide couplers were defined in one layer of polymer (SU-8, negative photoresist) by standard photolithography. With only a single mask procedure required, all the fabrication and packaging processes can be finished in one day. Polystyrene beads were measured in the microchip flow cytometer, and three signals (forward scattering, large angle scattering and extinction) were measured simultaneously for each bead. To our knowledge this is the first time forward scattered light and incident light extinction were measured in a microsystem using integrated optics. The microsystem can be applied for analyzing different kinds of particles and cells, and can easily be integrated with other microfluidic components.

Equipment Design↗