Hypoxia-induced ROS aggravate tumor progression through HIF-1α-SERPINE1 signaling in glioblastoma / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Hypoxia, as an important hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, is a major cause of oxidative stress and plays a central role in various malignant tumors, including glioblastoma. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a hypoxic microenvironment promote glioblastoma progression; however, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Herein, we found that hypoxia promoted ROS production, and the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells, while this promotion was restrained by ROS scavengers N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Hypoxia-induced ROS activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling, which enhanced cell migration and invasion by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the induction of serine protease inhibitor family E member 1 (SERPINE1) was ROS-dependent under hypoxia, and HIF-1α mediated SERPINE1 increase induced by ROS via binding to the SERPINE1 promoter region, thereby facilitating glioblastoma migration and invasion. Taken together, our data revealed that hypoxia-induced ROS reinforce the hypoxic adaptation of glioblastoma by driving the HIF-1α-SERPINE1 signaling pathway, and that targeting ROS may be a promising therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.

Bioinformatics analysis and prokaryotic expression of Strongyloides stercoralis serine protease inhibitor 1 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To predict the structure and antigenic epitope of the Strongyloides stercoralis serine protease inhibitor 1 (Ss-SRPN-1) protein using bioinformatics tools, and to construct prokaryotic expression plasmids for expression of recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the function of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein. Methods The amino acid sequence of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein was downloaded from the NCBI database, and the physicochemical properties, structure and antigenic epitopes of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein were predicted using bioinformatics tools, including ExPASy, SWISS-MODEL and Protean. Primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of Ss-SRPN-1, and the Ss-SRPN-1 gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced with genomic DNA extracted from the infective third-stage larvae of S. stercoralis as a template. The Ss-SRPN-1 protein sequence was cloned into the pET28a (+) expression vector and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE) cells for induction of the recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein expression. The recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein was then purified and identified using Western blotting and mass spectrometry. Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that the Ss-SRPN-1 protein, which was composed of 372 amino acids and had a molecular formula of C1948H3046N488O575S16, was a stable hydrophilic protein, and the subcellular localization of the protein was predicted to be extracellular. The Ss-SRPN-1 protein was predicted to contain 11 dominant B-cell antigenic epitopes and 20 T-cell antigenic epitopes. The Ss-SRPN-1 gene with a length of 1 119 bp was successfully amplified, and the recombinant plasmid pET28a (+)/Ss-SRPN-1 was constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21(DE) cells. The expressed recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein had a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa, and was characterized as a Ss-SRPN-1 protein. Conclusions The recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein has been expressed successfully, and this recombinant protein may be a potential vaccine candidate against strongyloidiasis.

Progress of researches on serine protease inhibitors for zoonotic cestode family Taeniidae / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Serine protease inhibitor, a protein superfamily that inhibits the serine protease activity, protects hosts from parasitic infections. This review describes the spatial structure and classification of serine protease inhibitor, mechanisms underlying the interplay between serine protease inhibitor and host immune responses and current advances in serine protease inhibitor of zoonotic cestode family Taeniidae, so as to provide insights into the diagnosis of zoonotic tapeworm infections, discovery of therapeutic targets and screening of vaccine candidates.

Protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis (TsadSPI) on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice. Methods A total of 18 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the TsadSPI treatment group, of 6 mice in each group. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury was modeled in the model group and TsadSPI treatment group by cecal ligation puncture (CLP), while mice in the sham-operation group were only given exploratory laparotomy without ligation or perforation of the cecum. After 30 min of CLP, mice in the sham-operation group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL), and mice in the TsadSPI treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL) containing TsadSPI (2 μg). At 12 h following modeling, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to assess the liver and kidney functions, and the changes of the mouse kidney structure were observed using HE staining. In addition, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 expression was determined in kidney tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Results At 12 h following CLP, there were significant differences in the serum levels of ALT (F = 41.031, P < 0.001), AST (F = 54.757, P < 0.001), Cr (F = 24.142, P < 0.001) and BUN (F = 214.849, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher levels of ALT, AST, Cr and BUN were measured in model group than in the sham-operation group (P < 0.001), while lower ALT, AST, Cr and BUN levels were found in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). HE staining showed severe mouse kidney injuries following CLP, and TsadSPI treatment resulted in remarkable alleviation of the injury. ELISA measured significant differences in the TNF-α (F = 47.502, P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (F = 222.061, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and showed a remarkable reduction in the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the TsadSPI treatment group as compared to those in the model group (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in serum IL-10 (F = 16.227, P < 0.001) and TGF-β levels (F = 52.092, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher IL-10 and TGF-β levels were seen in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining showed greater MyD88 expression and a higher nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in kidney tissues in the model group than in the TsadSPI treatment group. Conclusions TsadSPI may reduce the MyD88 expression and nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in mouse kidney tissues to up-regulate the expression of immunomodulatory factors and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Maspin in tumor formation and progression / 医学研究生学报

Maspin gene is a tumor suppressor that encodes serine protease inhibitor. It was found that maspin could induce apoptosis, inhibit the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, and suppress angiogenesis. In recent years, maspin has also been found to be associated with host immunity. The review is to summarize structure distribution, tumor inhibition mechanism and immunological correlation of maspin.

The role of SPAG6/SPINK2 protein complex in the formation of sperm acrosome in mice / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the expression and regulatory function of sperm-associated antigen 6 (SPAG6) in the formation of the sperm acrosome in mice.@*METHODS@#The expression of SPAG6 during the first wave of spermatogenesis on postnatal days (PN) 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 30 and 35 was examined by Western blot and the localization of SPAG6 in the testicular germ cells was determined by immunofluorescence. The expression plasmids of SPAG6 and serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2 (SPINK2) were constructed, the interaction between SPAG6 and SPINK2 in the AH109 and CHO cells examined by yeast two-hybrid and co-localization assays, and the expression and localization of SPINK2 in the testicular germ cells of the SPAG6-knockout (SPAG6 KO) mice detected by immunofluorescence.@*RESULTS@#SPAG6 was highly expressed between PN 16 and 28 and localized in the acrosome of the round spermatids. Yeast two-hybrid assay showed the growth of SPAG6 and SPINK2 in the selective culture medium SD/-Leu/-Trp/-His, and the transfection of the CHO cells revealed the co-localization of SPAG6 and SPINK2 around the nuclei. The expression and acrosomal localization of SPINK2 were not found in the testicular germ cells of the SPAG6-KO mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#SPAG6 interacts with SPINK2 and probably participates in the formation of the sperm acrosome by stabilizing the expression of SPINK2 during spermatogenesis.

Relationship between hepatitis C virus and serine protease inhibitor Kazal1 / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the expression of serine protease inhibitor Kazal1 (SPINK1) and its clinical implication.@*Methods@#mRNA and protein expression of SPINK1 in Huh7.5.1 cells infected by HCV JFH-1 and the control cells were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting, SPINK1 levels in the cell supernatants and sera of HCV patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the difference of SPINK1 levels between healthy controls and HCV patients was analyzed.@*Results@#Expression of SPINK1 mRNA and protein was higher in Huh7.5.1 cells infected by HCV JFH-1 than in the control cells, serum SPINK1 levels was much higher in HCV patients than in healthy controls (P=0.016).@*Conclusions@#HCV can upregulate the expression of SPINK1.

Correlation between serum lipid specific serine protease inhibitors and inflammatory factors in patients with coronary heart disease / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To observe the correlation between serum fatty specific serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) and inflammato-ry factors in the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) .Methods 114 cases of CHD(CHD group) in our hospital from April 2010 to April 2015 were selected and divided into the stable angina group ,unstable angina group and acute myocardial infarction group according to the disease type ,and divided into the 1-vessel lesion group ,2-vessel lesion group and 3 or more vessel lesion group according to the coronary lesion vessels .At the same time 45 healthy persons were selected as the healthy control group .The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was adopted to detect the levels of vaspin ,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) ,interleu-kin (IL)-6 ,IL-10 and C reactive protein(CRP) .Results The vaspin level in the CHD group was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group ,while the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 ,IL-10 and CRP were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group ,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0 .05).The levels of vaspin in the stable angina pec-toris group ,unstable angina group and acute myocardial infarction group decreased in turn ,and the levels of vaspin in the 1-vessel lesion group ,2-vessel lesion group and 3 or more vessel lesion group decreased in turn ;the levels of CRP、IL-6、IL-10、TNF-αin the stable angina pectoris group ,unstable angina group and acute myocardial infarction group increased in turn ,and the levels of CRP、IL-6、IL-10、TNF-αin the 1-vessel lesion group ,2-vessel lesion group and 3 or more vessel lesion group increased in turn ;the differ-ence between the groups was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .The CHD severity was positively correlated with the levels of CRP , IL-6 ,IL-10 and TNF-α(P=0 .007 ,0 .003 ,0 .004 ,0 .005) ,and negatively correlated with the vaspin level (P=0 .002) .Conclusion The vaspin level is closely related to the inflammatory factors in CHD patients ,and is related with the vascular lesions severity of CHD .

Effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on level of vaspin and TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid of type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the changes of vaspin and TNF-α levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) after non-surgical periodontal treatment.@*Methods@#60 subjects were divided into 4 groups: DM-CP group (patients with both T2DM and CP, n=15); CP group (CP patients without T2DM, n=15); DM group (T2DM patients without CP, n=15), and CTRL group (systemically and periodontally healthy individuals, n=15). The clinical parameters of periodontal tissue and GCF were measured before and 8 weeks after non-surgical periodontal treatment. @*Results@#The levels of vaspin and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The levels of vaspin and TNF-α in CP group were significantly higher than those in CTRL group (P < 0.05), while the levels of vaspin and TNF-α in CP group were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the total amount of vaspin and the total amount of TNF-α, the level of HbA1c, gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD) (P < 0.05). @*Conclusion @#The results shows that vaspin and TNF-α are greatly decreased in periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal treatment. It suggests that vaspin and TNF-α in GCF may serve as inflammatory markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes and periodontitis.

Antiproteolytic and leishmanicidal activity of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt leaf extract against Leishmania donovani promastigotes.

In visceral leishmaniasis (VL), development of alternative safe therapeutic strategy is gaining paramount wherein natural components of plant origin have prominence. We explored Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, a medicinal plant known in traditional folk medicine, for its antileishmanial efficacy. SDS-PAGE analysis of the C. grandis leaf extract (Cg-Ex) showed few protein bands about 14-66 kDa among which three (64.8, 55.8 and 15.3 kDa) were identified as serine protease inhibitors by reverse zymography. Since the virulence of Leishmania is also attributed by serine proteases, objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro antileishmanial activity of Cg-Ex, targeting Leishmania donovani serine protease(s). Inhibition study of Cg-Ex in gelatin-zymogram and spectrophotometric assay revealed its strong inhibitory activity against bovine trypsin rather than chymotrypsin, and also showed significant inhibition of L. donovani serine protease(s). Further, studies with Cg-Ex were extended to estimate its antileishmanial efficacy with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 308.0 ± 2.42 µg/ml along with significant morphological alterations. The results have demonstrated the potential of the serine protease inhibitor rich fraction of the C. grandis leaf extract against visceral leishmaniasis.

First serine protease inhibitor isolated from Rhinella schneideri poison

Background Toad secretions are a source of molecules with potential biotechnological application on a wide spectrum of diseases. Toads from theRhinella family have two kinds of poisonous glands, namely granular and mucous glands. Rhinella schneideritoads produce granular secretions that comprise a great number of molecules, including serine proteases inhibitors. Serine proteases, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase, are enzymes that have a serine amino acid into its catalytic site and can be found in a large number of vertebrate species and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the present work aims to purify a serine protease inhibitor from Rhinella schneiderigranular secretions.Findings This study presents the protocol used to purify a serine protease inhibitor from the Rhinella schneideri poison. The granular secretion was submitted to dialysis in order to separate the low molecular weight compounds, which were submitted to a reversed phase-fast protein liquid chromatography fractionation step in a C2C18 column. The major fractions were tested over trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase through colorimetric assay. The inhibition tests were performed with the enzyme in absence (positive control) and presence of fractions, denatured enzyme (negative control) and the respective chromogenic substrate. Rs20 was the compound with the major inhibitory activity over chymotrypsin, inducing a delay in the formation of the chromogenic enzymatic product. The structure characterization of Rs20 was performed by high resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). HRESI showed an intense signal suggesting the presence of bufadienolide with less than 10 ppm error. In addition, it was observed a low intense signal at m/z399 that could be lithocholic acid, a biosynthetic precursor of bufadienolide. Finally, GC-MS analysis applying NIST library identification reinforced this hypothesis.Conclusions The current study have isolated and partially characterized the function and structure of the first bufadienolide with inhibitory action over chymotrypsin.

First serine protease inhibitor isolated from Rhinella schneideri poison

Background Toad secretions are a source of molecules with potential biotechnological application on a wide spectrum of diseases. Toads from theRhinella family have two kinds of poisonous glands, namely granular and mucous glands. Rhinella schneideritoads produce granular secretions that comprise a great number of molecules, including serine proteases inhibitors. Serine proteases, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase, are enzymes that have a serine amino acid into its catalytic site and can be found in a large number of vertebrate species and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the present work aims to purify a serine protease inhibitor from Rhinella schneiderigranular secretions.Findings This study presents the protocol used to purify a serine protease inhibitor from the Rhinella schneideri poison. The granular secretion was submitted to dialysis in order to separate the low molecular weight compounds, which were submitted to a reversed phase-fast protein liquid chromatography fractionation step in a C2C18 column. The major fractions were tested over trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase through colorimetric assay. The inhibition tests were performed with the enzyme in absence (positive control) and presence of fractions, denatured enzyme (negative control) and the respective chromogenic substrate. Rs20 was the compound with the major inhibitory activity over chymotrypsin, inducing a delay in the formation of the chromogenic enzymatic product. The structure characterization of Rs20 was performed by high resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). HRESI showed an intense signal suggesting the presence of bufadienolide with less than 10 ppm error. In addition, it was observed a low intense signal at m/z399 that could be lithocholic acid, a biosynthetic precursor of bufadienolide. Finally, GC-MS analysis applying NIST library identification reinforced this hypothesis.Conclusions The current study have isolated and partially characterized the function and structure of the first bufadienolide with inhibitory action over chymotrypsin.(AU)

The Serine Protease Inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl) Benzene Sulfonyl Fluoride Hydrochloride, Reduces Allergic Inflammation in a House Dust Mite Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model

PURPOSE: Serine protease inhibitors are involved in immune development, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and tissue repair. In the present study, the serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) was evaluated for its prophylactic and therapeutic applications in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups: contol (CON), Dermatophagoides farinae (Derf), AR mice treated with AEBSF before sensitization (S), AR mice treated with AEBSF after challenge (C), and steroid groups. Derf was used as an allergen. AEBSF was administered before S or after C. Allergic symptom scores, eosinophil counts, proteolytic activity, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10 levels and serum Derf-specific IgE levels were measured. T-bet, GATA-3, Foxp3, IL-13, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta mRNA levels were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells were assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Symptom scores, serum Derf-specific IgE levels, GATA-3 mRNA levels, IL-13 mRNA levels, and tissue eosinophil counts decreased in both the S and C groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells, IL-10 levels, and Foxp3 mRNA levels increased in the S and C groups compared with those in the Derf group (P<0.05). AEBSF treatment decreased the proteolytic activity in the S and C groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with AEBSF significantly reduces allergic airway inflammation and can induce regulatory T cells in a murine model of AR.

Two cases of chronic pancreatitis associated with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union and SPINK1 mutation / 소아과

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease resulting from repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis that impair exocrine function and eventually produce endocrine insufficiency. Some causes of chronic pancreatitis appear to be associated with alterations in the serine-protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1), cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1), and cystic fibrosis-transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genes, or with structural disorders in the pancreaticobiliary ductal system, such as pancreatic divisum or anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU). However, it is unusual to observe both genetic alteration and structural anomaly. Here, we report 2 cases with both APBDU and a mutation in the SPINK1 genes, and we discuss the implications of these findings in clinical practice.

Immunoresuscitation Effect on Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

PURPOSE: Recent studies have indicated that cytokines and inflammatory responses are related to hemorrhagic shock-(HS) induced acute lung injury. Novel, synthetic, broad-acting serine protease inhibitors that protect a wide range of animals from lethal shock have been evaluated as potential immunoresuscitation modulators. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a test modulator could decrease serum and tissue pro-inflammatory mediator levels, prevent HS-induced acute lung injury, and suppress activation of the inflammatory cascade. METHODS: This HS model consisted of four phases: Phase I, initiation of HS (from 15~30 min) with a volume-controlled hemorrhage of 2.7 mL/100 g over 15 min; Phase II, maintenance of HS (HS Phase, from 30~90 min), with maintenance of shock without resuscitation; Phase III, resuscitation (RT phase, from 90~150 min), with reinfusion of 1.5 mL/100 g of blood and Ringer's lactate fluid; and Phase IV, observation and post-resuscitation (OB phase, from 150~270 min). The test rats were randomized into two groups of 15: group 1 with fluid resuscitation (control group) and group 2 with fluid and 0.5mg/kg nafamostat mesilateinfusion (treated group). RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the treated group increased significantly during the observation and post-resuscitation period (Phase IV, OB 90 min). The heart rate of the control group increased significantly during the maintenance of shock (Phase II, HS 60 min), resuscitation (Phase III, RT 30 and 60 min), and observation periods (Phase IV, OB 120 min). The serum concentrations for IL-6 and IL-10 did not differ significantly between the treated and control groups. The TNF-alpha levels for the treated group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). At the end of the observation period (OB 120 min), the treated group had significantly lower concentrations of IL-8 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) than the control group (676.7+/-791.9 vs. 1062.5+/-609.9, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the tested serine protease inhibitor improves hemodynamic parameters, prevents acute lung injury after HS, and attenuates a robust proinflammatory cytokine response in rats.

Effects of short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on fasting plasma vaspin levels in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on plasma visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor ( vaspin ) levels in patients with recentonset type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to study the association between insulin sensitivity and vaspin levels.Methods Thirty patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with CSII for 2 weeks.Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps (EHC) were performed to evaluate the insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes group. Plasma vaspin levels were measured by an ELISA kit. The association between plasma vaspin levels and metabolic parameters were analyzed. Results Fasting plasma vaspin levels were higher in type 2 diabetes than in impaired glucose regulation and normal glucose tolerance groups [( 1.83±0.55 vs 0. 43±0.21 and 0.56±0.26) ng/ml,P＜0.05]. With CSII,vaspin levels [( 1.19 ±0.57 vs 1.83 ±0.55 ) ng/ml, P＜0.05] and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR ,2.30 ( 1.09-7.2 ) vs 4.28 ( 1.7-6.47 ), P＜0.05] were significantly decreased,accompanied with an increase in glucose metabolic rate [(5. 10±0.51 vs 2.99±0.42 )mg·kg-1·min-1 ,P＜0.05] in type 2 diabetes group. Changes in circulating vaspin concentrations were correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR. Conclusion In type 2 diabetic patients,elevated plasma vaspin levels are significantly decreased after CSII treatment. Vaspin may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity of diabetic humans.

Association Analysis of SERPINB5 Polymorphisms with HBV Clearance and HCC Occurrence in a Korean Population

Serpin peptidase inhibitor, Clade B (ovalbumin), Member 5 (SERPINB5), also known as maspin, is a potent tumor suppressor gene. It has correlations with many tumor cells, from pancreas cancer to breast cancer, so it is possible that it may also affect liver cancer. There has also been a report that SERPINB12, a gene placed right next to SERPINB5, is expressed in liver. For this study, 32 polymorphisms were identified in SERPINB5 by direct DNA sequencing, and 11 of them were selected to be tested with a larger scale subjects. The association of the 11 SERPINB5 polymorphisms with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and the onset age of HCC were analyzed. There were no significant associations found between 11 SERPINB5 polymorphisms and HBV clearance. In the case of HCC occurrence, one of the haplotypes (ht) showed association with HCC occurrence (OR=2.26, p=0.005, P(Cor)=0.05), albeit with a low statistical power (40.8%) and haplotype frequency (0.052). Further study with a bigger sample size will be needed to clearly verify the association between ht5 and HCC occurrence.

SPINK1 N34S Mutation as a Possible Cause of Chronic Pancreatitis in a Patient with Familial Background / 대한소화기학회지

New insight in the field of chronic pancreatitis was provided by the discovery of protease serine 1 (PRSS1) mutation, inherited by autosomal dominant trait in hereditary pancreatitis. Serine protease inhibior, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) is a potent protease inhibitor which prevents premature intrapancreatic activation of trypsin and pancreatic autodigestion. Strong associations of SPINK1 mutation and different forms of pancreatitis were suggested. However, it is unlikely that SPINK1 mutation alone can cause chronic pancreatitis. This mutation acts as a disease-modifier or plays a role within polygenic or multifactorial models. A 23 year-old young woman with chronic pancreatitis was recently discovered to have SPINK1 N34S heterozygous mutation cosegregated with two intronic mutations, IVS1-37T>C and IVS3-69insTTTT, during the evaluation for potential cause of chronic idiopathic pancreatitis. The same mutation was identified in her mother. This is the first report in Korea suggesting that SPINK1 mutation would be a possible cause of chronic pancreatitis in a patient with familial background.

Effects of Bombina maxima protein on growth of bladder cancer cell lines and expession of telomerase / 中国药理学通报

AIM: To study the boosting effect of Bombina maxima protein on bladder cancer cell lines growth and expression of telomerase. METHODS: Cell culture was used to dectect the effects of 3 blad der cancer cell lines growth; TRAP-PCR-ELISA method was used to detect the telomerase express under the ID50 culture concentration. RESULTS: Bombina maxima protein had the strong effect on growth of cell lines; particularly in the first 48 h; no effect was found in telomerase expression. CONCLUSION: Bombina maxima protein has the direct inhibitory effect on bladder cancer cell lines growth; The mechanism of antitumor of Bombina maxima protein is not by telomerase.