Yi-Hung Chen

China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan

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Publications (65)166.32 Total impact

  • Article: Ex-situ CO2 Capture by Carbonation of Steelmaking Slag Coupled with Metalworking Wastewater in a Rotating Packed Bed.
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    ABSTRACT: Both basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag and cold-rolling wastewater (CRW) exhibiting highly alkaline characteristics require stabilization and neutralization prior to utilization and/or final disposal. Using CO2 from flue gases as the stabilizing and neutralizing agents could also diminish CO2 emissions. In this investigation, ex-situ hot stove gas containing 30 vol% CO2 in the steelmaking process was captured by accelerated carbonation of BOF slag coupled with CRW in a rotating packed bed (RPB). The developed RPB process exhibits superior results, with significant CO2 removal efficiency (η) of 96-99% in flue gas achieved within a short reaction time of 1 min at 25 oC and 1 atm. Calcite (CaCO3) was identified as the main product according to XRD and SEM-XEDS observations. In addition, the elimination of lime and Ca(OH)2 in the BOF slag during carbonation is beneficial to its further use as construction material. Consequently, the developed RPB process could capture the CO2 from the flue gas, neutralize the CRW, and demonstrate the utilization potential for BOF slag. It was also concluded that carbonation of BOF slag coupled with CRW in an RPB is a viable method for CO2 capture due to its higher mass transfer rate and CO2 removal efficiency in a short reaction time.
    Environmental Science & Technology 03/2013; · 4.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Accelerated carbonation of steelmaking slags in a high-gravity rotating packed bed.
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    ABSTRACT: Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) sequestration using the accelerated carbonation of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag in a high-gravity rotating packed bed (RPB) under various operational conditions was investigated. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, rotation speed and slurry flow rate on the CO(2) sequestration process were evaluated. The samples of reacted slurry were analyzed quantitatively using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and qualitatively using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sequestration experiments were performed at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20:1 with a flow rate of 2.5 L min(-1) of a pure CO(2) stream under atmospheric temperature and pressure. The results show that a maximum conversion of BOF slag was 93.5% at a reaction time of 30 min and a rotation speed of 750 rpm at 65°C. The experimental data were utilized to determine the rate-limiting mechanism based on the shrinking core model (SCM), which was validated by the observations of SEM and TEM. Accelerated carbonation in a RPB was confirmed to be a viable method due to its higher mass-transfer rate.
    Journal of hazardous materials 05/2012; 227-228:97-106. · 4.14 Impact Factor
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    Article: Acupuncture for the treatment of opiate addiction.
    Jaung-Geng Lin, Yuan-Yu Chan, Yi-Hung Chen
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    ABSTRACT: Acupuncture is an accepted treatment worldwide for various clinical conditions, and the effects of acupuncture on opiate addiction have been investigated in many clinical trials. The present review systematically analyzed data from randomized clinical trials published in Chinese and English since 1970. We found that the majority agreed on the efficacy of acupuncture as a strategy for the treatment of opiate addiction. However, some of the methods in several included trials have been criticized for their poor quality. This review summarizes the quality of the study design, the types of acupuncture applied, the commonly selected acupoints or sites of the body, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the possible mechanism underlying the effectiveness of acupuncture in these trials.
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 01/2012; 2012:739045. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: The role of acupuncture in cancer supportive care.
    Jaung-Geng Lin, Yi-Hung Chen
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    ABSTRACT: Acupuncture has many beneficial effects during cancer therapy and has proven efficacy in the management of side effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we discussed the benefits of acupuncture on cancer patients. In cancer pain management, acupuncture is effective for head and neck pain, waist pain, abdominal and chest pain. Many studies confirm the excellent efficacy of acupuncture against symptoms of vomiting and nausea, including those induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy may develop xerostomia, which may be relieved by acupuncture. Acupuncture may also cause sedative and hypnotic effects in cancer patients for treating nervousness and insomnia.
    The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 01/2012; 40(2):219-29. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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    Article: How to design the control group in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture?
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    ABSTRACT: In evidence-based medicine, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the preferred method for evaluating the efficacy of interventions. In regard to acupuncture RCTs, the most difficult issues are the design of the control group and implementation of the principle of "double-blinding." We compared the advantages and limitations associated with different control group designs in acupuncture RCTs, to assist researchers in this field.
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 01/2012; 2012:875284. · 4.77 Impact Factor
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    Chapter: Acupuncture Analgesia Research and Clinical Practice in Taiwan
    Jaung-Geng Lin, Yi-Hung Chen
    10/2011; , ISBN: 978-953-307-410-8
  • Article: CCN3 increases BMP-4 expression and bone mineralization in osteoblasts.
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    ABSTRACT: The nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV) gene, also called CCN3, regulates differentiation of skeletal mesenchymal cells. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, but the effects of CCN3 on BMP expression and bone formation in cultured osteoblasts are largely unknown. Here we found that CCN3 increased BMP-4 expression and bone nodule formation in cultured osteoblast. Monoclonal antibodies for α5β1 and αvβ5 integrins, and inhibitors of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), p38, and JNK, all inhibited CCN3-induced bone nodule formation and BMP-4 up-regulation of osteoblasts. CCN3 stimulation increased the kinase activity of ILK and phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. Inhibitors of activator protein-1 (AP-1) also suppressed bone nodule formation and BMP-4 expression enhanced by CCN3. Moreover, CCN3-induced c-Jun translocation into the nucleus, and the binding of c-Jun to the AP-1 element on the BMP-4 promoter were both inhibited by specific inhibitors of the ILK, p38, and JNK cascades. Taken together, our results provide evidence that CCN3 enhances BMP-4 expression and bone nodule formation in osteoblasts, and that the integrin receptor, ILK, p38, JNK, and AP-1 signaling pathways may be involved.
    Journal of Cellular Physiology 08/2011; 227(6):2531-41. · 3.87 Impact Factor
  • Article: CO2 sequestration by carbonation of steelmaking slags in an autoclave reactor.
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    ABSTRACT: Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) sequestration experiments using the accelerated carbonation of three types of steelmaking slags, i.e., ultra-fine (UF) slag, fly-ash (FA) slag, and blended hydraulic slag cement (BHC), were performed in an autoclave reactor. The effects of reaction time, liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), temperature, CO(2) pressure, and initial pH on CO(2) sequestration were evaluated. Two different CO(2) pressures were chosen: the normal condition (700 psig) and the supercritical condition (1300 psig). The carbonation conversion was determined quantitatively by using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The major factors that affected the conversion were reaction time (5 min to 12h) and temperature (40-160°C). The BHC was found to have the highest carbonation conversion of approximately 68%, corresponding to a capacity of 0.283 kg CO(2)/kg BHC, in 12h at 700 psig and 160°C. In addition, the carbonation products were confirmed to be mainly in CaCO(3), which was determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to analyze samples before and after carbonation. Furthermore, reaction kinetics were expressed with a surface coverage model, and the carbon footprint of the developed technology in this investigation was calculated by a life cycle assessment (LCA).
    Journal of hazardous materials 08/2011; 195:107-14. · 4.14 Impact Factor
  • Article: Efficient mineralization of dimethyl phthalate by catalytic ozonation using TiO2/Al2O3 catalyst.
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    ABSTRACT: The removal of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), which is a pollutant of concern in water environments, was carried out by catalytic ozonation with TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalysts. The heterogeneous catalytic ozonation was an ozonation process combined with the catalytic and adsorptive properties of the TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalysts to significantly accelerate the mineralization efficiency. Semi-batch ozonation was performed under various experimental conditions including the fed ozone concentration, catalyst type, catalyst dosage, and ultraviolet radiation on the degradation of DMP. The complete removal of DMP was efficiently achieved by both sole and catalytic ozonation; meanwhile, the presence of the catalysts slightly accelerated the elimination rate of DMP. On the other hand, the mineralization efficiency, in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) removal, was substantially enhanced by employing the TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst. The mineralization efficiency using the TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst was the highest, followed in decreasing order by the Al(2)O(3) catalyst, the TiO(2) catalyst, and sole ozonation. In addition, the use of the TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst would increase the utilization efficiency of the fed ozone, especially in the late ozonation period. Furthermore, the decrease in the catalytic activity of the TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) catalyst after multi-run experiments can be mostly recovered by an incineration process at a high temperature.
    Journal of hazardous materials 06/2011; 192(3):1017-25. · 4.14 Impact Factor
  • Article: Energy life cycle assessment of rice straw bio-energy derived from potential gasification technologies.
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    ABSTRACT: To be a viable alternative, a biofuel should provide a net energy gain and be capable of being produced in large quantities without reducing food supplies. Amounts of agricultural waste are produced and require treatment, with rice straw contributing the greatest source of such potential bio-fuel in Taiwan. Through life-cycle accounting, several energy indicators and four potential gasification technologies (PGT) were evaluated. The input energy steps for the energy life cycle assessment (ELCA) include collection, generator, torrefaction, crushing, briquetting, transportation, energy production, condensation, air pollution control and distribution of biofuels to the point of end use. Every PGT has a positive energy benefit. The input of energy required for the transportation and pre-treatment are major steps in the ELCA. On-site briquetting of refused-derived fuel (RDF) provides an alternative means of reducing transportation energy requirements. Bio-energy sources, such as waste rice straw, provide an ideal material for the bio-fuel plant.
    Bioresource technology 06/2011; 102(12):6735-41. · 4.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: The mechanistic studies of acupuncture and moxibustion in Taiwan.
    Jaung-Geng Lin, Yi-Hung Chen
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    ABSTRACT: Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a history of over 2500 years. It is effective in the treatment of many conditions with few side effects. The best known mechanism is via endogenous opiates and their receptors. In addition to opioids, researchers have focused on the role of central monoamimergic systems. Acupuncture therapy is used not only to relieve pain but also to treat various medical conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Some experiments have revealed a relationship between acupuncture and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) can modulate the imbalance between innate and acquired immune systems. This review is focusing on the mechanistic studies of acupuncture that my colleagues and I have performed in Taiwan in recent years. We found that EA analgesia was closely related to not only the serotonergic neurons but also the adrenergic neurons in the central nervous system. The electrophysiological recordings suggested the involvement of the cerebral cortex in acupuncture. Local somatothermal stimulation inhibited the motility of sphincter of Oddi and internal anal sphincter through nitrergic neural release of nitric oxide. Mild local heat stress upregulated hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 70 and protected the liver from subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury. These studies supplement the knowledge of the mechanism of acupuncture.
    Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine 03/2011; 17(3):177-86. · 0.80 Impact Factor
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    Article: Cardioprotective effects of luteolin during ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Antioxidants effectively reduce ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The cardioprotective effects of luteolin, a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant properties and is widely available in many fruits and vegetables, were examined in rats subjected to myocardial IR injury. Rats were subjected to myocardial ischemia or reperfusion injury to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effects of luteolin. Myocardial infarct size was determined histochemically with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining of the left ventricle. Luteolin was administered intravenously 15min before occlusion of the coronary artery. The incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation and mortality during myocardial ischemia were significantly reduced by luteolin (10µg/kg). Similarly, luteolin (1µg/kg) reduced ventricular arrhythmias and mortality during the reperfusion phase. Pretreatment with luteolin decreased plasma lactate dehydrogenase and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Luteolin (10µg/kg) significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size, as well as malondialdehyde production in tissue samples of myocardial IR injury. Luteolin also downregulated inducible NO synthase protein and mRNA expression, but did not significantly alter neuronal NO synthase or endothelial NO synthase expression. Luteolin is capable of protecting the myocardium against IR injury. The actions of luteolin are at least partly mediated through downregulation of NO production and its own antioxidant properties.
    Circulation Journal 02/2011; 75(2):443-50. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Performance evaluation for carbonation of steel-making slags in a slurry reactor.
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    ABSTRACT: CO(2) sequestration by the aqueous carbonation of steel-making slag under various operational conditions was investigated in this study. The effects of the operational conditions, including type of steel-making slag, reaction time, reaction temperature, and CO(2) flow rate, on the performance of the carbonation process were evaluated. The results indicated that the BOF slag had the highest carbonation conversion, approximately 72%, at a reaction time of 1h, an operating pressure of 101 kPa and a temperature of 60°C due to its higher BET surface area of BOF slag compared to UF, FA, and BHC slags. The major factors affecting the carbonation conversion are reaction time and temperature. The reaction kinetics of the carbonation conversion can be expressed by the shrinking-core model. The measurements of the carbonated material by the SEM and XRD instruments provide evidence indicating the suitability of using the shrinking-core model in this investigation. Comparison of the results with other studies suggests that aqueous carbonation by slurry reactor is viable due to its higher mass transfer rate.
    Journal of hazardous materials 02/2011; 186(1):558-64. · 4.14 Impact Factor
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    Article: Episodes of injuries and frequent usage of traditional Chinese medicine for Taiwanese elite wrestling athletes.
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    ABSTRACT: Wrestling normally places extreme demands on the body and thus may cause various kinds of injuries. An in-depth understanding of the episodes of injured sites, types, timings, and treatment modalities would help participants be aware of wrestling-related injury occurrences so as to develop effective preventive measures. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the gender-specific injuries among elite wrestling athletes. Subjects were selected from the 2009 Taiwanese National Wrestling Sport Championship. Participants were adolescent wrestling athletes, ages 16-18, who must have received at least one bronze medal at national level tournaments in 2008. A total of 118 respondents, 96 males and 22 females, completed and returned the questionnaire in which demographic data and information about the types, sites, and timings of injuries suffered and treatment modalities adopted were elicited. The data were analyzed with independent t-tests. The questionnaire results revealed a significantly higher injury rate for males than for females. The top three injured sites for males were waist (11.1%), ankle joint (10.1%) and finger (9.6%); while for females were ankle joint (13.6%), knee (12.5%) and waist (11.3%). Contusions were the most frequent type of injury: for males (73.5%) and for females (70.6%); followed by tendon inflammation for males (10.7%) and accumulated injuries for females (15.2%). During training and matching periods, the frequency of injuries for males (69.0%) is lower than that for females (81.8%). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with acupuncture and moxibustion was the most common treatment modalities used for males (51.8%) and for females (68.0%); followed by orthopedics: for males (29.5%) and for females (18.0%). The present study contributed as the first effort to reveal the potency of using TCM with acupuncture and moxibustion in wrestling competitions. To prevent possible brain and body injuries in wrestling, safety education, skills and rules, and scoring systems may require further revision. Increased training of wrestling health professionals and advanced research and development of auxiliary training devices and protective equipment for wrestling athletes are also recommended.
    The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 01/2011; 39(2):233-41. · 1.98 Impact Factor
  • Article: Biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil and its blending properties in different fatty acid compositions.
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    ABSTRACT: The feasibility of biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil was investigated with respect to the transesterification yield and biodiesel properties. Tung oil has poor oxidation stability due to the instability of the conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds in the alpha-elaeostearic acid. The methyl elaeostearate is the predominant component (82.2 wt.%) of the tung oil biodiesel. The tung oil biodiesel has the low cold filter plugging point of -11 degrees C, ester content of 94.9 wt.%, and oxidation stability (110 degrees C) of 0.3h. Moreover, the tung oil biodiesel exhibits the high density of 903 kg/m(3)at 15 degrees C, kinematic viscosity of 7.84 mm(2)/s at 40 degrees C, and iodine value of 161.1g I(2)/100g. The properties of the tung oil biodiesel can be improved by blending with canola and palm oil biodiesels to satisfy the biodiesel specifications. In addition, multiple linear correlations between biodiesel properties and its methyl ester composition were established.
    Bioresource technology 12/2010; 101(24):9521-6. · 4.25 Impact Factor
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    Article: Action potential bursts in central snail neurons elicited by paeonol: roles of ionic currents.
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    ABSTRACT: to investigate the effects of 2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone (paeonol) on the electrophysiological behavior of a central neuron (right parietal 4; RP4) of the giant African snail (Achatina fulica Ferussac). intracellular recordings and the two-electrode voltage clamp method were used to study the effects of paeonol on the RP4 neuron. the RP4 neuron generated spontaneous action potentials. Bath application of paeonol at a concentration of ≥ 500 micromol/L reversibly elicited action potential bursts in a concentration-dependent manner. Immersing the neurons in Co(2+)-substituted Ca(2+)-free solution did not block paeonol-elicited bursting. Pretreatment with the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT-5720 or the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220 did not affect the action potential bursts. Voltage-clamp studies revealed that paeonol at a concentration of 500 micromol/L had no remarkable effects on the total inward currents, whereas paeonol decreased the delayed rectifying K(+) current (I(KD)) and the fast-inactivating K(+) current (I(A)). Application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP 5 mmol/L), an inhibitor of I(A), or charybdotoxin 250 nmol/L, an inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current (I(K(Ca))), failed to elicit action potential bursts, whereas tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA 50 mmol/L), an I(KD) blocker, successfully elicited action potential bursts. At a lower concentration of 5 mmol/L, TEA facilitated the induction of action potential bursts elicited by paeonol. paeonol elicited a bursting firing pattern of action potentials in the RP4 neuron and this activity relates closely to the inhibitory effects of paeonol on the I(KD).
    Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 11/2010; 31(12):1553-63. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Action potential bursts in central snail neurons elicited by procaine: roles of ionic currents.
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    ABSTRACT: The role of ionic currents on procaine-elicited action potential bursts was studied in an identifiable RP1 neuron of the African snail, Achatina fulica Ferussac, using the two-electrode voltage clamp method. The RP1 neuron generated spontaneous action potentials and bath application of procaine at 10 mM reversibly elicited action potential bursts in a concentration-dependent manner. Voltage clamp studies revealed that procaine at 10 mM decreased [1] the Ca2+ current, [2] the Na+ current, [3] the delayed rectifying K+ current I(KD), and [4] the fast-inactivating K+ current (I(A)). Action potential bursts were not elicited by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), an inhibitor of I(A), whereas they were seen after application of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), a blocker of the I(K)(Ca) and I(KD) currents, and tacrine, an inhibitor of I(KD). Pretreatment with U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, blocked the action potential bursts elicited by procaine. U73122 did not affect the I(KD) of the RP1 neuron; however, U73122 decreased the inhibitory effect of procaine on the I(KD). Tacrine decreased the TEA-sensitive I(KD) of RP1 neuron but did not significantly affect the I(A). Tacrine also successfully induced action potential bursts in the RP1 neuron. It is concluded that the inhibition on the I(KD) is responsible for the generation of action potential bursts in the central snail RP1 neuron. Further, phospholipase C activity is involved in the procaine-elicited I(KD) inhibition and action potential bursts.
    The Chinese journal of physiology 10/2010; 53(5):271-84. · 0.56 Impact Factor
  • Article: Berberine suppresses neuroinflammatory responses through AMP-activated protein kinase activation in BV-2 microglia.
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    ABSTRACT: The AMPK cascade is a sensor of cellular energy change, which monitors the AMP/ATP ratio to regulate cellular metabolism by restoring ATP levels, but its regulation of neuroinflammation mechanism remains unclear. Berberine, one of the major constituents of Chinese herb Rhizoma coptidis, has been shown to improve several metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type II diabetes. However, the effect of berberine on neuroinflammatory responses in microglia are poorly understood. This study shows that berberine represses proinflammatory responses through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in BV-2 microglia. Our findings also demonstrate that berberine significantly down-regulates LPS- or interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in BV-2 microglia cells. Berberine also inhibited LPS- or IFN-gamma-induced nitric oxide production. In addition, berberine effectively inhibited proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 expression. On the other hand, upon various inflammatory stimulus including LPS and IFN-gamma, berberine suppressed the phosphorylated of ERK but not p38 and JNK in BV-2 microglia. AMPK activation is catalyzed by upstream kinases such as LKB1 and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-II (CaMKK II). Moreover, berberine induced LKB1 (Ser428), CaMKII (Thr286), and AMPK (Thr172) phosphorylation, but not AMPK (Ser485). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of berberine on iNOS and COX-2 expression was abolished by AMPK inhibition via Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Berberine-suppressed ERK phosphorylation was also reversed by Compound C treatment. Our data demonstrate that berberine significantly induces AMPK signaling pathways activation, which is involved in anti-neuroinflammation.
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 06/2010; 110(3):697-705. · 2.87 Impact Factor
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    Article: Peptidoglycan enhances proinflammatory cytokine expression through the TLR2 receptor, MyD88, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT and NF-kappaB pathways in BV-2 microglia.
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    ABSTRACT: In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in inflammatory production caused by peptidoglycan (PGN), a cell wall component of the gram-positive bacterium, in BV-2 microglia. PGN caused a concentration- and time-dependent increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein levels. In addition, PGN also induced IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA up-regulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, PGN also increased Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in BV-2 microglia. Administration of TLR2 neutralizing antibody effectively inhibited PGN-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression. On the other hand, PGN-induced iNOS and COX-2 up-regulation were attenuated by PI3-kinase inhibitors (LY294002 and wortmannin), and an AKT inhibitor. Treatment of BV-2 microglia with PGN caused a time-dependent activation of PI3-kinase (p85) and AKT. PGN-induced PI3-kinase/AKT activation, iNOS and COX-2 expression were also inhibited by MyD88 inhibitory peptide. Treatment of cells with NF-kappaB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), I kappaB alpha phosphorylation inhibitor (Bay 117082), or I kappaB protease inhibitor (l-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone) inhibited PGN-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression. Furthermore, stimulation of cells with PGN also activated IKK alpha/beta, I kappaB alpha phosphorylation, I kappaB alpha degradation, p65 phosphorylation at Ser(536), and increased kappaB-luciferase activity. PGN-induced IKK alpha/beta phosphorylation, I kappaB alpha phosphorylation, and I kappaB alpha degradation were further inhibited by pre-treatment with PI3-kinase inhibitors. Moreover, PGN-mediated increase of kappaB-luciferase activity was also inhibited by pre-transfection with dominant-negative mutants of p85, AKT, IKK alpha or IKK beta. Our data demonstrate that PGN-induced iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokine expression was mediated through the TLR2/MyD88/PI3-kinase/AKT pathway, which in turn initiates IKK alpha/beta and NF-kappaB activation in BV-2 microglia.
    International immunopharmacology 05/2010; 10(8):883-91. · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Integrin-linked kinase is involved in TNF-alpha-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in myoblasts.
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    ABSTRACT: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by activated macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive nitrogen radical implicated in inflammatory responses. We investigated the signaling pathway involved in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO production stimulated by TNF-alpha in cultured myoblasts. TNF-alpha stimulation caused iNOS expression and NO production in myoblasts (G7 cells). TNF-alpha-mediated iNOS expression was attenuated by integrin-linked kinase (ILK) inhibitor (KP392) and siRNA. Pretreatment with Akt inhibitor, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (rapamycin), NF-kappaB inhibitor (PDTC), and IkappaB protease inhibitor (TPCK) also inhibited the potentiating action of TNF-alpha. Stimulation of cells with TNF-alpha increased ILK kinase activity. TNF-alpha also increased the Akt and mTOR phosphorylation. TNF-alpha mediated an increase of NF-kappaB-specific DNA-protein complex formation, p65 translocation into nucleus, NF-kappaB-luciferase activity was inhibited by KP392, Akt inhibitor, and rapamycin. Our results suggest that TNF-alpha increased iNOS expression and NO production in myoblasts via the ILK/Akt/mTOR and NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 02/2010; 109(6):1244-53. · 2.87 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2012
    • China Medical University Hospital
      Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan
  • 2011–2012
    • Taipei Medical University
      • Department of Biochemistry
      Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
    • MingDao University
      Chang-hua, Taiwan, Taiwan
    • China Medical University (ROC)
      Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan
  • 2008–2011
    • National Taipei University of Technology
      Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 2010
    • Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health
      Keelung, Taiwan, Taiwan
    • Taichung Veterans General Hospital
      Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan
  • 2009
    • National Taiwan University Hospital
      Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 1999–2009
    • National Taiwan University
      • • College of Medicine
      • • Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
      Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 2007–2008
    • National Kaohsiung University of Applied Science
      Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • 2002
    • Academia Sinica
      • Institute of Biological Chemistry
      Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan