G-quadruplexes on chromosomal DNA negatively regulates topoisomerase 1 activity.

Human DNA topoisomerase 1 (Top1) is a crucial enzyme responsible for alleviating torsional stress on DNA during transcription and replication, thereby maintaining genome stability. Previous researches had found that non-working Top1 interacted extensively with chromosomal DNA in human cells. However, the reason for its retention on chromosomal DNA remained unclear.

Baicalin attenuate diet-induced metabolic syndrome by improving abnormal metabolism and gut microbiota.

In this work, we examined whether baicalin (BC), a bioactive flavonoid in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, can reduce high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in mice. The UPLC-QTOF/MS was used for metabolome profiles analysis, and an analysis of bacterial 16S rDNA in feces was used to examine the effects of BC on gut microbiota composition. Our results showed that BC (400 mg/kg) could reduce the body weight gain, decrease hepatic fat accumulation and abnormal blood lipids, and increase insulin sensitivity after 8 weeks of treatment.

Spectrum-Effect Relationships Between High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Fingerprints and Hepatoprotective Activities of Cuscutae Semen.

Background: Cuscutae Semen (CS) is a commonly used hepatoprotective traditional Chinese medicine, but the chemical components responsible for its hepatoprotective activity are unclear.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectrum-effect relationships between HPLC fingerprints and hepatoprotective effects of CS, and to identify its bioactive components.

Methods: Phytochemical isolation of CS extracts was first carried out and 14 potential bioactive compounds were obtained.

Regulation of PDGFR-β gene expression by targeting the G-vacancy bearing G-quadruplex in promoter.

G-quadruplex is an essential element in gene transcription that serves as a promising drug target. Guanine-vacancy-bearing G-quadruplex (GVBQ) is a newly identified G-quadruplex that has distinct structural features from the canonical G-quadruplex. Potential GVBQ-forming motifs are widely distributed in gene promoter regions.

Diabetic nephropathy and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in Chinese with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increased in patients with chronic kidney disease. We investigated the effects of renal function on PAD in Chinese with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study enrolled a total of 2983 (1342 men and 1641 women) Chinese adults with diabetes.

Gender-dependent effect of ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms on the progression of urinary albumin excretion in Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes.

Background: We investigated the gender differences in the effect of ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms on the prognosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: A total of 525 type 2 diabetics were enrolled to participate in this prospective observational study. ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.

The association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T polymorphism with C-reactive protein level and metabolic syndrome in a Chinese study group.

Some studies have reported a possible relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and metabolic syndrome (MS), which is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A recent meta-analysis study found the eNOS G894T polymorphism to be associated with ischemic heart disease. Here, we examine the association of eNOS G894T polymorphism with MS in a Chinese population (n = 397).

Chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for coronary artery disease in Chinese with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. We investigated the effects of renal function on coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese with type 2 diabetes who have a high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy but who may have a low risk of developing CAD.

Methods: We recruited a total of 2,434 Chinese with type 2 diabetes (1,078 men and 1,356 women) and diagnosed CAD by history or with an abnormal electrocardiogram (coronary probable or possible by Minnesota codes).

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein B1B1 genotype as a predictor of coronary artery disease in Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is known to be a high-risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), and lipid abnormalities have been found to possibly contribute to CAD in diabetic patients. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene TaqIB polymorphism is associated with lipid profile variability, and this polymorphism may be a risk factor for CAD in diabetic patients. To clarify the relationship between CETP TaqIB gene polymorphism and CAD, we enrolled in our study 365 Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes mellitus (101 with CAD and 264 without CAD).

Elevated serum anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies titer is associated with lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background And Purpose: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease associated with endothelial dysfunction and the existence of multiple species of autoantibodies. However, the association between endothelial dysfunction and renal manifestations remains unclear in Taiwanese SLE patients.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from SLE patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (n = 32), stable SLE patients (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 32).

Modulation of angiogenic processes in cultured endothelial cells by low density lipoproteins subfractions from patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Objective: Electronegative low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions are cytotoxic to endothelial cells. To continue our study of homozygotic familial hypercholesterolemic (FH)-LDL, we report the effects of FH-LDL subfractions (FH-L1 to FH-L5) on the angiogenic processes in cultured endothelial cells.

Methods And Results: Subconfluent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were treated with LDL subfractions (20 microg/ml), and the effects on angiogenic functions, including cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tube formation, secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined.