Involvement of Orai1 in tunicamycin-induced endothelial dysfunction

Hui Yang,Yumei Xue,Sujuan Kuang,Mengzhen Zhang,Jinghui Chen,Lin Liu,Zhixin Shan,Qiuxiong Lin,Xiaohong Li,Min Yang,Hui Zhou,Fang Rao,Chunyu Deng 대한약리학회 2019 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.23 No.2

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is mediated by disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis. The store-operated calcium (SOC) channel is the primary Ca2+ channel in non-excitable cells, but its participation in agent-induced ER stress is not clear. In this study, the effects of tunicamycin on Ca2+ influx in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were observed with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM. The effect of tunicamycin on the expression of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins BiP and CHOP was assayed by western blotting with or without inhibition of Orai1. Tunicamycin induced endothelial dysfunction by activating ER stress. Orai1 expression and the influx of extracellular Ca2+ in HUVECs were both upregulated during ER stress. The SOC channel inhibitor SKF96365 reversed tunicamycin-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by inhibiting ER stress. Regulation of tunicamycin-induced ER stress by Orai1 indicates that modification of Orai1 activity may have therapeutic value for conditions with ER stress-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli through oxidative damage

Liu-Hui Fu,Zeng-Zheng Wei,Kang-Di Hu,Lan-Ying Hu,Yan-Hong Li,Xiao-Yan Chen,Zhuo Han,Gai-Fang Yao,Hua Zhang 한국미생물학회 2018 The journal of microbiology Vol.56 No.4

Many studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is both detrimental and beneficial to animals and plants, whereas its effect on bacteria is not fully understood. Here, we report that H2S, released by sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), significantly inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies have shown that H2S treatment stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases glutathione (GSH) levels in E. coli, resulting in lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. H2S also inhibits the antioxidative enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) and induces the response of the SoxRS and OxyR regulons in E. coli. Moreover, pretreatment with the antioxidant ascorbic acid (AsA) could effectively prevent H2S-induced toxicity in E. coli. Taken together, our results indicate that H2S exhibits an antibacterial effect on E. coli through oxidative damage and suggest a possible application for H2S in water and food processing.

Relationship Between Computed Tomography Manifestations of Thymic Epithelial Tumors and the WHO Pathological Classification

Liu, Guo-Bing,Qu, Yan-Juan,Liao, Mei-Yan,Hu, Hui-Juan,Yang, Gui-Fang,Zhou, Su-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Objective: To explore the relationship between computed tomography (CT) manifestations of thymoma and its WHO pathological classification. Methods: One hundred and five histopathologically confirmed cases were collected for their pathological and CT characteristics and results were statistically compared between different pathological types of thymoma. Results: Tumor size, shape, necrosis or cystic change, capsule integrity, invasion to the adjacent tissue, lymphadenopathy, and the presence of pleural effusion were significantly different between different pathological types of thymomas (P<0.05). Type B2, B3 tumors and thymic carcinomas were greater in size than other types. More than 50% of type B3 tumors and thymic carcinomas had a tumor size greater than 10 cm. The shape of types A, AB, and B1 tumors were mostly round or oval, whereas 75% of type B3 tumors and 85% of thymic carcinomas were irregular in shape. Necrosis or cystic change occurred in 67% of type B3 thymomas and 57% of thymic carcinomas, respectively. The respective figures for capsule destruction were 83% and 100%. Increases in the degree of malignancy were associated with increases in the incidence of surrounding tissue invasion: 33%, 75%, and 81% in type B2, type B3, and thymic carcinomas, respectively. Pleural effusion occurred in 48% of thymic carcinomas, while calcification was observed mostly in type B thymomas. Conclusions: Different pathological types of thymic epithelial tumors have different CT manifestations. Distinctive CT features of thymomas may reflect their pathological types.

Influence of dragon bamboo with different planting patterns on microbial community and physicochemical property of soil on sunny and shady slopes

Liu Weiyi,Wang Fang,Sun Yanmei,Yang Lei,Chen Huihai,Liu Weijie,Zhu Bin,Hui Chaomao,Wang Shiwei 한국미생물학회 2020 The journal of microbiology Vol.58 No.11

Dragon bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is a giant sympodial bamboo species widely distributed in Asia. However, it remains unclear how dragon bamboo and soil microbes interact to affect soil properties. In this study, we investigated the planting patterns (semi-natural and artificial) on different slopes (sunny and shady) to determine the effects on soil properties and microbial community. The results showed that the soil in which dragon bamboo was grown was acidic, with a pH value of ~5. Also, the soil organic matter content, nitrogen hydrolysate concentration, total nitrogen, available potassium, and total potassium of the dragon bamboo seminatural forest significantly improved, especially on the sunny slope. In contrast, the available phosphorus level was higher in the artificial bamboo forest, probably owing to the phosphate fertilizer application. The bacterial and fungal diversity and the bacterial abundance were all higher on the sunny slope of the semi-natural forest than those in the other samples. The microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between the shady and sunny slopes accounted for 47.8–62.2%, but the core OTUs of all samples were only 24.4– 30.4% of each sample, suggesting that the slope type had a significant effect on the microbial community. Some acidophilic microbes, such as Acidobacteria groups, Streptomyces and Mortierella, became dominant in dragon bamboo forest soil. A PICRUSt analysis of the bacterial functional groups revealed that post-translational modification, cell division, and coenzyme transport and metabolism were abundant in the semi-natural forest. However, some microorganisms with strong stress resistance might be activated in the artificial forest. Taken together, these results illustrated the influence of dragon bamboo growth on soil physicochemical property and microbial community, which might help understand the growth status of dragon bamboo under different planting patterns.

Comprehensive Analysis of Magnetization, Magnetostriction, Hysteresis and Kinematical Characteristics for Precision Magnetostrictive Actuator

Hui-Fang Liu,Jie Wang,Han-Yu Wang,Qing-Wei Shao 한국정밀공학회 2016 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.17 No.12

In order to systematically know the operating characteristics and further improve accuracy of precision magnetostrictive actuator used in precision and ultra precision machining fields, a model considering magnetization hysteresis mechanism and kinematics is established based on the domain wall magnetization essential theory. Magnetization, magnetostriction and kinematical characteristics, and the origin of hysteresis are discussed. According to input energy per unit volume of magnetostrictive materials is the sum of static magnetic energy and hysteresis loss energy, magnetization is divided into reversible and irreversible processes. Moreover, hysteresis loop is represented as an offset of irreversible magnetization relative to anhysteretic magnetization. Actuator’s model is deduced through dividing working process into four stages. Experiments show that the predicted values show good agreement with experimental data and average relative error of displacement is less than 5%. Magnetic hysteresis is derived from irreversible process in which magnetic domain cannot return back to initial distribution state completely. And hysteresis is more serious with the increasement of frequency. Research results reveal magnetization and kinematic characteristics from intrinsic physical mechanism, thus it provides a theoretical guidance for further improve the accuracy of magnetostrictive actuator and promotes the practical application of actuator in precision and ultra precision machining fields.

Exogenous p53 Upregulated Modulator of Apoptosis (PUMA) Decreases Growth of Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Liu, Chun-Ju,Zhang, Xia-Li,Luo, Da-Ya,Zhu, Wei-Feng,Wan, Hui-Fang,Yang, Jun-Ping,Yang, Xiao-Jun,Wan, Fu-Sheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.2

Purpose: To investigate the influence of exogenous p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) expression on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and transplanted tumor cell growth in nude mice. Materials and Methods: A549 cells were divided into the following groups: control, non-carrier (NC), PUMA (transfected with pCEP4-(HA) 2-PUMA plasmid), DDP ($10{\mu}g/mL$ cisplatin treatment) and PUMA+DDP (transfected with pCEP4-(HA)2-PUMA plasmid and $10{\mu}g/mL$ cisplatin treatment). The MTT method was used to detect the cell survival rate. Cell apoptosis rates were measured by flow cytometry, and PUMA, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression levels were measured by Western blotting. Results: Compared to the control group, the PUMA, DDP and PUMA+DDP groups all had significantly decreased A549 cell proliferation (p<0.01), with the largest reduction in the PUMA+DDP group. Conversely, the apoptosis rates of the three groups were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the PUMA and DDP treatments were synergistic. Moreover, Bax protein levels significantly increased (p<0.01), while Bcl-2 protein levels significantly decreased (p<0.01). Finally, both the volume and the weights of transplanted tumors were significantly reduced (p<0.01), and the inhibition ratio of the PUMA+DDP group was significantly higher than in the single DDP or PUMA groups. Conclusions: Exogenous PUMA effectively inhibited lung cancer A549 cell proliferation and transplanted tumor growth by increasing Bax protein levels and reducing Bcl-2 protein levels.

IGF-1 from Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Radioresistance of Breast Cancer Cells

Yang, Hui-Ying,Qu, Rong-Mei,Lin, Xiao-Shan,Liu, Tong-Xin,Sun, Quan-Quan,Yang, Chun,Li, Xiao-Hong,Lu, Wei,Hu, Xiao-Fang,Dai, Jing-Xing,Yuan, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: MTT assays were used to detect any influence of AMSC supernatants on proliferation of breast cancer cells; cell migration assays were used to determine the effect of breast cancer cells on the recruitment of AMSCs; the cell survival fraction post-irradiation was assessed by clonogenic survival assay; ${\gamma}$-H2AX foci number post-irradiation was determined via fluorescence microscopy; and expression of IGF-1R was detected by Western blotting. Results: AMSC supernatants promoted proliferation and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells could recruit AMSCs, especially after irradiation. IGF-1 derived from AMSCs might be responsible for the radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that AMSCs in the tumor microenvironment may affect the outcome of radiotherapy for breast cancer in vitro.

Meta-analysis of Associations between Interleukin-17 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Gastric Cancer

Yu, Hui,Sun, Si,Liu, Fang,Xu, Qing-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Background: Previous studies have indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) gene are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. However, the findings were inconsistent. Materials and Methods: To provide a more reliable estimation of the association between SNPs in the IL-17 gene and the susceptibility to gastric cancer, we searched PubMed, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases and selected finally six studies covering 2,366 cases and 3,205 controls to perform a meta-analysis. Results: Statistical analyses showed that an rs2275913 polymorphism within the IL-17A gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer using a generalized odds ratio (ORG, a model-free approach). Moreover, we also found that the 'A' allele carriers of IL-17A rs2275913 had a significant link with clinicopathological features. However, no significant positive signals were observed in the association analysis of the rs3748067 and rs763780 polymorphisms with the risk of gastric cancer in IL-17A and IL-17F, respectively. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, the present meta-analysis provided a more precise estimation of the relationship between the IL-17 gene SNPs and gastric cancer risk compared with individual studies.

Validity and Necessity of Sub-classification of N3 in the 7^th UICC TNM Stage of Gastric Cancer

Li, Fang-Xuan,Zhang, Ru-Peng,Liang, Han,Quan, Ji-Chuan,Liu, Hui,Zhang, Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

Background: The $7^{th}$ TNM staging is the first authoritative standard for evaluation of effectiveness of treatment of gastric cancer worldwide. However, revision of pN classification within TNM needs to be discussed. In particular, the N3 sub-stage is becoming more conspicuous. Methods: Clinical data of 302 pN3M0 stage gastric cancer patients who received radical gastrectomy in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2001 to May 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Location of tumor, depth of invasion, extranodal metastasis, gastric resection, combined organs resection, lymph node metastasis, rate of lymph node metastasis, negative lymph nodes count were important prognostic factors of pN3M0 stage gastric cancers. TNM stage was also associated with prognosis. Patients at T2N3M0 stage had a better prognosis than other sub-classification. T3N3M0 and T4aN3aM0 patients had equal prognosis which followed the T2N3M0. T4aN3bM0 and T4bN3aM0 had lower survival rate than the formers. T4bN3bM0 had worst prognosis. In multivariate analysis, TNM stage group and rate of lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: The sub-stage of N3 may be useful for more accurate prediction of prognosis; it should therefore be applied in the TNM stage system.

Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers, Especially Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio, Predict Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Lin Fang,Fei-Hu Yan,Chao Liu,Jing Chen,Dan Wang,Chun-Hui Zhang,Chang-Jie Lou,Jie Lian,Yang Yao,Bo-Jun Wang,Rui-Yang Li,Shu-Ling Han,Yi-Bing Bai,Jia-Ni Yang,Zhi-Wei Li,Yan-Qiao Zhang 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.1

Purpose Systemic inflammatory response is a critical factor that promotes the initiation and metastasis of malignancies including pancreatic cancer (PC). This study was designed to determine and compare the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) in resectable PC and locally advanced or metastatic PC. Materials and Methods Three hundred fifty-three patients with resectable PC and 807 patients with locally advan-ced or metastatic PC were recruited in this study. These patients were classified into a training set (n=758) and a validation set (n=402). Kaplan-Meier survival plots and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze prognosis. Results Overall survival (OS) was significantly better for patients with resectable PC with low preoperative PLR (p=0.048) and MLR (p=0.027). Low FAR, MLR, NLR (p < 0.001), and PLR (p=0.003) were significantly associated with decreased risk of death for locally advanced or metastatic PC patients. FAR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.522; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.261 to 1.837; p < 0.001) and MLR (HR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.017 to 1.532; p=0.034) were independent prognostic factors for locally advanced or metastatic PC. Conclusion The prognostic roles of FAR, MLR, NLR, and PLR in resectable PC and locally advanced or metastatic PC were different. FAR showed the most prognostic power in locally advanced or metastatic PC. Low FAR was positively correlated with OS in locally advanced or metastatic PC, which could be used to predict the prognosis.