Identification and localization of five CYP2Cs in murine extrahepatic tissues and their metabolism of arachidonic acid to regio- and stereoselective products

The CYP2C subfamily has been extensively studied in humans with respect to the metabolism of clinically important drugs, and polymorphisms have been identified in these enzymes. In the present study, a murine model was used to determine the possible physiological functions and extrahepatic distribution of CYP2Cs. Using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immununohistochemistry, this report demonstrates that the mouse CYP2Cs are extensively distributed in extrahepatic tissues and localized to heart muscle, lung Clara and ciliated cells, kidney collecting ducts, the X-zone of female adrenals, reproductive organs, white blood cells, and eyes (in the optic nerve, rods, and cones). RT-PCR, subcloning, and sequencing of the products indicate that each CYP2C has a unique tissue distribution. Four cDNA fragments representing potentially new CYP2Cs were identified, each with its own organ-specific pattern of expression. Using a bacterial cDNA expression system, we found that recombinant proteins for each of the five full-length murine CYP2Cs metabolize arachidonic acid to different regio- and stereospecific products, including epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. Regio- and stereospecific metabolites of arachidonic acid have been reported to affect important physiological functions such as inflammation, neutrophil activation, ion transport, cellular proliferation, and vascular tone. Our results suggest that the presence of CYP2C enzymes in heart muscle, aorta, kidney, lung, adrenals, eyes, and reproductive organs could regulate important physiological and/or pathological processes in these tissues.

Study of laser vas deferens occlusion

The objective of this study was to determine threshold levels for high-power laser output Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation and to determine the possible reversibility of laser vas occlusion. The study included vas deferens of 220 rabbits and 20 samples of men in vitro, applying the Nd:YAG laser instrument, doing vasopuncture by a catheter needle, guiding the fiber into the vas, and performing the irradiation occlusion experiment to determine effective threshold value of photocoagulation. The effect and safety of occlusion were followed-up over a year, and reopening a experiment was done in 60 occluded nodes of rabbits. The postoperative sperm disappearance rate was 100%, and reopening rate was 72.7% without obvious complications. High-power lasers may be used as photocoagulation, and its merits are reliable, effective, and rapid recovery. The vas threshold lesion value of rabbits and men in vitro are 50 W/0.5 s, 45 W/1 s, respectively, and irradiation depth reached the middle-ring muscularis.

Heat shock protects L6 myotubes from catabolic effects of dexamethasone and prevents downregulation of NF-kappaB

Glucocorticoids are the most important mediator of muscle cachexia in various catabolic conditions. Recent studies suggest that the transcription factor NF-kappaB acts as a suppressor of genes in the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway and that glucocorticoids increase muscle proteolysis by downregulating NF-kappaB activity. The heat shock (stress) response, characterized by the induction of heat shock proteins, confers a protective effect against a variety of harmful stimuli. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the heat shock response protects muscle cells from the catabolic effects of dexamethasone and prevents downregulation of NF-kappaB. Cultured L6 myotubes were subjected to heat shock (43 degrees C for 1 h) followed by recovery at 37 degrees C for 1 h. Thereafter, cells were treated for 6 h with 1 microM dexamethasone, during which period protein degradation was measured as release of TCA-soluble radioactivity from proteins that had been prelabeled with [(3)H]tyrosine. Heat shock resulted in increased protein and mRNA levels for heat shock protein 70. The increase in protein degradation induced by dexamethasone was prevented in cells expressing the heat shock response. In the same cells, dexamethasone-induced downregulation of NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was blocked. The present results suggest that the heat shock response may protect muscle cells from the catabolic effects of dexamethasone and that this effect of heat shock may be related to inhibited downregulation of NF-kappaB activity.

Identification and determination of glucuronides and their aglycones in Erigeron breviscapus by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A novel, speedy and reliable LC-MS-MS method for the search, identification and quantitation of O-glycosides and their aglycones from plant resources was established by analyzing the extract of Erigeron breviscapus. The extract was directly infused to a triple-quadrupole MS-MS and major glucuronides in the extract were screened out with high confidence by a neutral loss scan for the loss of a gluconic acid. The identity of these glucuronides and their aglycones was further confirmed with LC-MS-MS. In addition to scutellarin, apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and their aglycones that were previously reported by others, we also confirmed by LC-MS-MS that remarkable amount of baicalin, an isomer of apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, presented in the extract of this plant, which had not been reported before. A satisfying quantitation of three glucuronides was also made by LC-MS-MS.

Experimental study on nonuniformity of line jitter in CCD images

The line jitter of CCD images can considerably influence the precision and resolution of a high-accuracy vision-based automated inspection system. We report the experimental studies on the line jitter of CCD images. By use of a method of Harr wavelet transform, correlation, and statistics analysis to detect the line jitter of subpixels, the experiment reveals that the line jitter exhibits inherent nonuniformity and that different CCD cameras have different jitter characteristics. It was commonly thought that the jitter could be eliminated by detection of the jitter level and performing compensation. However, the nonuniformity revealed in the experiment makes jitter compensation much harder.

An approach to the identification of potent inhibitors of influenza virus fusion using parallel synthesis methodology

Structure-activity studies associated with the salicylic acid-derived inhibitor of influenza fusion, BMY-27709, were examined using a parallel synthesis approach. This SAR survey led to the discovery of potent influenza inhibitory activity in a series of aromatic amides and thioamides derived from 1,3,3-trimethyl-5-hydroxycyclohexylmethylamine. Select compounds were characterized as inhibitors of the H1 subtype of influenza A viruses that act by preventing the pH-induced fusion process, thereby blocking viral entry into host cells. In a plaque-reduction assay, the most potent inhibitors displayed EC(50) values of 0.02-0.14 microg/mL.

[Recovery of zinc ion and cadmium ion with hollow fiber membrane extraction]

The efficiency of hollow fiber membrane solvent extraction for the system of Meaq/bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate in heptane(Me = Cd2+, Zn2+) was studied for wastewater treatment and hydrometallurgy. It was found that the two phases velocity, the initial concentration and the pH value of the aqueous phase greatly influenced the extraction ratio. For very dilute solution with concentration lower than 500 mg/L, the mass transfer resistance was mainly in aqueous phase. When the aqueous phase concentration was relative higher than that of dilute solution, all the individual mass transfer resistances would not be ignored. For the concentrated solution, the mass transfer in the organic phase and the diffusion in membrane pores controlled the transport process. In the back extraction, the mass transfer resistance lied in the organic phase and the diffusion in membrane pores. The experimental results showed that it was possible that the extraction percentage achieved 90% when the metal ion concentration was lower than 400 mg/L. When the cadmium concentration was lower than 200 mg/L, its concentration can decrease 2 orders by extraction in a single-pass flow mode. The values of (HTU)w were between 15 cm and 30 cm, which was much lower than those of traditional extraction columns. The results indicated that membrane extraction with hollow fiber modules could efficiently remove or recover metal ions in the aqueous phases.

Systematic analysis of bulk blue ballpoint pen ink by FTIR spectrometry

A classifying method on bulk blue ballpoint pen ink has been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. By using this method, a total of 108 blue ink samples have been divided into two groups depending on their main component. Spectral characteristics of these inks such as frequency and absorbance are described by way of artificial intelligence of pattern recognition, and 35 subgroups from the 108 inks are distinguished by their correlation coefficient (lambda). Under heat or exposure to ultraviolet light a mode of change in the age of the inks has been obtained. This approach has provided a reliable and nondestructive method for the characterization of bulk ballpoint writing ink, and more importantly, it might be a basis for dating of the blue ballpoint pen ink.

Kinetics study of a selenium-containing ScFv catalytic antibody that mimics glutathione peroxidase

The steady-state kinetics study and some enzymatic characterization of a selenium-containing scFv catalytic antibody (Se-scFv2F3) were carried out. A novel reaction formula of this abzyme-catalyzed reaction was proposed and a rate equation was obtained according to the formula. The constants in the equation were compared with Dalziel's parameters and the exact meanings of these constants were analyzed. The obtained kinetics parameters from the kinetics study of Se-scFv2F3 were analyzed and compared with those of native glutathione peroxidase.

[A rapid and simple detection of DNA fragment with point mutation by capillary electrophoresis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid and simple method with high efficiency in detecting point mutation of genomic DNA.

METHODS

Four DNA fragments that were different from each other in only one based were amplified by using primers with artificial point mutation based on the sequence of exon 7 of p53 gene, and then were separated by capillary electrophoresis(CE). The neutral coated capillary and 4% linear polyacrylamide gel buffer were used, and the wave length of ultraviolet detector was 254 nm.

RESULTS

A homozygous 196 bp DNA fragment can be separated into one dsDNA peak and two ssDNA peaks within 25 minutes, and the heterozygous 196 bp DNA fragments that were made with mixed wild type and mutated DNA can be separated into one dsDNA peak and three ssDNA peaks. The three ssDNA fragments that differ in one nucleotide can be easily separated with good resolution.

CONCLUSION

CE technique is rapid, sensitive, accurate and well reproducible. It is an efficient and reliable method for rapidly screening point mutation.

Candida species exhibit differential in vitro hemolytic activities

A total of 80 Candida isolates representing 14 species were examined for their respective responses to an in vitro hemolytic test. A modification of a previously described plate assay system where the yeasts are incubated on glucose (3%)-enriched sheep blood agar in a carbon dioxide (5%)-rich environment for 48 h was used to evaluate the hemolytic activity. A group of eight Candida species which included Candida albicans (15 isolates), C. dubliniensis (2), C. kefyr (2), C. krusei (4), C. zeylanoides (1), C. glabrata (34), C. tropicalis (5), and C. lusitaniae (2) demonstrated both alpha and beta hemolysis at 48 h postinoculation. Only alpha hemolysis was detectable in four Candida species, viz., C. famata (3), C. guilliermondii (4), C. rugosa (1), and C. utilis (1), while C. parapsilosis (5) and C. pelliculosa (1) failed to demonstrate any hemolytic activity after incubation for 48 h or longer. This is the first study to demonstrate the variable expression profiles of hemolysins by different Candida species.

[Raman analysis of SiGe films grown by UHV/CVD]

This paper presents a Raman method, which is no deconstructed, to measure Ge content and strain in SiGe alloy films and some samples, which is grown by UHV/CVD with different Ge content and thickness, have been tested by above method. Two samples among them were measured by DCXRD, the results tested by DCXRD are consistent with Raman results that proves that the method in this paper is reliable and accurate. The SiGe PHMOSFET has been fabricated by the samples, the transconductance reaches 112 ms.mm-1 for the device with 0.5 micron channel.

Kinetics study of a selenium-containing ScFv catalytic antibody that mimics glutathione peroxidase

The steady state kinetic study and some enzymic characterization of a selenium-containing scFv catalytic antibody (Se-scFv2F3) was carried out. A novel reaction formula of this abzyme-catalyzed reaction was proposed and a rate equation was gotten according to the formula. The constants in the equation were compared with Dalziel's parameters and the exact meanings of these constants were analyzed. The gotten kinetics parameters from the kinetics study of Se-scFv2F3 were analyzed and compared with that of native glutathione peroxidase.

Determination of scutellarin in Erigeron breviscapus extract by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A quantitative assay for scutellarin by LC-MS-MS (negative ion mode) was developed. The scutellarin was extracted from dry Erigeron breviscapus. Significant ion suppression was observed, which could be eliminated by increasing the turboionspray interface temperature to 350 degrees C and by 1000-fold dilution of the extract with solvent. The calibration curve of scutellarin showed excellent linearity over a wide concentration range (0.01-100 microg/ml) (r=0.998), and the limit of detection was 15 pg/ml using a 10-microl injection volume. The analysis time was 4 min/sample.

[Clinical observation of TNF-alpha content in nasopharyngeal secretion of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the changes of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in nasopharyngeal secretion of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).

METHOD

The content of TNF-alpha in nasopharyngeal secretion was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 20 controls, 52 patients with NPC.

RESULT

The average concentrations of TNF-alpha were (12.95 +/- 4.62) pmol/L in control group, (33.68 +/- 15.13) pmol/L in NPC group and (64.00 +/- 11.57) pmol/L in NPC with necrosis group. The content of TNF-alpha in nasopharyngeal secretion in control group was lower significantly than that of patients with NPC (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The level of TNF-alpha in nasopharyngeal secretion of NPC patients was higher than that of normal subjects. To detect the content of TNF-alpha in nasopharyngeal secretion is a useful test for the study and diagnosis of NPC.

Investigation of the role of the 2',3'-epoxidation pathway in the bioactivation and genotoxicity of dietary allylbenzene analogs

The genotoxic potential of naturally occurring allylbenzene analogs, including safrole, eugenol, estragole, and others, has been examined in many studies over the past 30 years. It has been established that these compounds are subject to biotransformation in the liver, which can lead to the formation of reactive electrophilic intermediates. The major route of bioactivation is via hydroxylation of the 1' carbon atom of the allylic side chain. We have synthesized 2',3'- (allylic) epoxide derivatives of allylbenzene, estragole eugenol and safrole, and have used them to characterize the genotoxic potential of epoxidation at the allylic double bond for allylbenzene and its naturally occurring analogs. In order to assert that this pathway has the potential for genotoxicity, it is necessary to demonstrate (1) that epoxide metabolites of these compounds are capable of forming covalent adducts with DNA bases; and (2) that these epoxide metabolites are actually formed in vivo. We have demonstrated that allylic epoxides derived from allylbenzene and estragole are capable of forming covalent adducts with all four deoxyribonucleotides in vitro and, in the case of deoxyguanosine, form at least four different adducts. We also deduce, from evidence obtained using the isolated perfused rat liver, that formation of potentially genotoxic 2',3' epoxide metabolites occurs readily in vivo, but that these metabolites are rapidly further metabolized to less toxic dihydrodiol or glutathione conjugates. We conclude that 2',3' epoxide metabolites of allylbenzene analogs are formed in vivo and that these epoxides are sufficiently reactive to facilely form covalent bonds with DNA bases. Epoxide formation at the allylic double bond represents, therefore, a potentially genotoxic bioactivation pathway for allylbenzene analogs. However, comparison of the relative kinetics of epoxide metabolism and epoxide formation suggests that a wide margin of protection from DNA covalent adduct formation exists in the rat liver, thus preventing genotoxicity resulting from this pathway to any significant degree. In this regard, we have also observed that the general rate of epoxide hydrolysis is much greater in human liver than in rat liver. We therefore suggest that while the epoxidation pathway poses a potential genotoxic threat to humans, no actual genotoxicity occurs as a result of this metabolic pathway.

The electroretinogram in patients with retinal vascular occlusion

PURPOSE

To measure and analyze the electroretinogram (ERG) in patients with retinal vascular occlusion.

METHOD

Fifty-eight cases (59 eyes) of retinal vascular occlusion and the fellow eyes of 47 cases were tested with Ganzfeld ERG. The scotopic and photopic ERG, and oscillatory potentials were tested according to the ERG standard of ISCEV.

RESULTS

The abnormal rates of OPs and b wave were higher in retinal vascular occlusion. The abnormal ERG appeared mostly in CRVO among four types of retinal vascular occlusion. The comparisons of some amplitudes and latencies between the fellow eyes and the affected eyes showed statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The oscillatory potentials and b waves have important roles in evaluating the retinal function of patients with retinal vascular occlusions. There are some clinical significance for comparing ERG between the affected eye and the fellow eye.

A Novel Glutathione Peroxidase Mimic with Antioxidant Activity

Many diseases are associated with the overproduction of hydroperoxides that inflict cell damage. A novel cyclodextrin derivative, 6A,6B-diseleninic acid-6A',6B'-selenium bridged beta-cyclodextrin (6-diSeCD), was synthesized to be a functional mimic of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) that normally removes these hydroperoxides. The mimic had high catalytic GPX activity of 13.5 U/micromol, which is 13.6-fold higher than ebselen (PZ51), and was chemically and biologically stable in vitro. Antioxidant activity was studied by ferrous sulfate/ascorbate-induced mitochondria damage model system. These data show that the mimic has great antioxidant activity. Such mimics may result in better clinical therapies for diseases mediated by hydroperoxides.

Cloning and characterization of UROC28, a novel gene overexpressed in prostate, breast, and bladder cancers

A novel gene, designated UROC28, was identified by an agarose gel-based differential display technique, and it was found to be up-regulated in prostate, breast, and bladder cancer. Expression of UROC28 was also up-regulated in prostate cancer cells in the presence of androgens as demonstrated by relative quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The elevated expression of this gene was observed to increase in surgically removed tissues concomitantly with rising Gleason grade and was most elevated in metastatic tissue. UROC28 protein was detected in serum by Western slot blot analyses, and a significant higher UROC28 protein level was found in sera of prostate cancer individuals compared with normal individuals and individuals with nonmalignant prostatic hyperplasia. Northern analyses in normal tissues showed that the UROC28 cDNA hybridizes to two mRNAs at about 2.1 and 2.5 kb. Nucleic acid sequence analyses indicated that these two alternatively spliced mRNA variants differ only at the 3' untranslated region. These two mRNAs encode the same protein with 135 amino acids. Bioinformation analyses suggest that there is a possible transmembrane domain from amino acid aa34 to aa50, three protein kinase-C phosphorylation sites at aa62 (SQK), aa89 (TMK), and aa94 (SMK), and one myristylation site at aa118 (GLECCL). Genomic Southern hybridization and chromosomal mapping demonstrated that UROC28 is encoded by a single copy of gene at chromosome 6q23-24. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry experiments further confirmed up-regulation of this gene in prostate and breast cancers with the expression localizing to the glandular epithelium. This gene did not demonstrate increased expression in lung and colon cancer tissues.

Cancer predisposition caused by elevated mitotic recombination in Bloom mice

Bloom syndrome is a disorder associated with genomic instability that causes affected people to be prone to cancer. Bloom cell lines show increased sister chromatid exchange, yet are proficient in the repair of various DNA lesions. The underlying cause of this disease are mutations in a gene encoding a RECQ DNA helicase. Using embryonic stem cell technology, we have generated viable Bloom mice that are prone to a wide variety of cancers. Cell lines from these mice show elevations in the rates of mitotic recombination. We demonstrate that the increased rate of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) resulting from mitotic recombination in vivo constitutes the underlying mechanism causing tumour susceptibility in these mice.

[The influence of experimental scotoma on multifocal electroretinogram]

PURPOSE

To detect the sensitivity and the repeatability of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).

METHOD

The effects of experimental absolute and relative scotomas on mfERG with 103 hexagons were observed on 8 normal eyes. The scotomas were produced by simultaneous and multi located masks on the hexagons of the screen in 6 different locations with black paper, and the neutral filters of 0.3 and 0.6 log unit. The repeatability was evaluated by analysis the data from 5 unmasked hexagons in 4 successive tests.

RESULTS

When the hexagons were 1/2 or wholly masked with the black paper and the two kinds of the filters, the amplitudes of N1 and P1 waves in these areas were significantly decreased as with the reduced transferability of light. When the hexagon was 1/3 masked, there were no significant differences between the different kinds of mask and the unmasked control. There were no significant changes in the datas from the selected unmasked hexagons in the 4 successive recordings.

CONCLUSION

mfERG is an unique sensitive visual electrophysiological test with high sensitivity and good repeatability. When 103 hexagons stimulating pattern is used, it could detect the scotoma larger than 1/3 of each hexagon.

[P15(INK4B) gene methylation in malignant hematopoietic diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of operative region hypermethylation gene in human malignant hematopoietic tumors.

METHODS

The abnormal methylation rate of P(15)(INK4B) gene 5'CpG island in 68 cases of malignant hematopoietic tumor samples were determined by methylation specific PCR using bisulfite modified DNA.

RESULTS

The methylation rates of P(15)(INK4B) were 84%, 0, 50% and 75%, respectively, for 25 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 15 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 16 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 12 multiple myeloma (MM). P(15)(INK4B) gene was frequently methylated in patients with high risk MDS and early stage of MM.

CONCLUSION

Hypermethylation of P(15)(INK4B) gene is one of the main causes of its inactivation. Hypermethylation of CpG island was closely related to the development of malignant hematopoietic diseases.

Photoelectrochemistry as a novel strategy for DNA hybridization detection

The special properties of ssDNA and dsDNA molecules in structure and electric behavior, may offer us some new ideas for the fabrication of genosensors and DNA-chips. In this work, the photoelectrochemical method was firstly employed to characterize the photoelectric behavior of a ssDNA probe electrode, which was prepared with the self-assembly technique, and its resulting dsDNA electrode. The obvious decrease in the photocurrent of the dsDNA modified electrode at open potential or a bias voltage indicated that photoelectrochemistry was another useful method for DNA hybridization detection. Using the special design of ssDNA probes, we attempt to discuss further the relationship between the properties of DNA molecules and their photoelectric behaviors. In addition, the electrochemical impedance method was employed to verify the occurrence of some modifications over the electrode interface before and after the hybridization event.

A bis-cyclodextrin diselenide with glutathione peroxidase-like activity

A diselenide, 2,2'-diseleno-bis-beta-cyclodextrin (2-SeCD), was synthesized to imitate the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The GPX mimic accepts a variety of hydroperoxides as substrates. The GPX activities, reduction of H(2)O(2), tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cumenyl hydroperoxide by glutathione, are 7.4, 4.5 and 10.2 U/micromol, respectively. In contrast to ebselen (PZ51), the diselenide displays high GPX-like activity. The reduction of hydroperoxide by glutathione in the presence of a radical trap shows that the mimic catalyzes the reaction via a non-radical mechanism. A ping-pong mechanism was observed in the steady-state kinetic studies of the 2-SeCD-catalyzed reaction.