Ameliorating effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) extract tablet on exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue in rats by suppressing mitophagy in skeletal muscle.

OBJECTIVE: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is widely used as a leafy vegetable and spice in China and North Africa. Recent studies have reported that fenugreek can reduce fatigue; however, its antifatigue mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential antifatigue effects of fenugreek extract (FE) on mitophagy and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the potential effects of FE tablet on an exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue (EEF) rat model. Oxidative stress indicators and fatigue biomarkers in the serum and skeletal muscle were detected. Mitophagy and mitochondrial morphology were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins were detected using western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, FE enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase as well as total antioxidant capacity; however, it decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the serum and skeletal muscle after a 7-day treatment. Moreover, certain indicators of mitochondrial function, such as reactive oxygen species levels, ATP levels, cellular and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, and ATPase activity, were significantly improved in the FE group compared with the model group. Finally, we found that mitophagy was induced by exhaustive exercise and inhibited by FE. Regarding mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins, the expression levels of LC3B, FUNDC1, PGAM5, PARKIN, and PINK1 in the skeletal muscle tissue were increased in the EEF group compared with the control group. After administration of FE and a positive control drug, a significant reversal in the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that FE exerted antifatigue effects in the EEF rat model by regulating the mitophagy-related FUNDC1/LC3B signaling pathway rather than the PINK1/PARKIN signaling pathway.

Prevalence of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician-diagnosed pollen-induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence. METHODS: A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer-administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count. RESULTS: A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05). CONCLUSION: Pollen-induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.

[Experimental study on the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction on nasal mucosa infiltration of NK cells in mice with allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To observe the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction on the infiltration and activation of NK cells in nasal mucosa of mouse model with allergic rhinitis (AR), and to explore the potential mechanism for effective intervention of AR with Yiqi Wenyang Decoction. Methods: Fourty-eight mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low, medium and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group and Cetirizine group, with 8 rats in each group. After modeling of AR, the model group was filled with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Yiqi Wenyang Decoction groups of each dose were given different concentrations of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction water extract, while the Cetirizine group was given aqueous solution of Cetirizine. The behavior, morphological changes of nasal mucosa and infiltration of NK cells in nasal mucosa were observed. The levels of IL-4 and INF-γ in nasal lavage fluid were measured. Besides, the drug safety was observed by acute toxicity test. Results: In the respect of behavioral scoring, middle and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group were superior to the model group (number of sneezing: q value was 7.189, 8.748, respectively; number of scratching nose: q value was 12.074, 14.560, respectively; all P<0.05). In middle and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group, the infiltration of NK cells and nasal lavage fluid IL-4 levels were lower than those in model group (IOD: q value was 10.073, 12.322, respectively; IOD/Area: q value was 10.954, 14.073, respectively; IL-4: q value was 4.705, 6.801, respectively; all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in nasal lavage fluid of INF-γ among each group (Fv=1.166, P>0.05). In acute toxicity test, no obvious poisoning symptoms and death occurred in mice. Conclusion: Yiqi Wenyang Decoction can control the nasal symptom, reduce the local NK cell infiltration of nasal mucosa and inhibit the expression of the 2-type cytokines released by NK cells, which may be related with the potential mechanism of effective intervention of AR with Yiqi Wenyang Decoction.

[Investigation on folic acid supplementation status among Chinese women in the first trimester of pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate folic acid (FA) supplementation status among Chinese rural reproductive women in their early pregnancy, and to provide evidence for the evaluation of FA supplementation project from national basic public health services. METHODS: The data on intake status of FA supplementation from "National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP)" database between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012 was used and analyzed.A total of 902 270 women who achieved follow-up during early pregnancy from 220 pilot counties of 31 provinces were recruited. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2012, the rate of FA intake among women recuited were 73.58% (134 131/182 289), 75.88% (329 288/433 970) and 76.53% (218 896/286 011), respectively, which increased year by year (χtrend(2)=13 371.8, P<0.001). Among 682 315 women who took FA, 350 738(51.40%) women began to take FA 3 months before amenorrhea; 130 683 (19.15%) women began to take FA 1-2 months before amenorrhea, and 200 894 (29.44%) began to take FA after amenorrhea.Among 682 315 women who took FA, 645 310 (94.58%) women took it regularly, and 342 418 (50.18%) women took FA in a standardized way. CONCLUSIONS: The status of FA intake among Chinese rural women in the first trimester of pregnancy was good, and 75.62% (682 315/902 270) of them took FA.It is also important for basic public health services to improve the rate of FA intake and increase the rate of taking FA in a standardized way in Chinese rural pregnant women.

Genetic variants in adiponectin and blood pressure responses to dietary sodium or potassium interventions: a family-based association study.

Previous studies have shown that genetic factors might have an important role in blood pressure (BP) responses to dietary salt or potassium intake. The aim of this study was to assess the association of common genetic variants of the adiponectin gene with BP responses to controlled dietary sodium or potassium interventions. Subjects (n=334) from 124 families in rural areas of Northern China were recruited. After a 3-day baseline observation, participants sequentially maintained a 7-day low-sodium diet (NaCl, 3 g per day; or sodium, 51.3 mmol per day), followed by a 7-day high-sodium diet (NaCl, 18 g per day; or sodium, 307.8 mmol per day) and a 7-day high-sodium plus potassium supplementation intervention (KCl, 4.5 g per day; or potassium, 60 mmol per day). A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene were selected as the study sites. After adjustment for multiple testing, the adiponectin SNP rs16861205 was significantly associated with the diastolic BP (DBP) response to low-salt intervention, and the DBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to high-salt intervention (P=0.028, 0.023 and 0.027, respectively). SNP rs822394 was associated with the DBP and MAP responses to low-salt intervention and the DBP response to high-salt intervention (P=0.023, 0.030 and 0.033 respectively). Meanwhile, significant association also existed between SNP rs16861194 and the systolic BP response to potassium supplementation intervention (P=0.026). In addition, SNP rs822394 was significantly associated with basal DBP after adjustment for multiple testing (P=0.033). Our study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157 Bacteriophages by Using a Mixture of Ferrous Sulfate and Tea Extract.

Bacteriophages (phages) have been used for biocontrol of Escherichia coli O157 and other pathogenic bacteria in many different matrices and foods, but few studies have included inactivation of residual phages in culture medium before plating and enumeration of surviving host bacteria for the assessment of phage efficacy. This oversight may lead to overestimation of phage efficacy. The ability of virucidal solution containing a mixture of ferrous sulfate [iron(II) sulfate, FeSO4] and tea extract [Fe(II)T] to inactivate residual T5-like, T1-like, T4-like, and rV5-like phages was assessed using E. coli O157 as the host. At concentrations of ≥10 mM FeSO4, all phages were not detected after 20 min in a broth culture model. Compared with the virucidal solution-free samples (1 to 96% recovery), Fe(II)T (10 mM FeSO4 plus 15% tea extract) recovered a greater (P < 0.01) number of E. coli O157 from phage-treated broth culture (97 to 100% recovery) and beef samples (52 to 100% recovery). Moreover, with the addition of Fe(II)T, the number of bacteria surviving after exposure to T5-like or T4-like phages was greater (P < 0.01) than that after exposure to T1-like or rV5-like phages. Consequently, use of a virucide for phage inactivation is recommended to improve the accuracy of evaluations of phage efficacy for biocontrol of E. coli O157.

Rabbit model of primary hyperparathyroidism induced by high-phosphate diet.

The objective of this study is to establish a new rabbit model of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) induced by high-phosphate diet. One hundred twenty rabbits were divided into two groups of 60 each. The treatment group was fed a high-phosphate diet (Ca:P = 1:7) and the control group was given a normal animal diet (Ca:P = 1:0.7) for 1 to 6 mo. Serologic examinations, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid, and the histologic examination, including parathyroid, kidney, and bones, were performed at the end of each month for 6 mo. Compared with the control, serum PTH levels in the treatment groups were elevated at all six time points, whereas serum calcium levels were reduced, and serum phosphorus levels remain unchanged over the course of the first 3 mo. Serum calcium levels were increased, whereas serum phosphorus levels were reduced at 4, 5, and 6 mo. Parathyroid histopathological examination showed no change during the first month, whereas 60% of the animals exhibited mild hyperplasia starting at 2 mo, and 90% of the animals in the treatment group exhibited mild-to-moderate hyperplasia with gland enlargement starting from 3 mo through the end of the study. Histopathological examination of the kidneys showed no change at 1 mo, but focal parenchymal inflammation with calcium deposition was observed in the treatment groups at 2 to 6 mo. Fibrous tissue of the bone extended toward the cortex, and fibrosis was evident at the third month. The fibrous cells were found to be concentrated mainly on the inner and outer membranes of the bone cortex, and the amount of fibrous tissue increased as the disease progressed. We conclude that a new rabbit animal model of PHPT can be successfully created by the administration of a high-phosphate diet. This animal model can be used in various future studies related to PHPT.

A salt-responsive receptor-like kinase gene regulated by the ethylene signaling pathway encodes a plasma membrane serine/threonine kinase.

NTHK1 is a salt-inducible ethylene receptor gene in tobacco. Transgenic tobacco plants for this gene show reduced ethylene sensitivity. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we were able to identify those genes that have different expression levels between NTHK1 transgenic plants and wild-type plants under salt stress conditions. One of these, AtLecRK2, which encodes a receptor-like kinase with an extracellular lectin-like domain, was characterized in detail in the present study. AtLecRK2 contains a signal peptide, an extracellular lectin-like domain, a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic protein kinase domain. AtLecRK2 is transcribed in the root, flower and leaf but not in the stem. In wild-type Arabidopsis, salt stress induced the transcription level of AtLecRK2, whereas in the transgenic NTHK1 Arabidopsis induction of the AtLecRK2 transcript was inhibited and retarded. AtLecRK2 was constitutively overexpressed in the ethylene-overproducer mutant, eto1-1, and could be induced by ethylene. However, in the ethylene-insensitive mutant, ein2-1, the salt-induced expression pattern of AtLecRK2 was the same as that in wild-type plants. The results demonstrate that the induction of AtLecRK2 in response to salt stress is regulated by the ethylene signaling pathway. The induction was inhibited by the ethylene receptor, NTHK1, while it was independent of EIN2. The kinase activity of AtLecRK2 was also studied. We found that that AtLecRK2 can be autophosphorylated and has serine/threonine kinase activities. The subcellular localization of AtLecRK2-GFP in onion epidermal cells indicates that AtLecRK2 is localized on the plasma membrane.

[Study on molecular mechanism of ganyang shangkang syndrome in hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of Ganyang Shangkang (Liver Yang ascending, GYSK) syndrome in hypertension. METHODS: The plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) contents in patients with GYSK syndrome or Ganshen Yinxu (Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency, GSYX) syndrome who were suffered from hypertension, and normal controls were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). The polymorphism of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene in the three groups were analyzed by Southern Blot assay. The polymorphism of TH and MAOA, MAOB gene microsatellite in these groups were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-SSCP; meanwhile, the GYSK model by administration of single TCM preparation, Radix Aconiti preparate (RAP) in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR). The adrenal gland medulla were examined for their TH expression at the protein level after ABC immuno histochemical staining with the TH monoclonal antibody (McAb). The adrenal TH gene mRNA expression was demonstrated by in situ hybridization with the synthesized TH oligonucleic acid probe. The results of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were analyzed with the image analysis system (IAS). RESULTS: The plasma NE, E contents in patients with GYSK were more significantly increased than that in GSYX and normal controls. The TH gene amplified and the type A1 TH microsatellite D11S4046 was increased more remarkably than other groups. The TH mRNA protein expression in their adrenal tissue of the single TCM preparation RAP induced GYSK model in SHR were elevated. CONCLUSIONS: The GYSK syndrome of hypertension possesses the character as amplified TH gene and increased TH mRNA and protein. It suggested that the hyperexpression of TH is probably the mechanism of GYSK syndrome in hypertension.

Miscarriage prevention tea affects plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in women with early threatened abortions.

Twenty threatened abortive patients in the 7-8th week of gestation were treated with a classical miscarriage prevention tea (Shou-Tai-Tang) combined with psychological consultation. All of the patients had a history of unexplained recurrent abortions. This treatment succeeded in sixteen out of 20 patients. The plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin (beta-EP), gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and progesterone (P4) were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after treatment. Compared to control subjects, beta-EP levels were significantly higher, while GnRH, hCG, and P4 were lower than before treatment. Concentrations of these peptides/hormones returned to normal ranges after successful treatment.

[The contents of plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine in patients with five types of Gan syndromes in TCM and its significance for diagnosis].

Plasma norepinephrine (NE) epinephrine (E) concentrations in patients with five types of Gan syndromes and relative syndromes were determined. The healthy individuals served as control. The contents of NE and E in Ganyang Huafeng Zheng (5975.8 +/- 305.6 pmol.L-1, 2227.7 +/- 12.57 pmol.L-1) were significantly increased; Ganxue Xu Zheng (1100.4 +/- 105.5, 451.2 +/- 70.9 pmol.L-1) were decreased, and lower than the normal controls. NE and E contents in both Ganyang Shangkang Zheng (3962.6 +/- 354.4, 1225.6 +/- 163.5 pmol.L-1) and Ganhuo Shangyan Zheng (3398.1 +/- 303.8, 1134.4 +/- 146.9 pmol.L-1) were increased remarkably, but there was no difference between them. Plasma NE, E concentrations can be considered as one of the comprehensive laboratory parameters in diagnosis of the four above mentioned Gan syndromes.

[Changes and evaluation of indexes on treating ganyanghuafengzheng with cerebral infarction by tianlongxifeng granulae].

We used TIANLONGXIFENG granulae to treat the patients with GANYANGHUAFENGZHENG of cerebral infarction, and mobilely observed the contents of plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, thromboxane B2 and serum triiodothyroidoglobulin. The results showed that with the improvement of curative effect and the decrease of symptom scores, the contents of parameters mentioned above changed accordingly. It is suggested that these parameters may have value for diagnosis.

A study on plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels in TCM liver syndromes.

The levels of plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were determined by HPLC in 220 patients with various TCM liver syndromes, and in 96 healthy subjects as controls. The plasma NE and E contents were higher in patients with liver excess syndromes, including Ganqi Yujie (GQYJ [symbol: see text]) syndrome, Ganyang Shangkang (GYSK [symbol: see text]) syndrome, Ganhuo Shangyan (GHSY [symbol: see text]) syndrome, and Ganyang Huafeng (GYHF [symbol: see text]) syndrome; while they were lower in patients with liver deficiency syndromes, including Ganqixu (GQX [symbol: see text]) syndrome, Ganxuexu (GXX [symbol: see text]) syndrome, and Ganyinxu (GYX [symbol: see text]) syndrome. Futhermore, when Ganshen Yinxu (GSYX [symbol: see text]) syndrome was turned into GYSK and then into GYHF, the plasma NE and E contents increased in order of precedence; while when GQYJ was turned into Ganyu Pixu (GYPX [symbol: see text]) syndrome, both NE and E contents decreased. The results suggest that the plasma NE and E contents are reliable objective parameters for the study of pathophysiological basis of the liver excess and liver deficiency syndromes, and the liver-kidney and liver-spleen interrelated syndromes.

[Study on experimental parameters for diagnosing ganyang huafeng syndrome of cerebral infarction].

One hundred patients with cerebral infarction were observed, the results showed that Ganyang Huafeng Syndrome (GYHFS) was the major syndrome of acute cerebral infarction which was accounted for 60% and Qiyin Liangxu Syndrome (QYLXS), Qixu Xueyu Syndrome (QXXYS) were mainly observed at convalescent stage of this disease which was accounted for 37.78% and 31.11% respectively. This study chose plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrne (E), thromboxane B2(TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, cortisol (F) and serum triiodothyroidoglobulin (T3) as the monitoring parameters, and the results showed that the increase of plasma NE,F,TXB2, the decrease of serum T3 could be considered as the comprehensive experimental parameters for diagnosing GYHFS of cerebral infarction.

[Relationship between three extracting factors and extracting rate and stability of chlorogenic acid in the refining process of flos Lonicerae].

Content determination of chlorogenic acid in the extract of Flos Lonicerae by reversed-phase HPLC has proved that relatively long time boiling in weak acid conditions is beneficial to increasing the extracting rate of the acid. Also, verifying experiments have shown that chlorogenic acid remains stable in the above-said conditions.