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To compare the pancreatic proteomics and autophagy between Rehmanniae Radix-and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-treated mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). The T2DM mouse model was established by high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin(STZ, intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg·kg~(-1), once a day for three consecutive days). The mice were then randomly assigned into a control group, low-(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix groups, low-(150 mg·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(300 mg·kg~(-1)) catalpol groups, low-(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata groups, low-(150 mg·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(300 mg·kg~(-1)) 5-hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde(5-HMF) groups, and a metformin(250 mg·kg~(-1)) group. In addition, a normal group was also set and each group included 8 mice. The pancreas was collected after four weeks of administration and proteomics tools were employed to study the effects of Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on protein expression in the pancreas of T2DM mice. The expression levels of proteins involved in autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress response in the pancreatic tissues of T2DM mice were determined by western blotting, immunohistochemical assay, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the differential proteins between the model group and Rehmanniae Radix/Rehmanniae Radix Prae-parata group were enriched in 7 KEGG pathways, such as autophagy-animal, which indicated that the 7 pathways may be associated with T2DM. Compared with the control group, drug administration significantly up-regulated the expression levels of beclin1 and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR)/mTOR and down-regulated those of the inflammation indicators, Toll-like receptor-4(TLR4) and Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), in the pancreas of T2DM mice, and Rehmanniae Radix showed better performance. In addition, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heine oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the pancreas of T2DM mice were down-regulated after drug administration, and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata demonstrated better performance. The results indicate that both Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata can alleviate the inflammatory symptoms, reduce oxidative stress response, and increase the autophagy level in the pancreas of T2DM mice, while they exert the effect on different autophagy pathways.
Subject(s)
Mice , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics , Streptozocin/pharmacology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Proteomics , Inflammation , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases , Autophagy , MammalsABSTRACT
AIM:To investigate the changes of anterior chamber depth(ACD)and lens suspensory ligament after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in patients with ultra-high myopia cataract and related influencing factors.METHODS: A total of 45 patients(60 eyes)with ultra-high myopia and cataract in our hospital from October 2016 to December 2022 were selected. All patients received phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The patients were randomly divided into implantation group and non-implantation group. Implantation group was combined with capsular tension ring(CTR)implantation, and non-implantation group did not implant CTR during operation. The changes of ACD and lens suspensory ligament length before and after operation were compared and the correlation was analyzed. To observe the differences of ACD and the length of lens suspensory ligament between the two groups before and after operation.RESULTS: The ACD of patients with ultra-high myopia complicated with cataract at 1 and 3mo after operation was higher than that before operation(all P<0.05). The positions of 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00 and the average length of lens suspensory ligament at 1 and 3mo post-operation were shorter than those pre-operation(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the positions of 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00 and average length of suspensory ligament between 1mo and 3mo after operation(all P>0.05). The preoperative average length of lens suspensory ligament in patients with ultra-high myopia cataract was positively correlated with the ocular axis and the preoperative ACD(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ACD between the implantation group and the non-implantation before and at 1 and 3mo after operation(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of lens suspensory ligament between implantation group and non-implantation group at the position of 6:00 before operation and 1mo after operation(P>0.05), but there was difference in lens suspensory ligament between groups at 3mo after operation and the position of 6:00(P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference at the positions of 3:00, 9:00, 12:00 and the average length of lens suspensory ligament between the implantation group and non-implantation group before and at 1 and 3mo after operation(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The ACD deepen and lens suspensory ligament shortened in patients with ultra-high myopia and cataract after phacoemulsification; the length of lens suspensory ligament was affected by the combined use of CTR.
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This study aimed to prepare silk fibroin nanoparticles (SF-NPs) and assess the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the formulation. An optimized and simplified solvent displacement method was employed to obtain SF-NPs. Single-factor prescription screening, such as silk fibroin (SF) solution concentration, the ratio of SF solution to organic solvent, ultrasonication power and time, and different types of organic phases, was used to optimize the formulation. The characterization of the optimal formulation included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, and stability. The in vitro cell compatibility of the nanoparticles was evaluated using CCK-8 and Calcein-AM/PI cell viability staining. The results showed that when SF concentration was 20 mg·mL-1, volume ratio of aqueous phase to acetone was 1∶6, ultrasonic power was 80 W and ultrasonic time was 3 min, the best SF-NPs was obtained. The nanoparticles prepared in this study exhibit a near-spherical shape, with a uniform size distribution, having an average size of 144.8 nm, a PDI of 0.174, and a zeta potential of -27.35 mV. Results from in vitro cell experiments demonstrate excellent cell compatibility of SF-NPs, showing the ability to promote cell proliferation. The SF-NPs which were successfully prepared in this study exhibit uniform particle size and excellent biocompatibility.
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Obesity has become an important inducer of many public diseases such as diabetes, endocrine disorders, and so on. Anti-obesity treatment has become a hot topic. Inhibiting fat synthesis and promoting fat decomposition are important ways of drug anti-obesity treatment. With the in-depth study of the distribution, morphology and function of adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue containing multi-compartment fat drops and rich mitochondria have attracted people's attention. Beige adipocytes which are similar to brown adipocytes in morphology and function have aroused great interest, such cells can be transformed from white adipocytes by external stimulation or browning agents. This process is called "white fat browning". The expression of promoting energy consumption proteins in these cells increase, so that the function of adipocytes changes from energy storage to energy consumption to increase excessive energy consumption in the body and reduce lipid accumulation. The browning of white adipose tissue has brought new ideas for obesity treatment, but the systemic administration of browning agent has the risk of adverse reactions to non-target tissues such as heart and central nervous system, which limits its application in inducing white fat browning. Browning agents to white adipose tissue can reduce its adverse reactions and improve its bioavailability by constructing a drug delivery system targeting white adipose tissue. In this review, the mechanism on browning of white adipose tissue, the commonly used browning agents and the targeted delivery carriers that induce browning of white adipose tissue are summarized.
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Silk fibroin is a natural polymer with certain water solubility, structural modification, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which can be used as a drug delivery carrier material. As a promising drug delivery system, drug-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles can control drug release, reduce toxicity and improve therapeutic effects. In this paper, the basic characteristics of silk fibroin, the preparation methods of drug-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles and the application of silk fibroin in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are reviewed, and on this basis, the further development of drug-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles is prospected.
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italic>Tert-butanol is an organic solvent, widely used in the medical field and chemical industry. It could be characterized by high crystallization temperature and vapor pressure. It could be easily sublimed and removed during the freeze-drying process. This review mainly describes the use of tert-butanol in the lyophilized formulations of poorly soluble drugs, the lyophilization solvent of porous structure productions, and as an ice crystal growth guider. In addition, the application of tert-butanol in nano drugs and aerogels has also been reviewed, as well as the current research progress in its quality and safety.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a mini-column centrifugation method to determine the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of novel solid lipid nanoparticles containing oleic acid-CAT3 conjugates (OA-CAT3-SLN) and normal CAT3 SLN (CAT3-SLN). METHODS: Sephadex G-50 mini-columns were used to separate the encapsulated drug and free drug in the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) with the help of centrifugation. The boundary point of the elution between the encapsulated drug and free drug was established by the elution curve. The encapsulated drug in the SLN was eluted with 1 mL water for three times. Then 2 mL of ethanol was used to elute the separated free drug for three times. The eluted CAT3 was quantified by the verified HPLC-UV method and used to calculate the EE. The method was verified with the recovery and repeatability test. Finally, the EE of three batches of OA-CAT3-SLN and CAT3-SLN were determined. RESULTS: The mini-column centrifugation method could effectively separate the free drug from the encapsulated drug in SLN. The column recovery was (99.64±1.97)% (n=9), and the result of EE repeatability test of OA-CAT3-SLN was (83.71±0.70)% (n=5). The EE of OA-CAT3-SLN and CAT3-SLN were (86.26±2.65)% and (72.22±4.52)%, respectively (n=3). CONCLUSION: The established separation method is simple and reliable, with high recovery and good repeatability, and can distinguish different preparation processes.
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Objective: To compare the incidence of coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) between patients with non-obstructive and obstructive coronary arteries. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 97 patients with angina pectoris, who underwent the absolute quantitative PET examination of myocardial perfusion and coronary anatomy examination within 90 days. All patients were divided into two groups: non-obstructive group (72 cases, no stenosis ≥50% in all three coronary arteries) and obstructive group (25 cases, at least one coronary stenosis ≥50%; and at least one coronary stenosis<50%). Quantitative parameters derived from PET including rest myocardial blood flow (RMBF), stress myocardial blood flow (SMBF), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and cardiovascular risk factors were compared between the two groups. CMVD was defined as CFR<2.90 and SMBF<2.17 ml·min(-1)·g(-1). Results: Incidence of CMVD was significant higher in the non-obstructive coronary arteries of the obstructive group than in the non-obstructive coronary arteries of non-obstructive group (47.1% (16/34) vs. 25.5% (55/216), χ(2)=6.738, P=0.009) while incidence of CMVD was similar between non-obstructive and obstructive patients ((44% (11/25) vs. 33.3% (24/72), χ(2)=0.915, P=0.339). RMBF ((0.83±0.14) ml·min(-1)·g(-1) vs. (0.82±0.17) ml·min(-1)·g(-1)), SMBF ((2.13±0.60) ml·min(-1)·g(-1) vs. (1.91±0.50) ml·min(-1)·g(-1)) and CFR (2.59±0.66 vs. 2.36±0.47) were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: CMVD can occur in non-obstructive coronary arteries in both patients with non-occlusive coronary arteries and patients with obstructive coronary arteries. Prevalence of CMVD is significantly higher in patients with obstructive coronary arteries than in patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries. The CMVD severity is similar between the two groups.
Subject(s)
Humans , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Artery Disease , Coronary Circulation , Coronary Stenosis , Myocardial Perfusion Imaging , Positron-Emission Tomography , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
@#AIM: To analyze influencing factors of the curative effect of phacoemulsification(PHACO)combined with intraocular lens implantation in the treatment of high myopia with cataract.<p>METHODS: The clinical data of 80 cases patients(91 affected eyes)with cataract and high myopia who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the hospital from February 2016 to March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)at 3mo after operation, the patients were divided into low vision group(BCVA<0.3)and normal group(BCVA≥0.3). The preoperative clinical data of the two groups were compared, and the factors affecting visual recovery were analyzed.<p>RESULTS: All patients completed surgery successfully, and there were statistically significant differences in BCVA before and after surgery(<i>P</i><0.001). No serious complications such as corneal decompensation, secondary glaucoma and intraocular lens displacement were found. There were significant differences in age, myopia time, axial length, preoperative intraocular pressure, corneal astigmatism, anterior capsular opening area, central anterior chamber depth, grade of lens nucleus and incidence rates of diabetic retinopathy, posterior scleral staphyloma, macular degeneration and postoperative macular edema between the low vision group and the normal group(<i>P</i><0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that axial length >30 mm, preoperative intraocular pressure ≥21mmHg, corneal astigmatism ≥1.30D, grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ lens nucleus, preoperative diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration were the independent risk factors for postoperative visual recovery in patients with high myopia and cataract(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: PHACO combined with intraocular lens implantation is markedly effective in the treatment of high myopia with cataract. However, the curative effect is affected by axial length, preoperative intraocular pressure, corneal astigmatism, grade of lens nucleus, preoperative diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, which deserves attention.
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Background:@#Blood purification (BP) is one of the most important rescue measures for patients with critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially for those with acute kidney injury. The purpose of this nationwide survey was to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China. This study was designed to be a multi-center cross-sectional study.@*Methods:@#All adult patients (over 18 years of age), who were admitted to ICU and required BP in 35 sub-centers across China were included during 30-day survey period in 2018. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were recorded including the timing of treatment initiation, indications, modality, relative contraindication, establishment of vascular access, selection of filter/membrane, settings, anti-coagulation, executive department, complication, intake, and output.@*Discussion:@#This nationwide survey may contribute to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China.@*Trial registration:@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-17013119; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22487.
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BACKGROUND@#Blood purification (BP) is one of the most important rescue measures for patients with critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially for those with acute kidney injury. The purpose of this nationwide survey was to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China. This study was designed to be a multi-center cross-sectional study.@*METHODS@#All adult patients (over 18 years of age), who were admitted to ICU and required BP in 35 sub-centers across China were included during 30-day survey period in 2018. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were recorded including the timing of treatment initiation, indications, modality, relative contraindication, establishment of vascular access, selection of filter/membrane, settings, anti-coagulation, executive department, complication, intake, and output.@*DISCUSSION@#This nationwide survey may contribute to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-17013119; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22487.
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The development of tumor tissue is a complicated process, which is closely related to tumor microenvironment. In order to simulate the tumor tissue in vivo, non-contact co-culture of human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7 cells) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs cells) using transwell cell culture plate was developed in this study. The cell viability, morphology, cell resistance, cell cycle and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein content of co-cultured MCF-7 and HUVECs cells were investigated, and compared with those of separately cultivated MCF-7 and HUVECs cells during the same period. Different to the separately cultured MCF-7 and HUVECs cells, co-cultured MCF-7 and HUVECs cells exhibited higher cell viability, deformed cell morphology, lower cell resistance, higher proportion of S and G2/M phases and higher VEGF protein content (about 1.4−2 times). The double cell model via non-contact co-culture of MCF-7 and HUVECs cells constructed in this study could simulate the interaction between tumor cells and tumor vascular endothelial cells in vivo, which may provide a more realistic model for subsequent study of drug release system in the control of breast cancer in vitro.
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AIM:To investigate the effect and safety of modified small incision cataract surgery in patients with soft core cataract.METHODS: Totally 80 cases (109 eyes) of soft cataract patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2015 to May 2016 in ophthalmology center of our hospital, using random number table method were divided into improved group (improved manipulation of small incision cataract surgery), traditional group (traditional approach to small incision cataract surgery), 40 cases in each group.Comparison of the two groups of treatment, the incidence of complications were taken.RESULTS: There were no significant differences on uncorrected visual acuity between the two groups before and at 1d, 1wk and 1mo after operations (P>0.05).The uncorrected visual acuity of the two groups improved significantly at 1d, 1wk and 1mo after operations compared with those before operations (P0.05).The IOP of the two groups increased significantly at 1d, 1wk and 1mo after operations compared with those before operations (P<0.05).The complication rate was 9% (5/54) in the modified group, significantly lower than that in the conventional group 25% (14/55) (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Improved small incision cataract surgery for soft cataract patients was with reliable results, less complications.
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The main compounds to treat HBV are nucleoside analogues and interferon, which generally possess the disadvantages of susceptibility to resistance, high cost and serious side effect. In order to overcome the problems above, a large amount of drugs are being developed, including the prodrug of nucleoside analogues(such as besifovir, CMX157 and tenofovir alafenamide), interferon(such as P1101)and antiviral drug based on certain new mechanisms(such as GS-9620, ARC520 and REP-9AC). Among them, the most attention is GS-9620 and REP-9AC, which could against HBV by strengthening body’s immune function. Immunotherapy has been a hot area of antiviral drug research nowadays. In this paper, we review the recent research of a series of new anti-HBV drugs which are undergoing clinical phases.
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The folate metabolic pathway plays important roles in cellular physiology by participating in nucleotide synthesis, DNA repair and methylation, and maintenance and stability of the genome. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key regulatory enzyme involved in folate metabolism. Polymorphisms of MTHFR may change the level of homocysteine and affect DNA synthesis and methylation, leading to an increased oxidative stress and disturbed methylation reactions and consequently affecting reproductive function. This article presents an overview on MTHFR gene polymorphisms, proposing that multicentered, large-sample and long-term prospective studies are needed to reveal the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and infertility.
Subject(s)
Humans , DNA , DNA Methylation , DNA Repair , Folic Acid , Metabolism , Homocysteine , Metabolism , Infertility , Genetics , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) , Genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective To research the nevirapine-related substances method in the second supplement of Chinese Pharma- copoeia(Ch.P) 2010 edition, and explore the existing problems. Methods In-depth comparison of the nevirapine-related substances test method in Ch.P, United States Pharmacopoeia(USP) and European Pharmacopoeia(EP) ; three consecutive batches of nevirapine produced at a pharmaceutical factory were detected, and inspection situation of the related substances was compared. Results According to the Ch.P method we detected three impurities, while according to the other two pharmacopoeias we detected four impu¬rities. "Ch.P" leaves out the biggest single impurity. Conclusion We proved that the second supplement of Ch.P 2010 edition has the problem of residual impurities in the nevirapine-related substances test method, and propose to revise the nevirapine-related sub¬stances method.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of lycopene against cryopreservation injury of post-thawing human sperm and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Semen samples were collected from 25 volunteers, each sample equally divided into four parts to be cryopreserved with cryoprotectant only (Ly0 control) or cryoprotectant + lycopene at the concentrations of 2 (Ly2), 5 (Ly5), and 10 µmol/L (Ly10), respectively. Before and after thawing, the semen samples were subjected to computer-assisted semen analysis ( CASA) for sperm kinematics, flow cytometry for sperm apoptosis, thiobarbituric acid assay for malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and JC-1 fluorescent staining for the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After cryopreservation, sperm motility was markedly decreased in all the groups (P < 0.01). The rate of sperm apoptosis was significantly lower in the Ly5 group than in the Ly0 control ([25.68 ± 4.36]% vs [33.26 ± 4.78]%, P < 0.05), while sperm MMP remarkably higher in the former than in the latter ([66.18 ± 14.23]% vs [55.24 ± 12.31]%, P < 0.05). The Ly2, Ly5 and Ly10 groups showed no statistically significance differences in the MDA level from the Ly0 control (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Addition of lycopene at a proper concentration to cryoprotectant may reduce oxidative damage to sperm mitochondria in the freezing-thawing process, attenuate oxidative stress injury induced by reactive oxygen species to sperm plasma membrane, and improve the anti-apoptosis ability of sperm.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Apoptosis , Carotenoids , Pharmacology , Cryopreservation , Cryoprotective Agents , Pharmacology , Flow Cytometry , Malondialdehyde , Oxidative Stress , Reactive Oxygen Species , Semen Analysis , Semen Preservation , Methods , Sperm Motility , Spermatozoa , PhysiologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expressions of differential proteins in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of patients with III A chronic prostatitis and healthy men.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected EPS samples from 35 patients with III A chronic prostatitis and 18 age-matched healthy men, and detected the differentially expressed proteins in EPS by MALDI-TOF/MS. Based on the data obtained, we conducted a statistical analysis on the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of different proteins and a retrieval analysis on the relevant proteins using the protein database.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the comparative studies of the III A chronic prostatitis patients and healthy men, 5 proteins were detected as at least 2-fold differentially expressed, which were probably brevinin-2Eg, big endothelin-1, alpha-defensin 15, beta-defensin 134 and prostatic steroid-binding protein C2. The m/z ratios were significantly up-regulated in 3 372, 3 487, 425 and 5 325 Da proteins (P < 0.01) and down-regulated in 10631Da (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Proteins are differentially expressed in the EPS of III A chronic prostatitis patients and healthy men, and these proteins may be significantly correlated with the development and progression of III A chronic prostatitis.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Body Fluids , Metabolism , Case-Control Studies , Chronic Disease , Defensins , Metabolism , Endothelin-1 , Metabolism , Prostate , Bodily Secretions , Prostatitis , Classification , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Numerous Asian cases of avian influenza virus infection, especially the highly pathogenic strain H5N1, in humans have raised the concern that another influenza pandemic is close. However, there are no effective therapeutic drugs or preventative vaccines available. Hemagglutinin is the membrane glycoprotein of avian influenza virus responsible for receptor binding to human cells and the main immunogenic protein that elicits a strong immune response. Although this protein is of great importance to the study of pathogenesis and vaccine development, its expression and purification are difficult due to high levels of glycosylation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, we expressed codon-optimized, full-length hemagglutinin 5 (H5) protein fused with a human IgG Fc tag (H5-Fc) in HEK293 cells. To enhance secretion of this protein, we also deleted the transmembrane domain and the intracellular domain of the H5 protein (H5DeltaTM-Fc). Purified proteins were obtained using a protein A column.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ELISA revealed that the yield of soluble H5DeltaTM-Fc protein in the supernatant was about 20 mg/L. Western blotting and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) indicated that the purified H5 protein was correctly folded and biologically active.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Purification of H5 proteins from mammalian cells could be used for large-scale production of recombinant H5 protein for basic scientific research or the development of vaccines.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Cell Line , Codon , Metabolism , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Flow Cytometry , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus , Genetics , Metabolism , Protein Folding , Recombinant Proteins , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate whether the measurement of serum zinc may improve the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in men who had total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels higher than 4.1 ng/mL.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A mass screening for PCa of 3940 men over 50 years old was undertaken using total serum PSA. Of the 190 men (4.8%) with elevated PSA, 143 (3.6%) underwent a transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostate, and 42 men (1% of total and 29.3% of men undergoing biopsy) were found to have cancer. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-AUC) were used to compare the diagnostic power of cancer detection by means of serum zinc, and free PSA/total PSA ratio (f/t).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The men with levels of serum zinc that ranged from 40 ng/mL-60 ng/mL, had an age-adjusted odds ratios(OR) of 5.0. A cutoff value of 100 microg/mL for serum zinc concentration provided a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 32.7% in elevated PSA range, and a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 27.1% in gray zone, respectively. In the gray zone ranges of 4.1 ng/mL-10.0 ng/mL, the ROC-AUC for zinc was 73.0% higher than 62.7% of f/t PSA ratio and 56.7% of total PSA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCa displays a lower serum zinc concentration. The measurement of zinc levels improves PCa detection in the gray zone compared with the f/t PSA ratio and total PSA.</p>