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Zhou B, Wang T, Sun G, Guan P, Wu JM. A case-control study of the relationship between dietary factors and risk of lung cancer in women of Shenyang, China. Oncol Rep 1999. [DOI: 10.3892/or.6.1.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Gutstein WH, Teresi JA, Wu JM, Ramirez M, Salimian F, Cui Y, Paul I, Jabr S. Increased serum mitogenic activity for arterial smooth muscle cells associated with relaxation and low educational level in human subjects with high but not low hostility traits: implications for atherogenesis. J Psychosom Res 1999; 46:51-61. [PMID: 10088982 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3999(98)00065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells (aSMC) is a key component of atherogenesis. A sample of 225 volunteers, aged 21-65 years, was exposed to "frustration," "harassment," or "relaxation," after completing the 50-item Hostility subscale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Whole blood was measured before and after exposure for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and sera were evaluated for total and HDL cholesterol concentrations and PDGF-independent mitogenic activity (SMA). Blood pressure and pulse rate were also evaluated. Analyses of SMA (i.e., serum independent of PDGF) revealed an increase in mitogenic effect for cultured human aSMC when hostility was treated as a dichotomous modifier. Among high-hostility subjects, surprisingly, those in the relaxed group and those with a lower educational level were found to have a significant mitogen response; no significant effects were observed for the low-hostility groups. The data suggest that endogenous stresses may occur in high-hostility individuals when "relaxed," to influence proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, as a contribution to atherogenesis. In individuals with lower educational levels and higher hostility scores, lifestyle changes may play a role.
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Hsieh TC, Ng C, Chang CC, Chen SS, Mittleman A, Wu JM. Induction of apoptosis and down-regulation of bcl-6 in mutu I cells treated with ethanolic extracts of the Chinese herbal supplement PC-SPES. Int J Oncol 1998; 13:1199-202. [PMID: 9824631 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.13.6.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PC-SPES, an HPLC-standardized 8-herb dietary supplement prepared by proprietary extraction/mixing technologies, appears to have a number of health benefits when given to cancer patients. These include reduction of serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) in individuals diagnosed with advanced prostate carcinoma, and overall improvement of morbidity and immune status in terminal cancer cases. Since the expression of bcl-6 in T and B lymphocytes has been reported to be significantly down regulated by mitogens, we reason that the immune boosting effects of PC-SPES could involve the modulation of bcl-6 expression. Such a hypothesis was tested in the bcl-6 abundant Mutu I cells. Specifically, we investigated the effects of PC-SPES in regulating cell growth, induction of apoptosis, effecting changes in the retinoblastoma gene RB and the modulation of expression of the bcl-6. Herein we report that proliferation of Mutu I cells was inhibited by a 3-7 day incubation with ethanolic extracts of PC-SPES, with concurrent induction of apoptosis. In addition, a dose-dependent reduction of bcl-6 was observed, with no concomitant change in either the phosphorylated or the unphosphorylated forms of RB. These data raise the possibility that PC-SPES may enhance immune functions in vivo by down-regulating bcl-6 expression. Alternatively, decrease in bcl-6 could serve as a biomarker for testing the efficaciousness of PC-SPES in vivo.
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Lai JP, Douglas SD, Rappaport E, Wu JM, Ho WZ. Identification of a delta isoform of preprotachykinin mRNA in human mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes. J Neuroimmunol 1998; 91:121-8. [PMID: 9846828 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(98)00170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized preprotachykinin (PPT-A) gene transcript splicing products and identified a fourth isoform of PPT-A mRNA transcript in human peripheral blood-isolated monocytes and PBL. Using RT-PCR, Southern blot analysis and nucleotide sequencing analysis, we have identified the four isoforms of PPT-A transcripts (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) in human peripheral blood-isolated monocytes and PBL. The delta-PPT transcript present in the immune cells lacks exons 4 and 6. The sequences of exons 3, 5 and 7 of delta-PPT transcript completely match those of beta-PPT transcript. The alpha-PPT and beta-PPT sequences in these cells are identical to those obtained by Tan and Too (GenBank accession number U37539) and Harmar et al. (Genbank accession number X54469), but differ by a single nucleotide from another entry by Chiwakata et al. (Genbank accession number M68906). In comparison to this latter sequence, there was a C-->T change at amino acid position 87 (CCT-->CTT) which may result in a Pro to Leu change. Identification of the new SP mRNA transcript in both human CNS and immune cells supports the concept of an important biological link between CNS and immune system.
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Cui Y, Gutstein WH, Jabr S, Hsieh TC, Wu JM. Control of human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by sera derived from 'experimentally stressed' individuals. Oncol Rep 1998; 5:1471-4. [PMID: 9769390 DOI: 10.3892/or.5.6.1471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently we reported that individuals with high scores in standardized hostility evaluation tests, when placed in a environment, may have an association with increases in a blood-borne mitogenic substance(s) for arterial smooth muscle cells. To further investigate the molecular basis for such an association, PDS [plasma derived serum with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) removed] from individuals showing the greatest differential pre/post-stress mitogenic activity, were tested for ability to modulate changes in the steady state of the c-myc mRNA in cultured VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cells) by Northern blot analysis. Post-stress PDS resulted in a significant increase in c-myc mRNA, when compared with pre-stress PDS of the same individual. These results give further experimental support for the notion that stress (even in the form of transient, episodic psychological challenges) may affect the cardiovascular system via rapid elicited rises in serum mitogenic activity for VSMC.
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Horowitz HW, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, McKenna DF, Holmgren D, Hsieh TC, Varde SA, Dumler SJ, Wu JM, Schwartz I, Rikihisa Y, Wormser GP. Clinical and laboratory spectrum of culture-proven human granulocytic ehrlichiosis: comparison with culture-negative cases. Clin Infect Dis 1998; 27:1314-7. [PMID: 9827289 DOI: 10.1086/515000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the clinical and laboratory manifestations of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) in eight patients for whom cultures were positive for the HGE agent and compare them with 15 patients for whom cultures were negative but who fulfilled a modified New York State Surveillance definition for HGE. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive in 8 (100%) of 8 culture-positive cases vs. 3 (20%) of 15 culture-negative cases (P < .001), morulae were detected in 7 (100%) of 7 culture-positive cases in which tests were performed vs. 0 of 15 culture-negative cases (P < .001), and a fourfold change in antibody titer was demonstrated in 6 (75%) of 8 culture-positive cases vs. 9 (69%) of 13 culture-negative cases (P = not significant). Patients for whom cultures were positive had higher mean oral temperatures +/- SD at presentation than did patients for whom cultures were negative (38.6 degrees C +/- 0.7 degree C vs. 37.2 degrees C +/- 0.8 degree C, respectively; P = .002). Other symptoms and signs were not significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lymphocyte count at presentation was significantly lower in culture-positive cases than in culture-negative cases. Clinical response to treatment was similar in the two groups. Culture confirmation of HGE is the gold standard for defining the sensitivity and specificity of other diagnostic tests presently being developed.
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Lin YJ, Yeh TF, Lin HC, Wu JM, Lin CH, Yu CY. Effects of early postnatal dexamethasone therapy on calcium homeostasis and bone growth in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Acta Paediatr 1998; 87:1061-5. [PMID: 9825973 DOI: 10.1080/080352598750031383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of dexamethasone therapy on calcium homeostasis and bone growth were evaluated in 49 infants (24 placebo and 25 dexamethasone) who participated in a double-blind trial of early dexamethasone therapy for the prevention of chronic lung disease. Dexamethasone (0.25 mg kg(-1) b.i.d. on d 1-7; 0.12 mg kg(-1) b.i.d. on d 8-14; 0.05 mg kg(-1) b.i.d. on d 15-21; 0.02 mg kg(-1) b.i.d. on d 22-28) or saline placebo was given i.v. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the corresponding urinary excretion of calcium (FECa) and phosphorus (FEP) were measured on d 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 after starting the study. Radiographic evaluations of bone growth were also evaluated. Infants in the dexamethasone group had significantly higher PTH on d 2 (p < 0.01), 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) than infants in the placebo group. The dexamethasone-treated infants also had significantly higher FEP on d 2, 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) and lower FECa on d 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) than control infants. There was no significant difference between the groups in bone growth during the study. It was concluded that early dexamethasone therapy causes a transient elevation in PTH without apparent change in bone growth. The long-term effect remains to be evaluated further.
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DiPietrantonio AM, Hsieh TC, Olson SC, Wu JM. Regulation of G1/S transition and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells by fenretinide (4HPR). Int J Cancer 1998; 78:53-61. [PMID: 9724094 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19980925)78:1<53::aid-ijc10>3.0.co;2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and fenretinide (4HPR) suppress HL-60 leukemia cell growth and cause partial cell arrest in the G1-to-S phase. Moreover, 4HPR but not RA induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells. To investigate further the observed biological effects, cyclin D1 and cdk4 expression and the level of phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein Rb were assessed. Cyclin D1 and cdk4 expression and Rb phosphorylation were significantly reduced, by 40-75%, after 24 hr of treatment with RA or 4HPR; these decreases were either transient, e.g., only at 24 hr for cdk4, or sustained for 72 hr. In general, more pronounced decreases were seen in the 4HPR-treated cells. Evidence for 4HPR-induced apoptosis comes from (1) cleavage of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) to an 89-kDa truncated product, (2) appearance of DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis, and (3) higher incorporation in situ of digoxigenin nucleotides into the free 3'-ends of DNA. Overnight pretreatment with 0.5-5.0 microM of the CPP32 inhibitor DEVD, but not the ICE inhibitor YVAD, significantly reduced the specific processing of PARP, suggesting that CPP32 is involved in the mechanism of action of 4HPR. Analysis of 2 lipid-derived second messengers, ceramide and diacylglycerol (DAG), as a function of time of treatment with RA or 4HPR, showed ceramide but not DAG to be significantly albeit transiently increased 2-fold at 3 hr, by 4HPR. To test further whether ceramide may be involved in the signaling cascade that culminates in the induction of apoptosis in 4HPR-treated HL-60 cells, the effects of fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of ceramide synthase, were studied. Simultaneous treatment of cells with 4HPR and 25-100 microM fumonisin B1 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the elevation in ceramide, the extent of PARP cleavage, and induction of apoptosis. Pretreatment with DEVD or YVAD, on the other hand, had no effect on the 4HPR-induced increase in ceramide.
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Du YX, Zhou BS, Wu JM. Lifestyle factors and human lung cancer: an overview of recent advances (review). Int J Oncol 1998; 13:471-9. [PMID: 9683781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents a review on the association between certain lifestyle characteristics and the risk for lung cancer in humans, using information derived primarily from epidemiological studies. Emphasis will be placed on more recently identified risk factors such as exposure to indoor air pollutants, psychosocial and behavioral influences, diet preferences, and fat intake. More traditional lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, occupation, and exposure to outdoor air pollutants will not be reviewed since their association with an increased risk for human lung cancer has been relatively well characterized and extensively reported. Evidence to date suggests that the indoor environment, life's events, and food choices may play a potentially important, albeit varying, role in the etiology of human lung cancer.
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135
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Du YX, Zhou BS, Wu JM. Lifestyle factors and human lung cancer: an overview of recent advances (review). Int J Oncol 1998. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.13.3.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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136
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Bedner E, Burfeind P, Hsieh TC, Wu JM, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, Melamed MR, Horowitz HW, Wormser GP, Darzynkiewicz Z. Cell cycle effects and induction of apoptosis caused by infection of HL-60 cells with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis pathogen measured by flow and laser scanning cytometry. CYTOMETRY 1998; 33:47-55. [PMID: 9725558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is an occasionally severe and even fatal disease caused by an agent closely related to Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila, which is transmitted by ticks. Little is known about the pathogen itself, which only very recently has been isolated. The agent can be cultivated in vitro because it replicates in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. Using multiparameter flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry (LSC) we have investigated changes in HL-60 cells following their infection with the pathogen. Its presence within the infected HL-60 cells was detected and its intracellular level measured inmmunocytochemically using antibodies obtained from HGE-infected patients. The percentage of the infected cells measured by flow cytometry or LSC correlated well with the estimates by microscopy on the Giemsa-stained specimens. In the infected cultures, the cells had diminished levels of cyclins D3 and E as well as the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 and were arrested predominantly in G0/1. The apoptosis-associated regulatory proteins were also affected by cell infection: expression of Bcl-2 was decreased in the infected cells whereas expression of Bax become more variable, with some cells showing higher levels of this protein. The infected cells developed numerous DNA strand breaks characteristic of apoptosis. The presence of the pathogen was also detected by LSC in cells from peripheral blood of the infected patients; after relocation and visual inspection ("CompuSort") the pathogen-positive cells were identified as leukocytes. This unique ability of LSC to detect, quantify, and visualize HGE in infected cells made this instrument particularly useful to measure the degree of infection in peripheral blood of the patients and study effects of the infectious agent on the cell cycle and apoptosis of the host cells.
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Wu JM, Young ML, Lin MH, Wolff GS. Effects of blocked atrial beats on the atrioventricular nodal recovery property: facilitation or depression? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 1998; 9:481-90. [PMID: 9607456 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.1998.tb01840.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blocked atrial beats (A(B)) usually have concealed AV nodal penetration, which can change the nodal conduction time (AH) of a subsequent beat. However, without an output marker it is difficult to assess their effect on the node. In this report we used all possible parameters as nodal resting time after A(B) and plotted them against the AH of testing beats to study their effects on the node. METHODS AND RESULTS Atrial extrastimulation studies were done in 21 patients in whom one blocked atrial beat (A(2B)) was observed. Nodal recovery curves were obtained for basic pacing (A1), after a conducted premature beat (A2), and after A(2B). In six patients there were 2 to 3 consecutively blocked beats (A(nB)) and recovery curves were constructed after each A(nB). Nodal recovery curves were plotted with AH of the testing beat against different nodal resting parameters and fitted to a single exponential equation. We found contradicting phenomena when using different formats. (1) For recovery curves of A(2B), there was a rightward shift from that of the basic curve when using H1A3 or A1A3 as the gauge (depression phenomenon). On the contrary, there was a leftward shift of the curves when using A(2B)A3 (facilitating phenomenon). (2) For recovery curves after multiple blocked beats there was a marked rightward shift of all curves except A(n-1)(B)An-curves, which were all leftward shifted. CONCLUSION Because these contradicting phenomena were dictated by the presenting formats, the terms "depression" and "facilitation" cannot be considered intrinsic AV nodal properties outside of the strict context of the pacing protocol and the format of data presentation.
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Bernhard EJ, McKenna WG, Hamilton AD, Sebti SM, Qian Y, Wu JM, Muschel RJ. Inhibiting Ras prenylation increases the radiosensitivity of human tumor cell lines with activating mutations of ras oncogenes. Cancer Res 1998; 58:1754-61. [PMID: 9563495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The influence of activated ras oncogenes on the sensitivity of human tumor cells to killing by radiation has been an unresolved question in radiobiology. We have examined this question by measuring the radiation sensitivity of human tumor cell lines with oncogenic mutations in their H- or K-ras genes after treatment with prenyltransferase inhibitors that prevent the posttranslational modification of ras required for its activity. Using two measures of clonogenic survival, we have demonstrated radiosensitization in cell lines with oncogenic H-ras mutations or with oncogenic K-ras mutations when ras processing was inhibited by prenyltransferase inhibitor treatment. In contrast, the inhibition of ras processing in cell lines expressing wild-type ras had no effect on radiation-induced cell death. The prenyltransferase inhibitors themselves inhibited clonogenic survival in some cases, but this inhibition did not correlate with ras mutational status. Although treatment with prenyltransferase inhibitors and radiation resulted in a greater reduction of clonogenicity than either treatment alone in cells with wild-type ras, treatment with both agents had a synergistic effect on cell killing in tumor cells with ras mutations. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition of oncogenic ras activity in human tumor cells can reduce the radiation survival of these cells, suggesting that oncogenic ras can contribute to radiation resistance in human tumors. These results further demonstrate the potential of using prenyltransferase inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy in the treatment of human malignancies.
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139
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Bartholdi MF, Wu JM, Pu H, Troncoso P, Eden PA, Feldman RI. In situ hybridization for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP receptor) expression in prostatic carcinoma. Int J Cancer 1998; 79:82-90. [PMID: 9495364 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19980220)79:1<82::aid-ijc16>3.0.co;2-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bombesin-like peptides (BLPs), which have been implicated in the regulation of growth of prostatic carcinoma cells, are a product of neuroendocrine cells frequently found in prostate tissue and are postulated to play a role in the initiation or progression of prostatic carcinoma. In this report, we examined the expression, in human prostate tissue, of mRNA encoding the 3 known receptors that respond to BLPs in humans, i.e., gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor, neuromedin B (NMB) receptor and bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3). Competitive rt-PCR experiments demonstrated the widespread but variable expression of GRP receptor mRNA in fresh-frozen specimens of prostatic carcinoma (12 cases) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (6 cases). NMB receptor mRNA expression was also widespread, but its level was less variable than GRP receptor message. In contrast, we could not detect BRS-3 mRNA in most tissue samples by rt-PCR. To address which cells in the prostate express the GRP receptor, we used in situ hybridization methods to stain selectively GRP receptor mRNA. GRP receptor mRNA was expressed predominantly in the luminal and basal epithelial cells in both histologically normal and cancerous glands within sections of normal (3 cases) and diseased (37 cases) tissue. GRP receptor mRNA staining in cancerous tissue ranged widely from very intense to not detectable (about 30% of the cases), while normal tissue consistently displayed a low level of message staining. Taken together, our results demonstrate expression of the GRP receptor in a high percentage of basal and/or luminal epithelial cells of normal and diseased prostate tissues.
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Mordente JA, Konno S, Chen Y, Wu JM, Tazaki H, Mallouh C. The effects of brefeldin A (BFA) on cell cycle progression involving the modulation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. J Urol 1998; 159:275-9. [PMID: 9400494 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(01)64081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of brefelding A (BFA) on the growth of the androgen-independent human prostate cancer PC-3 cells, focusing on cell cycle regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS BFA is a fungal macrocyclic lactone with an antiviral activity. PC-3 cells were cultured with various concentrations of BFA for indicated times and cell growth was monitored at each time point. Cell cycle analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of BFA-induced growth inhibition. To further investigate the cell cycle regulation, cell cycle-controlling factors, such as the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) and its regulatory components cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1, were analyzed by Western immunoblots. RESULTS BFA was a potent growth inhibitor at a concentration of 30 ng./ml., resulting in a > 70% reduction in cell number at 3 days. Cell cycle analysis revealed a cell arrest in the G1 to S phase transition. Western blots further showed that BFA induced dephosphorylation of pRB accompanied by down regulation of cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1 expression. The extended pRB dephosphorylation in control cell lysates was also observed by the addition of BFA-treated lysates, but was prevented by the inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors in assay mixtures. CONCLUSION These results suggest that BFA may be a potent cell cycle modulator, which post-translationally regulates pRB phosphorylation possibly by down-regulating cdk2, cdk4, and cyclin D1 and/or by up-regulating a phosphatase(s) capable of dephosphorylating pRB. Thus, BFA-induced growth inhibition in PC-3 cells appears to be at least partially due to the modulation of a pRB-mediated growth pathway.
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141
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Du YS, Wu JM. [Exploration of etiology of lung cancer and good epidemiological practices]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 1997; 18:367-71. [PMID: 9812545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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142
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Wu JM. [Methodology of determination of environmental tobacco smoke exposure and health in human beings]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 1997; 18:364-6. [PMID: 9812544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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143
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Wu JM, Hsieh TC. [Environmental chemical pollutant exposure and markers of diet protective factors in epidemiological survey]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 1997; 18:361-3. [PMID: 9812543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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144
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Wang JN, Liu CC, Huang TZ, Huang SS, Wu JM. Laryngeal candidiasis in children. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1997; 29:427-9. [PMID: 9360265 DOI: 10.3109/00365549709011846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Candidiasis of the larynx is rare and often related to immunocompromised hosts. We here report a case of laryngeal candidiasis in an immunocompetent infant. The diagnosis was obtained by direct fibre-optic laryngoscopy with specimens submitted for culture. He received anti-fungal medication and was quite well at 1-year follow up. The pertinent literature is also reviewed.
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145
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Wu JM, Wang JN, Lin CS, Lee WL. Trifascicular block with intermittent complete atrioventricular block in a child. J Formos Med Assoc 1997; 96:921-4. [PMID: 9409128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trifascicular block, which consists of impaired conduction in the three main fascicles of the ventricular conduction system, may progress to high-grade or complete atrioventricular block. It rarely occurs in children with a structurally normal heart. We report a case of trifascicular block in a previously healthy 9-year-old girl. The patient presented with repetitive seizures. The electrocardiogram showed a complete right bundle branch block, left axis deviation, PR interval prolongation, and intermittent high-degree and complete atrioventricular block. She was successfully treated with a temporary pacemaker and her electrocardiogram returned to a normal sinus rhythm in 3 days. She has remained well over a 4-year follow-up. Although her cardiac enzyme levels were normal, the clinical course and electrocardiography findings suggested myocarditis. We emphasize the diagnosis of trifascicular block using electrocardiography; clinical outcome is good, if the patient is managed properly.
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Abstract
Atrioventricular (AV) nodal recovery properties can be studied by a periodic premature stimulation protocol performed at a slow basic rate. Developmental aspects of these properties have not been determined. The purpose of this study was to determine the developmental changes of AV nodal recovery properties. Forty-three children and young adults (male:female ratio 25:18) without AV nodal disease (aged 3.3 to 21.9 years) were studied by delivering premature atrial extrastimuli coupled to basic driven atrial beats. The individual recovery curve was fitted to the equation: A2H2 = A0H0 + exp(alpha -H1A2/tau) for H1A2 > or =theta, where A0H0 is the minimum AH interval, H1A2 is any recovery interval that exceeds the nodal effective refractory period, A2H2 is the corresponding nodal conduction time at any given H1A2, alpha is a constant, tau is the recovery time constant, and theta is the nodal effective refractory period. We found that: (1) A0H0 and alpha constant did not change significantly with age; (2) both tau (r = 0.324; p <0.05) and theta (r = 0.401; p <0.05) had a positive correlation with age; and (3) the maximum change in A2H2 with a 10-ms decrement in H1A2 was 32 ms and did not change significantly with age. Our results suggest that AV nodal recovery properties are age-dependent and both the recovery time constant and effective refractory period lengthen with age.
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Chen JS, Wu JM, Chen YJ, Yeh TF. Pulsed high-dose dexamethasone therapy in children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1997; 19:526-9. [PMID: 9407939 DOI: 10.1097/00043426-199711000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effectiveness of pulsed high-dose oral dexamethasone therapy in children with refractory chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven children (5 to 16 years old) who were refractory to 2 to 5 conventional standard therapies were included in the study. Dexamethasone was administered orally at a dosage of 40 mg/m2 per day (maximum 40 mg/day) for 4 consecutive days as a cycle. The cycle was repeated once a month for 6 months. RESULTS One month after the first cycle, partial responses of platelet counts (> or = 50 x 10(9)/L and < 150 x 10(9)/L) were observed in three patients (43%). At the end of the sixth cycle, two patients (29%) had complete responses (> 150 x 10(9)/L) and one had a partial response. However, only one patient (14%) remained partially responsive 1 year after completion of therapy. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to what was observed in adults, this preliminary study suggests that pulsed high-dose oral dexamethasone therapy was not uniformly effective in children with chronic ITP.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although fenretinide (4-HPR) is currently being evaluated in a phase II clinical study for the chemoprevention of prostate cancer [Greenwald et al.: CA 45:31-49, 1995], the mechanism underlying its antineoplastic activity has not been elucidated. METHODS Androgen-dependent human prostatic LNCaP cells cultured with fetal bovine serum (FBS) were treated with 4-HPR and evaluated for effects on cell growth and cell cycle phase distribution, induction of apoptosis, and changes in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and androgen receptor (AR) levels. RESULTS LNCaP cells treated with 4-HPR for 6 days showed 82-95% suppression of cell growth, with accompanying time- and dose-dependent downregulation of PCNA, a partial arrest in G1 phase of the cell cycle, and a marked increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells. Apoptosis was demonstrated by the characteristic DNA fragmentation pattern seen on agarose gels, and by flow cytometric analysis. 4-HPR-induced prostate-specific phenotype changes included significant downregulated expression of both intracellular and secreted forms of PSA, which were preceded by a reduction of AR expression. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that 4-HPR acts as a pleiotropic effector of prostate cell growth and specific gene expression.
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Wu JM, Sun GY. Effects of IL-1 beta on receptor-mediated poly-phosphoinositide signaling pathway in immortalized astrocytes (DITNC). Neurochem Res 1997; 22:1309-15. [PMID: 9342736 DOI: 10.1023/a:1021949417127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are known to play multi-functional roles in support of many homeostatic mechanisms in the central nervous system including host defense mechanisms. Despite the ability of cytokines to alter gene expression and cellular activity, their effect on receptor-mediated poly-phosphoinositide (poly-PI) signaling pathway has not been examined in detail. In this study, an immortalized astrocyte cell line (DITNC) was used to test the effect of IL-1 beta exposure on the poly-PI signaling pathway. Similar to primary astrocytes, DITNC cells exhibit P2-purinergic receptor response to ATP and UTP leading to transient increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i. Upon exposure of DITNC cells to IL-1 beta (100 U/ml) for 24 hrs, an increased response to the poly-PI agonists was observed. The increase in ATP-mediated Ins(1,4,5)P3 release could not be attributed to a shift in the ATP dose or an alteration of the time profile for the release of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Since the increase in response required a lag time of 4 hr after IL-1 beta exposure, it is unlikely that this effect was due to a direct interaction of IL-1 beta with the purinergic receptor. On the other hand, an increase in ATP response could be observed in DITNC cells exposed to conditioned medium obtained after IL-1 beta treatment. It can be concluded that exposure of astrocytes to cytokines may lead to an increase in receptor-mediated poly-PI signaling activity and this may involve compounds secreted into the culture medium, e.g., the secretory phospholipase A2.
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Wang JN, Wu JM, Lin CS, Liu CC, Yang YJ. Myocarditis with complete atrioventricular block associated with herpes simplex virus infection: report of one case. ZHONGHUA MINGUO XIAO ER KE YI XUE HUI ZA ZHI [JOURNAL]. ZHONGHUA MINGUO XIAO ER KE YI XUE HUI 1997; 38:381-384. [PMID: 9401183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocarditis with complete atrioventricular block is a very unusual complication of the herpex simplex infection. We report a 10-year-old boy infected very likely by the herpes simplex virus and who presented with high fever, erythema multiforme, complete atrioventricular block, and Adams-Stokes seizures. Emergent temporary pacemaker was performed for bradycardia. A sixteen-fold rise in herpes simplex antibody titer by a complement fixation method occurred within two weeks. Normal cardiac rhythm recovered 11 days later with a sequela of complete right bundle branch block after 2 years follow-up.
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