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ABSTRACT: It is well known that adoptive transfer of donor-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) helps to induce immune tolerance. RelB, one of NF-κB subunits, is a critical element involved in DC maturation. In the present study, our results showed tolerogenic DCs could be acquired via silencing RelB using small interfering RNA. Compared with imDCs, the tolerogenic DCs had more potent ability to inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and down-regulate Th1 cytokines and prompt the production of Th2 cytokines. They both mediated immune tolerance via the increased of T cell apoptosis and generation of regulatory T cells. Administration of donor-derived tolerogenic DCs significantly prevented the allograft rejection and prolonged the survival time in a murine heart transplantation model. Our results demonstrate donor-derived, RelB-shRNA induced tolerogenic DCs can significantly induce immune tolerance in vitro and in vivo.
Cellular Immunology 03/2012; 274(1-2):12-8. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Lentiviral-mediated shRNA against RelB was used to produce tolerogenic dendritic cells from murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs).
RelB expression in the BMDCs was silenced by lentivirus carrying RelB shRNA. The apoptosis rate and surface markers of DCs were assessed by flow cytometry. IL-12,IL-10,TGF-β1 secreted by DCs and DNA binding capacity of NF-κB subunits in the nucleus were measured by ELISA, independently. MLR was used to analyze the capacity of DCs to inhibit immune response.
RelB expression was significantly inhibited in DCs following lentiviral mediated delivery of RelB specific shRNA. The RelB shRNA-DC produced lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 than mature dendritic cells (mDCs) and silencing control DCs. There was no difference in the apoptosis rate between shRNA RelB-DCs and mDCs. The expression levels of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86 and CD83) and MHC-II class molecule were lower in the RelB shRNA-DCs than in the mDCs and silencing control DCs. In addition, RelB shRNA also inhibited the RelB DNA binding capacity but had no effect on other NF-κB subunits. The shRNA RelB-DCs can significantly inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and down-regulate Th1 cytokines and prompt the production of Th2 cytokines.
Our results indicate RelB shRNA transfection of DCs can induce the immature status, and produce tolerogenic DCs.
International immunopharmacology 03/2012; 12(3):501-9. · 2.21 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 03/2012; 60(3):592-4. · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Modulation of sex steroid pre-receptor in adipose tissue is important for the development of metabolic diseases, but its roles in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has not been fully characterized. Herein we compared the expression of key sex steroid converting enzymes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) between patients with PCOS and the matched controls. Most of the sex steroid converting enzymes were highly expressed in the SAT, except 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1). Compared with the controls, PCOS patients showed significantly higher levels of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase1-2 (3β-HSD1-2), aldo-keto reductase 1C 1-3 (AKR1C1-3) and leptin, but lower level of P450 aromatase and 5α-reductase 1. Interestingly, leptin was positively correlated to AKR1C2 expression and negatively to 5α-reductase1 as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). In summary, the expression of enzymes synthesizing testosterone and enzymes inactivating DHT and progesterone was higher in SAT of PCOS patients compared to controls. Correlation analysis indicated that increased leptin expression may be negatively related to local DHT level. These data suggested that sex steroid converting enzymes expression was different in SAT of PCOS patients that might contribute to abnormal testosterone and leptin level of PCOS patients.
The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology 02/2012; 132(1-2):120-6. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aqueous photodegradation of the widely used antibiotic chlortetracycline (CTC) was investigated under simulated sunlight. The quantum yield of photodegradation increased from 3.3 x 10(-4) to 8.5 x 10(-3) within the pH range of 6.0 to 9.0. The presence of Ca2+, Fe3+, and NO(-3) enhanced the photodegradation of CTC, whereas Mg2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ inhibited the degradation with the order Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Mg2+ at pH 7.3. The monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) had negligible effect on the photolysis of CTC. Fulvic acid (FA) decreased the photodegradation of CTC due to light screening effect. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was formed concurrently with direct photodegradation of CTC. The generation rate of H2O2 increased from 0.027 to 0.086 micromol/(L x min) when the pH ranged from 6.0 to 9.0. The CTC solution was about three-fold more toxic to the Photobacterium phosphoreum bacteria after irradiation, suggesting that the photoproducts and H2O2 formed in the CTC solution exhibited high risk on the bacteria. By LC-ESI(+)-MS, the photoproducts of CTC were identified. The direct photodegradation of CTC was involved in hydroxylation and N-demethyl/dedismethyl processes. The main photoproducts included the iso-CTC analog containing hydroxyl groups (m/z 511.4 and 495.4), and the N-demethyl/dedismethyl products of the photoproduct m/z 495.4 (m/z 481.3 and 467.4). In addition, the photochemical dechlorination of CTC led to tetracycline (m/z 445.5).
Journal of Environmental Sciences 01/2012; 24(2):254-60. · 1.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The pathogenic factors that account for the development of diabetes condition in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain elusive.
To clarify the pathogenic features by evaluating the levels of insulin sensitivity and β cell function in these women with PCOS, either separately or by using of a disposition indexes (DIs).
Cross-sectional study involving 137 Chinese women with PCOS and 123 normal women were examined by anthropometry, lipid profile, sex hormone, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests.
After controlling for BMI status, the Matsuda Index was significantly lower in women with PCOS in comparison to those of normal women (p<0.000). The early phase of insulin secretion (insulinogenic index) remained significantly lower in lean women with PCOS(LP) than those of both lean and obese women of control group (p=0.007, and p = 0.01, respectively). The mean HOMA-F values were significantly lower (p =0.045) in obese women with PCOS (OP) than those of BMI-matched women. Further, all DIs derived from non-fasting state indexes in women with PCOS were significantly lower than those of BMI-matched control women (p<0.001 for all). Lastly, DIs derived from fasting states indexes in OP were significantly lower than those of LP.
Early impaired β cell function was detected in both LP and OP. However, more serious primary defect in insulin action was detected in LP compared to OP. These findings imply that early screening and intervention for PCOS would be therapeutic for Chinese women.
International journal of clinical and experimental pathology 01/2012; 5(8):777-86. · 1.89 Impact Factor
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Wei-Qi He,
Yan-Ning Qiao,
Cheng-Hai Zhang,
Ya-Jing Peng,
Chen Chen,
Pei Wang,
Yun-Qian Gao,
Caiping Chen,
Xin Chen, Tao Tao,
Xiao-Hong Su,
Chao-Jun Li,
Kristine E Kamm,
James T Stull,
Min-Sheng Zhu
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ABSTRACT: Vascular tone, an important determinant of systemic vascular resistance and thus blood pressure, is affected by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction. Key signaling pathways for VSM contraction converge on phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) of smooth muscle myosin. This phosphorylation is mediated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) but Ca(2+)-independent kinases may also contribute, particularly in sustained contractions. Signaling through MLCK has been indirectly implicated in maintenance of basal blood pressure, whereas signaling through RhoA has been implicated in salt-induced hypertension. In this report, we analyzed mice with smooth muscle-specific knockout of MLCK. Mesenteric artery segments isolated from smooth muscle-specific MLCK knockout mice (MLCK(SMKO)) had a significantly reduced contractile response to KCl and vasoconstrictors. The kinase knockout also markedly reduced RLC phosphorylation and developed force. We suggest that MLCK and its phosphorylation of RLC are required for tonic VSM contraction. MLCK(SMKO) mice exhibit significantly lower basal blood pressure and weaker responses to vasopressors. The elevated blood pressure in salt-induced hypertension is reduced below normotensive levels after MLCK attenuation. These results suggest that MLCK is necessary for both physiological and pathological blood pressure. MLCK(SMKO) mice may be a useful model of vascular failure and hypotension.
AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology 05/2011; 301(2):H584-91. · 3.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Tetracyclines constitute one of the most important antibiotic families and represent a classic example of phototoxicity. The photoproducts of tetracyclines and their parent compounds have potentially adverse effects on natural ecosystem. In this study, the self-sensitized oxidation products of tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) were determined and the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on self-sensitized degradation were investigated. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the natural water sample accounted for enhancement (pH 7.3) and inhibition (pH 9.0) of photodegradation of TC and OTC due to the formation of metal-ions complexes. The formation of Mg2+ complexes was unfavorable for the photodegradation of the tetracyclines at both pH values. In contrast, the Ca2+ complexes facilitated the attack of singlet oxygen (1O2) arising from self-sensitization at pH 7.3 and enhanced TC photodegradation. For the first time, self-sensitized oxidation products of TC and OTC were verified by quenching experiments and detected by LC/ESI-DAD-MS. The products had a nominal mass 14 Da higher than the parent drugs (designated M+14), which resulted from the 1O2 attack of the dimethylamino group on the C-4 atom of the tetracyclines. The presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ also affected the generation of M+14 due to the formation of metal-ions complexes with TC and OTC. The findings suggest that the metal-ion complexation has significant impact on the self-sensitized oxidation processes and the photoproducts of tetracyclines.
Journal of Environmental Sciences 01/2011; 23(10):1634-9. · 1.66 Impact Factor
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Ya-Jing Peng,
Wei-Qi He,
Jing Tang, Tao Tao,
Chen Chen,
Yun-Qian Gao,
Wen-Cheng Zhang,
Xue-Yan He,
Yu-Yuan Dai,
Nian-Chun Zhu,
Ning Lv,
Cheng-Hai Zhang,
Yan-Ning Qiao,
Li-Ping Zhao,
Xiang Gao,
Min-Sheng Zhu
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ABSTRACT: Orchestrated regulation of neuronal migration and morphogenesis is critical for neuronal development and establishment of functional circuits, but its regulatory mechanism is incompletely defined. We established and analyzed mice with neural-specific knock-out of Trio, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with multiple guanine nucleotide exchange factor domains. Knock-out mice showed defective cerebella and severe signs of ataxia. Mutant cerebella had no granule cells in the internal granule cell layer due to aberrant granule cell migration as well as abnormal neurite growth. Trio-deficient granule cells showed reduced extension of neurites and highly branched and misguided processes with perturbed stabilization of actin and microtubules. Trio deletion caused down-regulation of the activation of Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42, and mutant granule cells appeared to be unresponsive to neurite growth-promoting molecules such as Netrin-1 and Semaphorin 6A. These results suggest that Trio may be a key signal module for the orchestrated regulation of neuronal migration and morphogenesis during cerebellar development. Trio may serve as a signal integrator decoding extrinsic signals to Rho GTPases for cytoskeleton organization.
Journal of Biological Chemistry 08/2010; 285(32):24834-44. · 4.77 Impact Factor
