Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are medi Show more
Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are mediated via a chylomicron formation-dependent pathway during a dietary lipid infusion. Given their similar roles as satiating proteins, the present study examines how the two peptides interact in their function. Specifically, this study sought to understand how ApoA-IV regulates CCK secretion. For this purpose, Cck gene expression in the small intestines of ApoA-IV knockout (ApoA-IV-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were compared under an array of feeding conditions. When fed with a chow or high-fat diet (HFD), basal levels of Cck transcripts were significantly reduced in the duodenum of ApoA-IV-KO mice compared to WT mice. Furthermore, after an oral gavage of a lipid mixture, Cck gene expression in the duodenum was significantly reduced in ApoA-IV-KO mice relative to the change seen in WT mice. To determine the mechanism by which ApoA-IV modulates Cck gene expression, STC-1 cells were transfected with predesigned mouse lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPAR5) small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown Lpar5 gene expression. In this in-vitro study, mouse recombinant ApoA-IV protein increased Cck gene expression in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells and stimulated CCK release from the STC-1 cells. However, the levels of CCK protein and Cck expression were attenuated when Lpar5 was knocked down in the STC-1 cells. Together these observations suggest that dietary lipid-induced ApoA-IV is associated with Cck synthesis in the duodenum and that ApoA-IV protein directly enhances CCK release through the activation of a LPAR5-dependent pathway. Show less
The ability of liver to respond to changes in nutrient availability is essential for the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Autophagy encompasses mechanisms of cell survival, including capturing, d Show more
The ability of liver to respond to changes in nutrient availability is essential for the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Autophagy encompasses mechanisms of cell survival, including capturing, degrading, and recycling of intracellular proteins and organelles in lysosomes. During negative nutrient status, autophagy provides substrates to sustain cellular metabolism and hence, tissue function. Severe negative energy balance in dairy cows is associated with fatty liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic autophagy status in dairy cows with severe fatty liver and to determine associations with biomarkers of liver function and inflammation. Liver and blood samples were collected from multiparous cows diagnosed as clinically healthy (n = 15) or with severe fatty liver (n = 15) at 3 to 9 d in milk. Liver tissue was biopsied by needle puncture, and serum samples were collected on 3 consecutive days via jugular venipuncture. Concentrations of free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate were greater in cows with severe fatty liver. Milk production, dry matter intake, and concentration of glucose were all lower in cows with severe fatty liver. Activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyl transferase were all greater in cows with severe fatty liver. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were also markedly greater in cows with severe fatty liver. The mRNA expression of autophagosome formation-related gene ULK1 was lower in the liver of dairy cows with severe fatty liver. However, the expression of other autophagosome formation-related genes, beclin 1 (BECN1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (PIK3C3), autophagy-related gene (ATG) 3, ATG5, and ATG12, did not differ. More important, ubiquitinated proteins, protein expression of sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, also called p62), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3, also called LC3)-II was greater in cows with severe fatty liver. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagosomes in the liver of dairy cows with severe fatty liver. Taken together, these results indicate that excessive lipid infiltration of the liver impairs autophagic activity that may lead to cellular damage and inflammation. Show less
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-envir Show more
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-environment interaction, has exhibited a strong association with obesity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNA methylation and childhood obesity, and further uncover the potential association of aberrantly methylated genes with obesity. DNA samples of peripheral blood leukocytes from three obese subjects (mean BMI: 21.67) and 4 age/sex matched controls (mean BMI: 14.92) were subjected to Infinium Human Methylation 450 Bead Array analysis. A total of more than 4 85 000 methylation sites were identified across the genome, and 226 methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) were differentially methylated between these two groups. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG Pathway analyses showed that these DMCpGs were mainly engaged in immunity and lipoprotein metabolism, indicating their physiological significance. Further verification of the candidate CpG sites within the HDAC4, RAX2, APOA5, CES1, and SLC25A20 gene loci, were performed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) in a cohort of 42 controls and 39 obese cases. The results revealed that methylation levels within HDAC4 and RAX2 loci were positively associated with obesity, while the methylation levels of loci within APOA5 and CES1 loci were negatively correlated with obesity. Thus, alterations in methylation of CpG sites of specific genes may contribute to childhood obesity, which provide novel insights into the aetiology of obesity. Show less
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue Show more
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, we used Fas-deficient MRL/lpr and Caspase 3 Show less
Chun-Han Chen, Chun A Changou, Tsung-Han Hsieh+9 more · 2018 · Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research · added 2026-04-24
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduc Show more
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduced FADS1 expression and intra-hepatic fat accumulation. However, the relationship between FADS1 expression and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk remains to be explored. We analyzed FADS1 transcription levels and their association with intra-hepatic fat and histology in children, and we performed pathway enrichment analysis on transcriptomic profiles associated with FADS1 polymorphisms. We also evaluated the weight of FADS1 alleles on the response to combined docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and vitamin E (DHA-CHO-VE) treatment. FADS1 mRNA level was significantly and inversely associated with intra-hepatic fat (p = 0.004), degree of steatosis (p = 0.03), fibrosis (p = 0.05), and NASH (p = 0.008) among pediatric livers. Transcriptomics demonstrated a significant enrichment of a number of pathways strongly related to NAFLD (e.g., liver damage, fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cell activation). Compared to children who are common allele homozygotes, children with FADS1 minor alleles had a greater reduction in steatosis, fibrosis, and NAFLD activity score after DHA-CHO-VE. This study suggests that decreased FADS1 expression may be associated with NAFLD in children but an increased response to DHA-CHO-VE. Show less
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic muta Show more
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic mutations were present by whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that presented during adolescence. Blood samples and clinical data were collected from individuals in two families with HCM. DNA was extracted. Mutations were identified using whole-exome sequencing (WES), and the genotypes of family members were identified using Sanger sequencing. Compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene (c.659A > G, p.Tyr220Cys; c.772G > A, p.Glu258Lys,NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 1), (c.873delG, p. Ile292PhefsTer8; c.3G > A, p.Met1?, NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 2) were identified by WES. Patient 1 carried the maternally inherited c.659A > G mutation and the paternally inherited c.772G > A mutation. Patient 2 carried the maternally inherited frameshift mutation c.873delG and the paternally inherited mutation c.3G > A. Two families with HCM presenting during adolescence (age of onset is about 11 years old) demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene. These findings suggested an association of MYBPC3 mutations with the early onset of symptoms and worsened prognoses. Our study highlights the importance of genetic screening of all family members in cases of HCM. Show less
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, Show more
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety characteristics of anacetrapib following single doses in healthy, young Japanese men. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-panel, single-rising-dose study, 6 healthy young Japanese male or white male subjects (aged 19 to 44 years) received single oral doses of 5 to 500 mg anacetrapib, and 2 received placebo. Plasma and urine drug concentrations were measured 0-168 hours postdose, and plasma CETP inhibition was measured 0-24 hours postdose. Urinary anacetrapib levels were all below quantitation limits. Plasma concentrations of anacetrapib increased approximately less than dose-proportionally. Consumption of a traditional Japanese breakfast prior to dosing increased the plasma pharmacokinetics of anacetrapib in Japanese subjects compared with fasted conditions, to a similar extent as in white subjects. CETP activity measured over 0-24 hours postdose resulted in significant inhibition. Anacetrapib was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse experiences. No clinically meaningful differences in PK and CETP inhibition parameters were found between Japanese and white subjects. Show less
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and re Show more
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and responsible for organizing the numerous protein complexes required for synaptic development and plasticity. Genetic studies have associated MAGUKs with diseases like autism and schizophrenia, but knockout mice show severe, complex defects with difficult-to-interpret behavioral abnormalities due to major motor dysfunction which is atypical for psychiatric phenotypes. Therefore, rather than studying loss-of-function mutants, we comprehensively investigated the behavioral consequences of reduced PSD95 expression, using heterozygous PSD95 knockout mice (PSD95 Show less
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE Show more
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE genes were associated with and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in US population. However, the associations of these loci with HAV or HEV infection in Chinese Han population remain unclear. A total of 3082 Chinese Han persons were included in this study. Anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotypes in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1, APOA4 and APOE SNPs were determined by TaqMan MGB technology. In Chinese Han population, rs1045642 C to T variation in ABCB1 was significantly associated with the decreased risk of HAV infection (P < 0.05). However, the effect direction was different with the previous US study. Rs1001581 A to G variation in XRCC1, which was not identified in US population, was significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection in our samples (P < 0.05). In addition, our results suggested that rs7412 C to T variation in APOE was significantly associated with lower risk of HEV infection in males (adjusted OR < 1.0, P < 0.05) but not in females. ABCB1 and XRCC1 genes variants are significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection. Additionally, Chinese Han males with rs7412 C to T variation in APOE gene are less prone to be infected by HEV. Show less
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised Show more
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised to further confirm the relationship between specific bacteria in the colon and body weight gain, and to investigate how specific bacteria impact body weight by changing the expression of colonic epithelial cells. Forty obese rats were divided into four groups: three catechin-supplemented groups with a high-FOS diet (100, 400, and 700 mg kg-1 d-1 catechin, orally administered) and one group with a high-FOS diet only. Food consumption and body weights were recorded each week. After one month of treatment, rats' cecal content and colonic epithelial cells were individually collected and analyzed with MiSeq and gene expression profiling techniques, respectively. Results identified some specific bacteria at the genus level-including the increased Parabacteroides sp., Prevotella sp., Robinsoniella sp., [Ruminococcus], Phascolarctobacterium sp. and an unknown genus of YS2, and the decreased Lachnospira sp., Oscillospira sp., Ruminococcus sp., an unknown genus of Peptococcaceae and an unknown genus of Clostridiales in rats' cecum-and eight genes-including one downregulated Pla2g2a and seven upregulated genes: Apoa1, Apoa4, Aabr07073400.1, Fabp4, Pik3r5, Dgat2 and Ptgs2 of colonic epithelial cells-that were due to the consumption of catechin. Consequently, various biological functions in connection with energy metabolism in colonic epithelial cells were altered, including fat digestion and absorption and the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. In conclusion, catechin induces host weight loss by altering gut microbiota and gene expression and function in colonic epithelial cells. Show less
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be capable of differentiating into endothelial cells (ECs), however, the differentiation efficiency is rather low. Sonic hedgehog Show more
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be capable of differentiating into endothelial cells (ECs), however, the differentiation efficiency is rather low. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), an important factor in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis, exerted promotional effect on new vessel formation in the ischemic animal models. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether Shh could induce the endothelial differentiation of BMSCs both The current study over-expressed Shh in BMSCs by lentivirus transduction. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed to determine the angiogenic factors in both control BMSCs and Shh over-expressed BMSCs. Immunocytochemistry was also conducted to examine the EC markers. Angiogenesis was determined by Shh expression was increased by about 3,000-fold and 5,000-fold at 3 days-transfection and 7 days-transfection, respectively. Patched 1 (Ptch1), the receptor for Shh, had a two-fold increase after transduction. The angiogenic factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) had at least a 1.5-fold increase after transduction. Expression of EC-lineage markers, CD31 and VE-cadherin, on Shh-overexpressed BMSCs were increasingly detected by immunocytostaining. Angiogenesis of BMSCs could be efficiently induced by Shh overexpression in the This study demonstrated that Shh could promote endothelial differentiation of BMSCs via VEGF-D. Show less
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in a Show more
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in atherogenesis remains unclear. We herein aimed to assess the effect of AT-exosomes on macrophage foam cell formation and polarization and subsequent atherosclerosis development. Four types of exosomes isolated from the supernatants of ex vivo subcutaneous AT and visceral AT (VAT) explants that were derived from wild-type mice and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were effectively taken up by RAW264.7 macrophages. Both treatment with wild-type VAT exosomes and HFD-VAT exosomes, but not subcutaneous AT exosomes, markedly facilitated macrophage foam cell generation through the downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1 and ABCG1)-mediated cholesterol efflux. Decreased expression of liver X receptor-α was also observed. Among the 4 types of exosomes, only HFD-VAT exosomes significantly induced M1 phenotype transition and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6) secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 but not the cellular expression of NF-κB-p65 or IκB-α. Furthermore, systematic intravenous injection of HFD-VAT exosomes profoundly exacerbated atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, as indicated by the M1 marker (CD16/32 and inducible nitric oxide synthase)-positive areas and the Oil Red O/Sudan IV-stained area, without affecting the plasma lipid profile and body weight. This study demonstrated a proatherosclerotic role for HFD-VAT exosomes, which is exerted by regulating macrophage foam cell formation and polarization, indicating a novel link between AT and atherosclerosis in the context of obesity. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs). Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which is involved in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether DUSP6 has a protective effect on Aβ-induced NSC injury remains to be explored. C17.2 neural stem cells were transfected with DUSP6-overexpressed plasmid. NSCs with or without DUSP6 overexpression were administrated with Aβ25⁻35 at various concentrations (i.e., 0, 2.5, 5 μM). DUSP6 expression after Aβ treatment was detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot and cell vitality was examined by the CCK8 assay. The oxidative stress (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER calcium level) and mitochondrial dysfunction (cytochrome c homeostasis) were tested. The expression of Show less
Ammonia is a toxic by-product of protein catabolism and is involved in changes in glutamate metabolism. Therefore, ammonia metabolism genes may link a range of diseases involving glutamate signaling s Show more
Ammonia is a toxic by-product of protein catabolism and is involved in changes in glutamate metabolism. Therefore, ammonia metabolism genes may link a range of diseases involving glutamate signaling such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We analyzed data from a National Institute on Aging study with a family-based design to determine if 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutaminase (GLS), carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), or glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) genes were associated with AD, MDD, or T2D using PLINK software. HAPLOVIEW software was used to calculate linkage disequilibrium measures for the SNPs. Next, we analyzed the associated variations for potential effects on transcriptional control sites to identify possible functional effects of the SNPs. Of the SNPs that passed the quality control tests, four SNPs in the GLS gene were significantly associated with AD, two SNPs in the GLS gene were associated with T2D, and one SNP in the GLUL gene and three SNPs in the CPS1 gene were associated with MDD before Bonferroni correction. The in silico bioinformatic analysis suggested probable functional roles for six associated SNPs. Glutamate signaling pathways have been implicated in all these diseases, and other studies have detected similar brain pathologies such as cortical thinning in AD, MDD, and T2D. Taken together, these data potentially link GLS with AD, GLS with T2D, and CPS1 and GLUL with MDD and stimulate the generation of testable hypotheses that may help explain the molecular basis of pathologies shared by these disorders. Show less
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastroi Show more
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastrointestinal mucosa, gut-derived molecules may directly modulate the activity of vagal afferents through GPCRs. However, the types of GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents are largely unknown. Here, we determined the expression profile of all GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents of the mouse, with a special emphasis on those innervating the gastrointestinal tract. Using a combination of high-throughput quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing, and in situ hybridization, we systematically quantified GPCRs expressed in vagal unmyelinated Na GPCRs for gut hormones that were the most enriched in Na Overall, this study provides a comprehensive description of GPCR-dependent sensing mechanisms in vagal afferents, including novel coexpression patterns, and conceivably coaction of key receptors for gut-derived molecules involved in gut-brain communication. Show less
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple new loci which appear to alter coronary artery disease (CAD) risk via arterial wall-specific mechanisms. One of the annotated gen Show more
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple new loci which appear to alter coronary artery disease (CAD) risk via arterial wall-specific mechanisms. One of the annotated genes encodes LMOD1 (Leiomodin 1), a member of the actin filament nucleator family that is highly enriched in smooth muscle-containing tissues such as the artery wall. However, it is still unknown whether LMOD1 is the causal gene at this locus and also how the associated variants alter LMOD1 expression/function and CAD risk. Using epigenomic profiling we recently identified a non-coding regulatory variant, rs34091558, which is in tight linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the lead CAD GWAS variant, rs2820315. Herein we demonstrate through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and statistical fine-mapping in GTEx, STARNET, and human coronary artery smooth muscle cell (HCASMC) datasets, rs34091558 is the top regulatory variant for LMOD1 in vascular tissues. Position weight matrix (PWM) analyses identify the protective allele rs34091558-TA to form a conserved Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) binding motif, which is disrupted by the risk allele rs34091558-A. FOXO3 chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays show reduced FOXO3 binding and LMOD1 transcriptional activity by the risk allele, consistent with effects of FOXO3 downregulation on LMOD1. LMOD1 knockdown results in increased proliferation and migration and decreased cell contraction in HCASMC, and immunostaining in atherosclerotic lesions in the SMC lineage tracing reporter mouse support a key role for LMOD1 in maintaining the differentiated SMC phenotype. These results provide compelling functional evidence that genetic variation is associated with dysregulated LMOD1 expression/function in SMCs, together contributing to the heritable risk for CAD. Show less
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription- Show more
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyse the mRNA expression of arterial markers and western blot analysis was performed to analyse protein expression of angiogenic markers. Additionally, in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate vascular-like structure formation. The secreted protein expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of SHEDs after shear stress was also quantified using corresponding ELISA kits. Untreated SHEDs seeded on Matrigel cannot form vessel-like structures at any time points, whereas groups treated with shear stress formed a few vessel-like structures at 4, 8 and 12 h. When SHEDs were treated with EphrinB2-siRNA for 24, the capability of vessel-like structure formation was suppressed. After being treated with shear stress, the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, DLL4, Notch1, EphrinB2, Hey1 and Hey2 (arterial markers) gene expression was significantly upregulated, moreover, the protein levels of VEGFR2, EphrinB2, CD31, Notch1, DLL4, Hey1, and Hey2 were also significantly up-regulated. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB4 (venous marker) were downregulated. The average VEGF protein concentration in supernatants secreted by shear stress treated SHEDs groups increased significantly. In conclusion, shear stress was able to induce arterial endothelial differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and VEGF-DLL4/Notch‑EphrinB2 signaling was involved in this process. Show less
The genetic component of dyslipidemia has been studied in adults but little in older population. It is remains unknown regarding influence and interaction of APOA5 gene single nucleotide polymorphism Show more
The genetic component of dyslipidemia has been studied in adults but little in older population. It is remains unknown regarding influence and interaction of APOA5 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and habitual aerobic exercise (HAE) on changes of blood lipids and lipoprotein phenotypes in older Chinese adults. Four-hundred-twenty-three old Chinese individuals with HAE were divided into hyperlipidemia and normal groups. We genotyped polymorphic loci using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry detection technology (MALDI-TOF). HAE level was assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scale. For three genotypes of rs662799 site, the AG + GG gene carriers presented higher risk of hyperlipidemia compared to the AA carriers, with the ratio of 1.676 (P = .018, 95% CI: 1.092-2.571) for the AG and 1.812 (P = .002, 95% CI: 1.247-2.632) for the GG, respectively. The rs662799 G allele was significantly associated with lower HDL-C but higher TG levels. In relation to different HAE levels, less interaction was observed between the AA carriers and different HAE levels on corresponding lipids changes. The AG + GG carriers with higher HAE levels had significantly lower TG responses compared to those with lower HAE levels (1.45 ± 0.74 mmol/L vs. 1.86 ± 1.15 mmol/L). Excess risk for low HDL-C and hyperlipidemia was associated with rs662799 genotype alleles of APOA5 SNPs in older Chinese adults. Interaction of gene-HAE and HAE levels may induce different responses of blood lipids and lipoprotein phenotypes. HAE levels have less influence on TG changes in the AA carriers; however, high HAE levels appeared to greatly impact TG responses in the AG + GG carriers. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary tumor of the liver, has a poor prognosis and shows rapid progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progre Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary tumor of the liver, has a poor prognosis and shows rapid progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) are critical for defining G-protein-dependent signal fidelity. RGS17 plays an important role in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Here, we showed that miR-199 was downregulated in a hepatocarcinoma cell line. Overexpression of miR-199 significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. RGS17 overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and reversed the miR-199 mediated inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dual-fluorescence reporter experiments confirmed that miR-199 downregulated RGS17 by direct interaction with the 3'-UTR of RGS17 mRNA. In vivo studies showed that miR-199 overexpression significantly inhibited the growth of tumors. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-199 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis by targeting RGS17. Show less
Haiyan Zhang, Yujie Lang, Kaihui Zhang+3 more · 2018 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were conf Show more
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the proband and her parents. Potential impact of the mutation was predicted with SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and MutationTaste software. Plasma ammonia and alanine were significantly increased in the proband, while serum citrulline was decreased. The neonate was found to harbor compound heterozygous mutations of the CPS1 gene [c.1631C>T(p.T544M) and c.1981G>T(p.G661C)], which were respectively inherited from her father and mother. The carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency of the proband can probably be attributed to the mutations of the CPS1 gene. Above finding has expanded the spectrum of CPS1 mutations in association with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2018.06.017
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21 Show more
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), known as hepatokines, play important roles in lipid metabolism. The purposes of our study were to evaluate variations of serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and changes in these serum analyte concentrations of energy-related metabolic disorders in early lactation dairy cows. This study was divided into two experiments. Experiment I: Blood parameters were measured in healthy periparturient Holstein cows from 4 wk antepartum to 4 wk postpartum (n = 219). In this experiment, weekly blood samples were obtained from 4 wk before the expected calving date through 4 wk after calving. Experiment II: Blood parameters were measured in healthy cows (n = 30) and cows with clinical ketosis (n = 29) and fatty liver (n = 25) within the first 4 wk of lactation. In the present study, all blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in the early morning before feeding. Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations peaked at parturition, and declined rapidly over the following 2 wk Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration (r = 0.856, P = 003; r = 0.848, P = 0.004, respectively). Cows with clinical ketosis and fatty liver had significantly higher serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations than healthy cows (P < 0.01). Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were elevated during peripartum period, suggesting that energy balance changes that were associated with parturition contributed significantly to these effects. Although FGF21 and ANGPTL4 could play important roles in the adaptation of energy metabolism, they may be involved in the pathological processes of energy metabolism disorders of dairy cows in the peripartum period. Show less
Platelet αIIbβ3 integrin and its ligands are essential for thrombosis and hemostasis, and play key roles in myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we show that apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can be iso Show more
Platelet αIIbβ3 integrin and its ligands are essential for thrombosis and hemostasis, and play key roles in myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we show that apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can be isolated from human blood plasma using platelet β3 integrin-coated beads. Binding of apoA-IV to platelets requires activation of αIIbβ3 integrin, and the direct apoA-IV-αIIbβ3 interaction can be detected using a single-molecule Biomembrane Force Probe. We identify that aspartic acids 5 and 13 at the N-terminus of apoA-IV are required for binding to αIIbβ3 integrin, which is additionally modulated by apoA-IV C-terminus via intra-molecular interactions. ApoA-IV inhibits platelet aggregation and postprandial platelet hyperactivity. Human apoA-IV plasma levels show a circadian rhythm that negatively correlates with platelet aggregation and cardiovascular events. Thus, we identify apoA-IV as a novel ligand of αIIbβ3 integrin and an endogenous inhibitor of thrombosis, establishing a link between lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Show less
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the Show more
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the wide variety of cardiac defects. Furthermore, it was reported that, in contrast to other organs, Notch doesn't regulate Hey2 in the heart. To determine the expression pattern and the regulation of Hey2, we used novel methods including RNAscope and a Hey2 Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >250 loci for body mass index (BMI), implicating pathways related to neuronal biology. Most GWAS loci represent clusters of common, noncoding var Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >250 loci for body mass index (BMI), implicating pathways related to neuronal biology. Most GWAS loci represent clusters of common, noncoding variants from which pinpointing causal genes remains challenging. Here we combined data from 718,734 individuals to discover rare and low-frequency (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 5%) coding variants associated with BMI. We identified 14 coding variants in 13 genes, of which 8 variants were in genes (ZBTB7B, ACHE, RAPGEF3, RAB21, ZFHX3, ENTPD6, ZFR2 and ZNF169) newly implicated in human obesity, 2 variants were in genes (MC4R and KSR2) previously observed to be mutated in extreme obesity and 2 variants were in GIPR. The effect sizes of rare variants are ~10 times larger than those of common variants, with the largest effect observed in carriers of an MC4R mutation introducing a stop codon (p.Tyr35Ter, MAF = 0.01%), who weighed ~7 kg more than non-carriers. Pathway analyses based on the variants associated with BMI confirm enrichment of neuronal genes and provide new evidence for adipocyte and energy expenditure biology, widening the potential of genetically supported therapeutic targets in obesity. Show less
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells throug Show more
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells through directed induction. However, in culture, HuAECs tend to lose their pluripotency, and their directed differentiation capability declines with increasing passage number. The stem cell pluripotency factor octamer‑binding protein 4 (Oct4) is an important transcription factor that promotes stem cell self‑proliferation and maintains their pluripotency. Previous studies have demonstrated that WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) negatively regulates Oct4 expression and stem cell pluripotency. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the regulation of WWP2 by microRNAs (miRs), and to evaluate the expression of the downstream factor Oct4 and the maintenance of HuAEC pluripotency. Bioinformatics analysis identified a complementary binding site for miR‑32 in the 3'untranslated region of the WWP2 gene, thus suggesting that it may be a target gene of miR‑32. Post‑infection of HuAECs with a vector overexpressing miR‑32, the endogenous expression of WWP2 was significantly decreased, whereas Oct4 expression was significantly increased. Furthermore, miR‑32‑infected cells differentiated into β islet‑like cells by directed induction. The results indicated that after induction, HuAECs overexpressing miR‑32 also overexpressed the biomarkers of β islet‑like cells. In addition, the ability to secrete insulin was markedly enhanced in response to glucose stimulation, in cells overexpressing miR‑32. In conclusion, the present study suggested that miR‑32 may effectively inhibit WWP2 expression in HuAECs and promote Oct4 overexpression to maintain their pluripotency. Show less
Zijie Su, Jiaxing Song, Zhongyuan Wang+10 more · 2018 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, pr Show more
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, previous genetic analysis has been limited by lacking of related observation of gene to AP. The expanding genetic sequencing including 15 TG-related genes (LPL, LMF1, APOC2, GPIHBP1, GCKR, ANGPTL3, APOB, APOA1-A4-C3-A5, TRIB1, CETP, APOE, and LIPI) was performed within 103 patients who were diagnosed with primary SHTG and 46 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Rare variants were found in 46 patients and 12 controls. The detection rate of rare variants in SHTG group increased by 19·5% via intensive genetic analysis. Presence of rare variants in LPL, APOA5, five LPL molecular regulating genes and all the sequenced genes were found to be associated with SHTG (p < 0·05). Of noted, patients with history of AP presented higher frequency of rare variants in LPL gene and all the LPL molecular regulating genes (27·8% vs.4·7% and 50·0% vs. 20·0%). The risk scores for SHTG determined by common TG-associated variants were increased in subgroups according to the extent of SHTG when they were compared with that of controls. Finally, patients without rare variants within SHTG group also presented higher risk scores than control group (p < 0·05). Expanding genetic analysis had a higher detection rate of rare variants in patients with SHTG. Rare variants in LPL and its molecular regulating genes could increase the risk of AP among Chinese patients with SHTG. FUND: This work was partially supported by the Capital Health Development Fund (201614035) and CAMS. Major Collaborative Innovation Project (2016-I2M-1-011) awarded to Dr. Jian-Jun Li, MD, PhD. Show less