bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of the proinflammatory response of metastatic melanoma cells increases TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir N. , Partridge Michael A. , Huang Sarah X.L. , Hei Tom K. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMelanoma is the most lethal form of human skin cancer. However, only limited chemotherapy is currently available for the metastatic stage of the disease. Since chemotherapy, radiation and sodium arsenite treatment operate mainly through induction of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, a strongly decreased mitochondrial function in metastatic melanoma cells, could be responsible for low efficacy of the conventional therapy of melanoma. Another feature of metastatic melanoma cells is their proinflammatory phenotype, linked to endogenous expression of the inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα IL6 and IL8, their receptors, and constitutive NF‐κB‐ and STAT3‐dependent gene expression, including cyclooxygenase‐2 (PTGS2/COX2). In the present study, we treated melanoma cells with immunological (monoclonal antibody against TNFα or IL6), pharmacological (small molecular inhibitors of IKKβ–NF‐κB and JAK2–STAT3) or genetic (specific RNAi for COX‐2) agents that suppressed the inflammatory response in combination with induction of apoptosis via TRAIL. As a result of these combined treatments, exogenous TRAIL via interactions with TRAIL‐R2/R1 strongly increased levels of apoptosis in resistant melanoma cells. The present study provides new understanding of the regulation of TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis in melanoma and will serve as the foundation for the potential development of a novel approach for a therapy of resistant melanomas. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 463–475, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phytoestrogens directly inhibit TNF‐α‐induced bone resorption in RAW264.7 cells by suppressing c‐fos‐induced NFATc1 expression
Authors: Karieb Sahar , Fox Simon W. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis is central to post‐menopausal and inflammatory bone loss, however, the effect of phytoestrogens on TNF‐α‐induced bone resorption has not been studied. The phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein, and coumestrol directly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. TRAP positive osteoclast formation and resorption area were significantly reduced by genistein (10−7 M), daidzein (10−5 M), and coumestrol (10−7 M), which was prevented by the estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780. TRAP expression in mature TNF‐α‐induced osteoclasts was also significantly reduced by these phytoestrogen concentrations. In addition, in the presence of ICI 182,780 genistein and coumestrol (10−5–10−6 M) augmented TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast formation and resorption. However, this effect was not observed in the absence of estrogen antagonist indicating that genistein's and coumestrol's ER‐dependent anti‐osteoclastic action normally negates this pro‐osteoclastic effect. To determine the mechanism mediating the anti‐osteoclastic action we examined the effect of genistein, coumestrol, and daidzein on caspase 3/7 activity, cell viability and expression of key genes regulating osteoclast differentiation and fusion. While anti‐osteoclastic phytoestrogen concentrations had no effect on caspase 3/7 activity or cell viability they did significantly reduce TNF‐α‐induced c‐fos and NFATc1 expression in an ER dependent manner and also inhibited NFATc1 nuclear translocation. Significant decreases in NFκB and DC‐STAMP levels were also noted. Interestingly, constitutive c‐fos expression prevented the anti‐osteoclastic action of phytoestrogens on differentiation, resorption and NFATc1. This suggests that phytoestrogens suppress TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of c‐fos‐dependent NFATc1 expression. Our data provides further evidence that phytoestrogens have a potential role in the treatment of post‐menopausal and inflammatory bone loss directly inhibiting TNF‐α‐induced resorption. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 476–487, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in the early stage of adipogenesis through regulating C/EBPβ transcription
Authors: Zhang Kunming , Guo Wei , Yang Ying , Wu Jiarui 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was reported to be involved in adipogenesis. However, the regulating mechanism of STAT3 remains unclear. The present results showed that STAT3 was activated within 2‐h adipogenic induction, in which the phosphorylated STAT3 translocated from cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, we detected Janus kinase2 (JAK2) acted upstream of the STAT3 activation at the early stage of adipogenesis. Accordingly, the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 and siRNAs led to the partial inhibition of the STAT3 activation, and the inhibition of 3T3‐L1 adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, the results based on luciferase, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and gel shift approaches indicated that STAT3 could regulate the transcription of C/EBPβ by binding the distal region of C/EBPβ promoter at the early stage of adipogenesis. Collectively, our findings reveal that JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in the early stage of 3T3‐L1 adipocyte differentiation though regulating the C/EBPβ transcription. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 488–497, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein stability of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase SOD2 is regulated by USP36
Authors: Kim Myung‐Sun , Ramakrishna Suresh , Lim Key‐Hwan , Kim Jun‐Hyun , Baek Kwang‐Hyun 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSOD2 is a key mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme and its perturbation leads to oxidative cell death, which results in various disorders. In this study, we identified a deubiquitinating enzyme USP36 that regulates the protein stability of SOD2. The regulatory effect of USP36 on SOD2 was initially identified by 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/MS analyses. In addition, endogenous USP36 and SOD2 were shown to interact in an immunoprecipitation assay, which was verified using the yeast two‐hybrid system. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SOD2 binds with ubiquitin molecules to form polyubiquitination chains and undergoes degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasomal pathway. Finally, USP36 was shown to be a specific deubiquitinating enzyme that reduces the ubiquitination level of SOD2 and was involved in SOD2 protein stability by extending its half‐life. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 498–508, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gambogic acid‐induced degradation of mutant p53 is mediated by proteasome and related to CHIP
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhao Qing , Qi Qi , Gu Hong‐yan , Rong Jing‐jing , Mu Rong , Zou Mei‐juan , Tao Lei , You Qi‐dong , Guo Qing‐long 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAs an oncoprotein, mutant p53 is a potential tumor‐specific target for cancer therapy. Most mutated forms of the protein are largely accumulated in cancer cells due to their increased stability. In the present study, we demonstrate that mutant p53 protein stability is regulated by gambogic acid (GA). Following GA exposure, protein levels of mutant p53 decreased while the mRNA levels were not affected in MDA‐MB‐435 cells, which indicate that GA down‐regulates mutant p53 at post‐transcription level. Co‐treatment with GA and cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, induced a decrease of half‐life of mutant p53 protein. These findings indicated that the reduction of mutant p53 by GA was due to the destabilization and degradation of the protein. Furthermore, inhibition of proteasome activity by MG132 blocked GA‐induced down‐regulation of mutant p53, causing mutant p53 accumulation in detergent‐insoluble cellular fractions. Further studies revealed that mutant p53 was ubiquitinated and it was chaperones related ubiquitin ligase carboxy terminus of Hsp70‐interacting protein (CHIP) rather than MDM2 involved in the degradation of mutant p53. In addition, GA prevented Hsp90/mutant p53 complex formation and enhanced interaction of mutant p53 with Hsp70. Depletion of CHIP stabilized mutant p53 in GA treated cells. In conclusion, mutant p53 may be down‐regulated by GA through chaperones‐assisted ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway in cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 509–519, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stercurensin inhibits nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent inflammatory signals through attenuation of TAK1–TAB1 complex formation
Authors: Kim Young‐Joo , Kim Han‐Cheon , Ko Hyeonseok , Amor Evangeline C. , Lee Jong Wha , Yang Hyun Ok 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe identified a chalcone, 2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxy‐3′‐methylchalcone (stercurensin), as an active compound isolated from the leaves ofSyzygium samarangense. In the present study, the anti‐inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of stercurensin were examined using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mice. To determine the effects of stercurensin in vitro, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression were analyzed by RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and its upstream signaling cascades were also investigated using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. To verify the effects of stercurensin in vivo, the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX‐2 were evaluated in isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐1β were assessed in serum samples from mice using a Luminex system. Pretreatment with stercurensin reduced LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 expression, thereby inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2production, respectively. In addition, an inhibitory effect of stercurensin on NF‐κB activation was shown by the recovery of LPS‐induced inhibitor of κB (I‐κB) degradation after blocking the transforming growth factor‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/I‐κB kinase signaling pathway. In mouse models, stercurensin negatively regulated NF‐κB‐dependent pro‐inflammatory mediators and cytokines. These results demonstrate that stercurensin modulates NF‐κB‐dependent inflammatory pathways through the attenuation of TAK1–TAB1 complex formation. Our findings demonstrating the anti‐inflammatory effects of stercurensin in vitro and in vivo will aid in understanding the pharmacology and mode of action of stercurensin. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 548–558, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ADAMTS‐5 and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: The Results of Tissue Immunohistochemistry and In Vitro Cell Culture
Authors: Zhao Chang‐Qing , Zhang Yue‐Hui , Jiang Sheng‐Dan , Li Hai , Jiang Lei‐Sheng , Dai Li‐Yang 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be involved in IVD degeneration by hydrolyzing the extracellular matrix (ECM), especially the collagens. The degradation of proteoglycans, which is another main ECM component in the IVD, however, has not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to determine the expression of ADAMTS‐5 in human herniated intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues and to investigate whether interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced expression of ADAMTS‐5 is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Forty‐five herniated IVDs were harvested and immunostained to determine the distribution and type of ADAMTS‐5 expressing cells. Rat NP cells maintained in alginate beads were treated with IL‐1β, accumulation of NO was detected by Griess reaction, the expression of ADAMTS‐5 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was analyzed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), the content of proteoglycans in alginate beads was visualized by alcian blue staining, and the effect of aminoguanidine on the changes in alginate beads induced by IL‐1β treatment were also examined. Immunohistochemical results from 45 herniated discs showed that ADAMTS‐5‐positive cells are commonly seen in cell clusters, that the percentage of ADAMTS‐5‐positive cells was higher in uncontained herniated discs than in contained ones, and that the percentage of ADAMTS‐5‐positive cells correlated with the age of the patients. IL‐1β treatment resulted in increased accumulation of NO, increased expression of ADAMTS‐5 and iNOS, whereas the accumulation of proteoglycan in alginate beads decreased. Aminoguanidine significantly reversed the changes in alginate beads induced by IL‐1β treatment. We thus suggested that ADAMTS‐5 is probably involved in the process of IVD degeneration, and that IL‐1β‐induced expression of ADAMTS‐5 is mediated by NO. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:718–725, 2011
Kinetics of phosphorus release from calcareous soils under different land use in Iran
Authors: Jalali Mohsen , Ahmadi Mohammad Zinli Najmeh 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe rate of phosporus (P) release from soils can significantly influence P fertility of soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of land‐use types on the kinetics of P release under different management practices and the relationship between kinetic parameters and soil physical and chemical properties from calcareous soils. The kinetics of P release in 0.01 M CaCl2 was studied in surface samples of 30 calcareous soils planted to garlic, garden, pasture, potato, vegetables, and wheat. Trend in P‐release kinetics was similar between land‐use types. Significantly different quantities of P were released under different land use. The maximum amount (average of five soils) (46.4 mg kg–1) of P was released in soil under potato and the minimum amount (10.4 mg kg–1) under pasture. The kinetics of P release from soils can be described as an initial rapid rate followed by a slower rate. Different models were used to describe P release. In general, parabolic diffusion and power equation were found to be appropriate for modeling P release. The P‐release rate for the soils was estimated by parabolic equation for the studied land‐use types. The constant b was lower for pasture and wheat than for garlic and potato. The relationship between the rate of P release with Olsen‐P was linear, while it was curved with respect to the CaCl2‐P, indicating that release of P was diffusion‐controlled. When the kinetic parameters of models were regressed on soil properties, CaCl2‐P and CaCO3 appeared to be the most important soil properties influencing P‐release rates in these soils.
Interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia: Effects on flax yield in spoil‐bank clay
Authors: Rydlová Jana , Püschel David , Sudová Radka , Gryndler Milan , Mikanová Olga , Vosátka Miroslav 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis study focused on the application of native strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Sinorhizobium in effective crop production during reclamation of coal‐mine spoil banks. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in spoil‐bank clay with a low dose of organic amendment to determine whether the microbial inoculation improves growth and utility qualities of two cultivars of Linum usitatissimum L. (oil and fiber flax). Inoculation with two native AMF isolates (Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices, and their mixture) significantly increased growth and shoot phosphorus (P) concentration of both flax cultivars. Inoculated fiber flax plants produced fivefold more fibers than the uninoculated ones. In oil flax, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly but quantitatively to a minor degree decreased the concentration of nonsaturated fatty acids in the seed oil. A mixture of five native Sinorhizobium sp. strains supported growth and P uptake of oil flax only in the absence of AMF. However, these beneficial effects of the bacteria were significantly lower as compared to AMF. No synergic action of Sinorhizobium strains and AMF was observed, and their interactions were often even antagonistic. Inoculation with AMF significantly decreased population density of Sinorhizobium in the soil. These results suggest that a careful selection of suitable bacterial strains is necessary to provide effective AMF combinations and maximize flax‐growth support.
The onsite cost of gully erosion and cost‐benefit of gully rehabilitation: A case study in Ethiopia
Authors: Yitbarek T.W. , Belliethathan S. , Stringer L.C. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractGully erosion often indicates extreme land degradation. In the highlands of Ethiopia, wide and deep gullies are common features, significantly affecting land used for agriculture. However, little action is being taken to address the problem. Where rehabilitation actions in Ethiopia are taking place, they are rarely studied by financially quantifying their costs and benefits. Therefore, this study developed methods of quantifying gully erosion costs and rehabilitation costs and benefits by considering the soil components of four model rehabilitated gullies in Ethiopia. Data were obtained from a physical survey supported by secondary information from relevant agricultural offices. Quantification was achieved by monetizing gully erosion cost through yield loss and gully rehabilitation calculations according to expenditure, while rehabilitation benefits were obtained by monetizing estimated deposited soil nutrients using fertilizer prices. Cost‐benefit values show that investment in gully rehabilitation can be an economically viable proposition in some instances. Stakeholders involved in gully rehabilitation should continue to invest in appropriate techniques of gully rehabilitation and management to ensure continued benefits from rehabilitated gullies and use of surrounding farmlands. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil conservation policies: Conditions for their effectiveness in the Czech Republic
Authors: Prazan J. , Dumbrovsky M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractConservation of agricultural soil is an important issue in the Czech Republic. This paper is focused on the assessment of the institutions and policies targeted at soil conservation in order to explain the degree to which they are effective and why. The study was carried out at both national and regional level (Svratka River basin) to document the performance of policies. The most important types of soil degradation in the case study area are soil erosion, soil compaction and loss of organic matter. Farming adds to soil degradation because soil protection practices are not applied. Farmers lack motivation to protect soil when they do not trust policies. Evidence from the case study area suggests that agri‐environmental schemes are the most effective policy. Land consolidation could be more successful if the process is better managed. The Law on Soil Protection is not a powerful tool to prevent land degradation because it is not enforced sufficiently. Farmers currently do not have partners in the case study area who could facilitate policy implementation. A lack of political support and the unfavourable division of responsibilities concerning soil conservation has not allowed the design of an integrated policy framework. Areas to be addressed in order to increase the effectiveness of policies are: (i) design e.g. the vague wording of legislation, (ii) implementation e.g. conflicts of interests and lack of advice, (iii) policy evaluation and (iv) policy integration. We suggest integrating the existing measures in an overarching soil conservation strategy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐Featured Macroporous Agarose–Alginate Cryogel: Synthesis and Characterization for Bioengineering Applications
Authors: Tripathi Anuj , Kumar Ashok 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn this study agarose–alginate scaffolds are synthesized using cryogelation technology in different formats like monolith, sheet, discs, and beads, and show amiable mechanical strength like soft tissue properties and high interconnected macroporous degradable architecture. In cell–material interactions, fibroblast (NIH‐3T3) cells showed good adherence and proliferation on these scaffolds presenting its potential application in soft tissue engineering. The application of cryogel beads and monoliths was also examined by the efficient immobilization of bacterial cells (BL21) on these matrices revealing their use for recovery of product from continuous fermentation systems without cell leakage. These scaffolds also showed potential as a filter for repeated recovery of heavy metal binding, such as copper and nickel from the waste water. The cryogels prepared herein do have a number of unique features that make them an important class of soft materials for developing multi‐featured scaffolds as a novel carrier for bioengineering applications. magnified image
An Optimized RGD‐Decorated Micellar Drug Delivery System for Albendazole for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: From RAFT Polymer Synthesis to Cellular Uptake
Authors: Kim Yoseop , Pourgholami Mohammad H. , Morris David L. , Stenzel Martina H. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBlock copolymers were prepared via RAFT polymerization with P(PEGMEMA) as the hydrophilic block to form micelles for the controlled delivery of ABZ. The group contribution method was used to estimate the partial solubility parameters for ABZ and various polymers as potential core‐forming block to achieve optimum compatibility. Different ratios between MMA and LMA, a non‐compatible monomer, were prepared. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a high toxicity of the ABZ‐loaded micelle resulting in 80% cell deaths at a micelle concentration of 10 µg · mL−1. Cellular uptake of micelles has been studied using fluorescently labeled micelles, showing that a large fraction of micelles is readily taken up by OVCAR‐3 cells. RGD‐conjugated micelles were prepared and showed an increased cellular uptake. magnified image
Polyurethane/Dermatan Sulfate Copolymers as Hemocompatible, Non‐Biofouling Materials
Authors: Xu Fangmin , Flanagan Claire E. , Ruiz Amaliris , Crone Wendy C. , Masters Kristyn S. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe range of application of polyurethanes has been limited by their poor hemocompatibility and inability to resist non‐specific binding of biomolecules and cells. In this work, a non‐adhesive PU‐based material was synthesized via the copolymerization of PU with dermatan sulfate. Incorporation of DS into the PU backbone dramatically increased material hydrophilicity and decreased protein adsorption. The in vitro adhesion of several cell types, including platelets, also significantly decreased with increasing DS content. Both the physical and biological properties of the DS contributed to the anti‐adhesive properties of the PU/DS copolymer, and this anti‐adhesive nature of PU/DS renders this new biomaterial attractive for blood‐contacting or non‐fouling applications. magnified image
Effect of a Scaffold Fabricated Thermally from Acetylated PLGA on the Formation of Engineered Cartilage
Authors: Kang Sun‐Woong , Lee Suk‐Jun , Kim Jin‐Su , Choi Eun‐Hee , Cha Byung‐Hyun , Shim Jin‐Hyung , Cho Dong‐Woo , Lee Soo‐Hong 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA MHDS has been employed to fabricate 3D scaffolds from PLGA with acetyl endgroups to achieve in vivo regeneration of cartilage tissue. The fabricated acetylated‐PLGA scaffold showed open pores and interconnected structures. Rabbit chondrocytes were seeded on the PLGA scaffolds and transplanted immediately into subcutaneous sites of athymic mice. Chondrocytes transplantation with untreated PLGA scaffolds served as a control. Histological analysis of the implants at 4 weeks with H&E staining and alcian blue staining revealed higher extracellular matrix and GAG expression at the neocartilage in the PLGA‐6Ac scaffolds than that of the PLGA‐6OH scaffold group. This endgroup‐modified scaffold may be useful for successful cartilage tissue engineering in orthopedic applications. magnified image