201
|
Abstract
The 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) system is an interferon (IFN)-regulated RNA decay pathway that provides innate immunity against viral infections. The biologic action of the 2-5A system is mediated by RNase L, an endoribonuclease that becomes enzymatically active after binding to 2-5A. RNase L is also implicated in mediating apoptosis in response to both viral and nonviral inducers. To study the cellular effects of RNase L activation directly, 2-5A was transfected into the human ovarian cancer cell line, Hey1B. Activation of RNase L by 2-5A resulted in specific 18S rRNA cleavage and induction of apoptosis, as measured by TUNEL and annexin V binding assays. In contrast, the dimeric form of 2-5A, ppA2'p5'A, neither activated RNase L nor caused apoptosis. Treatment with IFN-beta prior to 2-5A transfection enhanced cellular RNase L levels (< or = 2.2-fold) and increased the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis (by < or =40%). However, rRNA cleavages after 2-5A transfections were not enhanced by IFN-beta pretreatments, indicating that basal levels of RNase L were sufficient for this activity. Apoptosis in response to RNase L activation was accompanied by cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Induction of apoptosis by either 2-5A alone or by the combination of 2-5A and IFN-beta was effectively blocked with either the pancaspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, or with the caspase 3 inhibitor, DEVD-fmk. Therefore, activation of RNase L by 2-5A leads to cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm and then to caspase activation and apoptosis. These results suggest potential uses for 2-5A in augmenting the anticancer activities of IFN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Rusch
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
202
|
Abstract
The 2',5'-oligoadenylate-activated enzyme, RNase L, is an endoribonuclease implicated in the antiviral and apoptotic activities of interferons. To probe the genetics of the 2-5A system, the human and mouse genes were cloned, characterized, and compared. The first coding exon of both genes encodes the regulatory regions of RNase L, 67-70% of the proteins including nine ankyrin repeats, the 2-5A binding domain, and several protein kinase homology motifs. In contrast, the coding sequence for the ribonuclease domain in the mouse and human gene is divided among three exons. The transcriptional start site of the human RNase L gene was located in noncoding exon I by primer extension analysis. A complete coding sequence of mouse RNase L was obtained revealing a 735-amino acid protein with 64% identity to human RNase L. A hypothesis is presented concerning the evolutionary relationship of RNase L to both an ankyrin repeat protein kinase and the kinase-endoribonuclease. IRE1, that mediates the unfolded protein response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
203
|
Zhou A, Feng F, Shi Y. [Clinical analysis of 10 cases of true histiocytic lymphoma]. Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi 2000; 21:584-6. [PMID: 11225249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical and pathological characteristics of true histiocytic lymphoma. METHODS The clinical and pathological data of 10 true histiocytic lymphoma patients admitted between 1986 and 1996 to our hospital was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS True histiocytic lymphoma accounted for 0.6% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) admitted in this period to our hospital. Enzymes associated with true histiocytic lymphoma were detected in all the 10 cases. The tumor cells were excluded from T/B lymphoid origin in 6 cases by immunohistochemistry. Eight cases received chemotherapy + irradiation +/- excision of primary lesion, 1 simply received irradiation and 1 received bone marrow transplantation. The response rate was 100%, with a 1, 3 and 5 year survival rate of 100%, 90% and 70%, respectively. The expected 10 year disease free survival rate is 40%. CONCLUSION True histiocytic lymphoma is a rare subset of NHL. Those originated from lymph node are sensitive to chemotherapy and irradiation with a favorable prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Cancer Hospital, CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 10002, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
204
|
Zhou A, McFeeters RF, Fleming HP. Inhibition of formation of oxidative volatile components in fermented cucumbers by ascorbic acid and turmeric. J Agric Food Chem 2000; 48:4910-4912. [PMID: 11052754 DOI: 10.1021/jf990669t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Two naturally occurring antioxidants, ascorbic acid and turmeric, were effective in inhibiting formation of hexanal, (E)-2-penenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, and (E)-2-octenal when slurries of fermented cucumber tissue were exposed to oxygen. Added ascorbic acid prevented formation of most of these oxidative aldehydes at 175 ppm or greater. Turmeric, which is used commercially as a yellow coloring in cucumber pickle products, was found to almost completely prevent aldehyde formation at 40 ppm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7624, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
205
|
Abstract
We characterized a novel 28S rRNA cleavage in cells infected with the murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). The 28S rRNA cleavage occurred as early as 4 h postinfection (p.i.) in MHV-infected DBT cells, with the appearance of subsequent cleavage products and a decrease in the amount of intact 28S rRNA with increasing times of infection; almost all of the intact 28S rRNA disappeared by 24 h p.i. In contrast, no specific 18S rRNA cleavage was detected in infected cells. MHV-induced 28S rRNA cleavage was detected in all MHV-susceptible cell lines and all MHV strains tested. MHV replication was required for the 28S rRNA cleavage, and mature cytoplasmic 28S rRNA underwent cleavage. In certain combination of cells and viruses, pretreatment of virus-infected cells with interferon activates a cellular endoribonuclease, RNase L, that causes rRNA degradation. No interferon was detected in the inoculum used for MHV infection. Addition of anti-interferon antibody to MHV-infected cells did not inhibit 28S rRNA cleavage. Furthermore, 28S rRNA cleavage occurred in an MHV-infected mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line derived from RNase L knockout mice. Thus, MHV-induced 28S rRNA cleavage was independent of the activation of RNase L. MHV-induced 28S rRNA cleavage was also different from apoptosis-related rRNA degradation, which usually occurs concomitantly with DNA fragmentation. In MHV-infected 17Cl-1 cells, 28S rRNA cleavage preceded DNA fragmentation by at least 18 h. Blockage of apoptosis in MHV-infected 17Cl-1 cells by treatment with a caspase inhibitor did not block 28S rRNA cleavage. Furthermore, MHV-induced 28S rRNA cleavage occurred in MHV-infected DBT cells that do not show apoptotic signs, including activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. Thus, MHV-induced 28S rRNA cleavage appeared to differ from any rRNA degradation mechanism described previously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77555-1019, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
206
|
Wu X, Zheng J, Fu J, You J, Cui X, Wang J, Fang W, Zhou A, Wu B. [Inhibition of growth and metastasis of human giant cell carcinoma of the lung by transfection of antisense VEGF121 cDNA]. Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi 2000; 29:363-6. [PMID: 11866937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of blocking the VEGF/VEGF receptor paracrine pathway on growth and metastasis of human lung carcinoma cell line PG and to evaluate its potential application in gene therapy of cancer. METHODS The eukaryotic expression vectors bearing either sense-VEGF121 cDNA or antisense-VEGF121 cDNA was constructed and transfected into PG cells. In vitro and in vivo tests such as Northern blotting hybridization, Western blotting immunochemistry analysis, as well as xenografting in nude mice were used to analyze the effect of antisense-VEGF. RESULTS The transfectants stably expressing antisense VEGF121 were observed to produce markedly reduced 3.3 kb VEGF mRNA and 45 KD, 41 KD, 32KD VEGF proteins. When xenografted s.c. into nude mice, growth and metastasis of the antisense-VEGF transfected cell lines were greatly inhibited when compared with control cells. CONCLUSION Antisense VEGF gene significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis and may provide an experimental example for the development of antiangiogenic gene therapy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Giant Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Giant Cell/pathology
- Cell Division/genetics
- Cell Division/physiology
- DNA, Antisense/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Endothelial Growth Factors/genetics
- Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolism
- Female
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lymphokines/genetics
- Lymphokines/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Metastasis/genetics
- Neoplasm Metastasis/physiopathology
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Wu
- Department of Pathology, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
207
|
Wu Y, Xie Q, Zhou A, Zhang Y, Nie L, Yao S, Mo X. Detection and analysis of Bacillus subtilis growth with piezoelectric quartz crystal impedance based on starch hydrolysis. Anal Biochem 2000; 285:50-7. [PMID: 10998262 DOI: 10.1006/abio.2000.4694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) impedance method based on the alpha-amylase-catalyzed hydrolysis of starch present in a culture medium has been developed for in situ monitoring of the whole growth process of Bacillus subtilis and the variation in the activity of alpha-amylase during bacterial growth. An S-shaped response behavior was observed for Deltaf(0), and simultaneously inverse S-shaped responses were found for DeltaR(1) and DeltaL(1). The ratio of DeltaR(1) to Deltaf(0) or DeltaL(1) coincided well with that calculated from Martin's equations reflecting the solution density-viscosity effect, suggesting that the continuing change in liquid loading onto the PQC surface causes significant variation in Deltaf(0), DeltaR(1), and DeltaL(1). Bacterial growth equations were derived from the kinetics of the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of starch, which fit well with the experimental responses of Deltaf(0), DeltaR(1), and DeltaL(1). Kinetic parameters of bacterial growth, including the asymptote (A), the maximum specific growth rate (microm), and the lag time (lambda), were obtained and were in good agreement with those obtained from the pour plate count method. The variation in the activity of alpha-amylase exhibited peak-type behavior with its maximum value at the later stage of the log phase. In addition, the influence of initial bacterial concentration was also investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Wu
- Chemical Research Institute, Changsha, 410081, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
208
|
|
209
|
Zhou A, Xie Q, Wu Y, Cai Y, Nie L, Yao S. Study of the Adsorption of Glutathione on a Gold Electrode by Using Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Impedance, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, and Cyclic Voltammetry. J Colloid Interface Sci 2000; 229:12-20. [PMID: 10942538 DOI: 10.1006/jcis.2000.6962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adsorption of a biological peptide, glutathione, on a gold electrode was studied by using electrochemical quartz crystal impedance (EQCI), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The time courses of responses of piezoelectric and electrochemical impedance parameters were simultaneously obtained during the adsorption processes of the two forms of peptide, oxidized and reduced glutathione. It was found that the frequency curve due to the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) adsorption exhibited a character of a sum of two exponential functions. For reduced glutathione (GSH), the frequency adsorption curve could be expressed by a first-order reaction kinetic model and the corresponding kinetic parameters at different amounts of GSH were obtained. The heterogeneous charge-transfer rate constants of ferricyanide/ferrocyanide before and after the peptide adsorption were determined by CV and EIS methods, respectively. According to the simple equivalent electric network of the electrochemical interface, the electrochemical impedance parameters were also obtained. The results showed that the proposed method should be found in wider applications in interfacial biochemistry studies since these combined techniques have advantages in real time multidimensional information including electrochemical and electrochemical impedance parameters. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
210
|
Kuai L, Wu C, Qiu Q, Zhang J, Zhou A, Wang S, Zhang H, Song Q, Liao S, Han Y, Liu J, Ma Z. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 fused with erythropoietin (EPO) mimetic peptide (EMP) enhances the EPO activity of EMP. J Pept Res 2000; 56:59-62. [PMID: 10961539 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3011.2000.00716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) mimetic peptide (EMP) encoding sequence was inserted into the gene of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) between Ala348 and Pro349 (P2'-P3'), generating a novel gene, PAI-1/EMP (PMP). This was cloned into pET32a expression vector, fused with TrxA peptide in the vector, and a 63-kDa protein was expressed in inclusion bodies with an expression level >50%. The TrxA/PMP protein was purified by Ni-NTA-agarose metal-ligand affinity chromatography to a purity >90%, showing a single, silver-stained band on SDS-PAGE. Using a reticulocyte counting assay, the EPO activity of PMP was determined to be 5,000 IU/mg, 2,500-fold that of EMP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Kuai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
211
|
Zhou A, Yu L, Li J, Zhang J, Wang H. Renal protective effects of blocking the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system: angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Hypertens Res 2000; 23:391-7. [PMID: 10912779 DOI: 10.1291/hypres.23.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study compared renoprotective effects of angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist (AT1RA) with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and their influence on the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS). Experimental nephrotic syndrome was induced in SD rats by repeated peritoneal injections of puromycin. Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, nephrotic control, ACEI-treated, and AT1RA-treated groups. Serum, urine, and renal tissue were collected for study at the end of 12 weeks. Compared with those of the nephrotic control group, urinary protein was less and renal function was better in both treated groups. The glomerular and interstitial damage indexes of both ACEI- and AT1RA-treated rats were lower than those of nephrotic control rats, with no significant difference observed between the two treated groups. Local renal ACE activity and angiotensin II concentration were elevated in nephrotic rats (p< 0.01). However, there is no significant difference in circulating RAS, renal tissue renin, and aldosterone between the normal control and nephrotic control rats. As expected, enalapril inhibited the local renal ACE activity and significantly decreased angiotensin II (p< 0.01). Intrarenal ACE activity and angiotensin concentration returned to normal levels after treatment with irbesartan (p< 0.01). In conclusion, AT1RA and ACEI have comparable renal protective effects, and these protective effects were associated with the inhibition of intrarenal ANG II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Institute of Nephrology, Beijing Medical University, PR China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
212
|
Khabar KS, Dhalla M, Siddiqui Y, Zhou A, Al-Ahdal MN, Der SD, Silverman RH, Williams BR. Effect of deficiency of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR, on antiviral resistance in the presence or absence of ribonuclease L: HSV-1 replication is particularly sensitive to deficiency of the major IFN-mediated enzymes. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2000; 20:653-9. [PMID: 10926208 DOI: 10.1089/107999000414835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of viral replication by interferon (IFN) is thought to be principally mediated by the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)/RNAse L, double-stranded dependent protein kinase (PKR), and myxovirus resistance protein (Mx) pathways. In this study, we monitored the constitutive and IFN-induced antiviral activity in mouse embryo fibroblasts lines derived from mice with targeted disruption of either PKR or PKR/RNAse L genes. At high multiplicity of infection (moi = 10), the absence of PKR had no effect on replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) but moderately enhanced encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) growth and greatly increased replication of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Replication of EMCV, HSV-1, and VSV was modestly higher in PKR-/- RNAse L-/- fibroblasts when compared with control cells. Although the antiviral action of IFN-alpha was unaffected by the absence of PKR, IFN action was significantly impaired in the double knockout cells but was dependent on the stage of the virus cycle. At early stages, it appeared that anti-EMCV and anti-HSV-1 action of IFN-alpha was significantly compromised, although weak residual antiviral activity was seen. The action of IFN-alpha against VSV was specifically compromised at a late stage of virus replication. The results showed that PKR is an important mediator in constitutive resistance against HSV-1 and that RNAse L is also necessary for the full antiviral activity of IFN against a variety of viruses. These results supported the existence of novel pathways aimed toward specific stages of the virus life cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Khabar
- Department of Biological and Medical Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
213
|
Hu F, Yu P, Shu M, Dai G, Luo Y, Zhou A. [Detection of interleukin-8 and nitric oxide in chronic prostatitis]. Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2000; 23:566-8. [PMID: 10806771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
We detected levels of interleukin-8(IL-8) and nitric oxide(NO) in 62 prostatic fluids. The results were that microbiologic exam, IL-8 content, and NO level in control group were all negative; there was not significant difference on the microbiologic exam and NO level between the chronic prostatitis group and non-prostatitis group; there was significant difference between two groups of IL-8 positive ratio. These results suggest that the IL-8 detected in the prostatic fluid of patients with prostatitis may be a diagnostic indicator of prostatic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Hu
- Department of Immunology, Hunan Medical University, Changsha
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
214
|
Zhu X, Zhou A, Li J, Tan M. [Clinical evaluation of cardiac troponin I in ischemic heart diseases]. Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2000; 23:563-5. [PMID: 10806770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The detection of cardiac troponin I(cTnI), including serum or plasma, was evaluated in 114 patients with ischemic heart diseases or other heart diseases. The results were that the sensitivity of cTnI detection(qualitative analysis, cutoff is 0.2 ng.ml-1) was higher than that of creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase(alpha-HBD), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), and aspartic transaminase(AST) for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (93.2% vs 68.2%, 68.2%, 65.9%, 65.9%, and 75.0%; P < 0.05; respectively). The specificity of cTnI detection was higher than that of alpha-HBD, LDH, and AST(95.2% vs 81.0%, 73.8%, and 54.0%; P < 0.05; respectively) and similar to CK and CK-MB(95.2% vs 83.3% and 83.3%; P > 0.05; respectively). On the other hand, the sensitivity of cTnI in patients with unstable angina pectoris was 45.5%. It was higher than stable angina pectoris and lower than AMI. The results suggest that the cardiac troponin I is a better cardiac injury marker than other cardiac markers for diagnosing AMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Zhu
- Emergency Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
215
|
Zhou A, He D, Nie LH, Yao SZ. Determination of the binding parameters of drug to protein by equilibrium dialysis/piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor. Anal Biochem 2000; 282:10-5. [PMID: 10860493 DOI: 10.1006/abio.2000.4563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A novel method, equilibrium dialysis/piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor, applied to determine the binding parameters of diethyldithiocarbamate to human plasma protein is proposed. Based on the investigation of the equilibrium reaction for the binding of drug to protein, the related theoretical equations for this binding were derived. By monitoring the frequency responses of a copper-plated piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor to drug in and out of a dialysis membrane after equilibrium, the binding parameters were determined, i.e., 0.375 micromol g(-1) for beta(p), 6.496 microM for K(dp), 141.99 L mmol(-1) for K(p), and 0.043 for N. These values were in good agreement with reference values. It was found that this method may have application for studying the characteristics of the interaction between other drugs and proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
216
|
Martin A, Zhou A, Gordon RE, Henderson SC, Schwartz AE, Schwartz AE, Friedman EW, Davies TF. Thyroid organoid formation in simulated microgravity: influence of keratinocyte growth factor. Thyroid 2000; 10:481-7. [PMID: 10907991 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2000.10.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The generation of artificial human thyroid tissues in suspension (low-shear environment, present in simulated microgravity [MG] and generated by a rotary cell culture system [RCCS]), was enhanced by increasing medium kinematic viscosity with a (3% v/v) suspension of extracellular matrix (basement membrane extract [BME]) in serum-free medium to generate artificial human thyroid organoids. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, 7 ng/mL) facilitated human thyrocyte aggregation and three-dimensional (3-D) differentiation. There was an MG-associated decrease in extractable DNA that was reversed after addition of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). In simulated MG, the increase in extractable DNA after KGF addition was up to 170% over non-KGF control cultures. In contrast, monolayer cultures in unit gravity showed a maximum DNA increase of 39% after KGF addition. Morphologically, differentiated thyroid neofollicles displayed polarization and were located in close proximity after 2 weeks of culture. Immunogold labeling with antibody to human thyroglobulin (Tg) revealed staining of follicular lumina and secretory vesicles, and a time-dependent increase in human Tg was detected in the culture media. Culture under simulated MG thus allowed direct visualization of KGF-facilitated thyrocyte/extracellular matrix interaction. Such artificial human thyroid organoids-generated in MG and in the presence of KGF-structurally resembled natural thyroid tissue. The above findings may have implications for autoimmune thyroid disease where KGF (if, for example, secreted locally by intraepithelial gammadelta T cells among other cells) may contribute to thyroid cell growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martin
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
217
|
Zhou Q, Zhao J, Al-Zoghaibi F, Zhou A, Wiedmer T, Silverman RH, Sims PJ. Transcriptional control of the human plasma membrane phospholipid scramblase 1 gene is mediated by interferon-alpha. Blood 2000; 95:2593-9. [PMID: 10753839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) mediate their diverse biologic activities through induction of the expression of multiple genes. Whereas the mode of action of certain of these IFN-regulated genes has been well characterized, most of the molecular and cellular events underlying the constellation of biologic responses to the IFNs remain unresolved. This study showed that the newly identified PLSCR1 gene for phospholipid scramblase, previously implicated in remodeling of plasma membrane phospholipids, is regulated at the transcriptional level by IFN-alpha. Analysis of 5' flanking genomic sequence in reporter constructs showed that transcriptional control of PLSCR1 was entirely regulated by a single IFN-stimulated response element located in the first exon. A similar induction of PLSCR1 by IFN-alpha2a was also observed in a variety of other human tumor cell lines as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In these cell lines, the marked IFN-alpha2a-induced increase in PLSCR1 protein expression, ranging as high as 10-fold above basal levels, was not accompanied by increased cell surface exposure of phosphatidylserine, suggesting that remodeling of the cell surface requires both exposure to IFN and a second yet-to-be identified event to stimulate plasma membrane phospholipid scramblase activity and to mobilize phosphatidylserine to the cell surface. (Blood. 2000;95:2593-2599)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
218
|
Yi Z, Chen Z, Li Z, Zhang R, Zhou A, Yin Y. [The hereditary liability of otosclerosis and the strategies for treatment and prevention]. Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi 2000; 35:105-8. [PMID: 12768664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Otosclerosis is a disease of hereditary liability. It might be related to an autosomal dominant inheritance. The genetic penetrance is determined by multifactorial influences. This paper was designed to study the reasonable strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease. METHODS A retrospective review derived from data of the management and follow-up of 14 cases in 6 families. According to the special pathological features of active phase of the otospongiosis, the suitable strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease were suggested. RESULTS Diagnosis of 14 cases were confirmed by audiological, operative and/or pathological examinations. Eleven of fourteen cases underwent stapedectomy, in which 10 cases had the surgery on the ear with severer hearing loss, and one case on both sides. In all of the surgical cases, hearing levels improved significantly. Three cases have not yet received the stapedectomy, in which two cases scheduled for the surgery are currently treated by chondroitin sulfate and one case refused the surgical treatment due to financial shortage. CONCLUSION Examination of the ear function at regular intervals (6-12 months) is recommended for the adults among the family members with high-incidence of otosclerosis. Audiological and radiological examination play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment. Attention should be paid to the medicine for management and prevention of this disease. Stapedectomy is an optimal choice for clinical otosclerosis not only due to its capacity to improve the hearing level but also to prevent the advance of hearing loss. Hearing aid is the suitable choice if stapedectomy is contraindicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Yi
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Fujian Province, Department of Otolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
219
|
Lu X, Zhou A, Jin C. [The effects of electroporation-mediated erythropoietin (EPO) gene transfer into skeleton muscle on renal anemia]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2000; 80:222-5. [PMID: 11798762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) gene transfer into skeleton muscle mediated by electroporation on renal anemia. METHODS Renal failure models were created by adenine-excessive diet (150 mg per day). Plasmid vectors encoding EPO were transferred by electroporation after 80 days when mean blood urea nitrogen level (BUN) had increased from 3.4 mmol/L +/- 1.3 mmol/L to 18.1 mmol/L +/- 4.1 mmol/L and the hematocrit had decreased from 45.6% +/- 2.1% to 25.4% +/- 3.7%. During the process of treatment, adenine-excessive diet was given. Hb, HCT, BUN and Cre in blood were tested by automatic analyzer; EPO level in the serum was tested by EPO ELISA kit, EPO gene expression was proved by RT/PCR. The survival rate was calculated. RESULTS Hematocrit increased to 34.4% +/- 7.5% only 7 days after the treatment and reached 91.4% of normal level (46% +/- 2%) after 5 weeks. The survival rate of test models after 9 weeks was 77.8%, which was remarkably higher than that of controls (16.7%). mRNA level of EPO gene expression was indicated by RT/PCR. CONCLUSION Electroporation can increase the efficiency of EPO gene transfer and thus greatly improve hematocrit in mice and prolong the life-span of chronic renal anemia models. This method can provide a new way for treatment of EPO-responsive anemias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
220
|
Zhu F, Chen G, Fu A, Tang C, Zhou A, Tang J. [The inhibition of prourokinase gene transfer on deposition of platelets on rabbit carotid artery intima]. Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi 2000; 21:132-4. [PMID: 11876971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the expression of pro-urokinase (proUK) gene in rabbit carotid artery transfected with replication-deficient adenovirus vector containing proUK gene (Ad/prouk) and the deposition of platelet on the same injured vessel. METHODS Ad/proUK (Ad/proUK, 3 x 10(10) pfu/ml) was injected into the right carotid artery locally. Wild type adenovirus (Ad) was locally injected into the left carotid artery as self-control. The expression of proUK gene was investigated by immunohistochemistry assay. After injury of the gene-transfected vessel by electric stimulation, the deposition of (111) In-labeled platelet was quantitatively observed. The thrombosis was observed with HE-stained vessel section. RESULTS There were lots of proUK granules in the endothelium of Ad/proUK gene-transfected vessel. The differences in (111) In-platelets deposition per gram dry weight vessel segment were significant between Ad/proUK and Ad transfected control vessels [(4.60 +/- 0.93) x 10(7)/g vs control (27.95 +/- 4.93) x 10(7)/g, P < 0.01)]. The HE-stained vessel section showed that there were only small thrombi in proUK gene-transfected vessel but massive thrombi almost blocked up the whole vessel in control vessel. CONCLUSION The proUK gene-transfected vessel can obviously inhibit (111) In-labeled platelet deposition on injured vessel and thus thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Zhu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
221
|
Zhou A, McFeeters RF, Fleming HP. Development of oxidized odor and volatile aldehydes in fermented cucumber tissue exposed to oxygen. J Agric Food Chem 2000; 48:193-197. [PMID: 10691615 DOI: 10.1021/jf990287n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Changes in volatile compounds in fermented cucumber tissue during exposure to oxygen were investigated by purge and trap sampling, followed by GC-MS. Hexanal and a series of trans unsaturated aldehydes, (E)-2-pentenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, and (E)-2-octenal, increased in fermented cucumber slurries exposed to oxygen. Sensory evaluation of oxidized odor was correlated with the increase in aldehyde concentrations. Other identified volatile components present after fermentation did not show major changes during exposure to oxygen. There was no decrease in the formation of aldehydes in fermented cucumber samples that were heated to inactivate enzymes before exposure to oxygen. These results indicated that the formation of aldehydes in oxygen was due to nonenzymatic reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7624, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
222
|
Iordanov MS, Paranjape JM, Zhou A, Wong J, Williams BR, Meurs EF, Silverman RH, Magun BE. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase by double-stranded RNA and encephalomyocarditis virus: involvement of RNase L, protein kinase R, and alternative pathways. Mol Cell Biol 2000; 20:617-27. [PMID: 10611240 PMCID: PMC85147 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.20.2.617-627.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulates in virus-infected mammalian cells and signals the activation of host defense pathways of the interferon system. We describe here a novel form of dsRNA-triggered signaling that leads to the stimulation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and of their respective activators MKK3/6 and SEK1/MKK4. The dsRNA-dependent signaling to p38 MAPK was largely intact in cells lacking both RNase L and the dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), i. e., the two best-characterized mediators of dsRNA-triggered antiviral responses. In contrast, activation of both MKK4 and JNK by dsRNA was greatly reduced in cells lacking RNase L (or lacking both RNase L and PKR) but was restored in these cells when introduction of dsRNA was followed by inhibition of ongoing protein synthesis or transcription. These results are consistent with the notion that the role of RNase L and PKR in the activation of MKK4 and JNK is the elimination, via inhibition of protein synthesis, of a labile negative regulator(s) of the signaling to JNK acting upstream of SEK1/MKK4. In the course of these studies, we identified a long-sought site of RNase L-mediated cleavage in the 28S rRNA, which could cause inhibition of translation, thus allowing the activation of JNK by dsRNA. We propose that p38 MAPK is a general participant in dsRNA-triggered cellular responses, whereas the activation of JNK might be restricted to cells with reduced rates of protein synthesis. Our studies demonstrate the existence of alternative (RNase L- and PKR-independent) dsRNA-triggered signaling pathways that lead to the stimulation of stress-activated MAPKs. Activation of p38 MAPK (but not of JNK) was demonstrated in mouse fibroblasts in response to infection with encephalomyocarditis virus (ECMV), a picornavirus that replicates through a dsRNA intermediate. Fibroblasts infected with EMCV (or treated with dsRNA) produced interleukin-6, an inflammatory and pyrogenic cytokine, in a p38 MAPK-dependent fashion. These findings suggest that stress-activated MAPKs participate in mediating inflammatory and febrile responses to viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Iordanov
- Department of Cell Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
223
|
Zhou A, Xie N. Investigation of Electrosorption of Organic Molecules onto Gold and Nickel Electrodes Using an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance. J Colloid Interface Sci 1999; 220:281-287. [PMID: 10607444 DOI: 10.1006/jcis.1999.6544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The adsorption behaviors of two organic molecules, benzoic acid (BA) and 2-butyne-1,4-diol (BD), on metal electrodes have been studied using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) combined with the cyclic voltammetry technique. In the range of potentials studied, BA molecules were adsorbed onto an electrodeposited gold electrode with a saturation concentration of 5.0 x 10(14) molecules/cm(2). It was found that the Frumkin isotherm model was most suitable to depict the electrosorption behavior. The isotherm parameters by nonlinear fitting, which agreed with the literature values, implied BA was chemisorbed on the gold surface. For BD on an electrodeposited nickel electrode, the equivalent molar mass of the reaction species was calculated on the basis of the voltammetry curve and mass curve, which were obtained simultaneously during the potential scan. The analysis of EQCM data for the electrosorption of BD on gold and nickel electrodes showed an irreversible characteristic; the latter effectively inhibited the hydrogen evolution reaction. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | | |
Collapse
|
224
|
Zhou A, Huntington JA, Carrell RW. Formation of the antithrombin heterodimer in vivo and the onset of thrombosis. Blood 1999; 94:3388-96. [PMID: 10552948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antithrombin is shown to undergo a slow spontaneous conversion to its inactive latent conformation with readily discernible amounts present in plasma on incubation at 37 degrees C for 72 hours. More rapid conversion occurs on incubation of isolated antithrombin at 41 degrees C or 50 degrees C, but the appearance on electrophoresis of free latent antithrombin is preceded by the formation, in reciprocal proportions, of a new slow band. This slow component is shown to be a heterodimer of active and latent antithrombin. It can be isolated as a single stable band either by incubation of antithrombin or by mixing equimolar proportions of active and latent antithrombin under the same conditions that give overnight crystallization of the active/latent antithrombin heterodimer. Similarly, equimolar addition of latent antithrombin to plasma results electrophoretically in a quantitative shift to the slower heterodimer mobility. Clinically, the presence of latent antithrombin is potentially deleterious, because its linkage to form the heterodimer results in inactivation of the otherwise normal molecule linked to the latent antithrombin. In the case of alpha-antithrombin, because the dimer readily dissociates, there is only a 11% additive loss of activity, but with beta-antithrombin the dimer appears more stable, with the additive loss of activity from the normal beta component being 21%, increasing to 33% on stabilization of the dimer with heparin. This linked and selective loss of activity of beta-antithrombin provides an explanation for the unexpected severity of thrombotic episodes in heterozygotes with conformationally unstable antithrombins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- University of Cambridge Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
225
|
Song X, Xia G, Zhou A, Bao X, Chen H. Hybrid plant regeneration from interfamilial somatic hybridization between grapevine (vitia vinifera L.) and Red Thorowax (Bupleurum scorzonerifolium willd). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02886345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
226
|
|
227
|
Ton J, Chen G, Zhou A, Mao D. [Opportunity and challenge: cardiovascular molecular biology in 21st century in China]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 1999; 79:645-9. [PMID: 11715448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
|
228
|
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
229
|
Zhou A, Paranjape JM, Der SD, Williams BR, Silverman RH. Interferon action in triply deficient mice reveals the existence of alternative antiviral pathways. Virology 1999; 258:435-40. [PMID: 10366581 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1999.9738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral proteins encoded by the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes provide a front-line defense against viral infections. In particular, PKR, RNase L, and Mx are considered to be the principal proteins through which IFNs mount an antiviral state. To determine whether alternative antiviral pathways exist, RNase L-/- mice and PKR-/- mice were crossed onto an Mx1(-/-) background to generate a strain of triply deficient (TD) mice. After infections with encephalomyocarditis virus, the TD mice died 3-4 days earlier than infected, wild-type mice. However, there was an IFN dose-dependent increase in survival times after encephalomyocarditis virus infections for both the TD and wild-type mice. Mice that were deficient for PKR or RNase L showed intermediate survival times between those of the TD and wild-type mice. Surprisingly, cultured embryonic fibroblasts lacking RNase L, PKR, or both proteins were still able to mount a substantial residual antiviral response against encephalomyocarditis virus or vesicular stomatitis virus after IFN-alpha treatments. These results confirm the antiviral functions of RNase L and PKR in vivo but also provide unequivocal evidence for the existence of novel, innate immune pathways against viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
230
|
Wang X, Zhou A, Liu M, Yu H, Pang L, Zhu M, Wang L, Berg H. Effects of ELF capacitively coupled weak electric fields on metabolism of 6B1 cells. Bioelectrochem Bioenerg 1999; 48:369-73. [PMID: 10379556 DOI: 10.1016/s0302-4598(99)00024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we adopted several methods of MTT colorimetry, DAPI fluorimetry and ELISA to study the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) capacitively coupled electric fields (EFs) on the metabolism of 6B1 cells. The result shows that 50 mV cm(-1) ELF EF (10-100 Hz) has no significant effect on proliferation, DNA synthesis and activity of succinate dehydrogenase of 6B1 cells, indicating that the effect of ELF (10-100 Hz) EF on the metabolism of 6B1 cells is not obvious. However, 50 mV cm(-1), 50 Hz EF significantly promotes the HBs-Ab (Hepatitis B surface antibody) secretion of 6B1 cells, implying that under this situation, EF has some distinctive effect on the outerface of 6B1 cell membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Department of Biophysical Science and Technology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
231
|
Chen S, He F, Zhang Z, Gao Y, Zhou A, Xie C, Xiong L, Chen D, Wang S, Jia J. Evaluation of a safety educational programme for the prevention of pesticide poisoning. Med Lav 1999; 89 Suppl 2:S91-8. [PMID: 10217929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The causal factors of pesticide poisoning in spraymen usually include sloppy handling, leakage of sprayers and a lack of personal protection, as well as of a knowledge about pesticide toxicity. This paper outlines the results of a safety educational programme to prevent pesticide poisoning among Chinese village spraymen in 1991 and 1992. The programme consisted of two parts: an interview of 3,286 trained subjects who were surveyed before and after the education courses, and a survey on the prevalence of pesticide poisoning among spraymen in 10 villages in 1991 and 1992, respectively. The results showed a general improvement in the knowledge about pesticide toxicity and safe use among the surveyed subjects. The prevalence of pesticide poisoning among the surveyed spraymen decreased from 1.05% in 1991 to 0.25% in 1992. Moreover, a 68.2% reduction of pesticide poisoning cases was observed in 10 villages in 1992. The success of the safety educational programme proved that education is an effective measure for preventing pesticide poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
232
|
Huang J, Zhang S, Ding M, Zhou A, Zhang J, Zhang J. Acute effects of carbofuran in workers of two pesticide plants. Med Lav 1999; 89 Suppl 2:S105-11. [PMID: 10217931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the acute effects of carbofuran in workers of two pesticide-formulating plants. Mean airborne carbofuran concentrations ranged from 0.025 to 1.115 mg/m3 in plant A and from 0.018 to 0.067 mg/m3 in plant B, respectively. In workers of plant A the post-shift blood cholinesterase activity was significantly reduced, compared to pre-shift values. No difference in blood cholinesterase activity was found between pre- and post-shift values in workers of plant B. During the investigation, 25 cases of acute carbofuran poisoning were diagnosed by their clinical picture and depressed cholinesterase activity in blood. Usual symptoms included dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, nausea and sweating. Pallor, epigastric pain, vomiting and chest tightness occurred only in a few cases. Myosis was recorded in 24 cases. Fasciculation of muscle gastrocnemius induced by percussion was found in 6 cases, and four of them had also fasciculation of muscle orbicularis oculi. Inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the blood was related with the clinical features; however, the inhibition was rapidly reversible. In most cases, recovery was complete within 2-3 hours, with or without atropine treatment, after the subjects were removed from exposure. Rapid onset, mild illness and quick recovery are typical characteristics of occupational acute carbofuran poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Huang
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
233
|
Castro-Tirado AJ, Zapatero-Osorio MR, Caon N, Cairos LM, Hjorth J, Pedersen H, Andersen MI, Gorosabel J, Bartolini C, Guarnieri A, Piccioni A, Frontera F, Masetti N, Palazzi E, Pian E, Greiner J, Hudec R, Sagar R, Pandey AK, Mohan V, Yadav RK, Bjornsson C, Jakobsson P, Burud I, Courbin F, Valentini G, Piersimoni A, Aceituno J, Montoya LM, Pedraz S, Gredel R, Claver CF, Rector TA, Rhoads JE, Walter F, Ott J, Hippelein H, Sàsnchez-Bèjar V, Gutiérrez C, Wei J, Zhou A, Guziy S, Shlyapnikov A, Heise J, Costa E, Feroci M, Piro L. Decay of the GRB 990123 optical afterglow: implications for the fireball model. Science 1999; 283:2069-73. [PMID: 10092226 DOI: 10.1126/science.283.5410.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Broad-band (ultraviolet to near-infrared) observations of the intense gamma ray burst GRB 990123 started approximately 8.5 hours after the event and continued until 18 February 1999. When combined with other data, in particular from the Robotic Telescope and Transient Source Experiment (ROTSE) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), evidence emerges for a smoothly declining light curve, suggesting some color dependence that could be related to a cooling break passing the ultraviolet-optical band at about 1 day after the high-energy event. The steeper decline rate seen after 1.5 to 2 days may be evidence for a collimated jet pointing toward the observer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Castro-Tirado
- Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia, IAA-CSIC, Granada, Spain. Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. Astronomical Observatory, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Nordic Optical Telescope, La Palma, T
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
234
|
Westphal CH, Muller L, Zhou A, Zhu X, Bonner-Weir S, Schambelan M, Steiner DF, Lindberg I, Leder P. The neuroendocrine protein 7B2 is required for peptide hormone processing in vivo and provides a novel mechanism for pituitary Cushing's disease. Cell 1999; 96:689-700. [PMID: 10089884 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine protein 7B2 has been implicated in activation of prohormone convertase 2 (PC2), an important neuroendocrine precursor processing endoprotease. To test this hypothesis, we created a null mutation in 7B2 employing a novel transposon-facilitated technique and compared the phenotypes of 7B2 and PC2 nulls. 7B2 null mice have no demonstrable PC2 activity, are deficient in processing islet hormones, and display hypoglycemia, hyperproinsulinemia, and hypoglucagonemia. In contrast to the PC2 null phenotype, these mice show markedly elevated circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels, with adrenocortical expansion. They die before 9 weeks of severe Cushing's syndrome arising from pituitary intermediate lobe ACTH hypersecretion. We conclude that 7B2 is indeed required for activation of PC2 in vivo but has additional important functions in regulating pituitary hormone secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Westphal
- Department of Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
235
|
Zhou A, Wang T, Yang J. [Experimental study on effect of yishen shengxue tablet in treating aplastic anemia]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1999; 19:170-3. [PMID: 11783288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Yishen Shengxue Tablet (YSSXT) in treating aplastic anemia. METHODS Observing the effect of YSSXT on hematopoietic, immunologic, anti-infection and body resistance of model mice of aplastic anemia. RESULTS YSSXT had marked effect of promotion on recovering myleran injury induced reduction of colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S), colony forming unit-culture (CFU-C), colony forming unit-erythrocyte (CFU-E), markedly promoting the peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis of normal mice, also markedly lower the mortality of Staphylococcus aureus inoculated mice, and elevate the anoxia resistant ability under normal pressure of anoxic mice, prolonging their survival time. CONCLUSION Using YSSXT to treat aplastic anemia that the effectiveness might be realized through promoting the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow, enhancing the non-specific immunity, and the anti-infection as well as body resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of TCM, Beijing (100091)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
236
|
Sheng Q, Zhu G, Zhou A. [Vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy for peripheral artery disease: experimental study]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 1999; 79:129-32. [PMID: 11601020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To Study experimentally VEGF gene for treatment of peripheral artery disease. METHODS The human VEGF cDNA was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcD2. Using gene suture, the recombinant plasmid was transferred into the hindlimbs' adductor of Rhesus monkey, of which the distal end of the external iliac arteries were ligated and the femoral arteries were completely excised. With angiography, the biological effect of VEGF gene in experimental animals was investigated. Safety tests were analyzed by transferring of VEGF into mouse, rat, and Rhesus monkey, evaluated by biochemistry analysis, histopathological examination, PCR, and indirect ELISA. RESULTS The transfer of VEGF gene stimulated the formation of focal microvessels, established collateral circulation, and augmented blood perfusion. The system had no adverse effect and remarkable pathological change in mouse, rat, and Rhesus monkey. CONCLUSION The experimental studies indicated that VEGF would be effective and safe for clinical trial after approval.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Sheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
237
|
Yang Y, Zhou A, Ma R. [Clinical study on treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by Decoction of Nourishing Blood and Eliminating Purpura]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1999; 19:29-33. [PMID: 11783257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect of treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) by Decoction of Nourishing Blood and Eliminating Purpura (DNBEP), and study the possible mechanism. METHODS Effect of 55 patients of CITP in treatment group treated by DNBEP and 22 patients in the control group treated by Antaisu were observed and compared. Their immunologic indexes were determined for exploring the mechanism. RESULTS The markedly effective, improved and total effective rate of the treatment group were 32.7%, 20.0% and 87.3%, while those of the control group were 4.5%, 9.1% and 45.5% respectively, the difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.001). The effect of the treatment group was better than the control group in platelet count restoring, hemorrhagic symptoms improving and effect initiating, P < 0.01. Immunologic test showed that the humoral and cell immune function as well as platelet function were abnormal in CITP patients. These functions were improved after treatment, and the effectiveness of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS DNBEP is reliable in treating CITP clinically. Its mechanism might be better due to its selective suppression of humoral immune function, bi-directional regulation of cell immune function and recovery of platelet function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing (100091)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
238
|
Der SD, Zhou A, Williams BR, Silverman RH. Identification of genes differentially regulated by interferon alpha, beta, or gamma using oligonucleotide arrays. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:15623-8. [PMID: 9861020 PMCID: PMC28094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.26.15623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1419] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/1998] [Accepted: 10/14/1998] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pleiotropic activities of interferons (IFNs) are mediated primarily through the transcriptional regulation of many downstream effector genes. The mRNA profiles from IFN-alpha, -beta, or -gamma treatments of the human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080, were determined by using oligonucleotide arrays with probe sets corresponding to more than 6,800 human genes. Among these were transcripts for known IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), the expression of which were consistent with previous studies in which the particular ISG was characterized as responsive to either Type I (alpha, beta) or Type II (gamma) IFNs, or both. Importantly, many novel IFN-stimulated genes were identified that were diverse in their known biological functions. For instance, several novel ISGs were identified that are implicated in apoptosis (including RAP46/Bag-1, phospholipid scramblase, and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha). Furthermore, several IFN-repressed genes also were identified. These results demonstrate the usefulness of oligonucleotide arrays in monitoring mammalian gene expression on a broad and unprecedented scale. In particular, these findings provide insights into the basic mechanisms of IFN actions and ultimately may contribute to better therapeutic uses for IFNs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S D Der
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
239
|
Zhou A, Paranjape JM, Hassel BA, Nie H, Shah S, Galinski B, Silverman RH. Impact of RNase L overexpression on viral and cellular growth and death. J Interferon Cytokine Res 1998; 18:953-61. [PMID: 9858317 DOI: 10.1089/jir.1998.18.953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biologic actions of interferons (IFNs) are complex and involve multiple biochemical mechanisms, including the 2-5A system, a regulated RNA decay pathway. The 2-5A system is implicated in the antipicornavirus activity of IFN and in the control of apoptosis. To further investigate involvement of the 2-5A system in the control of viral and cellular growth and death, human RNase L cDNA was stably expressed in murine 3T3 cells from a constitutive cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. A clonal cell line, 3T3/pLZ, was isolated that overexpressed RNase L by >100-fold compared with levels of the endogenous murine RNase L. Interestingly, human RNase L levels in 3T3/pLZ cells decreased 3-fold as cells entered a confluent, growth arrest state, suggesting autoregulation. Overexpression of human RNase L greatly enhanced both the cell growth inhibitory activity of IFN and the proapoptotic activity of staurosporine. Furthermore, high levels of RNase L suppressed the replication of diverse viruses: encephalomyocarditis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, human parainfluenza virus-3, and vaccinia virus. Additional reductions in viral growth were obtained by treating 3T3/pLZ cells with IFN (a + beta) before infections. These results directly demonstrate the anticellular and antiviral potential of the 2-5A system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, The Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
240
|
Beauchamp NJ, Pike RN, Daly M, Butler L, Makris M, Dafforn TR, Zhou A, Fitton HL, Preston FE, Peake IR, Carrell RW. Antithrombins Wibble and Wobble (T85M/K): archetypal conformational diseases with in vivo latent-transition, thrombosis, and heparin activation. Blood 1998; 92:2696-706. [PMID: 9763552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The inherent variability of conformational diseases is demonstrated by two families with different mutations of the same conserved aminoacid in antithrombin. Threonine 85 underlies the opening of the main beta-sheet of the molecule and its replacement, by the polar lysine, in antithrombin Wobble, resulted in a plasma deficiency of antithrombin with an uncharacteristically severe onset of thrombosis at 10 years of age, whereas the replacement of the same residue by a nonpolar methionine, antithrombin Wibble, gave near-normal levels of plasma antithrombin and more typical adult thromboembolic disease. Isolated antithrombin Wibble had a decreased thermal stability (Tm 56.2, normal 57.6 degreesC) but was fully stabilized by the heparin pentasaccharide (Tm 71.8, normal 71.0 degreesC), indicating that the prime abnormality is a laxity in the transition of the main sheet of the molecule from the 5- to 6-stranded form, as was confirmed by the ready conversion of antithrombin Wibble to the 6-stranded latent form on incubation. That this transition can occur in vivo was shown by the finding of nearly 10% of the proband's plasma antithrombin in the latent form and also, surprisingly, of small but definitive amounts of latent antithrombin in normal plasma. The latent transition will be predictably accelerated not only by gross mutations, as with antithrombin Wobble, to give severe episodic thrombosis, but also by milder mutations, as with antithrombin Wibble, to trigger thrombosis in the presence of other predisposing factors, including the conformational stress imposed by the raised body temperatures of fevers. Both antithrombin variants had an exceptional (25-fold) increase in heparin affinity and this, together with an increased inhibitory activity against factor Xa, provides evidence of the direct linkage of A-sheet opening to the conformational basis of heparin binding and activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N J Beauchamp
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
241
|
Zhang M, Zhou A, Zhu G. [Vascular endothelial growth gene therapy for narrowing of rabbit iliac artery]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 1998; 78:749-52. [PMID: 11038827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of renarrowing and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy to prevent the restenosis caused by balloon angioplasty. METHODS According to the special function of VEGF that promepts the proliferation of endothelial cell (EC), we constituted an eukaryotic expression vector of pcDNA3/VEGF, and added the pcDNA3/VEGF to the surface of polylysine-balloon. We examined the results of the test by in situ blot, eletromagnetic blood flow mechine, scanning eletromicroscope, and light microscope. RESULTS There was higher expression of VEGF mRNA and iliac artery intima in the VEGF gene group. The extent of endothelialization was larger, the ratio of intima to media (I/M) was smaller, and the blood flow was more sufficient than in the vector control group. CONCLUSION VEGF gene local delivery could stimulate the proliferation of EC, accelerate the endothelialization of injury-artery, and inhibite the proliferation of smooth muscle cell (SMC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Medical University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
242
|
Zhang T, Chen G, Zhou A. [Treatment of leukemia with traditional Chinese drugs containing arsenic]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1998; 18:581-4. [PMID: 11477838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
|
243
|
Zhou A, Wang T, Yang J. [Clinical study on treatment of aplastic anemia mainly with Yishen Shengxue tablet]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1998; 18:603-6. [PMID: 11477844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical effects of Yishen Shengxue tablet (YSSXT) on aplastic anemia. METHODS All patients were divided into two groups by simple randomized methods, 106 patients of the treatment group were treated with YSSXT, 36 patients of the control groups were treated with Renshen Guipi Pill (RSGPP). Peripheral blood and bone marrow of the two groups of patients were measured before and after treatment. The toxicity and side effects of YSSXT were also observed. RESULTS The basical cure rate, remission rate, total effective rate of the treatment and control groups were 23.6%, 36.8%, 82.1% and 11.1%, 22.2%, 58.3% respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). The effect of treatment group was obviously better than that of control group. Follow up study showed that from onset of the disease to follow up time in the treatment group, the longest one was 18 years 4 months, so the long-term curative effect is promising. During the period of clinical observation, no obvious side effect and toxicity of YSSXT were found. CONCLUSION YSSXT is an effective and safe drug in treating aplastic anemia. It has a good prospect and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of TCM, Beijing 100091
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
244
|
Xiang Y, Simpson DA, Spiegel J, Zhou A, Silverman RH, Condit RC. The vaccinia virus A18R DNA helicase is a postreplicative negative transcription elongation factor. J Virol 1998; 72:7012-23. [PMID: 9696793 PMCID: PMC109921 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.72.9.7012-7023.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of vaccinia virus A18R gene function results in an aberrant transcription profile termed promiscuous transcription, defined as transcription within regions of the genome which are normally transcriptionally silent late during infection. Promiscuous transcription results in an increase in the intracellular concentration of double-stranded RNA, which in turn results in activation of the cellular 2-5A pathway and subsequent RNase L-catalyzed degradation of viral and cellular RNAs. One of three hypotheses could account for promiscuous transcription: (i) reactivation of early promoters late during infection, (ii) random transcription initiation, (iii) readthrough transcription from upstream promoters. Transcriptional analysis of several viral genes, presented here, argues strongly against the first two hypotheses. We have tested the readthrough hypothesis by conducting a detailed transcriptional analysis of a region of the vaccinia virus genome which contains three early genes (M1L, M2L, and K1L) positioned directly downstream of the intermediate gene, K2L. The results show that mutation of the A18R gene results in increased readthrough transcription of the M1L gene originating from the K2L intermediate promoter. A18R mutant infection of RNase L knockout mouse fibroblast (KO3) cells does not result in 2-5A pathway activation, yet the virus mutant is defective in late viral gene expression and remains temperature sensitive. These results demonstrate that the A18R gene product is a negative transcription elongation factor for postreplicative viral genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Xiang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0266, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
245
|
Moss RL, Flynn RE, Shi J, Shen XM, Dudley C, Zhou A, Novotny M. Electrophysiological and biochemical responses of mouse vomeronasal receptor cells to urine-derived compounds: possible mechanism of action. Chem Senses 1998; 23:483-9. [PMID: 9759537 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/23.4.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor cells of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) are thought to detect pheromone-like molecules important for reproductive physiology. Several compounds derived from male mouse urine have been demonstrated to affect endocrine events in female mice. In the present study, the ability of these compounds to affect VNO activity was tested. In dissociated VNO cells held under voltage clamp conditions, application of dehydro-exo-brevicomin (DHB) evoked an outward current at negative holding potentials and an inward current at positive holding potentials. Under current clamp, DHB reduced action potential firing. Since DHB application caused a decrease in membrane conductance, this compound appeared to act by reducing inward current through closing an ion channel. Biochemical experiments tested the effects of DHB and 2-(sec-butyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole (SBT) on cAMP levels in the VNO. A mixture of DHB and SBT decreased cAMP levels in VNO sensory tissue and had no effect on VNO non-sensory tissue. The results suggest that pheromones have an inhibitory influence on action potential generation and on cAMP levels in receptor cells of the VNO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R L Moss
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
246
|
Zhou A, Egginton S, Hudlická O, Brown MD. Internal division of capillaries in rat skeletal muscle in response to chronic vasodilator treatment with alpha1-antagonist prazosin. Cell Tissue Res 1998; 293:293-303. [PMID: 9662652 DOI: 10.1007/s004410051121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic vasodilatation represents a stimulus for capillary growth associated with increased luminal shear stress. We have examined the ultrastructure of more than 2000 capillaries to establish whether the sequence of angiogenesis in response to this stimulus is similar to that described during development and under pathological circumstances. Administration of the alpha1-blocker prazosin to rats for 2 weeks led to a greater capillary length density in extensor hallucis proprius muscles without any change in capillary tortuosity: Jv(c,f)=262+/-54 compared with 350+/-17 mm-2, control compared with prazosin (P<0.002). There were obvious signs of endothelial cell (EC) activation after prazosin treatment, including an increased proportion of capillaries with rough endoplasmic reticulum, large cytoplasmic vacuoles, thickened endothelium and an irregular luminal surface. Capillaries from control muscles had a maximum of three ECs in cross section, whereas four ECs were noted in 0.8+0.5% of capillaries after 1 week (n.s.) and 2.5+/-0.9% after 2 weeks (P<0.01) of treatment. This could be due to elongation and/or migration of ECs, as cell proliferation has not been described at these time points. There was also an increase in the proportion of capillaries having a narrow, slit-like lumen (1.7+/-0. 8% of controls; 7.1+/-1.9% at 1 week; 8.8+/-2.5% at 2 weeks; P<0.02), some of which were smaller in size (less than 2 microm diameter) than in controls (3-5 microm) and/or "seamless", i.e. lacking EC junctions. These may represent newly formed vessels. Focal discontinuity of the basement membrane and abluminal EC processes were rarely seen, and capillary growth by abluminal sprouting appeared to be very infrequent (less than 0.001% of profiles). Of more importance was growth starting from the luminal side. Significantly more thin cytoplasmic processes were observed protruding into the lumen of capillaries after 1 week (47.5+/-6.2%, P<0.001) and 2 weeks of prazosin (34.2+/-5.5%, P<0.05) than in control vessels (16.7+/-3.9%). Some of these traversed the entire lumen and connected with endothelium of the opposite side, probably involving membrane fusion, resulting in the appearance of a double lumen. Individual capillaries with a complete double lumen were observed after 2 weeks' prazosin but comparatively rarely, in only four out of six muscles. These findings indicate a pattern of luminal growth which is completely different from intussusceptive growth previously described during development, and from the abluminal capillary sprouting seen under pathological circumstances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Angiogenesis Research Group, Department of Physiology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
247
|
Lipkind GM, Zhou A, Steiner DF. A model for the structure of the P domains in the subtilisin-like prohormone convertases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:7310-5. [PMID: 9636145 PMCID: PMC22600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.13.7310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/1998] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertases are a family of at least seven calcium-dependent endoproteases that process a wide variety of precursor proteins in the secretory pathway. All members of this family possess an N-terminal proregion, a subtilisin-like catalytic module, and an additional downstream well-conserved region of approximately 150 amino acid residues, the P domain, which is not found in any other subtilase. The pro and catalytic domains cannot be expressed in the absence of the P domains; their thermodynamic instability may be attributable to the presence of large numbers of negatively charged Glu and Asp side chains in the substrate binding region for recognition of multibasic residue cleavage sites. Based on secondary structure predictions, we here propose that the P domains consist of 8-stranded beta-barrels with well-organized inner hydrophobic cores, and therefore are independently folded components of the proprotein convertases. We hypothesize further that the P domains are integrated through strong hydrophobic interactions with the catalytic domains, conferring structural stability and regulating the properties and activity of the convertases. A molecular model of these interdomain interactions is proposed in this report.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Lipkind
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
248
|
Abstract
A unique feature of the eukaryotic subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs) is the presence of an additional highly conserved sequence of approximately 150 residues (P domain) located immediately downstream of the catalytic domain. To study the function of this region, which is required for the production of enzymatically active convertases, we have expressed and characterized various P domain-related mutants and chimeras in HEK293 cells and alpha-TC1-6 cells. In a series of C-terminal truncations of PC3 (also known as PC1 or SPC3), PC3-Thr594 was identified as the shortest active form, thereby defining the functional C-terminal boundary of the P domain. Substitutions at Thr594 and nearby sites indicated that residues 592-594 are crucial for activity. Chimeric SPC proteins with interchanged P domains demonstrated dramatic changes in several properties. Compared with truncated wild-type PC3 (PC3-Asp616), both PC3/PC2Pd and PC3/FurPd had elevated activity on several synthetic substrates as well as reduced calcium ion dependence, whereas Fur/PC2Pd was only slightly decreased in activity as compared with truncated furin (Fur-Glu583). Of the three active SPC chimeras tested, all had more alkaline pH optima. When PC3/PC2Pd was expressed in alpha-TC1-6 cells, it accelerated the processing of proglucagon into glicentin and major proglucagon fragment and cleaved major proglucagon fragment to release GLP-1 and tGLP-1, similar to wild-type PC3. Thus, P domain exchanges generated fully active chimeric proteases in several instances but not in all (e.g. PC2/PC3Pd was inactive). The observed property changes indicate a role for the P domain in regulating the stability, calcium dependence, and pH dependence of the convertases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
249
|
Chen KH, Wang F, Zhang J, Xiang H, Dong G, Zhang C, Liu J, Zhou A, Tang J. Cloning and expression of a novel partial cDNA related to hypertension. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998; 111:383-4. [PMID: 10374412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K H Chen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Beijing Medical University, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
250
|
Zhou A, Tian J, Guo S, Fu H. [Comparison studies on pharmacodynamics of three kind of Carapax trionycis]. Zhong Yao Cai 1998; 21:197-201. [PMID: 12567951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Three kinds of Carapax Trionycis were used in rat to prevent and treat syndrom-complex of dificiency of Yin. Compareing the improvement of symptoms of dificiency of Yin, it was found that all of them actted effectively in various degrees. The effect of ZhongHua Carapax Trionycis (ZHCT) was similar to those of Shan Rui Carapax Trionycis (SRCT), but the efficacy of Green Carapax Trionycis (GCT) was inferior to those of ZHCT and SRCT. All kinds of C. Trionycis could increase the function of responding to iriation in mice with deficiency of Yin. The intensity of ZHCT was similar to that of GCT, and superior to that of SRCT. They all could enhance phagocytic function of eticuloedothelial system obviously, promot the development of thymus in different degrees with no efect on spleen in young mice. The efficacy of increasing the immune function of ZHCT and GCT were more potent than that of SRCT. ZHCT and GCT significantly decreased the activity of SGPT in mice poisoned by CC14. ZHCT and GCT protected liver better than SRCT did.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zhou
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|