Complete genome sequence of Kushneria phosphatilytica YCWA18T reveals the P-solubilizing activity of the genus Kushneria.

Kushneria phosphatilytica YCWA18T (= CGMCC 1.9149T = NCCB 100306T) was isolated from sediment collected in a saltern on the eastern coast of Yellow Sea in China. The genome was sequenced and comprised of one circular chromosome with the size of 3,624,619 bp and DNA G + C content of 59.13%. A total of 3267 protein-coding genes, 64 tRNA genes and 12 rRNA genes were obtained. Genomic annotation indicated that the genome of K. phosphatilytica YCWA18T had 34 genes involved in phosphorus (P) solubilization/metabolism, e.g., gdh, pqq, phoA, phoD and phoX, which products can convert insoluble P-containing compounds to more bio-available dissolved inorganic P. Comparative genomic analysis of Kushneria strains revealed that gdh, pqq, phoA, phoD and phoX were widely distributed in these strains, indicating the genus Kushneria may play an important role in the P cycle. Additionally, a multitude of salt tolerance genes were detected in the genome of K. phosphatilytica YCWA18T. This study and the genome sequence data will be available for further research and will provide insights into potential biotechnological and agricultural applications of Kushneria strains.

Modified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of modified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY: Forty-five type 2 diabetes mellitus patients underwent modified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at WeiFang People's Hospital. Data on patient demographics, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI), medication use, remission and hemoglobin A1c (HbAlc) were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: At 6 months after surgery, all of these 45 patients obtained remission or a marked improvement. FPG was in the normal range in 39 (86.7%) patients stopping medicine treatment for their diabetes. Six patients (13.3%) had an obvious reduced abnormal FPG and they only required lower drug dosage. No statistically significant differences were found between the obese or non-obese groups (p=0.311). The mean BMI dropped from 28.9±3.0 kg/m2 to 27.4±2.8 kg/m2 (p=0.000) at the third month and 26.3±2.5 kg/m2 (p=0.000) at the sixth month. HbAlc decreased from their preoperative values of 7.4%±2.2% to 6.3%±1.5% (p=0.000) at the third month and 5.1%±0.9% (p=0.000) at the sixth month. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was effective in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, independent of body mass index.

Effect of 5-LOX/COX-2 common inhibitor DHDMBF30 on pancreatic cancer cell Capan2.

AIM: To study the effect of 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase-2 (5-LOX/COX-2) dual inhibitor 7-tert-butyl-2, 3-dihydro-3, 3-dimethyl substituted dihydrofuran 30 (DHDMBF30) on proliferation and apoptosis of the pancreatic cancer cell line Capan-2 and the effect of DHDMBF30 on human pancreatic cancer in a nude mouse model. METHODS: Investigate the effect of 5-LOX/COX-2 dual inhibitor DHDMBF30 on proliferation and apoptosis of the pancreatic cancer cell line Capan-2 by RT-PCR, MTT assay, FCM and electron microscope. Cell line Capan-2 was inoculated percutaneously on the outer thigh of 12 nude mice. The VEGF mRNA of transplantation tumor was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: DHDMBF30 inhibits the proliferation of cell line Capan2, reduces the expression of 5-LOX, COX-2 and VEGF. After Capan2 was treated with DHDMBF30, we found that the apoptosis peak of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the contrast group (3.08 +/- 1.89 vs 27.67 +/- 0.52, P < 0.001). The tumor weight of the DHDMBF30 group was significantly lower than PBS control groups (1.35 +/- 0.47 vs 2.92 +/- 0.73, P < 0.01). Expression of VEGF in the DHDMBF30 group was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: DHDMBF30 inhibits the proliferation of the pancreatic cell line Capan2, and induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer in nude mice.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factors-C and -D correlate with evidence of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the intratumoral and peritumoral microvessel density (MVD) and microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) and recorded the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and -D. These data were tested for their significance for tumor progression. METHODS: The tissue samples were obtained from 30 patients with PAC. The expression of VEGF-C and -D, MLVD, MVD was assayed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of VEGF-A and -C, and -D mRNA was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of VEGF-C and -D immunoreactivity in 73% (22/30) and 57% (17/30). The positive rates of VEGF-C and -D protein in central portion of tumors (30% and 16.7%) were significantly lower than those in marginal portion (73.3% and 56.7%). The group with high expression of VEGF-C and -D in marginal portion had higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and venous invasion. The MLVD in both of the VEGF-C and -D positive groups was higher than that in the negative groups, and the lymph node metastasis increased. MVD in the VEGF-C positive group was higher than that in the negative group. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of VEGF-C and -D in the marginal portion of tumor significantly associated with lymphatic metastasis and prognosis in patients with PAC, and may induced lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C was important in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in PAC.