Antioxidative systems, metal ion homeostasis and cadmium distribution in Iris lactea exposed to cadmium stress.

Iris lactea is a perennial halophyte and is tolerant to Cd. However, the mechanisms underlying this Cd tolerance are still poorly understood. In this study, morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of I. lactea to a 21 d exposure to different concentrations of Cd (0-150mgL-1) were investigated. I. lactea plants showed no toxicity symptoms except for a small reduction in growth at 100 and 150mgL-1 Cd, along with the enhancement of H2O2 and MDA content in comparison to the control. The activities of SOD and POD were significantly enhanced and Ca accumulated with increasing Cd concentrations. Moreover, most Cd was retained in roots and only a small amount was transported to the shoots with increasing external Cd concentrations. Cd content had a negative correlation with content of K, Fe, Zn, and Mn and a positive correlation with Mg content in shoots and roots, which had no influence on these contents of mineral nutrients in shoots and chlorophyll levels with the increase of Cd concentrations. The Cd translocation factors were always less than 1 and bioaccumulation factors ranged from 3.43 to 15.6 across all treatments, suggesting that I. lactea might be effectively used in phytostabilization of Cd contaminated soils. Overall, the findings suggest that I. lactea could reduce photoinhibition and oxidative damage and maintain metal ion homeostasis in plant tissue by limiting translocation of Cd from roots to shoots and enhancing induction of antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby improving its Cd tolerance.

Yak meat content in feed and its impact on the growth of rats.

To evaluate the effects of varying proportions of yak meat in feed on the growth of rats and provide a theoretical basis for selecting the optimal feed proportion suitable for rats. This study was designed as a one-variable experiment. Fifty male rats were divided into five groups. The ratios of yak meat to basal feed of rats in four dietary treatment groups were 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, and 8:2, respectively, while those in the control group were only provided a basal diet. In the feeding experiment, the body weights of the rats were recorded on Day 0 and subsequently in the first, second, third, and fourth weeks, along with quantities of feed intake. The body and tail lengths, as well as the waist circumference of the rats, were measured, and blood samples were collected in the fourth week for routine blood and biochemistry investigations. The rats in the 4:6 feed group had the best body condition. They had normal body and tail lengths, smaller waist circumferences, good posture, and were in better overall health than rats in the other groups. The results indicate that the 4:6 diet was optimal for enhancing rats' growth performance compared to the other diets.

Effect of Yak Meat to the Daily Ration of Scalded Rats for Wound Healing.

Objective: Treatment of burn wound healing involves infection, nutrition, psychology and rehabilitation, and proper nutritional support can promote wound healing, enhance immune function and reduce the incidence of complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feed containing yak meat on scalded rats' body condition and wound healing. Methods: Adopting a two-factor factorial design, the growth performance, food intake, body weight, and Lee's index of rats were measured. The wound conditions of scalded rats with different feeds (basic, basic + yak meat, and basic + yellow beef) were observed at different periods, and their wounds' hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining states were detected. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells and apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate the effects of feed on the wound healing of scalded rats. Results: The feed intake was the highest in the yellow beef feed group and the lowest in the yak meat feed group. The body weight was the highest in the yak meat feed group and the lowest in the yellow beef feed group. Furthermore, 45 days after scalding, the obesity index in the yak beef feed group was the closest to that of the rats before scalding. The wound recovery of the rats in the yak meat feed group was the best at 30 days, and the H&E staining results also proved that the recovery effect of the scalded rats in the yak meat feed group was better than other two groups. According to the results of PCNA and apoptosis, the yak meat feed group had lower positive cell rate and faster wound healing. Conclusion: The rats in the yak meat feed group recovered better than those in the other groups, and the yak beef feed had the best effect on the wound healing of the scalded rats.

New Gnamptodontinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from China and Vietnam, with two genera new for China and seven new species.

The genus Pseudognaptodon Fischer, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Gnamptodontinae) is reported for the first time from the Palaearctic region, Neognamptodon Belokobylskij, 1999 is new for the Oriental region and both genera are new for China. Seven new species are described and fully illustrated: Pseudognaptodon sinensis Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Shaanxi), P. curvinervis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. bidoupensis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. longi van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam, Neognamptodon laticauda Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Yunnan), Tamdaona brevizona van Achterberg, sp. n. and T. sculpturata van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam. A key to the tribes and genera of the Gnamptodontinae are given, together with keys to species of Pseudognaptodon (Old World), Neognamptodon, and Tamdaona Belokobylskij, 1994.                The phylogeny and distribution of the Gnamptodontinae is discussed, Tamdaona Belokobylskij, is transferred from the Exothecinae to the Gnamptodontinae, and included in a new tribe, Tamdaonini van Achterberg, trib. n., together with Neognamptodon Belokobylskij. Gnamptodon novobritannicus Fischer, 1971, from Bismarck Archipelago is transferred to the latter genus (Neognamptodon novobritannicus (Fischer, 1971) comb. n.). Pseudognaptodon striatus Williams, 2004 (not P. striatus Braga Penteado-Dias, 2002), is renamed P. williamsi van Achterberg, nom. n., and P. carinatus Williams, 2004 (not P. carinatus Cirelli Penteado-Dias, 2002) is renamed P. carinatoides van Achterberg, nom. n. Tobiasnusa Papp, 2004, is a new synonym of Alysdacnusa Tobias Perepetchayenko, 1995 (syn. n.) and Alysdacnusa atomus (Papp, 2004) is a new combination (comb. n.).

Review of the Bobekia-group (Braconidae, Alysiinae, Alysiini), with description of a new genus and a new subgenus.

The world genera of the Bobekia-group of Alysiini (Braconidae: Alysiinae) are reviewed and keyed. A new genus (Neodiasta gen. nov.) is proposed for Phasmidiasta ecuadorensis Fischer, 2006, from Ecuador. One new subgenus (Parabobekoides subg. nov.; type species Separatatus (Parabobekoides) yinshanisp. nov. from NW China) is described and illustrated. Neosymphanes Belokobylskij, 1998 is a new synonym of Bobekia Niezabitowski, 1910 (syn. nov.).

Sexual variation in two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China, with description of female of Helorus caii He amp; Xu.

The intra-specific variation of two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China is studied and for the first time the sexual variation in Chinese Helorus species is described. Both sexes of Helorus antefurcalis He Xu, 2015 (new for Shaanxi) and H. caii He Xu, 2015 (up to now only known from one male), are described and illustrated. Helorus xinjiangensis He Xu, [June] 2015, is a new junior synonym of H. alborzicus Izadizadeh, van Achterberg Talebi, [April] 2015 and H. elgoni Risbec, 1950, is re-instated as valid species. A revised key to the Old World species of Helorus Latreille (except Australian region) is included.

Cloning and Transformation of EeHKT1;4 Gene from Elytrigia elongata.

The EeHKT1;4 gene was firstly cloned from Elytrigia elongata by RT-PCR technique with 1977 bp full-length cDNA encoding 1722 bp open reading frame (ORF) and 573 amino acids. The PCR fragment of EeHKT1;4 gene was inserted into the binary vector pBI121 and got the resulted expression vector, which named pBI121-35S-EeHKT1;4-Nos. The vector was further transformed into the agrobacterium EHA105, and then EeHKT1;4 gene was transferred into tobacco by the Agrobaterium- mediated genetic transformation method. The results showed that the target gene was inserted into the genomes of tobacco and expressed. Therefore, the transgenic tobacco (T0) plants overexpressing EeHKT1;4 gene were successfully obtained in this study. And EeHKT1;4 reduces Na+ concentration in the leaves of T0 plants, thereby plays a central role in protecting plant leaves from salinity stress.

[Dynamic changes of TGF-α and TGF-ß1 in rats with liver cirrhosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the dynamic changes of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) of liver cirrhosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors in rats. METHODS: Animals in the cirrhosis group were fed a mixture of maize flour, lard, cholesterol and alcohol plus subcutaneously injection with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), the CCl4(0.5 ml/100 g · w) was injected at the first day of experiment and the 40% CCl4oil solution (0.3 ml /100 g · w) was injected at an interval of three days. The thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into liver cirrhosis group of the 4th, 6th and 8 th week, and normal control group of the 4th, 6th and 8th week. The contents of alanine transferase (ALT), endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma were evaluated. Histopathological changes of the liver were observed under microscope with the staining of HE. The expressions of TGF-α and TGF-ß1 were analyzed by the method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the corresponding normal control group, the levels of ALT, endotoxin, TNF-α and Hcy in plasma were gradually significantly increased in liver cirrhosis group of the 4th, 6th and 8th week (P < 0.05); the expression of TGF-α in the liver tissues was significantly increased at the 4th week (P < 0.05); the expression of TGF-ß1 in the liver tissues was gradually significantly increased in every model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the formation process of cirrhosis, the expression of TGF-α was increased in liver of cirrhosis group at the 4th week, and later it was suppressed; the expression of TGF-ß1 was continuously increased. The characteristic dynamic changes of TGF-α and TGF-ß1 might be related to sustained endotoxemia, the high level of TNF-α and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Effect of artesunate supplementation on bacterial translocation and dysbiosis of gut microbiota in rats with liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of artesunate (AS) supplementation on bacterial translocation (BT) and gut microbiota in a rat model of liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (N), a liver cirrhosis group (M) and a liver cirrhosis group intervened with AS (MA). Each group was sampled at 4, 6 and 8 wk. Liver cirrhosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), intragastric administration of 10% ethanol, and feeding a high fat diet. Rats in the MA group were intragastrically administered with AS (25 mg/kg body weight, once daily). Injuries of the liver and intestinal mucosa were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson's trichrome staining. Liver index was calculated as a ratio of the organ weight (g) to body weight (g). The gut microbiota was examined by automated ribosomal intergenic-spacer analysis of fecal DNA. BT was assessed by standard microbiological techniques in the blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, spleen, and kidney. RESULTS: Compared to group N, the body weight was reduced significantly in groups M and MA due to the development of liver cirrhosis over the period of 8 wk. The body weight was higher in group MA than in group M. The liver indices were significantly elevated at 4, 6 and 8 wk in groups M and MA compared to group N. AS supplementation partially decreased the liver indices in group MA. Marked histopathologic changes in the liver and small intestinal mucosa in group M were observed, which were alleviated in group MA. Levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly elevated at 8 wk in ileal homogenates in group M compared to group N, which were decreased after AS supplementation in group MA. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota indicated by the mean diversity (Shannon index) and mean similarity (Sorenson index) was severe as the liver cirrhosis developed, and AS supplementation had an apparent intervention effect on the dysbiosis of gut microbiota at 4 wk. The occurrence of BT was increased in the liver of group M compared to that of group N. AS supplementation reduced BT in group MA at 8 wk. BT also occurred in the MLNs, spleen, and kidney, which was reduced by AS supplementation. BT was not detected in the blood in any group. CONCLUSION: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota, injury of intestinal mucosal barrier and BT occurred as liver cirrhosis progressed, which might enhance inflammation and aggravate liver injury. AS may have other non-antimalarial effects that modulate gut microbiota, inhibit BT and alleviate inflammation, resulting in a reduction in CCl4, alcohol and high fat-caused damages to the liver and intestine.

[Effect of ischemic postconditioning on the expression of myocardium matrix metalloproteinase-2 induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ischemic postconditioning on the expression of rat myocardium matris metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and relationship between its expression and interstitium and the effect on left ventricular function. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8): sham control (SC) group, ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) group and ischemic postconditioning (IPTC) group. The left ventricular peak systolic pressure and its derivate (+/- dp/dt) were calculated; The amount of myocardium collagenous were determined; The vitality of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of plasma were detected; The activity of myocardium MMP-2 was measured by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: As compared with I/R group, IPTC could lower the expression of MMP-2, ameliorate left ventricular function and increase the content of myocardium collagenous. In the meantime, the vitality of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of plasma were greatly enhanced and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of plasma were reduced in IFC group. CONCLUSION: Protective effect of IPIC on myocardium may be due to reduce free radical, lower expression of MMP-2 and protect myocardial interstitium. MMPs plays an important role in the myocardial protection provided by IPTC.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental disease models and human liver samples. METHODS: Cellular distribution patterns of IGFBP-rP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens. Gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 was performed on cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the silencing effect was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. We also determined the effects of siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components by Western blot. The expression of ECM components and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in C57BL/6 wild-type mice treated with recombinant IGFBP-rP1 (rIGFBP-rP1). RESULTS: Expression of IGFBP-rP1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens, and this increase was positively correlated with the number of collagen fibers observed. siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 resulted in significantly decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in HSCs. Moreover, IGFBP-rP1 overexpression significantly increased the production of collagen, fibronectin and TGF-ß1 in rIGFBP-rP1-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: IGFBP-rP1 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and may be a novel molecule involved in the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis.

[Protective effect of tanshinol on the hepatopulmonary syndrome in rat].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of tanshinol on alleviate the inflammatory injury of lung tissue in rat hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n = 8), hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) group (n = 11) and tanshinol intervention group (n = 9). HE staining was used to observe the histopathology changes of pulmonary and hepatic tissues, and to count the number of macrophages in lung tissues. The activity of alanine transferase (ALT) and concentrations of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) and homocystein (Hcy) in plasma were detected. The concentrations of TNF-alpha, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lung tissues were measured, respectively. RESULTS: Thickened alveolar septum and increased macrophages were observed in lungs in HPS rat. After administered with tanshinol, the pulmonary pathological changes were alleviated and the number of macrophages in lung tissue was decreased compared with HPS group. The activity of ALT and the concentrations of endotoxin, TNF-alpha and Hcy in plasma ,and TNF-alpha, iNOS, NO and MDA in lung tissue in HPS group were higher than those of normal control group; meanwhile, those tanshinol group were less those that of HPS group. CONCLUSION: Tanshinol may play an important role in delaying the development of HPS through protecting liver or directly antagonizing the effect of intestinal endotoxemia so as to alleviate the inflammatory reaction in lung tissue.