26
|
Wang L, Wang L, Cong X, Liu G, Zhou J, Bai B, Li Y, Bai W, Li M, Ji H, Zhu D, Wu M, Liu Y. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Safety and Efficacy. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:3192-202. [PMID: 23941289 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
27
|
Su YC, Xiang RL, Zhang Y, Ding C, Cong X, Guo XH, Yang NY, Hua H, Wu LL, Yu GY. Decreased submandibular adiponectin is involved in the progression of autoimmune sialoadenitis in non-obese diabetic mice. Oral Dis 2013; 20:744-55. [PMID: 24134190 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate a possible role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of autoimmune sialoadenitis in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1/2) was detected by PCR, immunoblotting, or immunofluorescence. The level of adiponectin was quantified by ELISA. Adiponectin-related signaling molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined by PCR or immunoblotting. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and caspase 3 activation. RESULTS Adiponectin and AdipoR1/2 mRNA and protein were expressed in submandibular glands. Adiponectin immunostaining was widely diffused in the cytoplasm of acinar and ductal cells. AdipoR1 was mainly distributed in acinar cytoplasm, while AdipoR2 was predominantly located at acinar cell membrane. Submandibular adiponectin levels were reduced during the progression of autoimmune sialoadenitis in 7-, 14-, and 21-week-old NOD mice, while AdipoR1/2 levels were unchanged. The levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were decreased, while interferon (IFN)-γ and glandular apoptosis were temporally increased at all time points. Moreover, exogenous adiponectin supplement inhibited, whereas neutralizing endogenous adiponectin by its antibody promoted IFN-γ-induced apoptosis and caspase 3 activation in cultured submandibular acinar cells. CONCLUSIONS Adiponectin plays a protective role on submandibular cells. Decreased adiponectin might promote glandular destruction in autoimmune sialoadenitis.
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang H, Zhao T, Xu F, Li Y, Wu M, Zhu D, Cong X, Liu Y. How important is differentiation in the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stromal cells in liver disease? Cytotherapy 2013; 16:309-18. [PMID: 24239106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The protocols for differentiation of hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been well established. Previous data have shown that MSCs and their derived HLCs were able to engraft injured liver and alleviate injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride. The goal of the current study was to determine the differences of MSCs and their derived HLCs in terms of therapeutic functions in liver diseases. METHODS After hepatic differentiation of umbilical cord-derived MSCs in vitro, we detected both MSC and HLC expressions of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptor CXCR4 by flow cytometry; immunosuppressive potential and hepatocyte growth factor expression were determined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared the therapeutic effect for fulminant hepatic failure in a mouse model. RESULTS MSC-derived-HLCs expressed lower levels of hepatocyte growth factor, accompanied by impaired immunosuppression in comparison with MSCs. Furthermore, undifferentiated MSCs showed rescuing potentials superior to those in HLCs for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure. CONCLUSIONS After differentiation, HLCs lost several major properties in comparison with undifferentiated MSCs, which are beneficial for their application in liver diseases. Undifferentiated MSCs may be more appropriate than are HLCs for the treatment of liver diseases.
Collapse
|
29
|
He C, Cong X, Zhang R, Wu D, An C, Zhao Z. Regulation of circadian locomotor rhythm by neuropeptide Y-like system in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:376-388. [PMID: 23614491 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms in behaviour and physiology exist widely in animals, plants, fungi and cyanobacteria. Although much work has been carried out to characterize the endogenous clock circuit, the output signals coupling the circadian pacemaker to behaviour and physiology remain elusive. Here, we show that neuropeptide F (NPF), a homologue of mammalian neuropeptide Y, and its G protein-coupled receptor NPFR1 regulate the locomotor rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies with loss of function in NPF or NPFR1 were unable to ramp up their activity before lights off under light : dark (LD) cycles, and oscillations in npf/NPF and npfr1/NPFR1 were found to correlate temporally with the locomotor rhythm. Furthermore, NPF is expressed in clock neurones including dorsolateral neurones (LNd s) and ventrolateral neurones (LNv s), whereas NPFR1 is expressed in dorsal neurone 1 (DN1) and LNd s. These results show that NPF signalling is involved in the circadian locomotor rhythm in LD cycles.
Collapse
|
30
|
Xu S, Ge R, Xu W, Cong X, Xie C, Gong H. SU-E-T-155: RapidArc Delivery Performance Using EDR2 Film and EPID Measurement. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4814590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
31
|
Burkart C, Arimoto KI, Tang T, Cong X, Xiao N, Liu YC, Kotenko SV, Ellies LG, Zhang DE. Usp18 deficient mammary epithelial cells create an antitumour environment driven by hypersensitivity to IFN-λ and elevated secretion of Cxcl10. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1035-50. [PMID: 23681607 PMCID: PMC3721472 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201201864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of cancer immunoediting refers to mechanisms by which the immune system can suppress or promote tumour progression. A major challenge for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies is to find ways to exploit the immune system's antitumour activity while concomitantly reducing its protumour activity. Using the PyVmT model of mammary tumourigenesis, we show that lack of the Usp18 gene significantly inhibits tumour growth by creating a tumour-suppressive microenvironment. Generation of this antitumour environment is driven by elevated secretion of the potent T-cell chemoattractant Cxcl10 by Usp18 deficient mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which leads to recruitment of Th1 subtype CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that Cxcl10 upregulation in MECs is promoted by interferon-λ and that Usp18 is a novel inhibitor of interferon-λ signalling. Knockdown of the interferon-λ specific receptor subunit IL-28R1 in Usp18 deficient MECs dramatically enhances tumour growth. Taken together, our data suggest that targeting Usp18 may be a viable approach to boost antitumour immunity while suppressing the protumour activity of the immune system.
Collapse
|
32
|
Hamid H, Kasasbeh AS, Suleiman MJ, Cong X, Liu H, Mohiuddin S, Bahou YG. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizure severity, employment, and quality of life of Jordanians with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 27:272-5. [PMID: 23452703 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Depression and anxiety are more strongly associated with quality of life (QOL) than seizure frequency in several populations with epilepsy. However, QOL is culturally determined and may be influenced by cultural values and norms as well as local policies and resources. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms and seizure severity on QOL and employment in people with epilepsy living in Jordan. METHODS Seizure severity and complications, antiepileptic drug side effects, social stigma, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and mental health (MH-SF36) and physical health (PH-SF36) domains of QOL were assessed in 45 adult patients with epilepsy in a university neurology clinic. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between these variables and the quality of life of Jordanians with epilepsy. RESULTS Neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizure frequency, and history of injury due to seizure were associated with the MH-SF36. However, earlier age of seizure onset, longer duration of epilepsy, unemployment, and history of chronic disease was associated with lower PH-SF36 scores. Furthermore, there were no differences in QOL, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and seizure frequency in Jordanians who were employed versus unemployed in this study. CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychiatric symptoms were significantly associated with mental health-related QOL measures, but not with physically-related QOL measures, in Jordanians with epilepsy. For studies across populations, it is critical to separate mental health from physical health QOL measures. Furthermore, regional differences in culture and policy may more strongly influence employment status than individuals' experiences of epilepsy, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or QOL in some populations.
Collapse
|
33
|
Lo MC, Peterson LF, Yan M, Cong X, Jin F, Shia WJ, Matsuura S, Ahn EY, Komeno Y, Ly M, Ommen HB, Chen IM, Hokland P, Willman CL, Ren B, Zhang DE. Combined gene expression and DNA occupancy profiling identifies potential therapeutic targets of t(8;21) AML. Blood 2012; 120:1473-84. [PMID: 22740448 PMCID: PMC3423785 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-12-395335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome translocation 8q22;21q22 [t(8;21)] is commonly associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the resulting AML1-ETO fusion proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of AML. To identify novel molecular and therapeutic targets, we performed combined gene expression microarray and promoter occupancy (ChIP-chip) profiling using Lin(-)/Sca1(-)/cKit(+) cells, the major leukemia cell population, from an AML mouse model induced by AML1-ETO9a (AE9a). Approximately 30% of the identified common targets of microarray and ChIP-chip assays overlap with the human t(8;21)-gene expression molecular signature. CD45, a protein tyrosine phosphatase and a negative regulator of cytokine/growth factor receptor and JAK/STAT signaling, is among those targets. Its expression is substantially down-regulated in leukemia cells. Consequently, JAK/STAT signaling is enhanced. Re-expression of CD45 suppresses JAK/STAT activation, delays leukemia development, and promotes apoptosis of t(8;21)-positive cells. This study demonstrates the benefit of combining gene expression and promoter occupancy profiling assays to identify molecular and potential therapeutic targets in human cancers and describes a previously unappreciated signaling pathway involving t(8;21) fusion proteins, CD45, and JAK/STAT, which could be a potential novel target for treating t(8;21) AML.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Enzyme Activation
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics
- Genes, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Janus Kinases/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukocyte Common Antigens/metabolism
- Mice
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Reproducibility of Results
- STAT Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
Collapse
|
34
|
Hamid H, Liu H, Cong X, Devinsky O, Berg AT, Vickrey BG, Sperling MR, Shinnar S, Langfitt JT, Walczak TS, Barr WB, Dziura J, Bazil CW, Spencer SS. Long-term association between seizure outcome and depression after resective epilepsy surgery. Neurology 2011; 77:1972-6. [PMID: 22094480 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e31823a0c90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the association between long-term epilepsy surgery outcome and changes in depressive symptoms. METHODS Adults were enrolled between 1996 and 2001 in a multicenter prospective study to evaluate outcomes of resective epilepsy surgery. The extent of depressive symptoms and depression case status (none, mild, or moderate/severe) were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) preoperatively and 3, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months postoperatively. A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis was performed, adjusting for covariates of seizure location, gender, age, race, education, and seizure control. RESULTS Of the total 373 subjects, 256 were evaluated at baseline and 5 years after surgery. At baseline, 164 (64.1%) were not depressed, 34 (13.3%) were mildly depressed, and 58 (22.7%) had moderate to severe depression. After 5 years, 198 (77.3%) were not depressed, 20 (7.8%) were mildly depressed, and 38 (14.8%) were moderately to severely depressed. Five years after surgery, the reduction in mean change from baseline in BDI score was greater in subjects with excellent seizure control than in the fair and poor seizure control groups (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.02 respectively). Those with good seizure control had a greater reduction in BDI score than the poor seizure control group (p = 0.02) and borderline significant reduction compared with the fair seizure control group (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION Although study participants had initial improvement in depressive symptoms, on average, after resective surgery, only patients with good or excellent seizure control had sustained long-term improvement in mood.
Collapse
|
35
|
Maragno AL, Pironin M, Alcalde H, Cong X, Knobeloch KP, Tangy F, Zhang DE, Ghysdael J, Quang CT. ISG15 modulates development of the erythroid lineage. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26068. [PMID: 22022510 PMCID: PMC3192153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of erythropoietin receptor allows erythroblasts to generate erythrocytes. In a search for genes that are up-regulated during this differentiation process, we have identified ISG15 as being induced during late erythroid differentiation. ISG15 belongs to the ubiquitin-like protein family and is covalently linked to target proteins by the enzymes of the ISGylation machinery. Using both in vivo and in vitro differentiating erythroblasts, we show that expression of ISG15 as well as the ISGylation process related enzymes Ube1L, UbcM8 and Herc6 are induced during erythroid differentiation. Loss of ISG15 in mice results in decreased number of BFU-E/CFU-E in bone marrow, concomitant with an increased number of these cells in the spleen of these animals. ISG15(-/-) bone marrow and spleen-derived erythroblasts show a less differentiated phenotype both in vivo and in vitro, and over-expression of ISG15 in erythroblasts is found to facilitate erythroid differentiation. Furthermore, we have shown that important players of erythroid development, such as STAT5, Globin, PLC γ and ERK2 are ISGylated in erythroid cells. This establishes a new role for ISG15, besides its well-characterized anti-viral functions, during erythroid differentiation.
Collapse
|
36
|
Cong X, Reuter B, Yan M, Zhang DE. SS11-2 ISG15 and protein ISGylation. Cytokine 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2010.07.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
37
|
Zhang Y, Cong X, Shi L, Xiang B, Li YM, Ding QW, Ding C, Wu LL, Yu GY. Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 increases secretion of the hypofunctional, transplanted submandibular gland. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 299:G54-62. [PMID: 20360133 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00528.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hyposecretion occurs in most patients early after submandibular gland autotransplantation for severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Endogenous transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) has been recently demonstrated in rabbit submandibular glands, and activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin increases secretion in isolated glands, but the TRPV1-mediated secretory mechanism remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to verify whether activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin could improve the secretion of transplanted gland and its underlying mechanism. The salivary flow of the transplanted glands was significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein levels of TRPV1 and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) were downregulated in the transplanted glands. Topical capsaicin cream increased secretion and upregulated levels of TRPV1 and AQP5 in transplanted glands. Moreover, in cultured submandibular gland cells, capsaicin increased the mRNA expression of AQP5 and led to redistribution of AQP5 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane via TRPV1 activation. Capsaicin enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Preincubation of cells with PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK kinase, suppressed the capsaicin-induced mRNA expression of AQP5. In summary, the capsaicin-induced secretory mechanism involved activation of TRPV1 and upregulation of AQP5 in an ERK-dependent manner and promoted the redistribution of AQP5 in submandibular gland cells. Activation of TRPV1 may provide a new therapeutic strategy to improve submandibular gland hypofunction.
Collapse
|
38
|
Cong X, Yan M, Yin X, Zhang DE. Hematopoietic cells from Ube1L-deficient mice exhibit an impaired proliferation defect under the stress of bone marrow transplantation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2010; 45:103-11. [PMID: 20591702 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Following bone marrow transplantation, donor stem cells are recruited from their quiescent status to promote the rapid reconstitution in recipients. This dynamic process is tightly regulated by a complex of internal and external signals. Protein modification by the ubiquitin like modifier ISG15 (ISGylation) is strongly induced by type I interferons (IFNs). There are higher levels of type I IFNs and protein ISGylation in the bone marrow of recipients shortly after transplantation. In order to clarify the physiological function of protein ISGylation, we generated a mouse model that lacks protein ISGylation due to deficiency of ISG15 conjugating enzyme Ube1L (Ube1L(-/-)). In this report, we focused on the analysis of the hematopoietic system in Ube1L(-)(/)(-) mice in steady-state hematopoiesis and its potential protective role during bone marrow reconstitution. Here we demonstrated that In Ube1L(-/-) mice, steady-state hematopoiesis was unperturbed. However, transplantation experiment revealed a 50% reduction in repopulation potential of Ube1L-deficient cells at 3weeks posttransplantation, but no differences at 6 and 12weeks. A competitive transplantation experiment magnified and extended this phenotype. Cell cycle analysis revealed that under the condition with high levels of IFNs and protein ISGylation, the Ube1L deficiency can cause G2/M phase block of cell cycle in hematopoietic multipotential progenitors. These observations indicate that although protein ISGylation is dispensable for steady-state hematopoiesis, it plays a significant role during interferon related stress response, such as bone marrow transplantation.
Collapse
|
39
|
Shi L, Cong X, Zhang Y, Ding C, Ding QW, Fu FY, Wu LL, Yu GY. Carbachol improves secretion in the early phase after rabbit submandibular gland transplantation. Oral Dis 2010; 16:351-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2009.01633.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
40
|
Yin X, Cong X, Yan M, Zhang DE. Alteration of tumor spectrum by ISGylation in p53-deficient mice. Cancer Biol Ther 2009; 8:1167-72. [PMID: 19652527 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.8.12.8558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
41
|
Deng L, Hu S, Baydoun AR, Chen J, Chen X, Cong X. Aspirin induces apoptosis in mesenchymal stem cells requiring Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Cell Prolif 2009; 42:721-30. [PMID: 19706045 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2009.00639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent progenitor cells that are have found use in regenerative medicine. We have previously observed that aspirin, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits MSC proliferation. Here we have aimed to elucidate whether aspirin induces MSC apoptosis and whether this is modulated through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Apoptosis of MSCs was assessed using Hoechst 33342 dye and an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Kit. Expression of protein and protein phosphorylation were investigated using Western blot analysis. Caspase-3 activity was detected by applying a caspase-3/CPP32 Colorimetric Assay Kit. RESULTS In these MSCs, aspirin induced morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and caspase-3 activation. Stimulating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway by both Wnt 3a and GSK-3beta inhibitors (LiCl and SB 216763), blocked aspirin-induced apoptosis and protected mitochondrial function, as demonstrated by decreased cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activity. Aspirin initially caused a time-dependent decrease in COX-2 expression but subsequently, and unexpectedly, elevated the latter. Stimulation of COX-2 expression by aspirin was further enhanced following stimulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Application of the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 suppressed elevated COX-2 expression and promoted aspirin-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a key modulator of aspirin-induced apoptosis in MSCs by regulation of mitochrondrial/caspase-3 function. More importantly, our findings suggest that aspirin may influence MSC survival under certain conditions; therefore, it should be used with caution when considering regenerative MSC transplantation in patients with concomitant chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Collapse
|
42
|
Li YM, Zhang Y, Shi L, Xiang B, Cong X, Zhang YY, Wu LL, Yu GY. Isoproterenol improves secretion of transplanted submandibular glands. J Dent Res 2009; 88:477-82. [PMID: 19493894 DOI: 10.1177/0022034509337114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autotransplantation of the submandibular gland is effective for severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. However, most transplants show decreased secretion shortly after the operation, which leads to obstruction of Wharton's duct. The hypothesis that decreased catecholamine release due to denervation contributes to hypofunction in the early phase was tested in transplanted glands in rabbits. We found that salivary flow, expression of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor, and the maximum binding capacity were markedly decreased in the transplanted glands. Isoproterenol significantly reversed the decreased secretion, enhanced the expressions of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor, and ameliorated the atrophy of acinar cells. The contents of cAMP and phospho-ERK 1/2 were increased after isoproterenol treatment. These results indicate that lack of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation is involved in early dysfunction of the transplanted gland. Isoproterenol treatment moderates structural injury and improves secretory function in the transplanted submandibular gland through up-regulating beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor expression and post-receptor signal transduction.
Collapse
|
43
|
Cong X, Zhang Y, Shi L, Wu L, Yu G. Activation of vanilloid receptor upregulates expression of tight junction protein zonula occludens-1, claudin-3 and claudin-11 in rabbit submandibular gland. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2009.03.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
44
|
Yin X, Cong X, Yan M, Zhang DE. Deficiency of a potential 3p21.3 tumor suppressor gene UBE1L (UBA7) does not accelerate lung cancer development in K-rasLA2 mice. Lung Cancer 2008; 63:194-200. [PMID: 18571763 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2008.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 05/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic lesions in chromosomal region 3p21.3 marks one of the earliest events in human lung cancer development. It is hypothesized that one or more tumor suppressor genes reside in this region. Identification and characterization of these genes are important for the understanding of lung cancer initiation. UBE1L (UBA7) is a long-suspected 3p21.3 residing tumor suppressor gene. It encodes the key enzyme that activates ISGylation, a novel, ubiquitination-like, post-translational protein modification system that is inducible by interferon. It has been implicated that ISGylation plays a variety of biological roles ranging from viral defense to tumor surveillance. Here we tested the possible function of ISGylation during lung cancer development by using the Ube1l-deficient mice and the K-ras(LA2) lung cancer mice. Protein ISGylation levels were largely unchanged during lung cancer progression. Ube1l deficiency neither altered the lung cancer progression nor affected the overall survival of K-ras(LA2) lung cancer mice. Our study suggests that Ube1l is not a tumor suppressor gene in K-ras(LA2) lung cancer mouse model. However, as described in the discussion, additional studies with other lung cancer mouse models will be necessary to elucidate the potential tumor suppressor function of UBE1L in K-RAS mutation independent human lung cancers.
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhan Y, Wang Y, Wei L, Chen H, Cong X, Fei R, Gao Y, Liu F. Differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into hepatocytes in liver fibrosis in rats. Transplant Proc 2007; 38:3082-5. [PMID: 17112904 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.08.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can differentiate into hepatocytes in the normal liver and in some pathologic environments. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HSC can differentiate into hepatocytes in cases of established liver fibrosis. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of tetrachloride (CCl4). Thy+ CD3- CD45RA- HSC in bone marrow cells, which had been enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), were labeled with PKH26-GL, and autologously transplanted into CCl4-treated rats. The expressions of albumin (Alb), cytokeratin 8 (CK8), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) were determined by immunofluorescence methods. The PKH26-GL labeled Thy+ CD3- CD45RA- HSC expressed the hepatocyte-specific markers Alb and CK8, but did not express alpha-SMA in liver fibrosis. Thy+ CD3- CD45RA- HSC differentiated into hepatocytes, but not into hepatic stellate cells. In conclusion, autologous stem cell transplantation may be helpful to treat hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
|
46
|
Liu F, Pan XB, Chen GD, Jiang D, Cong X, Fei R, Chen HS, Wei L. Hematopoietic stem cell mobilization after rat partial orthotopic liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 2006; 38:1603-9. [PMID: 16797365 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.02.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On the basis of the recently recognized potential of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to give rise to hepatocytes, we investigated the possibility that HSC could be mobilized and home to the injured liver promoting tissue repair after 50% partial orthotopic liver transplantation (PLTx) in the rat. METHODS Using sex-mismatched (female to male) syngeneic SD rats, we performed 50% PLTx or whole orthotopic liver transplantation (WLTx) versus 50% partial hepatectomy (PHx) and sham operation (O). Elements with stem cell markers were detected in peripheral blood (PB) and in the liver. Liver injury and regeneration were estimated. The sex-determining region for Y chromosome gene (SRY) was used to define cell origin by in situ hybridization in liver sections. RESULTS Comparison of WLTx and PHx groups showed a lower survival rate (50%), in the PLTx group were (P<.05). Further, the liver injury was more serious and the levels of serum biochemical parameters were higher. Compared with PHx groups, on days 3 and 5 postoperatively, the mitosis index and the expression of PCNA were lower among the PLTx groups. Compared with WLTx and sham operation groups, beta2m-/Thy-1.1+, CD34+ cells in PB in PLTx groups and PHx were increased on day 1 postoperatively and decreased on the following days. Compared with PHx groups, beta2m-/Thy-1.1+, CD34+ cells were higher in PLTx. The CD34-, c-kit-, and Thy-1.1-positive cells detected in portal tract areas peaked during 3 to 5 days postoperatively in PLTx. Few SRY+ cells were detected in PLTx liver grafts. CONCLUSIONS beta2m-/Thy-1.1+ and CD34+ stem cells mobilized after PLTx and PHx may be related to the reduced-size liver. Few HSC are involved in liver regeneration in PLTx.
Collapse
|
47
|
Aramwit P, Liu X, Cong X, Lam L, Cao Y. Bispecific antibodies as emerging pharmaceuticals for tumor immunotherapy. DRUG FUTURE 2005. [DOI: 10.1358/dof.2005.030.10.943922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
48
|
Ding Z, Wang K, Li J, Cong X. Flow field and oscillatory shear stress in a tuning-fork-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation. J Biomech 2001; 34:1555-62. [PMID: 11716857 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9290(01)00148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The oscillatory shear index (OSI) was developed based on the hypothesis that intimal hyperplasia was correlated with oscillatory shear stresses. However, the validity of the OSI was in question since the correlation between intimal thickness and the OSI at the side walls of the sinus in the Y-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation (Y-AHCB) was weak. The objectives of this paper are to examine whether the reason for the weak correlation lies in the deviation in geometry of Y-AHCB from real human carotid bifurcation, and whether this correlation is clearly improved in the tuning-fork-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation (TF-AHCB). The geometry of the TF-AHCB model was based on observation and statistical analysis of specimens from 74 cadavers. The flow fields in both models were studied and compared by using flow visualization methods under steady flow conditions and by using laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) under pulsatile flow conditions. The TF-shaped geometry leads to a more complex flow field than the Y-shaped geometry. This added complexity includes strengthened helical movements in the sinus, new flow separation zone, and directional changes in the secondary flow patterns. The results show that the OSI-values at the side walls of the sinus in the TF-shaped model were more than two times as large as those in the Y-shaped model. This study confirmed the stronger correlation between the OSI and intimal thickness in the tuning-fork geometry of human carotid bifurcation, and the TF-AHCB model is a significant improvement over the traditional Y-shaped model.
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen H, Cai S, Wang Y, Zhao H, Peng J, Pang X, Zhu J, Cong X, Rui J, Leng X, Du R, Wang Y, Vaughan H, Cebon J, Burgess AW, Chen W. Expression of the MAGE-1 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas. Chin Med J (Engl) 2000; 113:1112-8. [PMID: 11776148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To further investigate the expression of MAGE-1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The tumors and adjacent liver tissue from 45 HCC patients and liver tissue from 28 non-HCC patients (16 with liver cirrhosis and 12 with normal liver) were characterized by RT-PCR. A 421 bp PCR product from a cDNA fragment spanning exons 1, 2 and 3 was sequenced. The HLA type was assayed by standard ELISA in 43 HCC patients. RESULTS Thirty-two of 45 tumor tissues from HCC patients expressed MAGE-1 mRNA (71.1%). In contrast, MAGE-1 mRNA was not detected in adjacent tissues. Three were found to have point mutations at 3 identical sites resulting in the substitution of two amino acid residues. The most frequent HLA types in 43 HCC patients were: HLA-A2, 53.5%; A11, 25.6%; A24, 20.9%; A33, 20.9%; HLA-B13, 28.3% and B35, 23.2%. Expression of HLA-A33 (20.9%) was higher in HCC patients than that predicted in the normal Chinese population (8.8%). There was no discemable correlation between MAGE-1 expression and alpha-FP level, tumor size and hepatitis B or C virus infection. The identification of peptides which are restricted by haploptypes other than A1 should increase the opportunity for peptide based immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that MAGE-1 mRNA is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissue in Chinese patients. Previously unreported point mutations in the MAGE-1 gene are described and may also provide additional opportunities for immunotherapy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Neoplasm
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/metabolism
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Melanoma-Specific Antigens
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
Collapse
|
50
|
Qiu L, Cong X, Tan Y. [Application of microsatellite alteration of urine sediment in the early diagnosis of bladder cancer]. ZHONGHUA ZHONG LIU ZA ZHI [CHINESE JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY] 2000; 22:483-6. [PMID: 11235570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the usefulness of microsatellite DNA sequence (MS) alterations in urine sediment for early diagnosis of human bladder cancer. METHODS Loss of heterozygosity(LOH) and microsatellite instability(MIN) in urine sediment from 28 cases of bladder cancer were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with selected primers of 10 microsatellite loci. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bladder carcinoma cells were used as controls. RESULTS In 24 of 28 bladder cancer patients (85.7%) LOH and MIN were found in urine sediment on at least one MS locus. Only in 3 of 28 patients(10.7%) was the urine cytology positive while MS and MIN were detected in these 3 patients. The conformance of MS alterations between cancer cells and urine sediment in the same patients was 94.1%. No MS alteration was found in 15 normal controls. CONCLUSION Application of microsatellite sequence of urine sediment can be considered as a new tool for screening and early diagnoses of bladder cancer.
Collapse
|