ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase gene of Salvia miltiorrhiza, and conduct bioinformatic and transcript expression analysis of the cloned SmGGPS1 gene.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The degenerate primers were designed based on the conservative regions of GGPS protein sequences from public databases. The target gene was obtained from root of S. miltiorrhiza by use of homologous cDNA amplification and RACE technologies. The sequence alignment was performed using BLAST. The open reading frame was identified by use of the ORF Finder. The protein domains were defined by use of Prosite software and the signal peptide sequence was predicted by Target P1.1. MEGA4.0 was used to conduct multiple amino acid sequence alignment and construct the phylogenetic tree. Roots and leaves at the seedlings stage and roots, stems, leaves, buds and flowers in the flowering stage were sampled for transcript analysis. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the gene expression level. The complete gene of GGPS was obtained from S. miltiorrhiza genomic DNA by PCR using the cDNA-derived specific primer. The gene structure of GGPS was analyzed by comparison of the genomic DNA and its cDNA.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The obtained 1 298 bp SmGGPS1 cDNA sequence contains an 1095 bp ORF, encoding 364 amino acids. It is predicted that it has a plastid targeting signal peptide of approximately 52 amino acid at the N-terminal end. It is to believe that this is the polyprenyl synthetase signature, and nucleic acid sequence comparison revealed that SmGGPS1 ORF has more than 60% identity to the reported GGPS. RT-PCR semi-quantitative analysis showed that the gene expresses in the all tested tissues, and with much higher level of expression in the leaves in the flowering stage. SmGGPS1 has a 397 bp intron.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For the first time the cloning of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase gene from S. miltiorrhiza was reported, and it provides a good basis for further functional study of SmGGPS1.</p>
Subject(s)
Amino Acid Sequence , Base Sequence , Cloning, Molecular , Farnesyltranstransferase , Chemistry , Genetics , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic , Molecular Sequence Data , Open Reading Frames , Phylogeny , Plant Proteins , Genetics , Metabolism , Plants , Classification , Genetics , Salvia miltiorrhiza , Classification , GeneticsABSTRACT
Objective To teach the intellectuals how to adapt psychological stress and improve health by rational nutrition and health education. Method The propaganda and education on the role of nutrients in increasing the adaptive ability to psychological stress and ameliorating related diseases were used, mainly in the way of seminar and consultation, and the psychological status was evaluated by testing A-type behavior, anxiety and depression, and determining the concentration of saliva cortisol, serum homocysteine and lipid peroxides. Results After education, A type behavior, SDS total scores and the concentration of saliva cortisol, serum homocysteine and lipid peroxides were decreased dramatically, indicating that the psychological stress of intellectuals was effectively reliveved. Conclusion Nutritional propaganda and education can significantly improve intellectuals’ psychological health status.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effects of nutrients-compound supplementation (NS) on cognitive function. Method: Forty six young male volunteers were randomly divided into 2 groups, NS and control (CT). NS group was supplemented with nutrients-compound while CT group received placebo for 60 d.The cognitive function of all volunteers were examined by 《CHANG-AN Handbook of Group Intelligence Test》 and Wechsler Memory Scale(WMS). Their vitamin status was assessed by 4-h load test at the end of experiment. Results : The vitamin nutriture of NS group was significantly better than that of CT. Many achievements of cognitive test of NS group were obviously increased compared to that before supplementation or that of CT. The visual responding time was shortened in 3 tests and the error number was decreased in 1 test of NS group, while no significant change was observed in CT group. Conclusion: Supplementation with the nutrients-compound is beneficial to improvement of cognitive function such as learning, memory and understanding.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the dietary nutritional status of the intellectuals in three cities in China. Methods: The intellectuals aged over 45, with senior academic title, working in universities or research institutes in Tianjin, Guangzhou and Chengdu, were selected as volunteers. Food frequency questionair was used to conduct the diretary survey. And the results were compared between the intellectuals of nutrition and non-nutrition speciality. Results: Compared with Dietary Guideline and Balance Diet Pagoda for Chinese Residents, the intakes of cereals, milk, fruits,and egg of the vulunteers were adequate, but the intakes of meat and oils were more, while those of fish and shrimp, legume,and vegetables were less than the suggested levels in Pagoda. The food pattern of the intellectuals in nutrition speciality was more advantageous than that in non-nutrition. Conclusion: The dietary pattern of the intellectuals should be improved, according to the Dietary Guideline and Balanced Diet Pagoda for Chinese Residents.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of psychological stress on the levels of Hcy and folate in rats. Method The Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups as follows:control,stress and stress with folate supplement. The animal model of psychological stress was developed by restraint. Results The levels of Hcy both in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were increased and not only the level of folate in plasma but also in cortex,hippocampus,liver and mucous membrane epithelium of small intestine were decreased under restraint stress. Folate supplement could improve the depletion of folate and the increase of Hcy induced by restraint. Conclusion The depletion of folate may be one of the important factors of high Hcy level induced by psychological stress.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To study the effects of zinc deficiency on bone histomorphometric parameters of femoral distal diaphysis in rats. Methods:Thirty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups:the zinc-deficient group(ZD), the control group(Cont),and the pair-fed group(ZP). After the rats had been fed for eight weeks, the histomorphometric and dynamic parameters of the rats were analysed using bone histomorphometric method. Results:The number, volume and connectivity of trabecular bone, and the mean trabecular plate density of ZD rats were significantly decreased, but their mean trabecular plate space was significantly increased. In addition, the data showed that ZD animals had significantly decreased trabecular osteoid surface, reduced velocity of bone formation as compared with Cont and ZP animals. The results showed that in ZD rats the mineral deposit rate was significantly slow, while the mineralization lag and osteoid maturation period were obviously prolonged. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency reduces velocity of bone formation and prolongs bone mineralization and destroys bone structure.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the effects of different niacin nutritures on behaviors of stressed rats. Methods: 100 Wistar male rats were assigned into 10 groups:control, pair-fed, nicotinamide (NAM) deficiency (ND), low-dose NAM supplement (LNS 40 mg/kg diet) and high-dose NAM supplement (HNS 500 mg/kg diet), and the corresponding restrained groups. 24 h urinary excretion of N1-methylnicotinamide (NMN), body weight changes, behaviors in the open-field test, plasma cortisol, nitric oxide(NO) and liver nitric oxide synthase(NOS) were determined. Results: Compared with the control group, restrained rats had relatively lower urinary NMN. Both ND and restrainted stress retarded the body weight gains . Rats in the control and LNS groups had relatively shorter latency time in the open-field test. Restrained rats had higher plasma cortisol and NO than those in the corresponding control group. However, rats with HNS had the lowest plasma cortisol concentrations. Dietary supplement of NAM increased liver NOS . Conclusions: Restraint stress may increase niacin depletion and appropriate NAM supplement has positive effects on stress adaptation in rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the effects of different doses of Zn on the expression of metallo- thionein(MT) isoforms in hippocampus, olfactory bulb, diencephalon and cortex in stress rats. Method: The animal model of psychological stress was developed by restraint for 4w. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control group, Zn-deficient group, pair-fed group, Zn -supplemented group and their corresponding stress groups. The expressions of MTs and their mRNAs were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR respectively. Results: In Zn-deficient group, plasma zinc content was decreased, while in Zn -supplemented group slightly increased. Compared with Zn-deficient group, the stress Zn -deficient group had higher expressions of MTs and MT-1 mRNA, MT-3 mRNA in hippocampus, olfactory bulb, diencephalon and cortex. Expressions of MTs in Zn-supplemented group were increased, and much more in corresponding stress group. In addition, the levels of plasma cortisol, IL-6 and IL-1 were increased clearly in Zn-deficient group and stress groups. Moreover, MTs’ productions were different in four brain domains,the highest in hippocampus and the lowest in diencephalon. Conclusion: Zn may affect the expressions of MTs and MT-1 mRNA, MT-3 mRNA in different regions of brain in stress rats. The higher production of MTs in hippocampus may be related to its role in body’s adaptation to stress. Cortisol, IL-6 and IL-1 may be involved in the modulation of expression of MTs.
ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the possibility that homocysteine(Hcy) may augment ?-amyloid(A?) neurotoxicity.Method Cultured hippocampal neurons were treatd with Hcy and/or A?42 and it's apoptosis,calcium influx,DNA damage and oxidative injury were examined.Results Combined treatment with 250?mol/L Hcy and 10?mol/L A?42 increased the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons significantly more than either agent alone,and even the sum of each agent treated alone.The combined treatment significantly exceeded the cytosolic calcium accumulation and MDA obtained with either alone or the sum of each agent.A significant increase in DNA damage also occurred in neurons exposed to A?42 in the presence of Hcy,but the magnitude of the increase was not greater than that seen with either treatment alone.Conclusion Hcy could potentiate A? neurotoxicity by neuron exitotoxicity,oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis.
ABSTRACT
The effects of zinc on collagen synthesis and wound healing were observed in 124 rats. The animals were divided into three groups. ZD--zincdeficient, SP--pair fed with zinc supplemented and SF---ad lib withzinc supplemented, each receiving 0.07, 0.82 and 0.84 mg Zn per rat per day respectively. An 8 cm long surgical incision was made on one side of the back of each animal and 3 pieces of sponge were implanted subcutaneous
ABSTRACT
Objective:[WT5BZ]The effect of different contents of zinc in feed on learning and memory function and brain somatostatin,zinc and calcium concentrations in rats were studied. [WT5HZ]Methods:[WT5BZ]The feeds contained 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg zinc respectively.The learning and memory function of animals were determined by radioimmunoassay.Their zinc and calcium contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. [WT5HZ]Results:[WT5BZ]Feeds containing 100 and 200 mg/kg zinc were adequate for learning and memory function of rats,whereas other feeds resulted in poor learning and memory function,and depression in somatostatin concentration in hypothalamus,hippocampus and cerebrum cortex.Additionally,feeds containing lower than 100 mg/kg zinc decreased zinc concentrations in blood,hippocampus,cerebrum cortex and hypothalamus,and calcium concentration in cerebrum cortex. [WT5HZ]Conclusion:[WT5BZ]These results suggest that 100 200 mg/kg zinc in feed is adequate for maintaining learning and memory function in rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Three experiments were used to evaluate the effects of zinc deficiency on growth, learning and memory ability of rats. [WT5FZ]Methods: In experiment Ⅰ and experiment Ⅱ, the experimental rats were divided into three groups, which were zinc deficiency group (ZD), pair fed group (PF), and zinc deficiency and supplementation group (ZS). Their durations were 35 days and 28 days respectively. In experiment Ⅲ, the experimental rats were divided into ZD, PF and ad libitum (AL) group. Results: Zinc deficiency significantly decreased the growth and learning ability of rats, whereas zinc supplementation reversed the above status. Conclusion: The results suggest that zinc not only influence growth, but also the advanced function like learning and memory ability of brain.