No abstract

GW112 is a novel gene that has little homology to other known genes. It is overexpressed in a number of human tumor types, especially in those of the digestive system. We show here that GW112 is associated with GRIM-19, a protein known to be involved in regulating cellular apoptosis. Functionally, GW112 could significantly attenuate the ability of GRIM19 to mediate retinoic acid-IFN-␤-mediated cellular apoptosis and apoptosis-related gene expression. In addition, GW112 demonstrated strong antiapoptotic effects in tumor cells treated with other stress exposures such as hydrogen peroxide. Finally, forced overexpression of GW112 in murine prostate tumor cells led to more rapid tumor formation in a syngeneic host. Taken together, our data suggest that GW112 is an important regulator of cell death that plays important roles in tumor cell survival and tumor growth.

Mining and smelting are important economic activities. However, mining-related industries are also some of the largest sources of environmental pollution from heavy metals. China is one of the largest producers and consumers of lead and zinc in the world. A large amount of lead, zinc, and related elements, such as cadmium, have been released into the environment due to mineral processing activities and have impacted water resources, soils, vegetables, and crops. In some areas, this pollution is hazardous to human health. This article reviews studies published in the past 10 years (2000-2009), on the environmental and human health consequences of lead/zinc mineral exploitation in China. Polluted areas are concentrated in the following areas: the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces, west-central Hunan province, central Guangxi province, northern Guangdong, northwestern Henan province, the border between Shanxi and Gansu provinces, and the region of Liaoning province near Bohai. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are the main pollutants and are associated with human health effects such as high lead blood levels in children, arthralgia, osteomalacia, and excessive cadmium in urine.