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Fu SL, Chen CA, Hung LC, Lee MS, Chiou WY, Lin HY, Su YC, Lee CC, Hung SK. Preliminary results of a non-invasive method to measure tumor size and distribution in vivo. Exp Ther Med 2017; 12:3614-3620. [PMID: 28105095 PMCID: PMC5228536 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging of reporter gene expression in cancer cells can provide rapid, sensitive and non-invasive monitoring of tumor behavior. The aim of the present study was to establish a non-invasive method to measure tumor size and distribution in vivo. Briefly, H-Ras-transformed cells were stably transfected with a plasmid containing the luciferase gene (Luc), designated as Ras/Luc. Ras/Luc cells were injected into the back or tail vein of nude BALB/cAnN-Foxn1nu/CrlNarl mice (age, 6-8 weeks). Mice were subsequently administered D-luciferin via intra-peritoneal injection, prior to image acquisition. Photons emitted from the mice were detected via an imaging system. Tumor size and distribution in vivo were quantified as photons/second. Andrographolide has demonstrated radiosensitization in previous in vitro and in vivo studies. In the present study, the potential effects of andrographolide cancer metastasis were investigated further, using an imaging system. Preliminary results of andrographolide combined with radiation indicated the inhibition of cancer metastasis. The present mechanistic study of andrographolide-mediated effects demonstrated that activated extracellular signal regulated kinase protein and H2O2 production levels were significantly increased by andrographolide. In summary, the present study established a non-invasive method to measure tumor size and distribution in vivo and indicated that andrographolide may be a potential therapeutic strategy in cancer therapy.
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Chiou WY, Chen CA, Lee MS, Lin HY, Li CY, Su YC, Tsai SJ, Hung SK. Pelvic inflammatory disease increases the risk of a second primary malignancy in patients with cervical cancer treated by surgery alone. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e5409. [PMID: 27893679 PMCID: PMC5134872 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As the number of long-term cervical cancer survivors continues to increase because of improvements in treatment, concerns about second primary malignancy have grown. The high-risk area of second primary cancers in cervical cancer survivors is the pelvis. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could be a useful marker for gynecological cancers. Thus, we designed a large-scale, nationwide, controlled cohort study to investigate whether PID or other risk factors increased the risk of second primary cancers in patients with cervical cancer treated by surgery alone.Between 2000 and 2010, a total of 24,444 cervical cancer patients were identified using the Registry Data for Catastrophic Illness and the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. Patients who received definite surgery were selected. To exclude the effect on second primary malignancy by treatment modalities, all cervical patients who ever having received adjuvant or definite radiotherapy or chemotherapy for primary cervical cancer were excluded. Finally, 3860 cervical cancer patients treated by surgery alone without adjuvant treatments were analyzed.Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the cumulative risks. Regarding the incidence of second primary cancers, the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was used.The median follow-up time was 56.6 months. The 6-year cumulative risk of second primary cancers is 0.16% and 0.12% for PID and without PID, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, age of less than 50 years, the presence of diabetes mellitus, and PID were significantly positivity associated with the risk of second primary cancers. The hazard ratios (HRs) of age less than 50 years, diabetes mellitus, and PID were 1.38 (95% CI = 1.11-2.04), 1.40 (95% CI = 1.06-1.85), and 1.35 (95% CI = 1.00-1.81), respectively. A higher incidence of second primary cancers was observed in the genitals, bladder, and colon.In conclusion, the incidence of second primary cancers was higher in the genitals, bladder, and colon in patients with cervical cancer treated with surgery alone. The patients with PID had a higher risk of second primary cancers.
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Liu PC, Chen CA, Chen CM, Yen CH, Lee MH, Chuang CK, Tu CF, Su BL. Application of xenogeneic anti-canine distemper virus antibodies in treatment of canine distemper puppies. J Small Anim Pract 2016; 57:626-630. [PMID: 27726133 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical feasibility of passive immunotherapy has not been demonstrated in dogs naturally infected with canine distemper. In this study, porcine anti-canine distemper virus IgG and F(ab')2 antibody fragments were used to treat infected puppies. METHODS A total of 41 naturally infected puppies (age Äsix months) exhibiting severe respiratory signs, but lacking neurological signs, were enrolled in the study. Twenty-five puppies were treated with a combination of IgG or F(ab')2 antibody fragments (Group 1) and supportive therapy and 16 puppies received routine supportive care only (Group 2). RESULTS The survival rate of dogs in Group 1 (19/25; 76%) was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (5/16; 31·3%) (P<0·05). During the therapy, 8 of the 25 dogs (32%) in Group 1 developed neurological signs versus 12 of the 16 dogs (75%) in Group 2 (P<0·05). Adverse reactions were limited to elevated body temperature in dogs that received IgG antibodies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Porcine anti-canine distemper virus antibodies improved survival in puppies affected with canine distemper with minimal adverse effects. Therefore, this therapy could be considered for treatment of endangered animal species infected with canine distemper virus.
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Lien CT, Tsai CC, Chen CA, Kuo C, Tsai MY. Serum ferritin is an independent factor in coronary artery stenosis among hemodialysis patients. Int J Hematol 2016; 104:440-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-016-2045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Chen CA, Strain A, Mickelsen JL, Larson DA, Jesinger RA, Botelho D, Fromholz S, Obi CN, Crawley A, Lipson JA, Ikeda DM, Cooper C, Pal S. Abstract P4-01-05: Improving the quality of mammographic positioning. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs15-p4-01-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose:
Optimal breast positioning is a key component to high quality screening mammograms to allow the radiologist to make the best interpretation for the patient and referring physician. In addition, the success of newer imaging techniques also depends on breast positioning. The American College of Radiology (ACR) sets the standard of what images should include by outlining 13 criteria of breast positioning. An initial audit of over 100 mammograms at our institution in 2013 found that only a mean of 33% were achieving the ACR criteria. The goal of our project was to increase the percentage of screening mammograms achieving ACR criteria to 90% by June 2015.
Methods:
Our breast imaging center partnered with a quality improvement (QI) team driving a radiology department-wide program on quality improvement. Team members identified 5 key causes that barred achieving the ACR criteria: disagreement on what meets criteria, not having a standard work for acquiring and reading mammograms, lack of communication between the technologist and radiologist, not having a measurement system to track performance, and lack of coaching on technologist techniques for acquiring images. Developments to address these causes included: teaching modules on what meets ACR criteria, standard work for radiologists to recall mammograms that did not meet ACR criteria, system for the technologist to document why criteria were missed, auditing system to track performance, and feedback sessions between technologists and radiologists. Over 1,700 mammograms were audited from the time period of July 2014 to March 2015.
Results:
By October 2014, the percentage of mammograms achieving all 13 of the ACR criteria was 71%, with 4 criteria that prevented reaching the 90% goal. By March 2015, 10 of the 13 ACR criteria were being sustainably met by the target goal of 90% of mammograms, better in all criteria compared to our 2013 data, and better in all but one criterion compared to published 1993 data. Table 1 demonstrates that we have been able to sustain a composite percentage of 12 of the 13 ACR criteria greater than 90% for the last 2 consecutive months.
Table 1 shows the composite percentage of mammograms achieving 12 of the 13 ACR criteria over time.2013 Baseline8/20149/201410/201411/20141/20152/20153/201564%67%77%82%83%81%95%96%The excluded, most difficult criterion (visualization of the opposite breast cleavage) has been achieved at 32% per 1993 published data; we currently achieve it at 40%. 12/2014 audits were not performed due to holidays and changes in staffing.
Conclusion:
Few institutions have published positioning data, with the most recent QI publication on breast positioning dating to 1993. We have conducted a structured process to improve quality of mammographic positioning, including revision of processes that led to poor positioning outcomes and creation of an environment to sustain our improved outcomes. Three ACR criteria continue to be problematic in reaching the 90% goal, with future investigation into whether it is actually feasible to achieve the most difficult criterion at our goal of 90%. Future work also includes assessing how the recent hire of a mammography coach to spread best practices and real-time feedback is able to further improve results and maintain the infrastructure of ongoing QI.
Citation Format: Chen CA, Strain A, Mickelsen JL, Larson DA, Jesinger RA, Botelho D, Fromholz S, Obi CN, Crawley A, Lipson JA, Ikeda DM, Cooper C, Pal S. Improving the quality of mammographic positioning. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-05.
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Wong YH, Lin CL, Chen TS, Chen CA, Jiang PS, Lai YH, Chu LJ, Li CW, Chen JJW, Chen BS. Multiple target drug cocktail design for attacking the core network markers of four cancers using ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening methods. BMC Med Genomics 2015; 8 Suppl 4:S4. [PMID: 26680552 PMCID: PMC4682379 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-8-s4-s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computer-aided drug design has a long history of being applied to discover new molecules to treat various cancers, but it has always been focused on single targets. The development of systems biology has let scientists reveal more hidden mechanisms of cancers, but attempts to apply systems biology to cancer therapies remain at preliminary stages. Our lab has successfully developed various systems biology models for several cancers. Based on these achievements, we present the first attempt to combine multiple-target therapy with systems biology. METHODS In our previous study, we identified 28 significant proteins--i.e., common core network markers--of four types of cancers as house-keeping proteins of these cancers. In this study, we ranked these proteins by summing their carcinogenesis relevance values (CRVs) across the four cancers, and then performed docking and pharmacophore modeling to do virtual screening on the NCI database for anti-cancer drugs. We also performed pathway analysis on these proteins using Panther and MetaCore to reveal more mechanisms of these cancer house-keeping proteins. RESULTS We designed several approaches to discover targets for multiple-target cocktail therapies. In the first one, we identified the top 20 drugs for each of the 28 cancer house-keeping proteins, and analyzed the docking pose to further understand the interaction mechanisms of these drugs. After screening for duplicates, we found that 13 of these drugs could target 11 proteins simultaneously. In the second approach, we chose the top 5 proteins with the highest summed CRVs and used them as the drug targets. We built a pharmacophore and applied it to do virtual screening against the Life-Chemical library for anti-cancer drugs. Based on these results, wet-lab bio-scientists could freely investigate combinations of these drugs for multiple-target therapy for cancers, in contrast to the traditional single target therapy. CONCLUSIONS Combination of systems biology with computer-aided drug design could help us develop novel drug cocktails with multiple targets. We believe this will enhance the efficiency of therapeutic practice and lead to new directions for cancer therapy.
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Sells RE, Chen CA, Wong MT, Zimarowski MJ, Kirby JE, Joyce RM, Wu PA. Continuous positive airway pressure-associated cutaneous amoebiasis in an immunosuppressed patient. Br J Dermatol 2015; 174:625-8. [PMID: 26474324 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Organisms of the genus Acanthamoeba are environmentally ubiquitous and colonizers of the oral mucosa in humans. While largely asymptomatic in healthy persons, Acanthamoeba infection can cause disseminated disease with poor prognosis in immunosuppressed populations. Here we report a unique case of cutaneous amoebiasis associated with continuous positive airway pressure use in an immunosuppressed patient.
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Lin KC, Tsai MY, Chi CL, Yu LK, Huang LH, Chen CA. Serum ferritin is associated with arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients: results of a 3-year follow-up study. Int Urol Nephrol 2015; 47:1847-53. [PMID: 26329743 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-015-1090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron may contribute to vascular injury through reactive oxygen species. Hemodialysis patients frequently receive iron supply for correction of anemia and are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease. We tested the relationship between iron status and change in arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured iron status in 53 hemodialysis patients and studied the association with clinical, biochemical, and arterial stiffness measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) over 3 years. The blood pressure was controlled to below 140/90 mmHg by anti-hypertensive drugs. RESULTS Median and interquartile range of baseline baPWV, baPWV at 3 years, and ΔbaPWV (difference between 3-year baPWV and baseline baPWV) were following: 17.6 (14.8-18.9), 16.9 (15.3-19.9), and 0.2 (-1.2 to 2.7) m/s. At baseline, baPWV was positively correlated with age, serum ferritin, and systolic blood pressure in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analysis, only age and serum ferritin remained the significant determinants of baseline baPWV. After 3 years, ΔbaPWV was negatively correlated with age and positively with 3-year averaged serum ferritin in univariate analysis. Then, in multivariate analysis, only 3-year averaged serum ferritin was the important determinant of ΔbaPWV. ΔbaPWV was significantly increased in patients with 3-year averaged serum ferritin >500 ng/mL compared to patients with 3-year averaged serum ferritin ≤500 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS In hemodialysis patients, serum ferritin associates with the progressive arterial stiffness, especially when serum ferritin >500 ng/mL.
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Chen YH, Lin KC, Tsai YF, Yu LK, Huang LH, Chen CA. Anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibody is associated with progression of peripheral arterial disease in hemodialysis patients. Int Urol Nephrol 2015. [PMID: 26198856 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-015-1056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heparin therapy may induce anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibody (PF4-H Ab). Hemodialysis patients receive scheduled heparin and are at a risk of developing PF4-H Ab. Hemodialysis patients are also at a high risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This study examines whether chronic PF4-H Ab exposure contributes to the progression of PAD measured by ankle brachial index (ABI) in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 71 hemodialysis patients were enrolled, and the association between clinical, biochemical parameters and ABI after 3 years was studied. PF4-H Ab was evaluated by ELISA, and patients with titer ≥ 0.4 were taken as having PF4-H Ab. RESULTS Mean ABI was 1.04 ± 0.18 at baseline and 1.01 ± 0.17 after 3 years. Mean ΔABI (change in ABI after 3 years) was -0.04 ± 0.13. PF4-H Ab was positive in 26 patients. PF4-H Ab was not related to hemodialysis duration, DM history, smoking and age. Platelet count showed no correlation with PF4-H Ab. However, there was significance in ΔABI between PF4-H Ab-positive and PF4-H Ab-negative patients (p = 0.002). ΔABI was negatively correlated with PF4-H Ab and 3-year averaged serum Ca × P only (β = -0.378, p = 0.001; β = -0.263, p = 0.018, respectively). However, in PF4-H Ab-positive patients, the extent of ΔABI did not correlate with PF4-H Ab titers (r = -0.021, p = 0.921). CONCLUSIONS PF4-H Ab positivity, along with high levels of serum Ca × P, played a potential role in the progression of PAD over time.
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Chen CA, Lin ZZ, Yu WL, Wu WS. Escherichia coli endocarditis of native aortic valve and mitral valve. J Formos Med Assoc 2015. [PMID: 26210802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Chen CA, Cheng YC, Chang JM, Chen HC. SP107TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 PROMOTES PODOCYTE MIGRATION THROUGH IMPAIRMENT OF INTEGRIN-β1 GLYCOSYLATION BY MAP KINASES PATHWAY. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv188.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Chang CY, Chu CY, Huang YC, Huang CW, Chang SY, Chen CA, Chao CY, Su WF. Tuning perovskite morphology by polymer additive for high efficiency solar cell. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:4955-4961. [PMID: 25679316 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Solution processable planar heterojunction perovskite solar cell is a very promising new technology for low cost renewable energy. One of the most common cell structures is FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx/spiro-OMeTAD/Au. The main issues of this type of solar cell are the poor coverage and morphology control of the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-xClx film on TiO2. For the first time, we demonstrate that the problems can be easily resolved by using a polymer additive in perovskite precursor solution during the film formation process. A 25% increase in power conversion efficiency at a value of 13.2% is achieved by adding 1 wt % of poly(ethylene glycol) in the perovskite layer using a 150 °C processed TiO2 nanoparticle layer. The morphology of this new perovskite was carefully studied by SEM, XRD, and AFM. The results reveal that the additive controls the size and aggregation of perovskite crystals and helps the formation of smooth film over TiO2 completely. Thus, the Voc and Jsc are greatly increased for a high efficiency solar cell. The amount of additive is optimized at 1 wt % due to its insulating characteristics. This research provides a facile way to fabricate a high efficiency perovskite solar cell by the low temperature solution process (<150 °C), which has the advancement of conserving energy over the traditional high temperature sintering TiO2 compact layer device.
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Cheng YC, Chen CA, Chang JM, Chen HC. Albumin overload down-regulates integrin-β1 through reactive oxygen species-endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in podocytes. J Biochem 2015; 158:101-8. [PMID: 25713411 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvv020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinuria is a major hallmark of glomerular nephropathy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in glomerular nephropathy. The protein levels of integrin-β1 in podocytes are found to be negative correlation with amount of proteinuria. This study investigated whether urinary protein, particularly albumin, induced ER stress that consequently reduced integrin-β1 expression. All experiments were performed using primary cultured rat podocyte. Protein and mRNA expression were measured by western blotting and semiquantified reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Albumin uptake was found at 1 h after albumin addition. Albumin reduced precursor and mature forms of integrin-β1, but did not change mRNA levels of integrin-β1. Albumin induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ER stress. Antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine) suppressed albumin-induced ER stress and decrements in precursor and mature forms of integrin-β1. Then, ER stress inhibitors (4-phenylbutyrate and salubrinal) also inhibited albumin-induced decrements in precursor and mature forms of integrin-β1. The potent ER stress inducers (thapsigargin and tunicamycin) directly decreased precursor and mature forms of integrin-β1 and led appearance of unglycosylated core protein of integrin-β1. Our results show that in proteinuric disease, albumin decreases precursor and mature forms of integrin-β1 through ROS-ER stress pathway in podocytes.
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Tang CH, Chuang PY, Chen CA, Fang YC. Medical Costs of Cardiovascular Diseases in Taiwan. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 17:A759-A760. [PMID: 27202773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Cheng YC, Chang JM, Chen CA, Chen HC. Autophagy modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death in podocytes: a protective role. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 240:467-76. [PMID: 25322957 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214553772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress occurs in a variety of patho-physiological mechanisms and there has been great interest in managing this pathway for the treatment of clinical diseases. Autophagy is closely interconnected with endoplasmic reticulum stress to counteract the possible injurious effects related with the impairment of protein folding. Studies have shown that glomerular podocytes exhibit high rate of autophagy to maintain as terminally differentiated cells. In this study, podocytes were exposed to tunicamycin and thapsigargin to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thapsigargin/tunicamycin treatment induced a significant increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress and of cell death, represented by higher GADD153 and GRP78 expression and propidium iodide flow cytometry, respectively. However, thapsigargin/tunicamycin stimulation also enhanced autophagy development, demonstrated by monodansylcadaverine assay and LC3 conversion. To evaluate the regulatory effects of autophagy on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death, rapamycin (Rap) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was added to enhance or inhibit autophagosome formation. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death was decreased at 6 h, but was not reduced at 24 h after Rap+TG or Rap+TM treatment. In contrast, endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death increased at 6 and 24 h after 3-MA+TG or 3-MA+TM treatment. Our study demonstrated that thapsigargin/tunicamycin treatment induced endoplasmic reticulum stress which resulted in podocytes death. Autophagy, which counteracted the induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, was simultaneously enhanced. The salvational role of autophagy was supported by adding Rap/3-MA to mechanistically regulate the expression of autophagy and autophagosome formation. In summary, autophagy helps the podocytes from cell death and may contribute to sustain the longevity as a highly differentiated cell lineage.
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Yeang CH, Ma GC, Hsu HW, Lin YS, Chang SM, Cheng PJ, Chen CA, Ni YH, Chen M. Genome-wide normalized score: a novel algorithm to detect fetal trisomy 21 during non-invasive prenatal testing. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2014; 44:25-30. [PMID: 24700679 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-invasive prenatal testing for fetal trisomy 21 (T21) by massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS) is available for clinical use but its efficacy is limited by several factors, e.g. the proportion of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and sequencing depth. Existing algorithms discard DNA reads from the chromosomes for which testing is not being performed (i.e. those other than chromosome 21) and are thus more susceptible to diluted fetal DNA and limited sequencing depth. We aimed to describe and evaluate a novel algorithm for aneuploidy detection (genome-wide normalized score (GWNS)), which normalizes read counts by the proportions of DNA fragments from chromosome 21 in normal controls. METHODS We assessed the GWNS approach by comparison with two existing algorithms, i.e. Z-score and normalized chromosome value (NCV), using theoretical approximations and computer simulations in a set of 86 cases (64 euploid and 22 T21 cases). We then validated GWNS by studying an expanded set of clinical samples (n = 208). Finally, dilution experiments were undertaken to compare performance of the three algorithms (Z-score, NCV, GWNS) when fetal DNA concentration was low. RESULTS At fixed levels of significance and power, GWNS required a smaller fetal DNA proportion and fewer total MPSS reads compared to Z-score or NCV. In dilution experiments, GWNS also outperformed the other two methods by reaching the correct diagnosis with the lowest range of fetal DNA concentrations (GWNS, 3.83-4.75%; Z-score, 4.75-5.22%; NCV, 6.47-8.58%). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that GWNS is comparable to Z-score and NCV methods regarding the performance of detecting fetal T21. Dilution experiments suggest that GWNS may perform better than the other methods when fetal fraction is low.
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Burns JF, Chen B, Chen CA, Doller D, Edelmenky E, Jiang Y, Peterson JM, Sabio M, Weiss J, White AD, Wu L, Bhardwaj R, Chandrasena G, Boyle NJ, Huang X. cis-1-Oxo-heterocyclyl-4-amido cyclohexane derivatives as NPY5 receptor antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:1458-61. [PMID: 24582476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The NPY5 receptor binding and pharmacokinetic properties of a novel series of cis-1-oxo-heterocyclyl-4-amido-cyclohexane derivatives are described.
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Slooten E, Wang JY, Dungan SZ, Forney KA, Hung SK, Jefferson TA, Riehl KN, Rojas-Bracho L, Ross PS, Wee A, Winkler R, Yang SC, Chen CA. Impacts of fisheries on the Critically Endangered humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis population in the eastern Taiwan Strait. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2013. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Chen CA, Chen CC, Shen CC, Chang HH, Chen YJ. Moscatilin induces apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe in human esophageal cancer cells. J Med Food 2013; 16:869-77. [PMID: 24074296 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Moscatilin, a bibenzyl derivative from the orchid Dendrobium loddigesii, has been shown to possess anticancer activity. We examined the effect of moscatilin on human esophageal cancer cells, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) cells and its possible mechanisms. Moscatilin suppressed the growth of both the histological cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe were observed following moscatilin treatment. The population of cells in the sub-G1 phase and polyploidy phase significantly increased after treatment. Immunofluorescence revealed multipolar mitosis and subsequent multinucleation in moscatilin-treated cells, indicating the development of mitotic catastrophe. Western blot showed a marked increase in expressions of polo-like kinase 1 and cyclin B1 after exposure to moscatilin. In conclusion, moscatilin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe in human esophageal SCC- and ADC-derived cell lines, indicating that moscatilin has broad potential against esophageal cancer.
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Wu KH, Kuo YY, Chen CA, Huang YL, Gau HM. Enantioselective Additions of Aryltitanium Tris(isopropoxide) to Ketones: Structure of [(i-PrO)2Ti{μ-(S)-BINOLate}(μ-O-i-Pr)TiPh(O-i-Pr)2], Study of Mechanistic and Stereochemical Insights. Adv Synth Catal 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/adsc.201200672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Chen CA, Cheng YC, Hwang JC, Chang JM, Guh JY, Chen HC. Cyclin D1 expression in podocytes: regulated by mitogens in collaboration with integrin-extracellular matrix interaction through extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:516-23. [PMID: 22678010 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.011156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin D1 plays significant roles in cell cycle entry and migration. We have documented that both integrin α3β1 expressions and the number of podocytes were reduced in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. We wondered whether integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction was involved in the regulation of cyclin D1 expression, and the possible signaling pathways in mitogen-stimulating podocytes. Cultured podocytes were divided into serum (mitogens/growth factors)-starved and serum-stimulated groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect cyclin D1 mRNA, and Western blot analysis was used to measure protein concentrations of cyclin D1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation (p-ERK/ERK). The integrin-ECM interaction was blocked by anti-β1-integrin monoclonal antibody or RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser). The MEK inhibitor, U0126, was used to inhibit ERK activation. The results showed that there was little cyclin D1 protein in serum-starved groups, but it was abundant in serum-stimulated groups. Both cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in serum-stimulated podocytes after blocking integrin-ECM interaction. ERK activation in serum-stimulated podocytes was significantly decreased after blocking integrin-ECM interaction. Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein concentrations in serum-stimulated podocytes were reduced after blocking ERK activation by U0126. We demonstrate that integrin-ECM interaction collaborates with mitogens to activate ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways which are essential for cyclin D1 expression in podocytes.
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Chen CA, Chen TS, Chen HC. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase plays a proapoptotic role in podocytes after reactive oxygen species treatment and inhibition of integrin-extracellular matrix interaction. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:777-83. [PMID: 22829704 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.011157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocking integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction on apoptosis in podocytes, and the related signal transduction pathways remain unclear. Primary cultured rat podocytes were exposed to ROS. Integrin-ECM interaction was inhibited with anti-β1-integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) or RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was evaluated with Western blotting. U0126 was used to inhibit ERK activation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-peroxidase nick end-labeling of DNA (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis. We found that ROS-treated podocytes exhibited increased apoptosis, and both anti-β1-integrin mAb and RGDS induce apoptosis. Addition of ROS to either anti-β1-integrin mAb or RGDS enhanced apoptosis in both conditions. ERK activation was increased by either ROS or blocking integrin-ECM interaction. Preincubation with U0126 decreased apoptosis induced by ROS, anti-β1-integrin mAb or RGDS, respectively. Our study demonstrated that ROS and blocking integrin-ECM interaction induce podocyte apoptosis, which is mediated by ERK activation.
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Hwang JC, Wang CT, Chen CA, Chen HC. Hypokalemia Is Associated with Increased Mortality Rate in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients. Blood Purif 2011; 32:254-61. [DOI: 10.1159/000325226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Suh MK, Chen CA, Woodbridge J, Tu MK, Kim JI, Nahapetian A, Evangelista LS, Sarrafzadeh M. A remote patient monitoring system for congestive heart failure. J Med Syst 2011; 35:1165-79. [PMID: 21611788 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-011-9733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of death in the United States affecting approximately 670,000 individuals. Due to the prevalence of CHF related issues, it is prudent to seek out methodologies that would facilitate the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of heart disease on a daily basis. This paper describes WANDA (Weight and Activity with Blood Pressure Monitoring System); a study that leverages sensor technologies and wireless communications to monitor the health related measurements of patients with CHF. The WANDA system is a three-tier architecture consisting of sensors, web servers, and back-end databases. The system was developed in conjunction with the UCLA School of Nursing and the UCLA Wireless Health Institute to enable early detection of key clinical symptoms indicative of CHF-related decompensation. This study shows that CHF patients monitored by WANDA are less likely to have readings fall outside a healthy range. In addition, WANDA provides a useful feedback system for regulating readings of CHF patients.
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Mack NH, Bailey JA, Doorn SK, Chen CA, Gau HM, Xu P, Williams DJ, Akhadov EA, Wang HL. Mechanistic study of silver nanoparticle formation on conducting polymer surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2011; 27:4979-4985. [PMID: 21434643 DOI: 10.1021/la103644j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Conducting polymer (polyaniline) sheets are shown to be active substrates to promote the growth of nanostructured silver thin films with highly tunable morphologies. Using the spontaneous electroless deposition of silver, we show that a range of nanostructured metallic features can be controllably and reproducibly formed over large surface areas. The structural morphology of the resulting metal-polymer nanocomposite is demonstrated to be sensitive to experimental parameters such as ion concentration, temperature, and polymer processing and can range from densely packed oblate nanosheets to bulk crystalline metals. The deposition mechanisms are explained using a diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model to describe the semi-fractal-like growth of the metal nanostructures. We find these composite films to exhibit strong surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) activity, and the nanostructured features are optimized with respect to SERS activity using a self-assembled monolayer of mercapto-benzoic acid as a model Raman reporter. SERS enhancements are estimated to be on the order of 10(7). Through micro-Raman SERS mapping, these materials are shown to exhibit uniform SERS responses over macroscopic areas. These metal-polymer nanocomposites benefit from the underlying polymer's processability to yield SERS-active materials of almost limitless shape and size and show significant promise for future SERS-based sensing and detection schemes.
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