Expression and clinical implications of enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 and p53 protein in squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions in the cervix

We investigated the expression and clinical implications of enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and p53 protein in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and precancerous lesions. EZH2 and p53 expressions in SCC (168), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)-I (19), CIN-II (35), and normal tissues (30) were detected by streptavidin-peroxidase-conjugation. The correlation between co-expression of EZH2 and p53 protein and the clinic pathological features and prognosis of SCC were discussed. The positive expression rates of EZH2 and p53 were 6.7, 37.0, and 75.6%, and 3.3, 21.1, and 39.3% in normal cervical tissues, CIN, and SCC, respectively, which were significantly different (P < 0.05). The positive expression rate of EZH2 and p53 protein in SCC patients with and without lymph node metastasis was 82.9 and 70.4% (EZH2) and 45.7 and 34.7% (p53), respectively, which was also a significant difference (P < 0.05). The progression-free survival (PFS) rates in followed-up patients (N = 143) who were EZH2- and p53-negative, EZH2- or p53-positive, and EZH2- and p53-positive were 71.3 ± 1.9, 66.1 ± 2.0, and 51.3 ± 3.8 months, respectively, which was a significant difference (P < 0.001); the overall survival among these groups was 72.9 ± 1.1, 68.6 ± 1.8, and 57.4 ± 3.4 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that EZH2 expression, lymph node metastasis, and tumor staging were independent prognostic factors of SCC. EZH2 and p53, which affect lymph node metastasis and prognosis of SCC, may play a key role in the occurrence and development of SCC.

A SCAR marker for the analysis of chloroplast DNA from different cultivars of Cornus officinalis

The aims of this study were to establish a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprint database of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) from different cultivars of Cornus officinalis and to convert RAPD markers to sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) markers. A method of extraction was established that was suitable for obtaining cpDNA from samples rapidly dried in silicone; an RAPD fingerprint database was built; and the genetic distance between samples was used as statistical clustering variables for calculating DICE genetic similarity coefficients and for building a kinship tree chart. RAPD markers were converted to SCAR markers to design specific primers, and samples from C. officinalis cultivars, plants of the same family, and its adulterants, were used for amplification and identification. Fifteen amplified primers with stable polymorphisms were screened for amplification of 130 copies of materials. In total, 57 sites were achieved, 40 of which were polymorphic, and the polymorphic rate was up to 70.18%. A genetic tree was built based on seven cultivars. SCAR markers of C. officinalis cpDNA were successfully converted into RAPD markers. cpDNA samples from hawthorn, C. officinalis, Cornus wood, and grape were used for SCAR amplification, and their bands were distinctly different. In conclusion, SCAR markers and cpDNA may be used for research on C. officinalis and its adulterants, and the results may provide a basis for identifying germplasm and screening fine varieties at a molecular level.

DNMT3A -448A>G polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide that involves complex processes and factors. For instance, methylation is important in tumorigenesis. DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is the main de novo methyltransferase implicated in this process. In DNMT3A, the -448A>G polymorphism is associated with cancer; however, the results of various studies have been conflicting. To clarify the role of DNMT3A polymorphisms in cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2014 cases and 3089 control subjects. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to evaluate the association between the DNMT3A -448A>G polymorphism and cancer risk. The results showed that DNMT3A may be a protective factor against all cancer types and colorectal cancer groups. Further studies should be conducted including different ethnicities and large population sizes to generate a comprehensive conclusion.

Effect of miR-146a polymorphism on biochemical recurrence risk after radical prostatectomy in southern Chinese population

Evidence has shown that miR-146a is involved in carcinogenesis and a common G/C variant (rs2910164) in the pre-miR-146a gene has been found to be associated with various cancers. We investigated the potential prognostic role of miR-146a polymorphism in prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Seventy-two southern Chinese with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy were included in this study. miR-146a polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Its prognostic role in biochemical recurrence was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model. We did not find a significant association between miR-146a polymorphism and prostrate-specific antigen failure in the Chinese population [HR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.30-2.32) for CC vs GG/GC]. However, high Gleason score (over 8) was associated with increased biochemical recurrence and poorer PSA-free survival. This study was limited by the length of follow-up. Future studies with longer follow-up would allow evaluation of more direct metrics, such as disease-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival.

A common genetic variant of 5p15.33 is associated with risk for prostate cancer in the Chinese population

Recent evidence has suggested that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at 5p15.33 contribute to susceptibilities for several cancer types, including prostate cancer. To determine whether SNP rs402710 in this region plays a role in prostate cancer, we analyzed these associations in a Chinese population; 251 prostate cancer patients and 273 control subjects were included in this case-control study. Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. We found that subjects carrying the CC homozygote had a decreased risk for prostrate cancer compared to those carrying TT/TC genotypes (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48-0.98, P = 0.038). Compared with the TT homozygote, subjects carrying the CC homozygote also had a decreased risk for prostate cancer (OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.51-0.99, P = 0.043). We conclude that rs402710 polymorphisms in the 5p15.33 region are associated with prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population. Further investigations with large cohorts and done worldwide are warranted to determine whether our findings are detected in other populations.

Comparison of catalytical activity and stereoselectivity between the recombinant human cytochrome P450 2D6.1 and 2D6.10

Polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene play a major role in pharmacokinetic variability in human, while CYP2D6*10 is an important subtype in Asian people. In this study, the co-expression enzyme of human recombinant CYPOR, CYPb5 and CYP2D6.1 or CYP2D6.10 with the Bac-to-Bac system in baculovirus-infected insect cells was used to study the catalytical activity to imipramine metabolism and stereoselective metabolism of propranolol. The metabolites of imipramine were identified of hydroxyl imipramine and desipramine by LC-MS/MS. There are some differences between CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.10 activity. The kinetics parameters K(m), V(max), and CL(int) are 11.77 +/- 0.91 micromol/L, 0.4235 +/- 0.05 nmol/nmol CYP2D6.1/min and 3.60 x 10(-5) ml/min/nmol CYP2D6.1 (n = 3) for CYP2D6.1, respectively, and 9.05 +/- 0.87 micromol/L, 0.42 +/- 0.03 nmol/nmol CYP2D6.10/min, and 4.60 x 10(-5) ml/min/nmol CYP2D6.10 (n = 3) for CYP2D6.10. For propranolol, two metabolites were identified to be hydroxyl and N-desisopropylation propranolol by LC-MS/MS. When the substrate concentration was 0.20 micromol/L, CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.10 exhibited significant stereoseletivity. Furthermore, enantioselective formation has been detected. Both of CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.10 produced more hydroxyl propranolol from the R-(+)-isomer than from the S-(-)-isomer while there was no obvious difference for N-desisopropylation propranolol production between R-(+)- and S-(-)- isomer. In summary, there is a somewhat different catalytical activity and stereoselectivity between the human recombinant CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.10. The data we got will be helpful in preclinical research and clinical use of CYP2D6 substrates.

Auditory evoked potentials recorded in monkeys with hallucinatory-like behaviors induced by bromocriptine

Objective Bromocriptine and other dopamine D2 receptor agonists can affect a range of behaviors in nonhuman primates, particularly those behaviors associated with motor and mental function, such as suppressant behaviors and hallucinatory-like behaviors in monkeys. Besides bromocriptine, the dysfunction of the rapid eye movement sleep (REM) mechanism may also contribute to hallucinations. Dissociation of wakefulness, REM, and non-REM (NREM) can cause a series of psychotic symptoms. Methods We simultaneously recorded auditory evoked potentials (AEP) from five cerebral regions in monkeys during normal and psychotomimetic states to investigate and compare state-dependent changes in AEP. Results Phase reversal of peak-to-baseline amplitude of 250 ms component (PBA250) in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was common characteristic of hallucinatory-like and REM, and that hallucinatory-like and REM shared the equivalent modulatory orderliness of the PBA250 in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This result suggests that hallucinatory-like and REM share an equivalent electrophysiological modulatory in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusion These results reveal that emergence of the N250 in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an exclusive marker that may help to discern whether hallucinatory-like behaviors is exhibited, which suggests that dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may be the most pivotal region for exhibition of hallucinatory-like behaviors.

Quantitative regioselectivity of glucuronidation of quercetin by recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A9 and 1A3 using enzymatic kinetic parameters

Quercetin has been suggested to exert its pharmacological effects, at least in part, via its metabolites, such as glucuronides. Quantitative regioselectivity analyses are important to understand the contributions of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) to the pharmacological activity of quercetin. The present work obtained active UGT1A9 and UGT1A3 enzymes with a Bac-to-Bac expression system, and quercetin was metabolized by each of them to four monoglucuronides (7-, 3-, 4'- and 3'-glucuronide). Enzymatic kinetic parameters of each glucuronide were calculated to elucidate quantitatively UGT1A9's and UGT1A3's regioselectivities for quercetin. UGT1A3's highest glucuronidation efficiency was observed for the 3'-glucuronide, then the 3-, 4'- and 7-glucuronide. The catalytic efficiency order for UGT1A9 was 3->7->3'->4'-glucuronide.

Phenotype analysis of cytochrome P450 2C19 in Chinese subjects with mephenytoin S/R enantiomeric ratio in urine measured by chiral GC

A chiral gas chromatographic method with FID was developed for the determination of S- and R-mephenytoin in human urine. The assay is linear from 25 to 800 ng/mL for each enantiomer and the limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 12 and 25ng/mL for each enantiomer, respectively. The method affords average recoveries of 74.41 +/- 3.93% and 73.78 +/- 3.02% for S- and R-mephenytoin, respectively. The method allows the phenotype study of CYP2C19 in Chinese subjects. The phenotype pattern of 90 Chinese volunteers was determined, in which 26 volunteers received phenotyping and genotyping tests. The results of phenotype analysis showed that the interindividual variation was marked. The mephenytoin S/R enantiomeric ratios in urine of 11 volunteers were > or = 0.95 and identified as poor metabolizers. The frequency of poor metabolizers was 12.2% in the Chinese subjects tested. A good relationship between phenotype and genotype analysis of CYP2C19 was observed.

Correlation between cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 (CYP2D6) genotype and phenotype

AIM

To study the correlation between CYP2D6 genotype and its phenotype.

METHODS

CYP2D6 genotyping was made by detecting CYP2D6*3, *4, *6, and *7 alleles with an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction procedure.

RESULTS

The CYP2D6 genotypes were well correlated with its phenotypes in all 125 extensive metabolizers and in 43 poor metabolizers. Extensive metabolizers had at least one wildtype CYP2D6 gene and the genotypes were *1/*1, *1/*3, and *1/*4. Poor metabolizers were found to be homozygous mutants of CYP2D6 gene and the genotypes were *3/*4, *4/*4, *3/*6, *4/*7, *4/*6, and *6/*6.

CONCLUSION

Genotype could be used to screen variations of CYP2D6 expression.

[Distinguishing CYP2D6 homozygous and heterozygous extensive metabolizers by dextromethorphan phenotyping]

A more sensitive procedure was developed to phenotype cytochrome P450 2D6 metabolism by a less toxic probe drug--dextromethorphan. The sensitivity of the determination of dextromethorphan in urine samples was up to 1 ng.ml-1. This method was employed to phenotype three groups of subjects. The results showed that there was a difference between extensive metabolizers which were genotyped as homozygotes and heterozygotes. Although the difference was not as big as the difference with poor metabolizers which were genotyped as homozygous mutants. It suggests that "gene copy" is a true factor in the expression of CYP2D6 genes.

Physiological basis for long life span

A collection of clinical data is reported on nonagenarians in comparison to an 'average' population of younger age. The results of these clinical data indicated that a vital physiological basis for long life span probably existed. The basis include a better micro-blood-flow state, a better cardiac, immune (nature killer cell activity), adrenocortical, hepatic and renal function, and a higher level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is suggested that the method, including Chinese traditional medicine, to improve the micro-blood-flow, nature killer cell activity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and vital organ function may be beneficial for life preservation and aging retarding.

[Mutagenic effects of bimolane]

AIM

To study the genotoxicity of bimolane.

METHODS

Bimolane 5, 10, and 15 mg . kg-1 was injected i.p. in mice to investigate its effects on chromosome/chromatid aberrations of bone marrow cells. Mutagenic effects on TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 were studied in Ames test.

RESULTS

Bimolane 5, 10, and 15 mg . kg-1 induced of chromosome/chromatid aberrations, and the frequency of aberration cells (ACF) induced by bimolane increased markedly (P < 0.01); Bimolane without S9 showed mutagenic to TA98 and TA102 at the concentrations of 100 and 150 micrograms/plate in Ames test.

CONCLUSION

Bimolane is a kind of genotoxic compound.

[Epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in plasmapheresis and blood donors]

We actively adopted method to control hepatitis C (HC) epidemic in blood sampling. ELISA was used to detect anti-HCV antibody in different groups of 2348 blood donors. The positive rates of anti-HCV for plasmaphersis and whole blood donors were 0.58% (2/343) and 1.34% (27/2005) respectively, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The positive rates of anti-HCV for plasmapheresis donors in 1-2 years and over 9 years were 0.99% (7/701) and 0.74% (2/270) respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) either. The positive rates of anti-HCV for plasmapheresis donors in 1992 and in 1994 were 1.64% (7/426), and 0.58% (2/343). The results showed that HCV infection rate did not increase in plasmapheresis donors, nor did it increase parallel with the increasing gears of blood donnation.

[Role of afferent renal nerves in 2K2C Goldblatt hypertension]

In order to study the role of afferent renal nerves in 2K2C Goldblatt hypertension, the renal afferent nerves were selectively lesioned by bilateral T9-L2 spinal dorsal rhizotomy before clipping (internal diameter, 0.3 mm) of birenal arteries. Systolic blood pressure of the rat was measured by tail-cuff method. Concentrations of catecholamines, Ang II, and aldosterone were determined respectively by HPLC-EC and RIA, and vascular structural changes were measured by blood vessel micro-image analysis system coupled with a computer. The results showed that the concentrations of NE and E in medulla oblongata, adrenal gland and plasma, and of plasma Ang II and aldosterone as well as body weight of the rat were all significantly increased. The heart coefficient (heart wt/body wt), the media thickness, and the media thickness/lumen diameter in superior mesenteric arteries were also increased in 2K2C hypertensive rats (clipping, 6 wk) as compared with those in control rats. Bilateral rhizotomy delayed development of 2K2C hypertension and prevented above-mentioned vascular structural changes, the NE and E concentrations of medulla oblongata, adrenal gland and plasma were all decreased, hypothalamic NE and E were increased, and plasma Ang II level was not significantly changed. These results suggest that afferent renal nerves may play a partial role in the development of hypertension in 2K2C rats by activating sympathetic nervous system as a result of affecting metabolic activities of brain catecholaminergic neurons, and that high-plasma Ang II and aldosterone as well as heart hypertrophy and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells may also participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension in 2K2C rats.

Suppressing effects of human fetal cell extract on micronuclei induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

The genotoxicity of human fetal cell extract (HFCE) and its effect on the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE-MNF) in mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) were studied. Statistically significant differences were not found between the control group and each group treated with HFCE (0.3, 3, 30 mg/kg bw). CP (200 mg/kg bw) induced a marked increase in MNF (P < 0.01). Administered together with CP, HFCE suppressed the increase of MNF induced by CP. The reduction effect is dependent on the dose of HFCE. At doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg bw HFCE, MNF decreased markedly (P < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). It showed that HFCE did not induce micronucleus formation, while it could suppress the micronucleus formation induced by CP in mice. The results suggested that HFCE might be antimutagenic and have potential value in clinical application.

[Amplification of C-erB-2 oncogene in colon carcinomas]

Differential PCR has been used to detect the variance of c-erbB-2 gene copies in 23 colon carcinoma tissues. It was found that amplification of c-erbB-2 gene existed in 7 out of 23 (30%) cases. All of the three high-middle differentiated colon carcinomas had amplification of c-erbB-2 gene in our specimens. It was higher than that of the middle differentiated colon carcinomas (P < 0.05). The rate of amplification of c-erbB-2 gene in patients with positive lymph node was approximately two times as high as that in negative nodo patients, but this difference was not significant (P > 0.20).

[A study on the regulation of ACTH secretion in rat pituitary cells]

In addition to method of ACTH RIA, a rat pituitary cell perfusion system was developed for the assessment of pituitary cells in stimulating and inhibiting ACTH secretion induced by some substances. Hypothalamic extract stimulated the ACTH secretion in a dose-dependent manner. AVP, cAMP, Ca2+, K+, noradrenaline, metoclopramide and haloperidol also had some stimulating effect. Dexamethasone and dopamine inhibited the basal ACTH secretion of pituitary cell and antagonized the effect of the various stimulating substances. Cyproheptadine could antagonize the effect of some of the stimulating substances while GABA had no marked inhibiting effect.

Association between allotypes of complement components C2, BF, C4 of HLA class III and cerebral stroke

Allotypes of C2, BF and C4 in 58 patients with cerebral stroke (CS) and 110 normal control individuals in Guangzhou district were determined. The results show that there is a significant association between BF*F and CS.

Biochemical and morphological studies of steady state and lipopolysaccaride treated bovine articular cartilage explant cultures

Explants of bovine articular cartilage were cultured for up to 50 days in 20% fetal calf serum in the presence or absence of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS); or in various protocols involving different treatment times with LPS followed by recovery times in the absence of LPS. Cultures were measured in terms of rates of proteoglycan synthesis (incorporation of [35S]sulfate), proteoglycan contents and collagen contents. Histological sections were prepared for both light and electron microscopy. In fetal calf serum, the rates of synthesis and contents of proteoglycans per collagen remained constant, while for LPS treated cultures both parameters decreased. For recovery groups, the rates of proteoglycan synthesis increased during the time of recovery if the LPS treatment times were relatively short (2 weeks or less) and if the tissue was obtained from younger animals; net increase in proteoglycan contents occurred infrequently if at all during recovery protocols. Histological examinations revealed that chondrocytes in cultures maintained in fetal calf serum appeared normal with large stores of glycogen. In LPS treated cultures, chondrocytes were depleted of glycogen stores and contained numerous lipid droplets. In recovery cultures, chondrocytes replenished their glycogen contents, but the lipid droplets remained. For both LPS treated and recovery groups the extracellular matrix was depleted of proteoglycans with time in culture. The results provide further evidence for the ability of this explant culture system to maintain steady state metabolic parameters for proteoglycan metabolism over long time periods and for its utility to study reagents which regulate or perturb these parameters.