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Zhang M, Wang JJ, Chen YJ. Effects of mechanical pressure on intracellular calcium release channel and cytoskeletal structure in rabbit mandibular condylar chondrocytes. Life Sci 2006; 78:2480-7. [PMID: 16325208 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2005] [Accepted: 10/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many signal molecules are involved in mechanotransduction process, among which intracellular calcium and cytoskeleton are two of the most important ones. This study investigated the changes of intracellular calcium and cytoskeleton under pressure and the effects of intracellular calcium variation on cytoskeleton responses to the pressure in rabbit mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs). In vitro cultured MCCs from 2-week-old New Zealand rabbits were incubated for observation of intracellular calcium variation under laser scanning microscope. Coomassie BB staining was used to observe the characteristics of cytoskeleton. We found that intracellular calcium increased following the irritation by 1,25(OH)2D3, whereas it remained unchanged when inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) channel was blocked by heparin. Pretreatment with pressure of 90 kPa for 60 min enhanced the sensitivity of IP3R channel and caused higher intracellular calcium concentration. The cytoskeletons of MCCs were revealed correspondingly uniform and reticular in the control, most of which showed higher expression in tighter arrangement under continuous pressure of 90 kPa for 60 min but lower expression when the pressure time was prolonged to 360 min. When MCCs were pretreated with heparin, the cytoskeleton of them displayed sparsely and discontinuously under 90 kPa for 60 min. To sum up, both cytoskeleton and intracellular calcium participate in the transition process of mechanical signal to biological effects of MCC. However, the decrease of intracellular calcium resulted from IP3R channel blocking obviously interferes the recomposition of cytoskeleton under mechanical pressure, which suggests that calcium message is indispensable to the cytoskeleton response of MCC under pressure.
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202
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Chen CP, Lin SP, Chern SR, Lee CC, Chen LF, Chen YJ, Wang W. Molecular cytogenetic analysis of de novo partial monosomy 4p (4p16.2-->pter) and partial trisomy 8p (8p23.2-->pter). GENETIC COUNSELING (GENEVA, SWITZERLAND) 2006; 17:81-5. [PMID: 16719283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
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203
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Wang CB, Lin SP, Chen CP, Chen YJ, Lee CC. An unusual clinical characterization of a male with distal partial trisomy 1q42.1 and monosomy 4q35.1 and review of the literature. GENETIC COUNSELING (GENEVA, SWITZERLAND) 2006; 17:435-40. [PMID: 17375530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We report a male patient with a karyotype of 46,XY, der(4)t(1;4)(q42.1;q35.1) inherited from a maternal balanced translocation involving chromosome 1q and 4q. The boy had corpus callosum dysgenesis, laryngomalacia, tracheobronchus, facial dysmorphism, simian creases, and developmental retardation. The first three features are unique compared to previous literature reports on distal partial trisomy 1q. This case report allows a further delineation of the distal partial trisomy 1q syndrome.
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Lin SK, Ho ESC, Chen YJ. Hematosalpinx: an unusual complication after medical abortion with oral mifepristone and misoprostol. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2005; 25:416-417. [PMID: 15791692 DOI: 10.1002/uog.1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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205
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Chan CP, Lan WH, Chang MC, Chen YJ, Lan WC, Chang HH, Jeng JH. Effects of TGF-beta s on the growth, collagen synthesis and collagen lattice contraction of human dental pulp fibroblasts in vitro. Arch Oral Biol 2004; 50:469-79. [PMID: 15777529 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2004.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2004] [Accepted: 10/07/2004] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is important in regulating the repair and regeneration of damaged dental pulp. For further elucidating the roles of different isoforms of TGF-beta in the healing and inflammatory processes of human dental pulp, we found that TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 inhibited the growth of two human dental pulp cell strains in vitro by 19-29, 18-25 and 23-26%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.5 ng/ml. TGF-beta also differentially stimulated the collagen synthesis of pulp cells. Collagen synthesis increased by 1 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 by 42 and 51%, respectively. TGF-beta3 (0.1-1 ng/ml) lacked of stimulatory effect on collagen synthesis of pulp cells. Pulp cells have the intrinsic capacity to contract collagen lattice, leading to decreasing of lattice diameter. An 8 h exposure to TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 enhanced the pulp cell-populated collagen lattice contraction at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 3 ng/ml. At similar concentrations, TGF-beta3 lacked of this stimulatory effect. When collagen lattice were detached after 24 h of exposure, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 (0.6-3 ng/ml) induced the pulp cells-populated collagen lattice contraction within 4-8h of gel detachment. These results indicate that TGF-beta-induced collagen lattice contraction is a late cellular event. These in vitro results indicate that effects of TGF-beta isoforms on the growth, collagen synthesis and collagen lattice contraction of pulp cells may play crucial roles in the pathobiological processes of dental pulp.
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Kuo WH, Wang CJ, Young SC, Sun YC, Chen YJ, Chou FP. Differential induction of the expression of GST subunits by geniposide in rat hepatocytes. Pharmacology 2004; 70:15-22. [PMID: 14646352 DOI: 10.1159/000074238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2003] [Accepted: 06/23/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Geniposide, an iridoid glycoside isolated from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, has the biological capabilities of detoxication, antioxidation, and anticarcinogenesis. In this study, the mechanism of geniposide affecting the GST (glutathione S-transferase) system was investigated. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with geniposide and examined for total GST activity and expression of GST subunits. The results showed that the geniposide-induced GST activity was dose and time dependent. Western blotting data demonstrated that geniposide induced increased protein levels of GSTM1 and GSTM2 (approximately 1.7- and 1.8-fold of control, respectively), but did not increase those of GSTA1. The corresponding transcripts levels were confirmed by RT-PCR. Using PD98059, the effect of geniposide was verified to be via the MEK pathway. The results suggest that geniposide possesses a potential for detoxication by inducing GST activity via increasing the transcription of GSTM1 and GSTM2.
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207
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Tao S, Liu WX, Chen YJ, Xu FL, Dawson RW, Li BG, Cao J, Wang XJ, Hu JY, Fang JY. Evaluation of factors influencing root-induced changes of copper fractionation in rhizosphere of a calcareous soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2004; 129:5-12. [PMID: 14749064 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2003.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Major factors influencing the root-induced copper fractionation changes within the rhizosphere of maize, wheat, pea, and soybean seedlings were evaluated using a contaminated calcareous soil. The effects of acidification, alkalization, and introduction of root exudates were investigated by addition of acid, alkaline and root exudates from solution cultures, prior to incubation and copper fractionation. Raw and sterilized soils were compared for changes of copper fractionation in the rhizosphere using rhizoboxes with maize, wheat, pea and soybean seedlings. The results indicated that the general trend in considerable changes was similar among the plant species studied. The rhizosphere experienced a depletion of carbonate associated and organic bound copper along with an accumulation of exchangeable and Fe-Mn oxide bound copper. The resulting significant influence of root exudates on copper fractionation appears to have been produced through complexation rather than acidification or alkalization. The increase in exchangeable copper in rhizosphere was strengthened by microorganisms.
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Xu XM, Zhou YQ, Luo GX, Liao C, Zhou M, Chen PY, Lu JP, Jia SQ, Xiao GF, Shen X, Li J, Chen HP, Xia YY, Wen YX, Mo QH, Li WD, Li YY, Zhuo LW, Wang ZQ, Chen YJ, Qin CH, Zhong M. The prevalence and spectrum of alpha and beta thalassaemia in Guangdong Province: implications for the future health burden and population screening. J Clin Pathol 2004; 57:517-22. [PMID: 15113860 PMCID: PMC1770296 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2003.014456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2003] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM Thalassaemia is a good candidate disease for control by preventive genetic programmes in developing countries. Accurate population frequency data are needed for planning the control of thalassaemia in the high risk Guangdong Province of southern China. METHODS In total, 13397 consecutive samples from five geographical areas of Guangdong Province were analysed for both haematological and molecular parameters. RESULTS There was a high prevalence of carriers of alpha thalassaemia (8.53%), beta thalassaemia (2.54%), and both alpha and beta thalassaemia (0.26%). Overall, 11.07% of the population in this area were heterozygous carriers of alpha and beta thalassaemia. The mutation spectrum of alpha and beta thalassaemia and its constitution were fully described in this area. This study reports the true prevalence of silent alpha thalassaemia in the southern China population for the first time. In addition, two novel mutations that give rise to alpha thalassaemia, one deletion resulting in beta thalassaemia, and a rare deletion (--(THAI) allele) previously unreported in mainland China were detected. The frequency of the most common mutation, the Southeast Asian type of deletion (--(SEA), accounting for 48.54% of all alpha thalassaemias) was similar to the total of two alpha(+) thalassaemia deletions (-alpha(3.7) and -alpha(4.2), accounting for 47.49% of alpha thalassaemia). CONCLUSION Both alpha and beta thalassaemia are widely distributed in Guangdong Province of China. The knowledge gained in this study will enable the projected number of pregnancies at risk to be estimated and a screening strategy for control of thalassaemia to be designed in this area.
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209
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Chen P, Yang CC, Chen YJ, Wang PH. Tamoxifen-induced endometrial cancer. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2003; 24:135-7. [PMID: 12701962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tamoxifen-induced endometrial changes in postmenopausal women with breast carcinoma are well-known. Due to the popularity of postoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced early menopause in women with breast cancer on tamoxifen treatment needs more attention, because these women have higher risk for endometrial cancers than premenopausal women. SUBJECT From May 1995 to May 1997, three premenopausal women aged 46, 43, and 39 with breast cancer were treated in our center. All patients received standard surgery for their breast cancers followed by six courses of adjuvant chemotherapy and 5-year tamoxifen treatment. All patients were regularly followed-up at the Breast Cancer Center and evaluated annually at the gynecological clinics including pelvic examination, Pap smear and transvaginal sonography. RESULTS All patients became menopausal after six courses of chemotherapy ranging from three months to 14 months. The endometrial cancers occurred at 36 months, 28 months, and 33 months, respectively, after initial treatment for the breast cancers. Their last gynecologic examinations performed at six months, eight months and five months before the diagnosis of endometrial cancer showed nothing remarkable. Only one patient complained of vaginal spotting before diagnosis and the other two patients only complained of increasing purulent vaginal discharge. All patients received standard treatment for endometrial cancer and none of them died of their disease but one patient died of recurrent breast cancer 52 months later. CONCLUSION Women with breast cancer on tamoxifen treatment need more attention and frequent evaluation of their reproductive organs, especially postmenopausal (either spontaneous or chemotherapy induced) women, although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) comments that no more than annual pelvic exams with Pap smears are needed in asymptomatic women.
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210
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Wu CJ, Sheu JR, Chen HH, Shyur SD, Chen PG, Chen YJ. Anti-leukemic immunity against U937 cells in uremic patients. Neoplasma 2003; 50:54-9. [PMID: 12687279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
To examine anti-tumor immunity in uremic patients undergoing regular hemodialysis, we designed this study using in vitro mononuclear cell (MNC) cultures, with human leukemic U937 cells as the target. MNC were collected and cultured from uremic subjects and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Conditioned media from the cultures (MNC-CM) were collected after stimulation with various concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The proliferation-inhibiting and differentiation-inducing activities of the PHA-MNC-CM on U937 cells were evaluated. The growth inhibition activity of uremic patients' PHA-MNC-CM was lower than that of controls. The differentiation-inducing effects were evaluated by morphological scoring, superoxide production, and monocyte-associated antigen expression (CD14 and CD68). All three parameters demonstrated that the differentiation-inducing effect of MNC-CM increased with increasing doses of PHA. These effects, however, were significantly less in uremic patients compared to controls at higher doses of PHA. The levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in PHA-MNC-CM increased in a PHA dose-dependent manner and were much higher in the controls. We conclude that the capacity of MNC from uremic hemodialysis patients to produce anti-leukemic immunity is significantly lower than that of healthy controls.
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211
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Lian HZ, Kang YF, Bi SP, Yasin A, Shao DL, Chen YJ, Dai LM, Tian LC. Morin applied in speciation of aluminium in natural waters and biological samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Anal Bioanal Chem 2003; 376:542-8. [PMID: 12739101 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-003-1936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2003] [Revised: 03/18/2003] [Accepted: 03/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for the determination of labile monomeric aluminium has been developed through pre-column complexation using morin as the analytical reagent. The highly fluorescent aluminium-morin complex (excitation wavelength 418 nm, emission wavelength 490 nm) was separated on a Spherisorb ODS 2 column with an eluent consisting of 30% methanol and 70% water (pH 1.0 with perchloric acid). The most remarkable point of this protocol was that only the most toxic aluminium species, that is, free aqua-aluminium ion and its monomeric hydroxo complex ions, selectively respond among various aluminium complexes. This strategy has been successfully applied to direct fractionation of the toxic aluminium in natural waters and biological samples without any pretreatment.
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212
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Lian HZ, Kang YF, Yasin A, Bi SP, Shao DL, Chen YJ, Dai LM, Tian LC. Determination of aluminum in environmental and biological samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography via pre-column complexation with morin. J Chromatogr A 2003; 993:179-85. [PMID: 12735451 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(03)00359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Morin was used as a pre-column reagent for the determination of aluminum by RP-HPLC with fluorescence detection. This method has been successfully applied to direct determination of trace Al in environmental and biological samples. The response was linear from 6 x 10(-9) to 6 x 10(-5) M with a detection limit of 2 x 10(-9) M. In addition, the different Al complexes with morin were separated by the proposed HPLC procedure and their coordination ratios were depicted by molar-ratio method. The results showed that 1:1 and 2:1 Al-morin complexes formed.
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Wang PH, Yen MS, Juang CM, Chen YJ, Chao HT, Yuan CC. Intraperitoneal cancer spread after laparoscopic cystectomy for mature teratoma with malignant transformation. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2003; 23:131-2. [PMID: 12013109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Laparoscopic surgery for ovarian dermoid cysts has been accepted. However, its potential limitations should be considered, including technique difficulty, intraoperative tumor spillage and malignant transformation. We report a case of ovarian dermoid cysts with malignant transformation that was initially treated using laparoscopic cystectomy, but was complicated by intraperitoneal tumor dissemination.
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214
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Chen YJ, Wu SC. Effects of sediment phosphorus release associated with the density current on water quality of a subtropical and deep reservoir in Taiwan. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2003; 48:151-158. [PMID: 15137165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
It was found that the increase of sediment P release in the anoxic state associated with the density current initiated by the cold front in the winter was the cause of the deterioration of the water quality of the subtropical, noncalcareous and deep reservoir, Feitsui Reservoir, in recent years. A mathematical model including the analytical solutions of the transport of the density current combined with a simple 2-layered water quality model has been established, describing the hydrodynamics and the water quality variation of the reservoir well. The continued sediment release of P in the anoxic state (from October to March) is an important P source and should be carefully assessed and controlled to reduce the impact of the internal loading of P incorporated with the density current on the water quality in future years.
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Tao S, Chen YJ, Xu FL, Cao J, Li BG. Changes of copper speciation in maize rhizosphere soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2003; 122:447-454. [PMID: 12547534 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(02)00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Chemical forms of copper in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of maize were investigated using rhizobox cultivation and sequential extraction techniques. The copper accumulations were also determined. The results demonstrated that there were continuous changes in copper fractionation within the maize rhizosphere. Initially, the amount of exchangeable copper increased before dropping below the initial level after 40 days or so. Carbonate associated copper followed a similar trend of change, but with a slower pace than the exchangeable copper. The increase in carbonate associated copper only become evident after 30 days, with the net loss occurring after 60 days. There were also initial increases in oxide bound copper as well as decreases in the organic matter associated copper, both followed by a turnover after 40-50 days. The accumulation of copper in the maize plant was found to be biomass dependent. The amount of accumulated copper absorbed in the plant material exceeded the initial quantity of the exchangeable copper in the soil, revealing a transformation from less bioavailable to more bioavailable fractions. During cultivation, decreases in redox potential and increases in pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial activity in the maize rhizosphere were observed. The change in copper speciation may result from root-induced changes in DOC, redox potential, and microbial activity in the rhizosphere.
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Tsai JC, Chan P, Wang CH, Jeng C, Hsieh MH, Kao PF, Chen YJ, Liu JC. The effects of exercise training on walking function and perception of health status in elderly patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. J Intern Med 2002; 252:448-55. [PMID: 12528763 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2002.01055.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of 12-week exercise programme on ambulatory function, free-living daily physical activity and health-related quality of life in disabled older patients with intermittent claudication. DESIGN Prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. SUBJECTS Thirty-two of 64 patients with Fontaine stage II peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) were randomized to exercise training and 32 to usual care control. Five patients from the exercise group and six patients from the control group dropped out, leaving 27 and 26 patients, respectively, completing the study in each group. INTERVENTIONS Twelve weeks of treadmill exercise training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Treadmill walking time to onset of claudication pain and to maximal claudication pain, 6-min walk distance, self-reported ambulatory ability and perceived health-related quality of life (QOL). RESULTS Compliance of exercise programme was 83% of the possible sessions. Exercise training increased treadmill walking time to onset of claudication pain by 88% (P < 0.001), time to maximal pain by 70% (P < 0.001), and 6-min walk distance by 21% (P < 0.001). SUBJECTS Perception of health-related QOL improved from 12% to 178% in the exercise group. These improvements were significantly better than the changes in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Significant improvements in claudication following 12-week exercise training in elderly PAOD patients were observed. Increase in treadmill walking time to maximal claudication pain in these patients translated into the improvement of perceived physical health, which enabled the patients to become more functionally independent.
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Liu TJ, Chen YJ, Zhang KS, Wang D, Guo DW, Yang XZ. Enantiomeric recognition of chiral 3,3-bridged-1,1'-binaphthol dimer toward alpha-phenylethylamine and alpha-amino acid ester. Chirality 2002; 13:595-600. [PMID: 11579455 DOI: 10.1002/chir.1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The 1,1'-binaphthol-based dimers with p-phenylenebis(2-ethynyl) spacer, (+)-6 and (+)-2, were synthesized as chiral host compounds. (1)H NMR, UV-vis, and fluorescent titration were used to evaluate the enantiomeric recognition abilities of the chiral host dimers toward the guest amine 7 and alpha-amino acid ester 8. The chiral BINOL-based dimers were found to have good enantiomeric recognition ability. The computer simulation of the host-guest complex molecules was carried out to describe the conformational changes of both naphthyl ring in the molecule of chiral host dimer after complexation with the guest molecule.
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Yen CC, Chen YJ, Chen JT, Hsia JY, Chen PM, Liu JH, Fan FS, Chiou TJ, Wang WS, Lin CH. Comparative genomic hybridization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: correlations between chromosomal aberrations and disease progression/prognosis. Cancer 2001. [PMID: 11753950 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(20011201)92:11<2769::aid-cncr10118>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among males in Taiwan. However, to date, the genetic alterations that accompany this lethal disease are not understood. METHODS Chromosomal aberrations of 46 samples of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC-SCC) were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and their correlations with pathologic staging and prognosis were analyzed statistically. RESULTS In total, 321 gains and 252 losses were found in 46 tumor samples; thus, the average gains and losses per patient were 6.98 and 5.47, respectively. Frequent gain abnormalities were found on chromosome arms 1q, 2q, 3q, 5p, 7p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 12p, 12q, 14q, 17q, 20q, and Xq. Frequent deletions were found on chromosome arms 1p, 3p, 4p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 9q, 11q, 13q, 16p, 17p, 18q, 19p, and 19q. It was found that deletions of 4p and 13q12-q14 and gain of 5p were significantly correlated with pathologic staging. Losses of 8p22-pter and 9p also were found more frequently in patients with advanced disease. Gain of 8q24-qter was seen more frequently in patients with Grade 3 tumors. A univariate analysis found that pathologic staging; gains of 5p and 7q; and deletions of 4p, 9p, and 11q were significant prognostic factors. However, pathologic staging became the only significant factor in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS CGH not only revealed novel chromosomal aberrations in EC-SCC, but also found possible genotypic changes associated with disease progression. Despite all of the possible associations of chromosomal aberrations with disease progression, the most important prognostic factor for patients with EC-SCC was pathologic staging.
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Chen CK, Zhang K, Church-Kopish J, Huang W, Zhang H, Chen YJ, Frederick JM, Baehr W. Characterization of human GRK7 as a potential cone opsin kinase. Mol Vis 2001; 7:305-13. [PMID: 11754336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Homozygous inactivation of the mouse gene for GRK1 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1, or rhodopsin kinase) causes severe defects in the recovery of cone phototransduction. However, electroretinographic (ERG) analyses of human oguchi patients with defective GRK1 alleles showed normal or slightly abnormal photopic responses. It remains unclear why the loss of GRK1 yields such different phenotypes in the recovery of mouse and human cones. We examined the localization and enzyme activity of GRK7, the human ortholog of the seventh member of the GRK family, in an attempt to understand its potential role in photopic vision. METHODS Bioinformatic approaches were used to identify the human GRK7 gene. Human and bovine GRK7 cDNAs were isolated by RT-PCR. Recombinant GRK7, expressed in insect cells, was used to phosphorylate activated rhodopsin. Antibodies raised against GRK7 peptides were used to examine the retina specific expression of GRK7 by immunoblotting and its subcellular localization by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS The human GRK7 gene is located on chromosome 3q21, spans at least 10 Kb and consists of 4 exons. In human, GRK7 is expressed exclusively in the retina and is found in all retinal neurons, and specifically, in cone outer segments. Recombinant human GRK7 catalyzes rhodopsin phosphorylation in a light dependent manner. We provide evidence that GRK1 and GRK7 are co-expressed in human cones. In contrast, mouse GRK7 is expressed in many tissues including retina where photoreceptors apparently do not express GRK7. CONCLUSIONS The presence of GRK7 in human, but not in mouse, cone outer segments suggests that GRK7 may function to provide the normal photopic vision reported by oguchi patients with a defective GRK1 gene. The absence of GRK7 expression in cone outer segments of mice is consistent with the notion that mouse cones rely solely on GRK1 to shutoff cone visual pigments.
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Chen YJ, Chen SA, Chen YC, Yeh HI, Chan P, Chang MS, Lin CI. Effects of rapid atrial pacing on the arrhythmogenic activity of single cardiomyocytes from pulmonary veins: implication in initiation of atrial fibrillation. Circulation 2001; 104:2849-54. [PMID: 11733406 DOI: 10.1161/hc4801.099736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary veins (PVs) are important sources of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Long-term rapid atrial pacing (RAP) changes atrial electrophysiology and facilitates the maintenance of atrial fibrillation. It is not clear whether RAP alters the arrhythmogenic activity of PVs. The purpose of this study was to isolate single PV cardiomyocytes from control and RAP dogs and evaluate their electrophysiological characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS The action potential and ionic currents were investigated in PV cardiomyocytes from control and long-term (6 to 8 weeks) RAP (780 bpm) dogs by use of the whole-cell clamp technique. Dissociation of PVs yielded rod-shaped single cardiomyocytes without (n=91, 60%) or with (n=60, 40%) pacemaker activity. Compared with the control group, the RAP dog PV cardiomyocytes had faster beating rates (0.86+/-0.28 versus 0.45+/-0.07 Hz, P<0.05) and shorter action potential duration. The RAP dog PV cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity have a higher incidence of delayed (59% versus 7%, P<0.001) or early (24% versus 0%, P<0.005) after depolarization. The RAP dog PV cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity had smaller slow inward and transient outward but larger transient inward (0.017+/-0.004 versus 0.009+/-0.002 pA/pF, P<0.05) and pacemaker (0.111+/-0.019 versus 0.028+/-0.008 pA/pF, P<0.001) currents. The RAP dog PV cardiomyocytes without pacemaker activity had only smaller slow inward and transient outward and larger pacemaker currents. CONCLUSIONS PVs contain multiple cardiomyocytes with distinct electrophysiological characteristics. RAP changes the electrophysiological characteristics and arrhythmogenic activity of PVs.
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Kuo JY, Tai CT, Chiang CE, Yu WC, Chen YJ, Tsai CF, Hsieh MH, Chen CC, Lin WS, Lin YK, Tsao HM, Ding YA, Chang MS, Chen SA. Mechanisms of transition between double paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2001; 12:1339-45. [PMID: 11797988 DOI: 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2001.01339.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coexistence of double tachycardias in one patient has been infrequently reported. Furthermore, the mechanisms of transition between double paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias have not been well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-five patients with two paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias were studied. Group IA consisted of 3 patients with spontaneous transition between AV reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Group IB consisted of 13 patients without spontaneous transition between AVRT and AVNRT. Group IIA consisted of 5 patients with spontaneous transition between AVNRT and atrial tachycardia (AT). Group IIB consisted of 14 patients without spontaneous transition between AVNRT and AT. The absolute values of differences between the two tachycardia cycle lengths were significantly smaller in patients with than in those without transition between the two tachycardias (25+/-8 msec vs 90+/-46 msec, P < 0.05, IA vs IB; 21+/-25 msec vs 99+/-57 msec, P < 0.01, IIA vs IIB). The cutoff point of 25 msec had 80% positive predictive value for transition between the two tachycardias. Transition between two tachycardias occurred due to a spontaneous premature atrial complex (30%), conduction block at one limb of tachycardia (20%), or tachycardia-induced tachycardia (50%). Absence of transition between two tachycardias might be explained by the absence of a spontaneous premature atrial complex, longer cycle length of the first tachycardia, larger difference between two tachycardia cycle lengths, or induction of each tachycardia under different situations. CONCLUSION Double supraventricular tachycardias with similar tachycardia cycle lengths are vulnerable to transition between different tachycardias.
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Yen CC, Chen YJ, Chen JT, Hsia JY, Chen PM, Liu JH, Fan FS, Chiou TJ, Wang WS, Lin CH. Comparative genomic hybridization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: correlations between chromosomal aberrations and disease progression/prognosis. Cancer 2001; 92:2769-77. [PMID: 11753950 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(20011201)92:11<2769::aid-cncr10118>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among males in Taiwan. However, to date, the genetic alterations that accompany this lethal disease are not understood. METHODS Chromosomal aberrations of 46 samples of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC-SCC) were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and their correlations with pathologic staging and prognosis were analyzed statistically. RESULTS In total, 321 gains and 252 losses were found in 46 tumor samples; thus, the average gains and losses per patient were 6.98 and 5.47, respectively. Frequent gain abnormalities were found on chromosome arms 1q, 2q, 3q, 5p, 7p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 12p, 12q, 14q, 17q, 20q, and Xq. Frequent deletions were found on chromosome arms 1p, 3p, 4p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 9q, 11q, 13q, 16p, 17p, 18q, 19p, and 19q. It was found that deletions of 4p and 13q12-q14 and gain of 5p were significantly correlated with pathologic staging. Losses of 8p22-pter and 9p also were found more frequently in patients with advanced disease. Gain of 8q24-qter was seen more frequently in patients with Grade 3 tumors. A univariate analysis found that pathologic staging; gains of 5p and 7q; and deletions of 4p, 9p, and 11q were significant prognostic factors. However, pathologic staging became the only significant factor in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS CGH not only revealed novel chromosomal aberrations in EC-SCC, but also found possible genotypic changes associated with disease progression. Despite all of the possible associations of chromosomal aberrations with disease progression, the most important prognostic factor for patients with EC-SCC was pathologic staging.
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Lee CN, Wong KL, Liu JC, Chen YJ, Cheng JT, Chan P. Inhibitory effect of stevioside on calcium influx to produce antihypertension. PLANTA MEDICA 2001; 67:796-799. [PMID: 11745013 DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Stevioside is a sweet-tasting glycoside occurring abundantly in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Compositae). It has been used popularly in Japan and Brazil as a sugar substitute for decades. Previous study has shown that it lowered blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) when administered intravenously. This study shows that intraperitoneal injection of stevioside 25 mg/kg also has antihypertensive effect in SHRs. In isolated aortic rings from normal rats, stevioside could dose-dependently relax the vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction in both the presence and absence of endothelium. However, stevioside had no effect on phenylephrine- and KCl-induced phasic vasoconstriction. In addition, stevioside lost its influence on vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction in Ca(2+)-free medium. The results indicate that stevioside caused vasorelaxation via an inhibition of Ca(2+) influx into the blood vessel. This phenomenon was further confirmed in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5). Using 10(-5) M methylene blue for 15 min, stevioside could still relax 10(-8) M vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction in isolated rat aortic rings, showing that this vasorelaxation effect was not related to nitric oxide. The present data show that the vasorelexation effect of stevioside was mediated mainly through Ca(2+) influx inhibition.
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Chao MM, Chao LS, Chen YJ, Hsieh CM, Liou SC, Lee YL, Yen SH. Image display for collision avoidance of radiation therapy: treatment planning. J Digit Imaging 2001; 14:186-91. [PMID: 11894891 PMCID: PMC3452368 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-001-0104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient treatment in a medical linear accelerator is characterized by many angular and translational movements of the gantry and couch. The direction and orientation of each treatment beam is specified by a set of gantry, turntable, and collimator angles. It is possible that some selected treatment field configurations will result in gantry/couch or gantry/patient collisions that remain undetected during the treatment planning process. In this work, a digital camera has been used to record all the workable gantry/ patient set-up images, and a Windows programming language is used to edit and display these images on a personal computer for the treatment planner to screen the treatment plans. These graphical displays enable the planner to be aware of any potential collision hazards by an actual visualization of each selected gantry/turntable or gantry/patient angle configuration.
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Chiang TY, Chiang YC, Chen YJ, Chou CH, Havanond S, Hong TN, Huang S. Phylogeography of Kandelia candel in East Asiatic mangroves based on nucleotide variation of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNAs. Mol Ecol 2001; 10:2697-710. [PMID: 11883883 DOI: 10.1046/j.0962-1083.2001.01399.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vivipary with precocious seedlings in mangrove plants was thought to be a hindrance to long-range dispersal. To examine the extent of seedling dispersal across oceans, we investigated the phylogeny and genetic structure among East Asiatic populations of Kandelia candel based on organelle DNAs. In total, three, 28 and seven haplotypes of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) atpB-rbcL spacer, cpDNA trnL-trnF spacer, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were identified, respectively, from 202 individuals. Three data sets suggested consistent phylogenies recovering two differentiated lineages corresponding to geographical regions, i.e. northern South-China-Sea + East-China-Sea region and southern South-China-Sea region (Sarawak). Phylogenetically, the Sarawak population was closely related to the Ranong population of western Peninsula Malaysia instead of other South-China-Sea populations, indicating its possible origin from the Indian Ocean Rim. No geographical subdivision was detected within the northern geographical region. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between and within mainland and island populations (phiCT = 0.015, phiSC = 0.037), indicating conspicuous long-distance seedling dispersal across oceans. Significant linkage disequilibrium excluded the possibility of recurrent homoplasious mutations as the major force causing phylogenetic discrepancy between mtDNA and the trnL-trnF spacer within the northern region. Instead, relative ages of alleles contributed to non-random chlorotype-mitotype associations and tree inconsistency. Widespread distribution and random associations (chi2 = 0.822, P = 0.189) of eight hypothetical ancestral cytotypes indicated the panmixis of populations of the northern geographical region as a whole. In contrast, rare and recently evolved alleles were restricted to marginal populations, revealing some preferential directional migration.
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