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Kawai H, Yoshida S, Yoshii H, Tanaka K, Cohen F, Fukushima M, Hayashida N, Hiyama K, Ikeda D, Kido E, Kondo Y, Nonaka T, Ohnishi M, Ohoka H, Ozawa S, Sagawa H, Sakurai N, Shibata T, Shimodaira H, Takeda M, Taketa A, Takita M, Tokuno H, Torii R, Udo S, Yamakawa Y, Fujii H, Matsuda T, Tanaka M, Yamaoka H, Hibino K, Benno T, Doura K, Chikawa M, Nakamura T, Teshima M, Kadota K, Uchihori Y, Hayashi K, Hayashi Y, Kawakami S, Matsuyama T, Minamino M, Ogio S, Ohshima A, Okuda T, Shimizu N, Tanaka H, Bergman D, Hughes G, Stratton S, Thomson G, Endo A, Inoue N, Kawana S, Wada Y, Kasahara K, Azuma R, Iguchi T, Kakimoto F, Machida S, Misumi K, Murano Y, Tameda Y, Tsunesada Y, Chiba J, Miyata K, Abu-Zayyad T, Belz J, Cady R, Cao Z, Huentemeyer P, Jui C, Martens K, Matthews J, Mostofa M, Smith J, Sokolsky P, Springer R, Thomas J, Thomas S, Wiencke L, Doyle T, Taylor M, Wickwar V, Wilkerson T, Hashimoto K, Honda K, Ikuta K, Ishii T, Kanbe T, Tomida T. Telescope Array Experiment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysbps.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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202
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant AAV serotype 8 (rAAV8) vector is relatively new for gene therapy. In this study, the hFIX expression mediated by rAAV8 injected intramuscularly was compared with that by rAAV1. METHODS rAAV8-hFIX or rAAV1-hFIX viruses were injected intramuscularly into two hind limbs of mice at doses of 5x10(10) gc and 2.5x10(12) gc (genome copy). The hFIX expression in the mouse plasma was detected by ELISA, APTT and Western blotting. The virus distribution was analyzed by immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS When the mice were infected with 5x10(10) gc virus, high levels of hFIX in the plasma of five rAAV8-hFIX virus-infected mice were detected 2 weeks after injection. A hFIX peak above 5000 ng/mL appeared between 2 and 6 weeks after injection. Relatively low levels of hFIX were detected in the plasma of rAAV1-hFIX virus-infected mice 2 weeks after injection. An hFIX peak above 3000 ng/mL appeared between 4 and 10 weeks after injection. However, much lower levels of hFIX were detected in mice infected with higher dose of rAAV8 virus. The hFIX in the mouse plasma was active biologically. The viruses were distributed mainly in the muscles of hind limbs. DISCUSSION Gene expression mediated by rAAV8 was sooner and stronger than that by rAAV1 after intramuscular administration. Inhibition might have been triggered markedly by rAAV8 at high doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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203
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Chen P, Ji P, Cao Z, Li S. Effect of processing whole cottonseed on yield and
composition of milk in dairy cows. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74600/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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204
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Sun T, Li S, He M, Cao Z. The effects of lucerne hay particle size on chewing
activity and rumen fermentation in dry cows. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74501/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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205
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Jia J, Cao Z, Wang J, Rao H, Li F, Ge C. Effect of crossbreed on the physical meat indicators
in Yun-ling Black goats. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74589/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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206
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Chen P, Ji P, Cao Z, Li S. Effect of processing whole cottonseed on nutrient
digestibility and ruminal fermentation in dairy cows. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74601/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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207
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Cao Z, Ma M, Wang L, Chen P, Li S. Effects of maize and lucerne particle size
on ruminal passage rate, chewing activity
of cows in midlactation. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74573/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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208
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Cao Z, Li S, Wang Y, Ma M, Chen P. Effect of acetylated soyabean peptides on rumen
fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in sheep. J Anim Feed Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74476/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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209
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Zhang Y, He F, Li S, Cao Z, Lv S, Lu J. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, open comparator study on the treatment of ovulatory menorrhagia with tranexamic acid and norethisterone in mainland China. Fertil Steril 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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210
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211
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Dybvig K, Cao Z, French CT, Yu H. Evidence for type III restriction and modification systems in Mycoplasma pulmonis. J Bacteriol 2007; 189:2197-202. [PMID: 17209015 PMCID: PMC1899405 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01669-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 10/27/2006] [Accepted: 12/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pulmonis possesses a cassette of genes that are predicted to code for type III restriction and modification (R-M) enzymes. Transposon disruption of a gene predicted to code for the endonuclease subunit of the enzyme resulted in loss of R-M activity. Genomic data indicate that the cassette was acquired by horizontal gene transfer and possibly located on a mobile element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dybvig
- Department of Genetics, 720 S. 20th St., KAUL 720, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0024, USA.
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212
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Abstract
BmK AngM1, a scorpion peptide isolated from Buthus martensii Karch was reported to exhibit potential analgesic effect. But the relative low content of this toxin in crude venom limits its further characterization. In this study, we constructed an expression vector and transformed into E.coli. The BmK AngM1 was expressed as a fusion protein in the soluble fraction and was purified by Nickel affinity chromatography. Subsequently, the purified fusion protein was cleaved by enterokinase and was further purified by reverse-phase HPLC. We purified 25 mg recombinant BmK AngM1 (rBmK AngM1) from 1 L bacterial culture. The molecular weight of rBmK AngM1 determined by ESI-MS was 7240.4 Da which was the expected size for correctly processed. Analgesic bioassay studies of rBmK AngM1 exhibited its potential analgesic effect comparable to that of the natural BmK AngM1 peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, The People's Republic of China.
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213
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Chai A, Cao Z, Chen H. Monte carlo method study of terahertz pulse propagation in biological tissue. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2007; 2005:1408-10. [PMID: 17282462 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1616693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The terahertz pulse (THz pulse) propagation in biological tissue is simulated by Monte Carlo method (MCM). The migratory route of THz pulse in the tissue is presented. The computation model is based on the assumption that the refraction indexes of tissue and air are mismatch and both surfaces of the tissue have the reflection effect for THz pulse.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chai
- Institute of Applied Physics, Zhejiang University, CO 310027 CHINA (e-mail: )
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214
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Cao Z, Wang Y, McAdory BS, Kemp MD, Ivy MT, Newkirk RF, Townsel JG. Identification and characterization of syntaxin 1 antisense variants in Limulus polyphemus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2006; 26:53-66. [PMID: 16633901 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-006-8979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 10/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
1.A Limulus SMART(TM) cDNA library screening resulted in the cloning of four syntaxin 1 homologs (referred to as Limulus syntaxin [Lim-syn] 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) (Wang, Y., Cao, Z., Xu, W., Kemp, M. D., McAdory, B. S., Newkirk, R. F., Ivy, M. T., and Townsel, J. G. (2004). Gene 326:189-199) and two novel intron-retaining syntaxin 1-like variants, designated Limulus syntaxin variant [Lim-synV] 1A/1C and Lim-synV 1B/1D. 2.The variants exhibited high amino acid sequence identity with the four syntaxin 1 homologs. Specifically, Lim-synV 1A/1C and Lim-synV 1B/1D were homologous to Lim-syn 1A/1C and Lim-syn 1B/1D, respectively. Surprisingly, both Lim-synV 1A/1C and 1B/1D are unusual in that each has a poly A+ tail, an intron, and the common splice motif "GT-AG" at the intron-exon boundary. Exons one and two on the complementary transcript of Lim-synV 1B/1D are separated by a 150 bp intron beginning at #95/96 of the predicted sequences for Lim-syn 1B and 1D, respectively. 3. In contrast, examination of the approximately 3.17 kb Lim-synV 1A/1C clone indicated the inclusion of an insert of 1120 base pairs (bp) beginning at codon #37/38 of the predicted Lim-syn 1A and 1C cDNAs' open reading frames (ORFs). Further, the intron sequence of Lim-synV 1A/C contained multiple stop codons and showed no significant homology to other known sequences as determined by a search of the GenBank database. Thus, the focus of this paper will be Lim-synV 1B/D exclusively. 4. To substantiate that an intron is retained in the full-length mRNA, two types of syntaxin cDNA fragments for Lim-syn 1B/D were generated by RT-PCR and analyzed on Northern blots. The products generated were a mixture of intron-retaining, as well as intron-spliced products. The syntaxin-like variants that retained the intron presumably are derived from a mRNA molecule that has not undergone splicing.5. Although the significance of such intron-containing mRNAs in Limulus has not yet been elucidated, future studies of such variants may serve to broaden our knowledge concerning established splicing mechanisms as well as to focus attention on nonconventional concepts about gene product regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, USA
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215
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Abstract
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of -1607 bp of the human MMP-1 gene has been found to be associated with an increased risk of various inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the MMP-1 promoter gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis susceptibility and/or severity in a Chinese population. Genomic DNA was obtained from whole blood samples in 60 Chinese subjects with chronic periodontitis and 50 periodontally healthy subjects as controls. MMP-1 promoter fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the polymorphism was analyzed by restriction endonuclease cleavage. In the control subjects, the 2G allele was observed a frequency of 49%, while in severely diseased patients, the 2G allele was seen in 73.4%. The individuals with the 2G allele seem to be approximately three times at greater risk for developing the severe chronic periodontitis (chi(2) = 12.148, P = 0.000). The genotype of 2G/2G was found in 58.5% of the severe periodontitis and 24% of the control group (chi(2) = 11.779, P = 0.003). This study suggests that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the MMP-1 promoter region of -1607 bp may be associated with severe chronic periodontitis in a Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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216
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Liu J, Drummond JR, Jones DBA, Cao Z, Bremer H, Kar J, Zou J, Nichitiu F, Gille JC. Large horizontal gradients in atmospheric CO at the synoptic scale as seen by spaceborne Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005jd006076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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217
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Abstract
Three-dimensional explant cultures of muscle tissue were used to characterize secreted proteins regulated by endogenous levels of the angiogenesis modulator thrombospondin (TSP)-1. Explants from TSP1 null mice exhibit enhanced neovascularization associated with increased endothelial outgrowth but decreased outgrowth of perivascular smooth muscle cells . The absence of endogenous TSP1 did not diminish activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta and moderately decreased matrix metalloproteinase levels. However, significant changes in other secreted proteins were observed. Endogenous TSP1 decreased mRNA levels for collagens Ialpha1, Ialpha2, and IIIalpha1 and laminin alpha4 and increased collagen IValpha1 mRNA expression. Endogenous TSP1 also decreased the level of type I collagen protein produced by the vascular outgrowths. Collagens Ialpha1, Ialpha2, and IIIalpha1 are known tumor endothelial markers, suggesting that TSP1 coordinately regulates a set of extracellular matrix genes that reverse the angiogenic switch. Suppression of collagen Ialpha1 or Ialpha2 mRNAs using antisense morpholinos inhibited outgrowth in TSP1 null explants and proliferation of TSP1 null endothelial cells, indicating that type I collagen synthesis is limiting for this neovascularization response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhou
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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218
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Cao Z, Gourlay L, Isaacs N, Lindsay G. Structure-function analysis of a novel mitochondrial antioxidant protein. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767305091774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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219
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Peng SJ, Yang DW, Xiao ZL, Wu DX, Cao Z. Crystal structure of methanol[4-bromo-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)salicylal-diminato-N,N',O]nickel(II) Perchlorate, [Ni(CH3OH)(C14H14BrN2O2)]ClO4. Z KRIST-NEW CRYST ST 2005. [DOI: 10.1524/ncrs.2005.220.14.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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220
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Chaudhuri T, Cao Z, Zinn K. 568 Real time imaging of cancer therapeutic effects of a natural product turmeric in cell culture and animal models. EJC Suppl 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(04)80576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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221
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Cao Z, Kemp MD, Wang Y, Peng H, Martinez JL, Newkirk RF, Townsel JG. Cloning and identification of Rab cDNAs from Limulus polyphemus. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2004; 50:737-47. [PMID: 15641165] [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: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Small GTPases of the Rab family are essential for the control of membrane transport between intracellular compartments. Trafficking of the sodium-dependent facilitative insulin responsive glucose transporter (GLUT 4) has been shown to be associated with the intracellular redistribution of Rabs 4, 5 and 11 in adipose and muscle tissues. As a prelude to studies of the endosomal trafficking of the choline cotransporter (ChCoT), we describe herein our initial efforts to identify Rab proteins in Limulus polyphemus central nervous system (CNS) tissue. The studies were initiated after results from Microarray analysis of Limulus RNA hybridized to mouse gene chips suggested the presence of RNA transcripts for Rab 7 protein. Subsequently, more than 30 sequences for different Rab proteins were aligned and several consensus segments were selected for degenerate primer design to produce Rabs 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11. The expected PCR fragment sizes were obtained using RT-PCR and subcloned into pCR II TOPO vector and transferred into E. coli Top 10. The nucleotide sequences indicated that the recombinants encoded partial amino acid sequences for Rabs 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4, 5a, 7a, 7b, 11a, 11b, 14, 33b1 and 33b2. Northern blot analyses showed that the molecular sizes of Limulus Rabs 3a, 4, 7, 11a and 11b ranged from approximately 1.94.6 Kb. These Rab proteins, particularly Rabs 4, 7 and 11, will be studied further to determine their possible roles in the trafficking of the Limulus ChCoT
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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222
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Chaudhuri T, Cao Z, Simhadri P, Wu H, Stargel A, Zinn K. 446 Evaluation of a cancer-specific Ad vector (Ad5-Id-1-luc) in the detection and monitoring of breast cancer. EJC Suppl 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(04)80454-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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223
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Yang L, Cao Z, Li F, Post DE, Van Meir EG, Zhong H, Wood WC. Tumor-specific gene expression using the survivin promoter is further increased by hypoxia. Gene Ther 2004; 11:1215-23. [PMID: 15141159 PMCID: PMC3163156 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), is expressed in human cancer cells but is absent from most normal adult tissues. Here, we examined the feasibility of using a survivin promoter (Sur-P) to direct therapeutic expression of a proapoptotic gene specifically in human tumor cells. First, we demonstrated that this promoter was highly active in human tumor cells but not in normal cells. Second, we found that Sur-P activity was upregulated by hypoxia in tumor cells. Third, to further enhance this promoter's activity under hypoxia, we added a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) from the vascular endothelial growth factor gene promoter in its 5' region, and showed that this combination resulted in a further increase in the level of gene expression in hypoxic tumor cells. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of an autocatalytic reverse caspase-3 gene by this promoter specifically induced apoptotic cell death in human tumor cells but not in normal cells. These findings support the use of promoters Sur-P or chimeric HRE-Sur-P for generating novel vectors for cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yang
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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224
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Chaudhuri TR, Cao Z, Ponnazhagan S, Stargel A, Simhadri PL, Zhou T, Lobuglio AF, Buchsbaum DJ, Zinn KR. Detection of disseminated breast cancer growth and treatment response using non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Z. Cao
- University of Alabama at Birmimgham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - A. Stargel
- University of Alabama at Birmimgham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - T. Zhou
- University of Alabama at Birmimgham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - K. R. Zinn
- University of Alabama at Birmimgham, Birmingham, AL
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225
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Abbasi RU, Abu-Zayyad T, Amann JF, Archbold G, Bellido JA, Belov K, Belz JW, Bergman DR, Cao Z, Clay RW, Cooper MD, Dai H, Dawson BR, Everett AA, Fedorova YA, Girard JHV, Gray RC, Hanlon WF, Hoffman CM, Holzscheiter MH, Hüntemeyer P, Jones BF, Jui CCH, Kieda DB, Kim K, Kirn MA, Loh EC, Manago N, Marek LJ, Martens K, Martin G, Matthews JAJ, Matthews JN, Meyer JR, Moore SA, Morrison P, Moosman AN, Mumford JR, Munro MW, Painter CA, Perera L, Reil K, Riehle R, Roberts M, Sarracino JS, Sasaki M, Schnetzer SR, Shen P, Simpson KM, Sinnis G, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Song C, Springer RW, Stokes BT, Taylor SF, Thomas SB, Thompson TN, Thomson GB, Tupa D, Westerhoff S, Wiencke LR, VanderVeen TD, Zech A, Zhang X. Measurement of the flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays from monocular observations by the High Resolution Fly's Eye experiment. Phys Rev Lett 2004; 92:151101. [PMID: 15169276 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.92.151101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2002] [Revised: 05/28/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We have measured the cosmic ray spectrum above 10(17.2) eV using the two air-fluorescence detectors of the High Resolution Fly's Eye observatory operating in monocular mode. We describe the detector, phototube, and atmospheric calibrations, as well as the analysis techniques for the two detectors. We fit the spectrum to a model consisting of galactic and extragalactic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- R U Abbasi
- Department of Physics and High Energy Astrophysics Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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226
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Cao Z, McAdory BS, Wang Y, Peng H, Martinez JL, Townsel JG. The chemorepellent semaphorin is expressed in the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2003; 49:1261-7. [PMID: 14983996] [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: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are a family of soluble and membrane-bound proteins that play a critical role in axonal guidance and other processes of neuronal development. Currently, more than twenty semaphorins have been identified, all of which share a conserved 500 amino acid domain near the amino terminus. Semaphorins are divided into eight classes according to species of origin and structural similarities. Classes 1 and 2 are found in invertebrates, classes 3 through 7 are present in vertebrates and viruses encode class V semaphorin. Microarray analysis of Limulus CNS RNA revealed the presence of a semaphorin-like gene in Limulus polyphemus. Based on these data, we aligned 31 different sequences and designed degenerate primers for the consensus domains (WTT/SFLKA) and (DPY/VCA/GW). RT-PCR products were generated using 6 forward primers and 4 reverse primers. The expected size PCR products (750 bp) was obtained and then ligated with pCR II TOPO vector and transferred into E. coli Top 10. Five partial semaphorin cDNAs were found in Limulus: semaphorins 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and F (now known as 5) were partially cloned. Subsequent Northern blot analyses using these Limulus specific-probes revealed hybridization with total RNAs purified from six different tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209-1561, USA
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227
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Bonnet F, Cao Z, Cooper ME, Cox AJ, Kelly DJ, Gilbert RE. Tranilast attenuates vascular hypertrophy, matrix accumulation and growth factor overexpression in experimental diabetes. Diabetes & Metabolism 2003; 29:386-92. [PMID: 14526266 DOI: 10.1016/s1262-3636(07)70049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The growth factors transforming growth factor-B (TGF-B) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have both been implicated in the hypertrophic structural changes in the vasculature that are characteristic features of both human and experimental diabetes. Recently, tranilast (N(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid), a drug used in the treatment of allergic and dermatological diseases, has also been reported to inhibit transforming growth factor-B (TGF-B)-mediated collagen formation. However, its effects on vascular hypertrophy in diabetes are unknown. The present study thus sought to determine the effects of tranilast on both TGF-B and EGF expression and mast cells in mediating the trophic vascular changes in experimental diabetes. METHODS Vessel morphology, growth factors and collagen gene expression and matrix deposition were examined in the mesenteric arteries of control rats treated with or without tranilast, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats treated with or without tranilast (200 mg/kg/day) during a 3-week period. RESULTS Compared with control animals, diabetic rats had significantly increased vessel weight, wall: lumen ratio, ECM accumulation, gene expression of TGF-B1, EGF, and both alpha1 (I) and alpha1 (IV) collagen. Tranilast treatment did not influence plasma glucose or systemic blood pressure. However, tranilast significantly reduced mesenteric weight, wall: lumen ratio and matrix deposition and also attenuated the overexpression of TGF-B1, EGF, and both alpha1 (I) and alpha1 (IV) collagen mRNA in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that tranilast ameliorates pathological vascular changes observed in experimental diabetes in association with reduced growth factor expression independent of blood glucose or systemic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bonnet
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg West, Victoria.
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228
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Qian D, Shi Z, Zhang S, Cao Z, Liu W, Li L, Xie Y, Cambournac I, Bonami JR. Extra small virus-like particles (XSV) and nodavirus associated with whitish muscle disease in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. J Fish Dis 2003; 26:521-527. [PMID: 14575370 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2761.2003.00486.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A disease of Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the giant freshwater prawn, farmed in China was recently recorded in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. The clinical sign of the disease, which develops in post-larvae (PL), is a whitish appearance of the muscles, particularly noticeable in the abdomen. Mortalities may reach 100% in some hatcheries. Investigations by transmission electron microscopy after negative staining of diseased PL homogenates showed the presence of two types of viral particles: one, unenveloped, icosahedral in shape, 26-27 nm in diameter, the second, much smaller, about 14-16 nm in diameter, designated extra small virus particle (XSV). The large virus has a genome with two pieces of ssRNA (RNA-1 and RNA-2), of 3 and 1.2 kb, respectively. Hybridization tests confirmed that this large virus is closely related to M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) which was isolated from diseased prawns in a hatchery in the French West Indies. Its very small size and hypothesized biochemical and biological characteristics suggest XSV is a new type of crustacean virus. As XSV has always been found associated with the larger virus (nodavirus) and is located in muscle and connective cells of diseased animals, it could be an autonomous virus, a helper-type virus or a satellite-like virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Qian
- Joint-Laboratory of Invertebrate Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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229
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Davis BJ, Johnston CI, Burrell LM, Burns WC, Kubota E, Cao Z, Cooper ME, Allen TJ. Renoprotective effects of vasopeptidase inhibition in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy. Diabetologia 2003; 46:961-71. [PMID: 12838387 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-003-1121-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2002] [Revised: 12/19/2002] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although ACE inhibitors slow progression of diabetic renal disease, the mortality and morbidity is still high. As other hormonal factors are involved, inhibition of vasopeptidases could further reduce progression. We studied dual inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase in a model of progressive diabetic renal injury. The major endpoints were reductions in systemic blood pressure, albuminuria and renal structural injury. METHODS Diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated with the ACE inhibitor perindopril (mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) or the vasopeptidase inhibitor omapatrilat at doses of 10 (oma10) and 40 (oma40) mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 32 weeks. In vivo ACE and NEP inhibition was quantitated by in vitro autoradiography. Renal structural injury was assessed by measurement of the glomerulosclerotic (GS) index and tubulointerstitial area (TI). The expression of transforming growth factor beta, beta-inducible gene-h3 and nephrin were also quantitated. RESULTS Despite a similar reduction in blood pressure by perindopril and oma10, greater attenuation of albuminuria was afforded by oma10, with a complete amelioration observed with oma40. Oma40 lead to a 33% reduction in renal NEP binding and this was associated with less albuminuria and prevention of GS, TI area and overexpression of TGFbeta and betaig-h3. Diabetes-associated reduction in nephrin expression was restored by both drugs. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION These findings suggest that other vasoactive mechanisms in addition to angiotensin II are important in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy, and that vasopeptidase inhibition might confer an advantage over blockade of the RAS alone in the treatment of diabetic renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Davis
- Diabetic Complications Group, Baker Heart Research Institute, P.O. Box 6492, Melbourne, 8008 Victoria, Australia
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Ching LM, Cao Z, Kieda C, Zwain S, Jameson MB, Baguley BC. Induction of endothelial cell apoptosis by the antivascular agent 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid. Br J Cancer 2002; 86:1937-42. [PMID: 12085190 PMCID: PMC2375421 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2001] [Revised: 04/11/2002] [Accepted: 04/16/2002] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid, synthesised in this laboratory, reduces tumour blood flow, both in mice and in patients on Phase I trial. We used TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) assays to investigate whether apoptosis induction was involved in its antivascular effect. 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid induced dose-dependent apoptosis in vitro in HECPP murine endothelial cells in the absence of up-regulation of mRNA for tumour necrosis factor. Selective apoptosis of endothelial cells was detected in vivo in sections of Colon 38 tumours in mice within 30 min of administration of 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (25 mg x kg(-1)). TUNEL staining intensified with time and after 3 h, necrosis of adjacent tumour tissue was observed. Apoptosis of central vessels in splenic white pulp was also detected in tumour-bearing mice but not in mice without tumours. Apoptosis was not observed in liver tissue. No apoptosis was observed with the inactive analogue 8-methylxanthenone-4-acetic acid. Positive TUNEL staining of tumour vascular endothelium was evident in one patient in a Phase I clinical trial, from a breast tumour biopsy taken 3 and 24 h after infusion of 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (3.1 mg x m(-2)). Tumour necrosis and the production of tumour tumour necrosis factor were not observed. No apoptotic staining was seen in tumour biopsies taken from two other patients (doses of 3.7 and 4.9 mg x m(-2)). We conclude that 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid can induce vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in some murine and human tumours. The action is rapid and appears to be independent of tumour necrosis factor induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-M Ching
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland School of Medicine, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
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233
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Abstract
Ionized magnesium (Mg++) and ionized calcium (Ca++) are the physiologically active forms of these elements in the body and their concentrations have clinical value. Though the AVL988/4 instrument that measures concentrations of Mg++ and Ca++ has been evaluated, some clinically important parameters were unknown. In this study, we evaluated AVL988/4 analyzer for measuring Mg++ and Ca++ concentrations and provided the following information: (1) The newly formulated Becton Dickinson (BD) Vacutainer plastic tubes with clot activator and silicone as the stopper lubricant (serial no. 367820) caused a significant high bias for the Mg++ measurement but had no effect on the Ca++ measurement; (2) the optimal conditions for specimen storage were no exposure to air at 4 degrees C for up to 24 h; (3) no significant difference in the results of the Ca++ concentration determined using AVL988/4 or i-STAT; (4) no carryover between samples was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, USA
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234
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McLennan SV, Kelly DJ, Cox AJ, Cao Z, Lyons JG, Yue DK, Gilbert RE. Decreased matrix degradation in diabetic nephropathy: effects of ACE inhibition on the expression and activities of matrix metalloproteinases. Diabetologia 2002; 45:268-75. [PMID: 11935159 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-001-0730-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Extracellular matrix accumulation is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Increased matrix synthesis has been well documented but the effects of diabetes on degradative pathways, particularly in the in vivo setting, have not been fully explored. Furthermore, the effect of renoprotective therapies on matrix accumulation through these pathways has not been examined. We investigated the degradative pathway of type IV collagen and the effects of ACE inhibition in experimental diabetic nephropathy. METHODS Diabetes was induced in 16 rats by administrating streptozocin; 8 of the diabetic rats were allocated at random to receive the ACE inhibitor perindopril (2 mg/l) in their drinking water and 8 age and weight matched rats served as controls. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase ( MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase ( TIMP) was measured by RT-PCR and type IV collagen content by immunohistochemistry. MMP activities were determined by degradation of a radiolabelled substrate and by zymography. RESULTS Six months of diabetes was associated with a decrease in mRNA and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 (21 % and 51 % respectively, p < 0.05 vs control) and a 51 % increase in TIMP-1 mRNA ( p < 0.05 vs control). By contrast, MMP-2 mRNA was increased but its activity decreased (43 % and 43 % respectively, p < 0.05 vs control). Total degradative capacity of kidney tissue from diabetic rats was also lower (Control: 48 +/- 7 %, Diabetic: 33 +/- 6 %, p < 0.05). Activation of latent MMPs with amino-phenylmercuric acetate increased matrix degradation by two-fold. However the relative decrease associated with experimental diabetes still remained. All diabetes-associated changes in MMP and TIMP mRNA and activities were attenuated by perindopril treatment in association with reduced type IV collagen accumulation. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION These results indicate that the impairment of matrix degradation contributes to matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy and that the beneficial effects of ACE inhibition could in part be mediated by modulation of changes in matrix degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V McLennan
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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235
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Abstract
Apoptosis plays a key role in the regulation of normal renal structure and kidney remodeling in various renal diseases. Angiotensin II plays a prominent role in renal injury through its receptor subtypes, the type 1 (AT1) receptor and the type 2 (AT2) receptor, which involve different molecular mechanisms. In addition to its haemodynamic actions, angiotensin II induces apoptosis. Angiotensin II also increases proliferation in the kidney. A close correlation between renal cell proliferation and apoptosis has been shown in renal diseases as well as in the angiotensin II infusion model. Angiotensin induces upregulation of p53 and other pro-apoptotic proteins. Recent studies suggest that both AT1 and AT2 receptors influence the apoptotic process in the kidney. These apoptotic effects of angiotensin II should be considered as representing another regulatory mechanism that may modulate the balance between cell growth and proliferation within the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bonnet
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg West, Vic., Australia
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236
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Rej R, Norton-Wenzel CS, Cao Z. Target values and method evaluation in proficiency testing programs. Clin Chem 2001; 47:2185-6. [PMID: 11719494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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237
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Abstract
Monitoring proteins in real time and in homogeneous solution has always been a difficult task. We have applied a fluorophore-labeled molecular probe based on a high-affinity platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) aptamer for the ultrasensitive detection of PDGF in homogeneous solutions. The aptamer is labeled with fluorescein to specifically bind with the PDGF protein. Fluorescence anisotropy is used for the real-time monitoring of the binding between the aptamer and the protein. When the labeled aptamer is bound with its target protein, the rotational motion of the fluorophore attached to the complex becomes much slower because of an increased molecular weight after binding, resulting in a significant fluorescence anisotropy change. Using the anisotropy change, we are able to detect the binding events between the aptamer and the protein in real time and in homogeneous solutions (detection without separation). This assay is highly selective and ultrasensitive. It can detect PDGF in the subnanomolar range. The new method for protein detection is simple and inherits all of the advantages of molecular aptamers. Efficient oncoprotein detection using aptamer-based fluorescence anisotropy measurement will find wide applications in protein monitoring, in cancer diagnosis as well as other studies in which protein analysis is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Fang
- Center for Research at the Interface of Bio/nano, Department of Chemistry and the McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA
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238
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Ma Z, Clark RF, Brazzale A, Wang S, Rupp MJ, Li L, Griesgraber G, Zhang S, Yong H, Phan LT, Nemoto PA, Chu DT, Plattner JJ, Zhang X, Zhong P, Cao Z, Nilius AM, Shortridge VD, Flamm R, Mitten M, Meulbroek J, Ewing P, Alder J, Or YS. Novel erythromycin derivatives with aryl groups tethered to the C-6 position are potent protein synthesis inhibitors and active against multidrug-resistant respiratory pathogens. J Med Chem 2001; 44:4137-56. [PMID: 11708916 DOI: 10.1021/jm0102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of erythromycin derivatives has been discovered with potent activity against key respiratory pathogens, including those resistant to erythromycin. These compounds are characterized by having an aryl group tethered to the C-6 position of the erythronolide skeleton. Extensive structural modification of the C-6 moiety led to the discovery of several promising compounds with potent activity against both mef- and erm-mediated resistant Streptoccoccus pneumoniae. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the new macrolides are potent protein synthesis inhibitors, which interact with methylated ribosomes isolated from resistant organisms. In experimental animal models, these compounds exhibited excellent in vivo efficacy and balanced pharmacokinetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Ma
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Laboratories, 200 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-3537, USA.
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239
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Abstract
The system of producing long chain dicarboxylic acid (DCA) by Candida tropicalis is an aerobic and viscous fermentation system. A method to overcome the gas-liquid transport resistance and to increase oxygen supply is by adding hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to the fermentation system. Here we report that the H(2)O(2) not only can enhance the oxygen supply but also change the metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450, the key enzyme of a, o-oxidation. When C. tropicalis was cultivated in a 3-L bioreactor using the combination of aeration and H(2)O(2) feeding, DCA production rates increased by about 10% after a short period of decrease at the beginning. Furthermore, the experiments showed that the maximum activities of P450 could be induced at 2 mM H(2)O(2), and the inducible mechanisms are also discussed. Moreover, we suggest that alkane might be oxidized through the "peroxide shunt pathway" when H(2)O(2) is present. By adding H(2)O(2), the DCA yield in a 22-L bioreactor could increase by 25.3% and reach 153.9 g/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jiao
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China, 100084.
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240
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Zhu S, Li W, Cao Z. A naturally occurring non-coding fusion transcript derived from scorpion venom gland: implication for the regulation of scorpion toxin gene expression. FEBS Lett 2001; 508:241-4. [PMID: 11718723 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03067-8] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom glands synthesize and secrete a great number of low molecular mass toxic peptides for prey and defense. Many cDNAs and genomic genes encoding these toxins have been isolated and sequenced. However, their expression regulation mechanism is not yet known at present. During screening of a cDNA library prepared from venom glands of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, we isolated a natural fusion cDNA composed of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and upstream coding sequence of a long-chain toxin transcript and the downstream coding sequence and 3'-UTR of a short-chain toxin transcript. The junction site is just the overlapping region of 11 nucleotides (GGCAAGGAAAT) between the two wild transcripts, and thus leads to the formation of an early stop codon, which will cause premature translation. Based on the above observations, combined with the genomic data, we proposed a characteristic regulation mechanism of scorpion toxin genes, in which trans-splicing and nonsense mediated mRNA decay are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University 430072, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China.
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241
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Miller KA, Eklund EA, Peddinghaus ML, Cao Z, Fernandes N, Turk PW, Thimmapaya B, Weitzman SA. Kruppel-like factor 4 regulates laminin alpha 3A expression in mammary epithelial cells. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:42863-8. [PMID: 11551969 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m108130200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin-5, the major extracellular matrix protein produced by mammary epithelial cells, is composed of three chains (designated alpha3A, beta3, and gamma2), each encoded by a separate gene. Laminin-5 is markedly down-regulated in breast cancer cells. Little is known about the regulation of laminin gene transcription in normal breast cells, nor about the mechanism underlying the down-regulation seen in cancer. In the present study, we cloned the promoter of the gene for the human laminin alpha3A chain (LAMA3A) and investigated its regulation in functionally normal MCF10A breast epithelial cells and several breast cancer cell lines. Using site-directed mutagenesis of promoter-reporter constructs in transient transfection assays in MCF10A cells, we find that two binding sites for Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4/GKLF/EZF) are required for expression driven by the LAMA3A promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal absence of KLF4 binding activity in extracts from T47D, MDA-MB 231, ZR75-1, MDA-MB 436, and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Transient transfection of a plasmid expressing KLF4 activates transcription from the LAMA3A promoter in breast cancer cells. A reporter vector containing duplicate KLF4-binding sites in its promoter is expressed at high levels in MCF10A cells but at negligible levels in breast cancer cells. Thus, KLF4 is required for LAMA3A expression and absence of laminin alpha3A in breast cancer cells appears, at least in part, attributable to the lack of KLF4 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Miller
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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242
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Abstract
The renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in tubulointerstitial injury in a range of clinical and experimental settings. Angiotensin II, the major effector molecule of the RAS, in addition to its effects on systemic blood pressure and intrarenal hemodynamics, also acts as a local hormone and growth factor to modulate renal function and pathology. There is increasing evidence for a pivotal role of this hormone in influencing renal tubular and interstitial function and structure including regulation of multiple cytokines and chemokines, promoting infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, promoting cellular proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. Pathologic actions of angiotensin II lead to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation via a range of cytokines and chemokines including transforming growth factor (TNF)-beta1, osteopontin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cell expression and secreted). Blockade of production of angiotensin II by an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonism with an angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist has been shown to attenuate tubulointerstitial injury and reduce expression of cytokines and matrix proteins. The role of angiotensin II in tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation is addressed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin, Australia
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243
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Cao Z, Wanagat J, McKiernan SH, Aiken JM. Mitochondrial DNA deletion mutations are concomitant with ragged red regions of individual, aged muscle fibers: analysis by laser-capture microdissection. Nucleic Acids Res 2001; 29:4502-8. [PMID: 11691938 PMCID: PMC60181 DOI: 10.1093/nar/29.21.4502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Laser-capture microdissection was coupled with PCR to define the mitochondrial genotype of aged muscle fibers exhibiting mitochondrial enzymatic abnormalities. These electron transport system (ETS) abnormalities accumulate with age, are localized segmentally along muscle fibers, are associated with fiber atrophy and may contribute to age-related fiber loss. DNA extracted from single, 10 microm thick, ETS abnormal muscle fibers, as well as sections from normal fibers, served as templates for PCR-based deletion analysis. Large mitochondrial (mt) DNA deletion mutations (4.4-9.7 kb) were detected in all 29 ETS abnormal fibers analyzed. Deleted mtDNA genomes were detected only in the regions of the fibers with ETS abnormalities; adjacent phenotypically normal portions of the same fiber contained wild-type mtDNA. In addition, identical mtDNA deletion mutations were found within different sections of the same abnormal region. These findings demonstrate that large deletion mutations are associated with ETS abnormalities in aged rat muscle and that, within a fiber, deletion mutations are clonal. The displacement of wild-type mtDNAs with mutant mtDNAs results in concomitant mitochondrial enzymatic abnormalities, fiber atrophy and fiber breakage.
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MESH Headings
- Aging/physiology
- Animals
- Cellular Senescence
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- Dissection/methods
- Electron Transport
- Genome
- Genotype
- Lasers
- Male
- Mitochondria, Muscle/enzymology
- Mitochondria, Muscle/genetics
- Mitochondria, Muscle/metabolism
- Mitochondria, Muscle/pathology
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Phenotype
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred BN
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Sequence Deletion/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Department of Animal Health and Biomedical Science, 1656 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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244
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He H, Ding Y, Cao Z, Shao Y, Bartlam M, Tang H, Jiang F, Liu Y, Liu J, Zhao N, Rao Z. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of native and selenomethionyl recombinant tabtoxin-resistance protein complexed with acetyl-coenzyme A. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 2001; 57:1729-31. [PMID: 11679759 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444901014202] [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] [Received: 06/05/2001] [Accepted: 08/29/2001] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Tabtoxin-resistance protein (TTR), an acetyltransferase from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci, was overexpressed in Eschericha coli M15 and the TTR fusion protein complexed with acetyl-coenzyme A (AcCoA) was purified and crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to 3.0 A resolution in-house and the crystal was found to belong to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 47.6, b = 66.6, c = 53.5 A, beta = 104.3 degrees. Furthermore, a selenomethionine (SeMet) TTR fusion protein derivative was overexpressed in the same expression system and its complex with AcCoA was purified in a reductive environment. The SeMet TTR derivative crystallized in two forms: the first was identical to that observed for native crystals and the second belonged to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 101.7, b = 45.6, c = 84.2 A, beta = 105.8 degrees. Data from the P2(1) crystal form were collected in-house to 2.3 A resolution. Subsequently, three different wavelength data sets of the C2 crystal form to 1.55 A resolution were collected at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- H He
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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245
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Cao Z, Liu Q, Jiang Y, Shen Q, Dou X, Ozaki Y. Phase shift at a turning point in a planar optical waveguide. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 2001; 18:2161-2163. [PMID: 11551049 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.18.002161] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel matrix approach to proving that the phase shift at a turning point in a planar optical wave-guide is exactly equal to pi rather than to pi/2 or to some other value. We also show the existence of phase contributions from reflected subwaves, which to our knowledge have never been taken into account previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- Molecular Photonics Laboratory, Institute of Optics and Photonics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
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246
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Wang Y, Cao Z. [The progress of electrogastrogram]. Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 2001; 18:491-3. [PMID: 11605524] [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
This paper reviews the advances in basic researches on the physiological factors and other factors that influence electrogastrogram and summarizes the clinical application of electrogastrogram in the diagnoses and studies of gastric dyspepsia, gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying, kinetia and gastrohelcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, 610083
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247
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Abstract
gp91phox is the catalytic subunit of the respiratory burst oxidase, an NADPH-dependent, superoxide generating enzyme present in phagocytes. In phagocytes, the enzyme functions in host defense, but reactive oxygen generation has also been described in a variety of non-phagocytic cells, including cancer cells. We previously reported the cloning of Nox1 (NADPH oxidase1), a homolog of gp91phox, its expression in colon and vascular smooth muscle, and its oncogenic properties when overexpressed [Suh et al. (1999). Nature 401, 79-82]. Herein, we report the cloning and tissue expression of three additional homologs of gp91phox, termed Nox3, Nox4 and Nox5, members of a growing family of gp91phox homologs. All are predicted to encode proteins of around 65 kDa, and like gp91phox, all show 5-6 conserved predicted transmembrane alpha-helices containing putative heme binding regions as well as a flavoprotein homology domain containing predicted binding sites for both FAD and NADPH. Nox3 is expressed primarily in fetal tissues, and Nox4 is expressed in not only fetal tissues, but also kidney, placenta and glioblastoma cells. Nox5 is expressed in a variety of fetal tissues as well as in adult spleen and uterus. Nox isoforms are aberrantly expressed in several cells derived from human cancers, with Nox4 being the isoform most frequently expressed in the tumor cells investigated. Thus, expression of Nox family members is likely to account for some of the reactive oxygen generation seen in non-phagocytic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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248
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Liu Q, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Hu Z, Wang X, Cao Z. [Relationships between soil-plant nutrition, quality of agricultural products and human and livestock health]. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 2001; 12:623-6. [PMID: 11758398] [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
The abundant and insufficient situation of essential elements such as calcium magnesium, sulphur, zinc and iron and beneficial elements such as selenium and iodine in soils was reviewed, and the influences of these elements and organic matter on the quality of agricultural products and human and livestock health were discussed. The trends of future research in the field of soil element science and plant nutrition, in particular, the quality of agricultural products were prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Liu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008.
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249
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Abstract
PURPOSE Common flap techniques for reconstructing large defects in the lower lip are often destructive and complex and result in unsatisfactory function and appearance. This article describes a modified technique that uses sliding labial tissue flaps to avoid these problems. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eight patients with lower lip carcinomas had defects ranging from one third to four fifths of the length of the lower lip after tumor resection. The defects were closed with sliding labial tissue flaps, taking advantage of the elasticity of soft tissue to reduce the loss of normal tissue. Patients were followed for 2 to 12 years. RESULTS The functional and cosmetic results were good, and there were no intra- or postoperative complications. Some patients experienced tightness of the lower lip that disappeared within 6 months. Carcinoma did not recur in any patient after a median follow-up period of more than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS This modified labial tissue sliding flap technique is simple, safe, functionally and aesthetically satisfactory, sacrifices little healthy tissue, heals rapidly, and requires no further revision. The technique is effective for repairing defects covering one third to four fifths of the lower lip.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
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250
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Cao Z, Burrell LM, Tikkanen I, Bonnet F, Cooper ME, Gilbert RE. Vasopeptidase inhibition attenuates the progression of renal injury in subtotal nephrectomized rats. Kidney Int 2001; 60:715-21. [PMID: 11473654 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2001.060002715.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasopeptidase inhibitors are a new class of cardiovascular compounds that inhibit both angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP). The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of omapatrilat, a vasopeptidase inhibitor, on renal function and pathology in subtotally nephrectomized (STNx) rats. METHODS STNx rats were randomized to four groups and treated for 12 weeks: no treatment (N = 14); omapatrilat at a low dose of 10 mg/kg (L, N = 12) and at a high dose of 40 mg/kg (H, N = 10); or an ACE inhibitor, fosinopril, at a dose of 10 mg/kg (N = 12). Sham-operated rats were used as control animals (N = 12). RESULTS Elevated blood pressure in STNx rats (174 +/- 9 mm Hg) was reduced by omapatrilat in a dose-dependent manner (L, 121 +/- 3 mm Hg; H, 110 +/- 3 mm Hg) and by fosinopril (149 +/- 5 mm Hg). Proteinuria in STNx rats (246 +/- 73 mg/day) was reduced by treatment with fosinopril (88 +/- 21 mg/day) and was normalized by treatment with omapatrilat (L, 30 +/- 4 mg/day; H, 20 +/- 2 mg/day vs. control 25 +/- 1 mg/day). Decreased glomerular filtration rates, elevated plasma urea and creatinine and glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were ameliorated by omapatrilat and fosinopril to a similar degree. Compared with fosinopril, omapatrilat treatment was associated with increased plasma renin activity and decreased renal ACE and NEP binding in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that vasopeptidase inhibition may provide a useful strategy for the treatment of progressive renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Cao
- University of Melbourne Department of Medicine at Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg West, Victoria, Australia.
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