1.Protein Arginine Methyltransferases: Emerging Targets in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease
Yan ZHANG ; Shibo WEI ; Eun-Ju JIN ; Yunju JO ; Chang-Myung OH ; Gyu-Un BAE ; Jong-Sun KANG ; Dongryeol RYU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(4):487-502
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and metabolic disorders stand as formidable challenges that significantly impact the clinical outcomes and living quality for afflicted individuals. An intricate comprehension of the underlying mechanisms is paramount for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), a class of enzymes responsible for the precise regulation of protein methylation, have ascended to pivotal roles and emerged as crucial regulators within the intrinsic pathophysiology of these diseases. Herein, we review recent advancements in research elucidating on the multifaceted involvements of PRMTs in cardiovascular system and metabolic diseases, contributing significantly to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of these maladies. In addition, this review provides a comprehensive analysis to unveil the distinctive roles of PRMTs across diverse cell types implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, which holds great potential to reveal novel therapeutic interventions targeting PRMTs, thus presenting promising perspectives to effectively address the substantial global burden imposed by CVDs and metabolic disorders.
2. Honokiol inhibits IL-1 induced angiogenesis in human lung cancer cell H460 through NF-kB signaling pathway
Xu-Dong CHENG ; Ting CHEN ; Meng UN ; Ting CHEN ; Liang TANG ; Xi-Kun SHEN ; Yu-Yu HUANG ; Ling FAN ; Dong-Wei YU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2022;38(3):380-386
Aim To investigate the effect of honokiol(HNK)on the angiogenesis of lung cancer cells H460 induced by the tumor inflammatory microenvironment and its possible mechanism.Methods CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of HNK on the proliferation of H460 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs); RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF); Western blot was used to detect the signaling pathway protein p-IκBα, p-IKKα and NF-κB p65 protein expression.The wound healing test, transwell and tube formation tests were used to detect the inhibition ability of HNK on the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs.Results HNK treated H460 cells for 24, 48, 72 h respectively, and inhibited the proliferation of H460 cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.HNK inhibited the survival of HUVEC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.HNK also reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGF in H460 cells.Subsequently, HNK concentration-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB and IKKα in the NF-κB signaling pathway.Wound healing test, Transwell cell migration test and tube formation test showed that H460 conditioned medium treated with HNK had the ability to inhibit the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs.Conclusions HNK reduces the viability and angiogenesis of human lung cancer cells by down-regulation of VEGF via the NF-κB pathway.
3.Therapeutic Observation of Shashen Maidong Decoction in Treating Radiation Pneumonitis
Jun MA ; Da-Hai YU ; Wei HUANG ; Di ZHAO ; Bi-Yun ZHANG ; Un Yi-j WANG ; Hong LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2017;33(1):30-32
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Shashen Maidong Decoction in treating radiation pneu-monitis.METHODS 64 cases with thoracic radiotherapy who were to receive the intensity modulated radiation therapy were divided into treatment group and control group.In addition to the intensity modulated radiation therapy,patients in the treat-ment group were further given Shashen Maidong Decoction.Then the therapeutic effects of both groups were observed.RE-SULTS The occurrence rate of the treatment group was evidently lower than that of the control group(P <0.05);The treat-ment group experienced a higher and more stable quality of life than the control group,with better effective rate(P <0.05);The occurrence rate of Ⅲ to Ⅳ degree of bone marrow suppression in the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P <0.05).CONCLUSION Shashen Maidong Decoction has good effects on radiation pneumonitis.
4.Screening on Toxicity of 26 Kinds of Common Orthopedic Herbal Medicine Using Zebrafish Model
Ying CHEN ; Jing WANG ; Shu-Qin CHEN ; Un Li-j JING ; Ie Ying-j WEI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2016;32(5):465-469
ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE Toxicity model of zebrafish was used to evaluate safety of 26 kinds of common orthopedic herbal medicine.METHODS Zebrafish embryo at 1 day post fertilization(dpf)were exposed with various concentration of water de-coction;the death number of the embryos or larvals was counted from 1dpf to 6 dpf;embryonic micro-morphology of zebrafish (3dpf) was observed and pictures were taken that compared with 0.4% DMSO;LC50 value at 6dpf was calculated by SPSS1 6. 0.RESULTS The results indicated that 13 kinds of water decoction of herbal medicines(Dipsaci Radix,Anemarrhena Rhizo-ma,Olibanum and Myrrha,Psoraleae Fructus,Angelicae Pubescentis Radix,Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Polygoni multi-flori Radix,Cnidii Fructus,Aucklandiae Radix,Eupolyphaga Steleophaga,Epimedii Folium and Acanthopanacis Cortex) can cause obvious organ toxicity to juvenile zebrafish,such as yolk sac swelling,deformation,black,pericardial edema and bleed-ing,and their LC50 values were low(1 6.9 ~ 689.7 μg∕mL),while the other 13 herbal medicines are relatively safe (Pyrolae Herba,Homalomena Rhizoma,Sappan Lignum,Morindae Officinalis Radix,Testudinis Carapax Et Plastrum,Drynariae Rhi-zoma,Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma,Cibotii Rhizoma,Taxilli Herba,spatholobi CauLis,Rehmanniae Radix Pra-eparata,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and Eucommiae Cortex),no fish organ toxicity was observed,and their concentration caused zebrafish death was usually at high levels (above 2 000 μg∕mL).CONCLUSION Zebrafish model was successfully used for screening toxicity of 26 common orthopedic herbal medicine,which may provide useful information for reasonable application of them.Zebrafish model has advantages of simplicity,high efficiency and real-time observation,which made large scale toxicity screening of herbal medicine in vivo style possible.
5.Rapidly Determination of Major and Minor Elements in Different Processed Products of Pyrite by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Meng-Qun ZHANG ; Un Yi-j CHEN ; Yu WU ; Ye-Dong SHI ; Wei-Dong LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2016;32(6):577-580
OBJECTIVE A comprehensive understanding of the major and minor elements in different processed products of Pyrite,providing scientific basis for the clinical rational use of Pyrite.METHODS The determination method of 10 compo-nents including Fe,S,Si,Al and other major and minor components in different processed products of Pyrite by X-ray fluores-cence spectrometry was established.RESULTS The detection limit of Fe,S,Mn,Si,Al,Ti,Ca,P,Zn and Pb was 13.37, 36.92,7.56,68,29,77.47,12.46,22.54,21.64,4.55,3.24 mg/kg.Determination of standard material composition of GBW(E)070088 (iron ore)and GBW 07267 (pyrite)for 5 repetitions.The accuracy were 94%~107% and the RSD were 1. 0%~10.1%.CONCLUSION The method can be used to determine the major and minor elements in different processed prod-ucts of Pyrite,and it is accurate and convenient.
6.Biofilm formation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and its relationship with drug resistance
Xiaomin YE ; Chun LU ; Guoxing ZHU ; Peiying FENG ; Wei LAI ; Chuanjie CHEN ; Feiyan UN ; Rongzhang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2011;(3):245-249
Objective To study the ability of standard strain and clinical isolates of Ureaplasma spp. to form biofilms in vitro and to compare the antibiotic susceptibility of sessile cells and their planktonic counterparts. Methods A total of 21 Ureaplasma wealyticum(Uu) isolates recovered from female patients diagnosed with cervicitis and Uu serovar 3 and Uu serovar 8( Uu3, Uu8) were included. Scanning electron microscope and confocal scanning laser microscopy were used to identify biofilm formation. Conventional antibiotic susceptibility tests and biofilm susceptibility assays for tetracycline, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin were carried out. The paired rank sum test and was applied to analyze the statistical differences between the MIC and the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration. The x2 test was applied to analyze the statistical differences of global resistance percentages between planktonic cells and sessile cells. Results Uu3, Uu8 and 21 Uu isolates all can form biofilms in vitro. Minimal inhibitory concentration of sessile cells compared with planktonic cells were obviously higher for tetracycline, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (P <0.001). Global resistance percentages between planktonic cells and sessile cells were different for erythromycin (9.52% vs 61.90% , P < 0. 001), ciprofloxacin ( 80. 95% vs 100% , P = 0. 035 ) and tetracycline (4. 76% vs 14.29% , P =0.293). Conclusion Uu isolates and Uu1, Uu8 all can form biofilms in vitro, and biofilm formation can strengthen resistance of Uu to antibiotics, even multidrug resistance was observed.
7.Prognosis analysis of 117 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated by intensity modulated radiotherapy
Nan GE ; Huanxin UN ; Weihan HU ; Yong SU ; Hanyu WANG ; Rui SUN ; Xiuyu CAI ; Shiyi BU ; Xin ZHANG ; Mengyao QIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Su LUO ; Yixin ZHOU ; Ting JIN
Cancer Research and Clinic 2010;22(8):530-533
Objective To analyse the prognosis of 117 newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients underwent intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods From Jan to Nov 2005, 117 NPC patients who were treated by IMRT were enrolled. There were 81 males and 36 females with a median age of 42 years (range 18-76 years). According to Chinese Fuzhou Staging system(1992), 11 cases were Stage I , 15 Stage Ⅱ, 54 Stage Ⅲ and 37 Stage ⅣA. IMRT was carried out with Peacock plan. The prescription dose to the gross target volume(GTVnx) of nasopharyngeal tumor was 68 Gy, that of positive neck lymph nodes (GTVnd) was 60-66 Gy, clinical target volume 1 (CTV1) was 60 Gy, and CTV2 was 54 Gy. Results After a median follow-up time of 48 months (range 10.5-59.5 months), the 3-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.7 % and 89.7 %, the disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 91.5 % and 87.2%, and the local-regional control rates were 94.0 % and 91.5 %. Univariate analysis showed the KPS, stage, Fuzhou clinical stage, status of blood platelet before treatment and uric acid after treatment were correlated with OS rate. T stage was the only independent factor of prognosis in the COX stepwise regression model. Conclusion Radical IMRT significantly prolongs the survival of NPC patients. T stage is the only independent prognostic factor for NPC patients.
8.Evaluation of the implant sites of palatal implants using cone beam computed tomography
Hui ZOU ; Ren-Fa LAI ; Wei-Dong KONG ; Wei UN ; Min-Ying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2009;44(7):404-408
Objective To investigate the vertical bone height and the bone density of the palate for implants placement using cone beam CT(CBCT)and to provide references to the safe and stable placement of palatal implants.Methods Three-dimensional reformatting images were reconstructed with the selected CBCT scanning data of 34 patients aged 18 to 35 yeras,by means of EZ implant software.The vertical bone height was measured at 20 interesting sites of palate.Bone density was measured at 10 sites that could support 3.0mm long implants.The data of the vertical bone height and bone density were analyzed by Kmeans cluster analysis.Results According to the cluster analysis results,the 10 sites were classified into 3 clusters.There were statistical differences among these three clusters in bone height and bone density(P<0.05).The ISD result showed that the greatest mean value of vertical bone height was obtained in cluster 2,followed by cluster 1 and cluster 3;the highest bone density was founded in cluster 3,followed by cluster 1 and cluster 2.Conclusions Evaluation of the sites for palatal implant placement with cone beam CT would be helpful in safe and stable implantation.
9.Mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene A827G in two pedigrees with nonsyndromic deafness.
Zhi-bin CHEN ; Xin CAO ; Guang-qian XING ; Hui-qin TIAN ; Ai-dong ZHOU ; Qinj-un WEI ; Xing-kuan BU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2006;23(4):415-418
OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of associating mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA gene mutations with non-syndromic and aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss happening to Chinese families.
METHODSThe diagnosis was validated by hearing tests. Blood samples were collected from 20 family members (13 subjects from pedigree A and 7 from pedigree B) and 32 sporadic deafness cases. DNA was extracted from the leukocytes in blood samples. The gene fragments of mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA, tRNA(Ser(UCN)) and GJB(2) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were analyzed by sequencing.
RESULTSThe target gene fragments of all individuals were successfully amplified by PCR. The mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA 827 A to G transition was detected from all maternal members including 12 patients with hearing loss, which was the homoplasmic mutation. Non-maternal members in two pedigrees did not carry this mutation. However, the tRNA(Ser(UCN)) A7445G, 12SrRNA A1555G and GJB2 gene mutations were not found from both the family members of two pedigrees and sporadic patients. One sporadic individual (1/32) who was diagnosed as aminoglycoside-induced hearing impairment carried A827G mutation too.
CONCLUSIONIt is confirmed that the mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA gene is a hot spot for mutations associated with non-syndromic inherited hearing loss. The 12S rRNA nt827 A to G mutation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hearing impairment in two Chinese pedigrees.
Adolescent ; Base Sequence ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Connexin 26 ; Connexins ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; chemistry ; genetics ; Deafness ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Ribosomal ; genetics
10.The influences on mandibular development after removing the outer cortex of mandibular body in childhood minitype pigs.
Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Wei LIU ; Lai GUI ; Ji-Chang WANG ; Xiao-Un TANG ; Dong YU ; Zong-Mei ZHENG ; Bin SONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2006;22(4):271-273
OBJECTIVETo study the influences on mandibular development after removing the outer cortex of mandibular body in childhood minitype pig.
METHODSSix childhood minitype pigs were selected as the experimental animals. The outer cortex of mandibular body measured as 3.0 cm x 1.5 cm was removed in one side, and the other side remained intact as the control. The changes of mandibular modality and occlusion relationship as well as the histological and biomechanical changes were studied 24 weeks after operation.
RESULTSThere was no obvious difference compared with the control side in the height of the mandibular ramus and the length of the mandibular body, However, lateral deviation occlusion was found in some animals. The body thickness was thinner than that of the control side, there were no obvious biomechanical and histological differences between the two sides.
CONCLUSIONSThere was less influence on the growth of mandibular bone after removing one side of the outer cortex of the mandibular body in childhood minitype pig. But further study should be done for the cause of the lateral deviation of the mandible in part of the animals.
Animals ; Female ; Male ; Mandible ; growth & development ; surgery ; Mandibular Condyle ; surgery ; Osteotomy ; adverse effects ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature

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