Browsing by Author "Tsai, Fuu-Jen"

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Apicidin-resistant HA22T hepatocellular carcinoma cells massively promote pro-survival capability via IGF-IR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation
(2014-01-01)
Hsu, Hsi-Hsien
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Cheng, Li-Hao
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Ho, Tsung-Jung
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Kuo, Wei-Wen
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Lin, Yueh-Min
Despite rapid advances in the diagnostic and surgical procedures, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most difficult human malignancies to treat. This may be due to the chemoresistant behaviors of HCC. It is believed that acquired resistance could be overcome and improve the overall survival of HCC patients by understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance in HCC. A stable HA22T cancer line, which is chronically resistant to a histone deacetylase inhibitor, was established. After comparing the molecular mechanism of apicidin-R HA22T cells to parental ones by Western blotting, cell cycle-regulated proteins did not change in apicidin-R cells, but apicidin-R cells were more proliferative and had higher tumor growth (wound-healing assay and nude mice xenograft model). Moreover, apicidin-R cells displayed increased levels of p-IGF-IR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-2 but also significantly inhibited the tumor suppressor PTEN protein and apoptotic pathways when compared to the parental strain. Therefore, the highly proliferative effect of apicidin-R HA22T cells was blocked by Akt knockdown. For all these findings, we believe that novel strategies to attenuate IGF-IR/PI3K/Akt signaling could overcome chemoresistance toward the improvement of overall survival of HCC patients.
Association of Interleukin-16 Polymorphisms with Graves' Disease in a Taiwanese Population
(2014-04-30)
Tsai, Kun-Hsi
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Chang, Ching-Yao
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Tsai, Fuu-Jen
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Lin, Hui-Ju
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Yang, Yuh-Shyong
Graves' disease (GD) is a complex, organ-specific autoimmune disease wherein the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and overactive. During GD progression, T cells secrete interleukin-16 (IL-16) to promote inflammation, act as chemoattractants that recruit more inflammatory cells, and activate target cells to enhance the development of GD. To investigate the role of IL-16 in GD, we genotyped 474 patients with GD at 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-16 gene. The IL-16 SNP rs8028364 was found to be associated with GD when compared with the control subjects (P = 2.93 x 10(-17); CG genotype: odds ratio [OR] = 0.2 [0.07, 0.59]; CC genotype: OR = 0.03 [0.01, 0.09]). The rs1131445 polymorphism was found to be associated with GD under the allelic model (P = 0.01; G allele: OR = 1.97 [1.17, 3.32]). Sliding-window haplotype analysis by the PLINK program showed that the most significant haplotype was provided by the 6-SNP haplotype window, consisting of rs7182786, rs8028364, rs12907134, rs4128767, rs4072111 and rs8031107 (P = 2.31 x 10(-51)). We found 2 protective haplotypes: GCAAGG (P = 8.69 x 10(-7); OR = 0.22 [0.12, 0.41]) and AGAAGG (P = 0.0012; OR = 0.26 [0.12, 0.6]). In addition, GGGGAA (P = 0.39; OR = 2.32 [1.08, 4.99]) and GGGAGA (P = 1.18 x 10(-5); OR = 5.54 [2.50, 12.31]) were found to be the two high-risk haplotypes. These results suggest that polymorphisms in IL-16 may be used as genetic markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of GD.
Chromosome 15q21-22-Related Polymorphisms and Haplotypes Are Associated with Susceptibility to Type-2 Diabetic Nonproliferative Retinopathy
(2012-05-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Huang, Yu-Chuen
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Wang, Yu-Kuo
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Lin, Wen-Hsin
Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate whether chromosome 15q21-22-related gene polymorphisms could be used as markers of DR susceptibility in type 2 diabetic (T2D) individuals. Methods: Individuals were divided into three groups: (1) T2D with nonproliferative DR (NPDR; n = 102); (2) T2D with proliferative DR (PDR; n = 72); (3) T2D without DR (n = 573). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7174997, rs3751624, rs8025011, rs17818837, rs2922220, and rs2414520) lying within chromosome 15q21-22 region were genotyped by using Illumina HumanHap550-Duo BeadChips. Genotypes/allelic frequencies and haplotypes for these polymorphisms in each group were compared. Results: The MYO5C related SNP (rs3751624)*A related genotype and allele are associated with higher susceptibilities to DR, including PDR and NPDR. The rs3751624*GG/AA + AG percentages in each group are (1) 75.5%/24.5%, (2) 73.6%/26.4%, and (3) 82.5%/17.5%. In contrast, the other five SNPs in each group were not significantly different. One haplotype (G-A-G-G-T-G) appears significantly different between T2D individuals with and without DR. Other haplotype distributions were not significantly different between each group. Conclusion: The MYO5C related SNP (rs3751624)*A related genotype/allele and haplotype (G-A-G-G-T-G) might be associated with susceptibility for retinopathy in T2D individuals. Some chromosome 15q21-22* related genetic variations might contribute to the pathogenesis of DR.
Dung-shen (Codonopsis pilosula) attenuated the cardiac-impaired insulin-like growth factor II receptor pathway on myocardial cells
(2013-05-15)
Tsai, Kun-Hsi
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Lee, Nien-Hung
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Chen, Guei-Ying
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Hu, Wei-Syun
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Tsai, Chen-Yen
Previous studies from our lab showed that increase in AngIl in H9c2 cells causes elevated IGFII and IGFIIR through MEK and JNK, leading to rise in intracellular calcium, calcineurin activation by PLC-beta 3 via G alpha q, insertion into mitochondrial membranes of Bad, and apoptosis via caspases 9 and 3. Codonopsis pilosula is traditionally used to lower blood pressure. The purpose of our study is to investigate if C. pilosula attenuates AngII plus Leu(27)-IGFII-induced calcium influx and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. C pilosula significantly attenuated AngII induced IGFIIR promoter activity. Leu(27)-IGFII was applied to enhance the Angll effect. C pilosula also reversed Ca2+ influx, MOMP and apoptosis increased by AngIl plus Leu(27)-IGFIL Molecular markers in IGFIIR apoptotic pathway (IGFIIR, calcineurin, etc.) and IGFIIR-G alpha q association were downregulated by C pilosula. However, p-Bad(Ser136) and BcI-2 were increased. Therefore, C pilosula suppresses Angll plus Leu(27)-IGFII-induced IGFII/IGFIIR pathway in myocardial cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dung-Shen Downregulates the Synergistic Apoptotic Effects of Angiotensin II Plus Leu 27-IGF II on Cardiomyoblasts
(2014-01-01)
Chang, Ko-Shih
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Lee, Nien-Hung
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Kuo, Wei-Wen
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Hu, Wei-Syun
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Chang, Mu-Hsin
Background: Insulin growth factor II (IGFII) is expressed after ischemic stress in pig hearts and after myocardial infarction in humans. However, its receptor (IGFIIR) cannot be found in normal adult hearts. Moreover, a mouse IGFII overexpression model showed a heart and kidney hypertrophy phenomenon similar to Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome in humans. The previous studies from our lab showed that an increase in AngII in H9c2 cells causes an elevation in IGFII and IGFIIR through MEK and JNK activation, leading to a rise in intracellular Ca2+ ions, activation of calcineurin by PLC-beta 3 via Gaq, insertion into mitochondrial membranes of BAD, and apoptosis via activation of caspases 9 and 3. Codonopsis pilosula (Dung-shen) has various uses in traditional Chinese medicine, including lowering blood pressure, and increasing red and white blood cell counts. Methods: The purpose of our study is to investigate whether the addition of C. pilosula will attenuate the Angl I plus Leu27-IGF11-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Results: From MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethy1-2-thiazolyI)-2, 5-dipheny1-2-tetrazolium bromide] results, it was revealed that Angll plus Leu27-IGFII significantly reduced cell viability, which was reversed by C. pilosula. Additionally, C. pilosula also reversed apoptosis (TUNEL staining) increased by Angll plus Leu27-IGFII. Up-regulation of caspase 3 by Angl I plus Leu27-IGFII was attenuated by C. pilosula treatment, as shown in western blotting assay and immunofluorescence microscopy results. Conclusions: C. pilosula is able to suppress the apoptotic pathway enhanced by Angl I plus Leu27-IGFII in myocardial cells.
Earlier and higher dosing of alglucosidase alfa improve outcomes in patients with infantile -onset Pompe disease: Evidence from real -world experiences
(2020-06-01)
Chien, Yin-Hsiu
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Tsai, Wen-Hui
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Chang, Chaw-Liang
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Chiu, Pao-Chin
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Chou, Yen-Yin
Functional independence of Taiwanese patients with mucopolysaccharidoses
(2019-08-01)
Lee, Chung-Lin
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Lin, Hsiang-Yu
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Chuang, Chih-Kuang
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Chiu, Huei-Ching
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Tu, Ru-Yi
Background Information on functional strengths and weaknesses of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients is important for early intervention programs and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Methods We used the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) questionnaire to assess the functional skills of 63 Taiwanese MPS patients (median age, 13 years 3 months; range, 3-20 years) from January 2012 to December 2018. Results Mean total WeeFIM score was 75.4 of a potential score of 126. Mean total WeeFIM scores of each type (MPS I, MPS II, MPS IIIB, MPS IVA, and MPS VI) were 103.8, 76.2, 41.6, 92.2, and 113.6, respectively. Mean scores for self-care, mobility, and cognition domains were 30 (maximum 56), 23 (maximum 35), and 22 (maximum 35), respectively. MPS type IIIB patients had the lowest scores in self-care, mobility, cognition, and total domains compared to other types of MPS. All patients with ERT in MPS I, II, and IVA had higher scores in self-care and mobility domains than patients without ERT. Most patients required assistance for self-care skills, especially in grooming and bathing. Conclusion MPS patients require support and supervision in self-care tasks. For cognition tasks, MPS IIIB patients also require help. This questionnaire is useful to identify the strengths and limitations of MPS patients.
Genome-wide transcriptome analysis to further understand neutrophil activation and lncRNA transcript profiles in Kawasaki disease
(2019-01-23)
Ko, Tai-Ming
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Chang, Jeng-Sheng
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Chen, Shih-Ping
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Liu, Yi-Min
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Chang, Chia-Jung
Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired cardiac disease in children in developed countries. However, little is known regarding the role of transcriptomic targets of KD in the disease progression and development of complications, especially coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). The aim of our study was to identify transcripts affected by KD and their potential role in the disease. We enrolled 37 KD patients and collected blood samples along a comprehensive time-course. mRNA profiling demonstrated an abundance of CD177 transcript in acute KD, and in the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistant group compared to in the IVIG-sensitive group. lncRNA profiling identified XLOC_006277 as the most highly expressed molecule. XLOC_006277 expression in patients at acute stage was 3.3-fold higher relative to patients with convalescent KD. Moreover, XLOC_006277 abundance increased significantly in patients with CAA. XLOC_006277 knockdown suppressed MMP-8 and MMP-9 expression, both associated with heart lesions. Our result suggested that the increase of CD177(pos) neutrophils was associated with KD. Moreover, this study provided global long non-coding RNA transcripts in the blood of patients with KD, IVIG-resistant KD, or CAA. Notably, XLOC_006277 abundance was associated with CAA, which might contribute to further understanding of CAA pathogenesis in KD.
Human lymphocyte antigen B-associated transcript 2, 3, and 5 polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with susceptibility of Kawasaki disease and coronary artery aneurysm (vol 24, pg 262, 2010)
(2011)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Lin, Ying-Ju
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Chen, Da-Yuan
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Hsu, Chin-Mu
Identification of novel peptides specifically binding to endometriosis by screening phage-displaying peptide libraries
(2009-12-01)
Chang, Chi-Chen
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Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Wang, Yu-Kuo
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Hsu, Kung-Hao
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Tsai, Horng-Der
Objective: To search for novel peptides and common binding motif that specifically bind to endometriosis. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Department of Biological Science and Technology in national university. Patient(s): Specimens were divided into [1] ectopic endometrium (n = 10); [2] eutopic endometrium (n = 10). Intervention(s): Peptides specifically binding to endometriosis are screened from a phage-displaying peptide library (Ph.D.-12) by using whole-cell screening technique after an adsorption elution amplification procedure. Main Outcome Measure(s): Combinatorial peptide libraries were used to identify small molecules that bind with high affinity to receptor molecules and mimic the interaction with natural ligands. Few pans of positive phage clones with significantly positive signals were identified by ELISA and analyzed by DNA sequencing. Result(s): During the biopanning processes, the recovered phage number (10(6) pfu/mL) in parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the study were 9, 33, 82, 142, and 169. Nine phages consistently had residue Arg, whereas six clones had a consensus motif of Arg-X-Arg-X-X-X-X-Arg. The biotin-labeled peptide bound to endometriosis cells in a dose-dependent manner, yet the control peptide revealed lesser binding activity. Conclusion(s): The novel motif is associated with higher affinity of endometriosis, which might be useful in endometriosis targeting and as potential antiendometriosis therapies. We provide one potential approach for novel therapies toward endometriosis. (Fertil Steril (R) 2009;92:1850-5. (C)2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
Insulin-like Growth Factors II exon 9 and E-cadherin-Pml I but not Myeloperoxidase Promoter-463, Urokinase-ApaL I nor Xeroderma Pigmentosum Polymorphisms Are Associated with Higher Susceptibility to Leiomyoma
(2010-06-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Wang, Yu-Kuo
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Hsu, Kung-Hao
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Chen, Chih-Ping
Objectives: To investigate the roles of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), E-cadherin (CDH1), urokinase and xeroderma pigmentosum group A and D (XPA, XPD) polymorphisms upon leiomyoma susceptibility. Study Design: Women were divided into: group I, leiomyoma (n=158); group 2, non-leiomyoma (n=156). Polymorphisms (IGF2 exon 9*A/G, MPO-463*A/G, CDH1-Pml I, urokinase-ApaL, XPA*A-23G, XPD*Lys751Gln) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and detected by electrophoresis after restriction enzyme digestion. Genotype and allelic frequencies were compared between both groups. Results: Associations between leiomyoma with IGF2 and CDH1 polymorphism exist. Proportions of IGF2 exon 9*AA/AG/GG in and CDH1* CC/CT/TT in the groups were: group I, 38/39.2/22.8% and 27.8/66.5/5.7%; group 2, 22.4/53.9/23.7% and 21.2/64.1/14.7. MPO, urokinase, XPA and XPD in both groups were non-significantly different. Proportions of MPO*AA/AG/GG, urokinase*CC/CT/TT, XPA*AA/AG/GG and XPD*AA/AC/CC were: group 1: 1.9/23.4/74.7%, 0.6/7/92.4%, 20.9/55.1/24%, 85.4/14.6/0%; group 2: 3.8/24.4/71.8%, 1.3/4.5/94.2%, 22.4/53.9/23.7%, 84.6/15.4/0%. Conclusion: IGF2*A allele and CDH1*C allele were correlated with leiomyoma susceptibility, which may be associated with leiomyoma development. MPO, urokinase, XPA and XPD polymorphisms are not related to leiomyoma susceptibilities.
Interleukin (IL)-12 receptor beta 1 codon 378 G homozygote and allele, but not IL-1 (beta-511 promoter, 3953 exon 5, receptor antagonist), IL-2 114, IL-4-590 intron 3, IL-8 3 '-UTR 2767, and IL-18 105, are associated with higher susceptibility to leiomyoma
(2007-04-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Tsai, Chang-Hai
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Lin, Cheng-Chieh
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Tsai, Fuu-Jen
Objective: To investigate whether certain polymorphisms are correlated with leiomyoma susceptibility, i.e., interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18, which are all immunomodulatory cytokines that play important roles in host immune responses against cancers. Setting: Departments of gynecology and genetics in a medical center. Patient(s): Women were divided into: [1] a leiomyoma group (n = 162) and [2] a nonleiomyoma group (n = 156). Intervention(s): Genotyping for the IL-1 beta-511 promoter, IL-1 beta exon 5, IL-1Ra, IL-2 114, IL-4 -590 intron 3, IL-8 3'-UTR 2767, IL-12R beta 1 codon 378, and IL-18 105 were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Main Outcome Measurement(s): Genotypes and allelic frequencies in both groups were compared. Result(s): Proportions of IL-12R beta 1 codon 378 *CC/CG/GG in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups were: [1] 7.4%/43.8%/48.8% and [2] 11.5%/54.5%/34%, respectively. Distributions of other polymorphisms in both groups were not significantly different. Proportions of IL-1 beta-511 promoter *CC/CT/TT were: [1] 22.8%/50%/ 27.2% and [2] 21.8%/57.1%/21.1% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-1 beta exon 5 *E1 homozygote/heterozygote/E2 homozygote were: [1] 96.3%/3.7%/0% and [2] 96.9%/3.1%/0% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. Alleles I/II/III/IV/V for IL-1Ra were: [1] 92.6%/7.1%/0.3%/ 0/0% and [2] 93.9%/5.7%/0%/0.4/0% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-2 114 G homozygote/heterozygote/T homozygote were: [1] 27.8%/49.4%/22.8% and [2] 20.5%/53.2%/26.3% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-4 -590 intron 3 *RP1 homozygote/heterozygote/ RP2 homozygote were: [1] 64.8%/32.7%/2.5% and [2] 69.2%/26.9%/3.9% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-8 3'-UTR 2767 A homozygote/heterozygote/G homozygote were: [1] 14.2%/ 43.8%/42% and [2] 20.5%/41.7%/37.8% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-18 *AA/AC/CC were: [1] 56.8%/40.7%/2.5% and [2] 59%/39.7%/1.3% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. Conclusion(s): The IL-12R beta 1 codon 378 *G homozygote and G allele are related to a higher susceptibility to leiomyoma. The IL-1 beta-511 promoter, IL-1 beta exon 5, and IL-1Ra, IL-2 114, IL-4 -590 intron 3, IL-8 3'-UTR 2767, and IL-18 105 gene polymorphisms are not correlated with the development of leiomyoma.
Mucopolysaccharidosis III in Taiwan: Natural history, clinical and molecular characteristics of 28 patients diagnosed during a 21-year period
(2018-09-01)
Lin, Hsiang-Yu
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Chuang, Chih-Kuang
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Lee, Chung-Lin
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Tu, Ru-Yi
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Lo, Yun-Ting
Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III, Sanfilippo syndrome) has a variable age of onset and variable rate of progression. However, information regarding the natural history of this disorder in Asian populations is limited. A retrospective analysis was carried out for 28 patients with MPS III (types IIIA [n=3], IIIB [n=23], and IIIC [n=2]; 15 males and 13 females; median age, 8.2 years; age range, 2.7-26.5 years) seen in six medical centers in Taiwan from January 1996 through October 2017. The median age at confirmed diagnosis was 4.6 years. The most common initial symptom was speech delay (75%), followed by hirsutism (64%) and hyperactivity (54%). Both z scores for height and weight were negatively correlated with age (r=-.693 and -0.718, respectively; p<.01). The most prevalent clinical manifestations were speech delay (100%) and intellectual disability (100%), followed by hirsutism (93%), hyperactivity (79%), coarse facial features (68%), sleep disorders (61%), and hepatosplenomegaly (61%). Ten patients (36%) had epilepsy, and the median age at the first seizure was 11 years. Thirteen patients (46%) experienced at least one surgical procedure. At the time of the present study, 7 of the 28 patients had passed away at the median age of 13.0 years. Molecular studies showed an allelic heterogeneity without clear genotype and phenotype correlations. MPS IIIB is the most frequent subtype among MPS III in the Taiwanese population. An understanding of the natural history of MPS III may allow early diagnosis and timely management of the disease facilitating better treatment outcomes.
Prenatal detection and characterization of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 22 with apparently normal phenotype
(2006-10-01)
Lin, Chyi-Chyang
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Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Wang, Chung-Hsing
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Li, Yueh-Chun
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Hsieh, Lie-Jiau
Objective To present prenatal findings and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 22 with apparently normal phenotype. Case and Methods An amniocentesis was performed at 15 weeks' gestation and a small marker chromosome in the female fetus of a twin pregnancy was noted. A second amniocentesis was performed at 18 weeks; G-banding analysis on amniotic cells confirmed the small marker chromosome found in the female fetus. Both parents and the male twin fetus had normal karyotypes. Spectral karyotyping (SKY), Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses with chromosomal specific whole chromosome painting probe (WCP 22) and alphoid satellite DNA probe (D22Z4) Were used to identify the origin of the sSMC. The make-up of the sSMC was characterized by further FISH studies with chromosome region specific probes. The twin babies were delivered normally at 35 weeks' gestation. The female neonate with sSMC did not show any dysmorphic features, except for a type II atrial septum defect (ASD) at birth. She was found to be developing and growing normally at her 2-year follow-up. Results Conventional G-banding study confirmed the presence of a sSMC with bi-satellites. SKY and FISH with D22Z4 probes showed that the marker originated from chromosome 22. FISH studies using 4 locus-specific DNA probes in the 22q11.2 region (N25 probe to detect the D22S75 locus within the velocardiofacial syndrome/Di George syndrome (VCFS/DGS) critical region, a clone to detect the Bid locus just distal to the cat eye syndrome (CES) critical region and two clones 77H2 and 109L3 to detect the proximal end of the CES critical region, (CECR2 and CECR7), did not reveal any hybridization signal with the marker chromosome. The karyotype of the fetus was 47,XX,+mar. ish der(22) (SKY+,D22Z42+,CECR7-,CECR2-, BID-,D22S75-). Conclusion The supernumerary marker chromosome in this case was a de novo inv dup(22)(q11.2) and contained a duplicated proximal long arm region <400 kb from the centromere; it did not appear to affect the phenotype of the child. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships among Height, Weight, Body Mass Index, and Age in Taiwanese Children with Different Types of Mucopolysaccharidoses
(2019-12-01)
Lin, Hsiang-Yu
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Lee, Chung-Lin
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Chiu, Pao Chin
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Niu, Dau-Ming
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Tsai, Fuu-Jen
Background: Children with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) generally appear unaffected at birth but may develop multiple clinical manifestations including profound growth impairment as they grow older. Each type of MPS has a variable age at onset and variable rate of progression, however, information regarding growth in Asian children is limited. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 129 Taiwanese patients with MPS (age range, 0.7 to 19.5 years, median age, 7.9 years) from eight medical centers in Taiwan from January 1996 through December 2018. Results: The mean z scores for the first recorded values of height, weight, and body mass index in the patients' medical records were -4.25, -1.04, and 0.41 for MPS I (n = 9), -2.31, 0.19, and 0.84 for MPS II (n = 49), -0.42, 0.08, and -0.12 for MPS III (n = 27), -6.02, -2.04, and 0.12 for MPS IVA (n = 30), and -4.46, -1.52, and 0.19 for MPS VI (n = 14), respectively. MPS IVA had the lowest mean z scores for both height and weight among all types of MPS, followed by MPS VI, MPS I, MPS II, and MPS III, which showed the mildest growth retardation. Both z scores for height and weight were negatively correlated with increasing age for all types of MPS (p < 0.01). Of 32 patients younger than 5 years of age, 16 (50%), and 23 (72%) had positive z scores of height and weight, respectively. A substantial number of younger patients with MPS I, II, III, and IVA had a positive height z score. The median age at diagnosis was 3.9 years (n = 115). Conclusions: The patients with MPS IVA had the most significant growth retardation among all types of MPS, followed by MPS VI, MPS I, MPS II, and MPS III. The height and weight of the MPS patients younger than 2-5 years of age were higher than those of healthy individuals, however, their growth significantly decelerated in subsequent years. Understanding the growth curve and potential involved in each type of MPS may allow for early diagnosis and timely management of the disease, which may improve the quality of life.
Rhubarb inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell metastasis via GSK-3-beta activation to enhance protein degradation and attenuate nuclear translocation of beta-catenin
(2013-05-01)
Tsai, Kun-Hsi
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Hsien, Hau-Hsueh
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Chen, Li-Mien
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Ting, Wei-Jen
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Yang, Yuh-Shyong
The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanisms by which rhubarb regulates beta-catenin as well as metastasis of hepatocellular carcinomas. Our results revealed that rhubarb extract inhibited HA22T cell migration ability in wound healing, migration and invasion assays in a dose-dependent manner. Rhubarb also reduced beta-catenin protein level, downregulated its downstream proteins, cyclin D, Tbx3 and c-Myc, and attenuated the expression of MMP9 and contactin-1 metastatic factors. Additionally, rhubarb inhibited beta-catenin nuclear accumulation and induced its degradation via proteasome-mediated pathway. Furthermore, we found that rhubarb suppressed the p-ser(9) GSK-3-beta protein level to inactivate Wnt signalling and reduce beta-catenin protein level. Taken together; we found that rhubarb blocked the metastatic process of HA22T hepatocellular carcinoma cells mediated through GSK-3-beta activation, and enhancement of protein degradation as well as reduction of the nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
T allele for VEGF-460 gene polymorphism at 5 '-untranslated region is associated with higher susceptibility of leiomyoma
(2008-06-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Tsai, Fuu-Jen
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Lin, Cheng-Chieh
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Tsai, Chang-Hai
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of angiogenesis and a mediator of sex steroid-induced cell growth and differentiation. We aimed to investigate if VEGF gene 5'-UTR -460 polymorphism could be used as markers of susceptibility in leiomyoma. Women were divided into two groups: (1) leiomyoma (n=159); (2) nonleiomyoma groups (n=131). VEGF gene-460 polymorphism were detected by polymerase chain reaction and BstUI restriction enzyme analysis. Genotypes and allelic frequencies between both groups were compared. We noted that the proportions of different VEGF polymorphisms in both groups were significantly different. Proportions of cuttable (C) homozygote/heterozygote/uncuttable (T) homozygote for VEGF in both groups were: (1) 0/32/68% and (2) 0/63/37%. Higher percentage of T homozygote and T allele presented in the leiomyoma population. Proportions of C/T alleles in both groups were: (1) 16/84% and (2) 32/68%. We concluded that T homozygotes and T allele of VEGF gene-460 polymorphism are associated with higher risk of leiomyoma development. Heterozygotes and C allele are related with lower risk of leiomyoma formation VEGF gene polymorphism likely contributes to the pathogenesis of leiomyoma.
The cuttable C-related genotype and allele for the E-cadherin 3 '-UTR Pml I polymorphism are associated with higher susceptibility to endometriosis
(2005-12-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
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Chang, Chi-Chen
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Tsai, Fuu-Jen
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Hsu, Chin-Moo
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Lin, Cheng-Chieh
Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin; CDH1) may influence pericellular proteolysis and intracellular signal transduction, which plays an essential part of tumor invasion. In our study we investigated the correlation between CDH1 gene polymorphism and endometriosis in two groups of pre-menopausal Taiwanese women, group 1 (n = 150) consisting of women with severe stage IV enclometriosis and group 2 (n = 159) of women with no enclometriosis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the cuttable (C) and uncuttable (T) polymorphism of the CDH1-Pm/ l gene (rs1801026) located on the T-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of chromosome 16 and compare the genotypes and allelic frequencies of this gene in both groups. We found that the genotype and allele distributions of the CDH1-Pml/ l C/T polymorphism were significantly different in both groups. In group 1 the CDH1*C frequency was 47.7% and the T frequency 52.3%, while the CC homozygote frequency was 6.7%, the TT homozygote 11.3% and the CT heterozygote 82%. In group 2 the CDH1*C frequency was 17% and the T frequency 83%, while the CC frequency was 0.6%, the TT 66.1% and the CT 33.3%. These data indicate that the CDH1 gene polymorphism may be associated with the development of severe endometriosis and that the CDH1 gene C allele is related to higher susceptibility to enclometriosis.
XRCC4 codon 247*A and XRCC4 promoter-1394*T related genotypes but not XRCC4 intron 3 gene polymorphism are associated with higher susceptibility for endometriosis
(2008-05-01)
Hsieh, Yao-Yuan
;
Bau, Da-Tian
;
Chang, Chi-Chen
;
Tsai, Chang-Hai
;
Chen, Chih-Ping
DNA repair systems act to maintain genome integrity in the face of replication errors, environmental insults, and the cumulative effects of age. Genetic variants in DNA repair genes such as X-ray repair cross-complementing group 4 (XRCC4) might influence the ability to repair damaged DNA. Herein we aimed to investigate whether some XRCC4-related polymorphisms were associated with endometriosis susceptibility. Women were divided: (1) severe endometriosis (rAFS stage IV, n = 136) and (2) nonendometriosis groups (n = 112). The polymorphisms of XRCC4 codon 247, XRCC4 promoter - 1394, and XRCC4 intron 3 insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism were amplified by PCR and detected by electrophoresis after restriction enzyme (BBS I, Hinc II) digestions. Genotypes and allelic frequencies in both groups were compared. We observed that XRCC4 codon 247*A and XRCC4 promoter - 1394*T related genotypes, but not XRCC4 intron 3 I/D polymorphism, are associated with higher susceptibility for endometriosis. Distributions of XRCC4 codon 247*C homozygote/heterozygote/A homozygote, and C/A allele in both groups were: (1) 89/9.5/1.5% and 93.7/6.3%; (2) 97.3/2.7/0%, and 98.7/1.3% (P < 0.05). Proportions of XRCC4 promoter -1394*T homozygote/heterozygote/G homozygote and T/Gallelein both groups were: (1) 94.1/5.2/0.7% and 96.7/3.3%, and (2) 79.4/17.9/2.7% and 88.4/11.6% (P < 0.005). Proportions of XRCC4*1 homozygote/heterozygote/D homozygote and A/C allele in both groups were: (1) 67.6/30.9/1.5% and 83.2/16.8%, and (2) 70.5/24.1/5.4% and 82.6/17.4% (nondifference). We conclude that XRCC4 codon 247*A and XRCC4 promoter -1394*T related genotypes and alleles, but not XRCC4 intron 3 I/D polymorphism, might be associated with endometriosis susceptibilities and pathogenesis.