Applications of the isolated-check visual evoked potential in primary open angle glaucoma with or without high myopia.

AIM: To explore the diagnostic performance of isolated-check visual evoked potential (icVEP) for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in both highly myopic and non-highly myopic populations and compare it with those of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) parameters. METHODS: A total of 126 participants were recruited, including 31 highly myopic participants with POAG (HM-POAG), 36 non-highly myopic participants with POAG (NHM-POAG), 25 highly myopic participants without POAG (HM) and 34 controls without high myopia (Normal). All the participants underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was used to assess the icVEP. Both qualitative and quantitative diagnostic performances of OCT, HRT and the icVEP were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Based on the criterion of SNR≤1, the diagnostic performance of the icVEP in highly myopic subjects [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.862] was better than that in non-highly myopic subjects (AUC=0.789), and the SNR had fairly good specificity. In distinguishing the HM-POAG and HM groups, the AUC of the SNR was not different from those of the OCT and HRT parameters (P>0.05) in either the qualitative or quantitative comparison. In the qualitative analysis, the icVEP showed good consistency with damage to the central 10° of the visual field (kappa=0.695-0.747, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The icVEP has the potential to discriminate individuals with and without POAG, especially in populations with high myopia.

Comparison of corneal biomechanics among primary open-angle glaucoma with normal tension or hypertension and controls.

BACKGROUND: Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a less pressure-dependent type of glaucoma with characteristic optic neuropathy. Recently, the biomechanical mechanism has been thought to account for glaucomatous optic neuropathy to some degree. We intended to compare dynamic corneal response parameters (DCRs) among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with normal tension or hypertension and controls. The correlations between DCRs and known risk factors for glaucoma were also analyzed. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 49 NTG subjects, 45 hypertension glaucoma (HTG) subjects, and 50 control subjects were enrolled. We compared the differences in DCRs using corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology among the NTG, HTG, and control groups. We also analyzed the correlations between DCRs and known risk factors for glaucoma (eg, central corneal thickness [CCT], intraocular pressure [IOP], etc). RESULTS: The maximum inverse concave radius (NTG: 0.18 [0.17, 0.20] mm-1; control: 0.17 [0.16, 0.18] mm-1; P = 0.033), deformation amplitude ratio of 2 mm (DAR 2 mm, NTG: 4.87 [4.33, 5.39]; control: 4.37 [4.07, 4.88]; P < 0.001), and DAR 1 mm (NTG: 1.62 [1.58, 1.65]; control: 1.58 [1.54, 1.61]; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in NTG than in the controls. The integrated radius (IR, NTG: 8.40 ±â€Š1.07 mm-1; HTG: 7.64 ±â€Š1.31 mm-1; P = 0.026) and DAR 2 mm (NTG: 4.87 [4.33, 5.39]; HTG: 4.44 [4.12, 5.02]; P < 0.007) were significantly higher, whereas the stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1, NTG: 91.23 [77.45, 107.45]; HTG: 102.36 [85.77, 125.12]; P = 0.007) was lower in NTG than in HTG. There were no significant differences in the DCRs between HTG and control groups (P > 0.05). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, some of the DCRs, such as IR, were negatively correlated with CCT and IOP, whereas SP-A1 was positively correlated with CCT and IOP. CONCLUSIONS: The cornea was more deformable in NTG than in HTG or controls. There were no significant differences in corneal deformability between HTG and controls. The cornea was more deformable with the thinner cornea and lower IOP.

Three new bioactive flavonoid glycosides from Viscum album.

Two new flavonoid glycosides, named viscumneoside XII (1), and viscumneoside XIII (2); a new dihydrogen flavonoid glycoside product named viscumneoside XIV (3), were isolated from the aerial part of Viscum album, along with seven known compounds (4-10). Their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data. In addition, cytotoxicity assay showed that 1, 2 and 3 possessed significant inhibitory activities against C6, A549 and MDA-MB-231 (the inhibition rate arrived about 50%, 70% and 74% respectively with IC50 ≤ 60.00 µmol·L-1), while the inhibition of TF-1 and Hela was not significant.

Development of polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers in Huperzia serrata (Lycopodiaceae).

PREMISE: The natural population size of Huperzia serrata (Lycopodiaceae) has dramatically decreased and the species has become endangered due to overexploitation. Here, we developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for H. serrata to survey both its genetic diversity and population structure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on 177 individuals, 120 SSR primer pairs were developed and optimized from five regions of the H. serrata transcriptomic data. Of these primer pairs, 20 were successfully amplified and 10 showed obvious polymorphism. These polymorphic loci were investigated to study the genetic diversity of H. serrata. Two to 11 alleles per locus were identified, the level of observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, and the level of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.19 to 0.79. All loci were successfully amplified in H. crispata, H. sutchueniana, and H. selago. CONCLUSIONS: The 10 polymorphic primer pairs developed here will be valuable for studies of the endangered H. serrata and other related species.

Two symmetrical unsaturated acids isolated from Viscum album.

In the present study, two new acetylene conjugate compounds, dibutyl (2Z, 6Z)-octa-2, 6-dien-4-yne dioate (1), and dibutyl (2E, 6E)- octa-2, 6-dien-4-yne dioate (2), were isolated from the dry stem leaves of Viscum album, along with nine known compounds (3 - 11). Their structures were confirmed on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 8 showed antioxidant activity against xanthine oxidase (XOD) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydroxyl (DPPH), with the IC50 of 1.22 and 1.33 µmol·L-1, and the SC50 of 4.34 and 8.22 µmol·L-1, respectively.

Anti-cancer effects of Grailsine-Al-glycoside isolated from Rhizoma Sparganii.

BACKGROUND: An embryonic toxicity of Rhizoma sparganii was observed in mice. This study was aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of Grailsine-Al-glycoside, the bioactive component of Rhizoma sparganii, on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) cancer cell lines. METHODS: After A549, HeLa, HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells were treated with Grailsine-Al-glycoside, cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and morphology with an immunofluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Grailsine-Al-glycoside strongly suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion in A549, MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa cells, though this growth inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells was not as strong and long lasting. Compared to the control, Grailsine-Al-glycoside caused a significant increase of apoptosis in A549, MCF-7 and Hela cells. A549 and MCF-7 cells were arrested at the G2/S phase whereas HepG2 cells were arrested at the G1 phase by a high concentration of Grailsine-Al-glycoside . Cell shapes were also changed by the presence of Grailsine-Al-glycoside. CONCLUSIONS: Grailsine-Al-glycoside from Rhizoma sparganii inhibited the proliferation of ER+ and some ER- cancer cells. Grailsine-Al-glycoside may be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against ER+ and ERRα-expressing ER- cancers.

Recent advances and safety issues of transgenic plant-derived vaccines.

Transgenic plant-derived vaccines comprise a new type of bioreactor that combines plant genetic engineering technology with an organism's immunological response. This combination can be considered as a bioreactor that is produced by introducing foreign genes into plants that elicit special immunogenicity when introduced into animals or human beings. In comparison with traditional vaccines, plant vaccines have some significant advantages, such as low cost, greater safety, and greater effectiveness. In a number of recent studies, antigen-specific proteins have been successfully expressed in various plant tissues and have even been tested in animals and human beings. Therefore, edible vaccines of transgenic plants have a bright future. This review begins with a discussion of the immune mechanism and expression systems for transgenic plant vaccines. Then, current advances in different transgenic plant vaccines will be analyzed, including vaccines against pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic parasites. In view of the low expression levels for antigens in plants, high-level expression strategies of foreign protein in transgenic plants are recommended. Finally, the existing safety problems in transgenic plant vaccines were put forward will be discussed along with a number of appropriate solutions that will hopefully lead to future clinical application of edible plant vaccines.

Improvement of drought and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and Lotus corniculatus by overexpression of a novel DREB transcription factor from Populus euphratica.

A novel DREB (dehydration-responsive element binding) gene, designated PeDREB2a, was isolated from the desert-grown tree, Populus euphratica Oliv. PeDREB2a is classified into the A-5 group of DREB subfamily based on multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic characterization. Using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, we found that the PeDREB2a was greatly induced by drought, NaCl, low temperature, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 6-benzyl aminopurine (6-BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments in P. euphratica seedling. Yeast transactivity assay demonstrated that PeDREB2a gene encodes a transcription activator. Overexpression of PeDREB2a under the stress-inducible rd29A promotor in transgenic Arabidopsis and Lotus corniculatus forage plants resulted in enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stresses. The PeDREB2a overexpressing Arabidopsis lines showed higher root length and plant height and had elevated levels of soluble sugars and lower levels of malondialdehyde under stress conditions compared to control plants. The results revealed that PeDREB2a play an essential role as a DREB transcription factor in regulation of stress-responsive signaling in P. euphratica.

Effect of lanthanum on rooting of in vitro regenerated shoots of Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir.

In present study, the effect of lanthanum (La) on the rooting of regenerated shoots of Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir was analyzed. Rooting occurred from regenerated shoots inoculated on a medium supplemented with La, the plant rooting hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), or both La and IAA together. The highest rooting efficiency (96%), root number/shoot (8.5), and root length (63 mm) were recorded in shoots cultured on medium containing 2.5 µM IAA combined with 100 µM La(3+). In order to elucidate the mechanism of rooting enhancement by La, we examined dynamic changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in plant tissue over time in culture. We found that the activities of peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher in plant tissue cultured in IAA plus La than in La or IAA alone. At the same time, the highest H(2)O(2) content was detected in plant tissue in the presence of 2.5 µM IAA plus 100 µM La(3+). In light of these data and previous results, we speculate that La enhanced IAA-induced rooting by acting as a mild abiotic stress to stimulate POX and SOD activities in plant cells. Then, IAA reacted with oxygen and POX to form the ternary complex enzyme-IAA-O(2) that dissociated into IAA radicals and O(2)(-). Subsequently, IAA-induced O(2)(-) readily converted to hydroxyl radical (HO·) via SOD-catalyzed dismutation. Finally, cell wall loosening and cell elongation occurred as a consequence of HO-dependent scission of wall components, leading to root growth. The treatment of IAA combined with La resulted in the highest plantlet survival (80%) compared to single treatments with IAA or La alone. These data suggest that rare earth elements enhance root morphogenesis and the growth of S. involucrata.

Reproductive toxicity of Rhizoma Sparganii (Sparganium stoloniferum Buch.-Ham.) in mice: mechanisms of anti-angiogenesis and anti-estrogen pharmacologic activities.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indications and preliminary studies of Rhizoma Sparganii (RS) suggest its pharmacological mechanism is involved with endocrine/angiogenesis functions. We therefore studied its potential toxicity on reproduction in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reproductive toxicity of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg RS extract were studied in pregnant ICR mice and its offspring. The embryos' fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) were evaluated as targets of endocrine/angiogenesis by immunohistochemical test. RESULTS: The offspring of treated mice (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg RS extract) during their pregnancy had various pathological conditions, suggesting an abnormal FGF signaling phenomenon during pregnancy. Embryos from the 400 mg/kg group had significantly depressed levels of FGF-1 (P < 0.01) and VEGF (P < 0.05) expression levels as compared to controls by immunohistochemical test. Dysplasia in the heart (12.9%), craniofacial region (18.3%) and vertebrae (32.5%) presented in embryos of the 400 mg/kg group. Furthermore, the ER-α expression was inversely proportional to FGF-1 levels in the same embryo (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results implicate a FGF signaling abnormality in vivo and indicate that RS has anti-angiogenesis and anti-estrogen toxicity effects in pregnant rodents.

Overview of expression of hepatitis B surface antigen in transgenic plants.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a pathogen for chronic liver infection, afflicts more than 350 million people world-wide. The effective way to control the virus is to take HBV vaccine. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an effective protective antigen suitable for vaccine development. At present, "edible" vaccine based on transgenic plants is one of the most promising directions in novel types of vaccines. HBsAg production from transgenic plants has been carried out, and the transgenic plant expression systems have developed from model plants (such as tobacco, potato and tomato) to other various plant platforms. Crude or purified extracts of transformed plants have been found to conduct immunological responses and clinical trials for hepatitis B, which gave the researches of plant-based HBsAg production a big boost. The aim of this review was to summarize the recent data about plant-based HBsAg development including molecular biology of HBsAg gene, selection of expression vector, the expression of HBsAg gene in plants, as well as corresponding immunological responses in animal models or human.