[Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A total of 9 048 pregnant women were selected from the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan from March 2012 to September 2016. Among them, 882 pregnant women with PE were divided into case group, and 8 166 pregnant women without PE were divided into control group. Information on demographic characteristics, folic acid supplementation, maternal complications, and other factors were collected by face-to-face interviews after child birth in the hospital. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of PE and the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on the relationship of folic acid supplementation with the risk of PE. Results: Compared with nonusers, folic acid supplement users had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.64-0.96). Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy were negatively related with the risk of PE (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.49-0.81). Pregnant women who used folic acid tablets only or used both folic acid tablets and multivitamin containing folic acid had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.99; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.49-0.85). No significant relationship was observed in the multivitamin group. Supplemental folic acid doses of <400, 400, and >400 µg/d were related with reduced risk of PE (OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.42-0.91; OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.99; OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.94). After stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnant women who used folic acid supplementation, those with pre-pregnancy BMI<24.0 kg/m(2) had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.75, 95%CI: 0.59-0.96). However, no significant relationship was observed in women with pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2). Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy were related with reduced risk of PE. Pre-pregnancy BMI might affect the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of PE. Appropriate folic acid supplementation should be recommend for women with different pre-pregnancy BMI.

Calcium propionate supplementation improves development of rumen epithelium in calves via stimulating G protein-coupled receptors.

In the present study, calcium propionate (CaP) was used as feed additive in the diet of calves to investigate their effects on rumen fermentation and the development of rumen epithelium in calves. To elucidate the mechanism in which CaP improves development of calf rumen epithelium via stimulating the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of G protein-coupled receptors, a total of 54 male Jersey calves (age=7±1 days, BW=23.1±1.2 kg) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: control without CaP supplementation (Con), 5% CaP supplementation (5% CaP) and 10% CaP supplementation (10% CaP). The experiment lasted 160 days and was divided into three feeding stages: Stage 1 (days 0 to 30), Stage 2 (days 31 to 90) and Stage 3 (days 91 to 160). Calcium propionate supplementation percentages were calculated on a dry matter basis. In total, six calves from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered on days 30, 90 and 160 at the conclusion of each experimental feeding stage. Rumen fermentation was improved with increasing concentration of CaP supplementation in calves through the first 30 days (Stage 1). No effects of CaP supplementation were observed on rumen fermentation in calves during Stage 2 (days 31 to 90). Supplementation with 5% CaP increased propionate concentration, but not acetate and butyrate in calves during Stage 3 (days 91 to 160). The rumen papillae length of calves in the 5% CaP supplementation group was greater than that of Con groups in calves after 160 days feeding. The mRNA expression of G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and GPR43 supplemented with 5% CaP were greater than the control group and 10% CaP group in feeding 160 days calves. 5% CaP supplementation increased the mRNA expression of cyclin D1, whereas did not increase the mRNA expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 compared with the control group in feeding 160-day calves. These results indicate that propionate may act as a signaling molecule to improve rumen epithelium development through stimulating mRNA expression of GPR41 and GPR43.

[Association between periconceptional folic acid supplementation and small for gestational age birth based on pre-pregnancy body mass index].

Objective: To investigate the association between periconceptional folic acid supplementation and small for gestational age (SGA) birth based on maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and provide evidence for the development of comprehensive prevention programs on SGA birth. Methods: Between March, 2012 and September, 2016, a total of 8 523 pregnant women delivering in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were surveyed to collect the information about their demographic characteristics, folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy and about their infants. Among their infants, 1 066 were small for gestational age (case group), 7 457 were appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (control group). Unconditional logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between periconceptional folic acid supplementation and SGA birth in the context of different pre-pregnancy BMI. Results: The overall incidence of SGA birth was 12.51% (1 066/8 523). After adjusting the confounding factors, pre-pregnancy BMI<18.5 kg/m(2) was a risk factor for SGA birth (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.01-1.47), pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2) was associated with a reduced risk of SGA birth (OR=0.81, 95%CI:0.68-0.97). After adjusting confounding factors, periconceptional folic acid supplementation was a protective factor for SGA birth (OR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.68-0.98). After stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, periconceptional folic acid supplementation was associated with the reduced risk of SGA birth in overweight group (24.0 kg/m(2)≤BMI<28.0 kg/m(2)) with OR of 0.55 (95%CI: 0.36-0.85). No significant association was observed in other groups. When examined by folic acid supplement type, periconceptional single folic acid supplementation (400 µg per tablet) was a protective factor for SGA birth (OR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.69-0.99). After stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, periconceptional single folic acid supplementation (400 µg per tablet) was associated with the reduced risk of SGA birth in overweight groups (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.36-0.86). No association was observed between periconceptional folic acid containing multivitamin supplementation and SGA birth. Conclusions: Periconceptional folic acid supplementation (400 µg) was associated with reduced risk of SGA birth in women with pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2) and<28.0 kg/m(2). No association between folic acid supplementation and SGA was observed in other groups. This study suggests that pre-pregnancy BMI might modify the influence of folic acid supplementation on the risk of SGA birth.

Behavioural differences between male and female carpenter bees in nectar robbing and its effect on reproductive success in Glechoma longituba (Lamiaceae).

Male and female nectar robbers may show significantly different behaviour on host plants and thus have different impacts on reproductive fitness of the plants. A 4-year study in natural populations of Glechoma longituba has shown that male carpenter bees (Xylocopa sinensis) are responsible for most of the nectar robbing from these flowers, while female bees account for little nectar robbing, demonstrating distinct behavioural differentiation between male and female bees in visiting flowers. The smaller male bee spends less time visiting a single flower than the larger female bee, consequently, the male bee is capable of visiting more flowers per unit time and has a higher foraging efficiency. Moreover, the robbing behaviour of female carpenter bees is more destructive and affects flower structures (ovules and nectaries) and floral life-span more than that of the male bee. According to the energy trade-off hypothesis, the net energy gain for male bees during nectar robbing greatly surpasses energy payout (17.72 versus 2.43 J), while the female bee net energy gain is barely adequate to meet energy payout per unit time (3.78 versus 2.39 J). The differences in net energy gain for male and female bees per unit time in nectar robbing are the likely cause of observed behavioural differences between the sexes. The differences in food resource preference between male and female bees constitute an optimal resource allocation pattern that enables the visitors to utilise floral resources more efficiently.

Research on antioxidant effects and estrogenic effect of formononetin from Trifolium pratense (red clover).

Antioxidant and estrogenic effects of formononetin on ovariectomized mice have been investigated in the present study. The adult female Kunming mice were divided into 5 groups: sham-operated group, ovariectomized group, stilbestrol replacement therapy group (0.20 mg/kg day), low-dose formononetin group (0.05 g/kg day) and high-dose formononetin group (0.5 g/kg day). The mice in the latter 4 groups were ovariectomized. The drug was given by oral administration for 6 months. Estrogenic effect was determined by the change of uterine weight, and oxidant effects were determined by the content of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and MDA. The intake of formononetin increased the uterine weight of the mice significantly as well as the content of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and reduced MDA in body. Formononetin had obvious antioxidant effects and estrogenic effect, and the estrogenic effect was not dosage-related.

Adjuvant chemotherapy of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for complete resectable esophageal cancer: a case-matched cohort study in east China.

It is still controversial whether adjuvant chemotherapy of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin can increase the overall survival of esophageal cancer patients, and which subgroup of patients get most benefits from it. Between 1998 and 2004, 66 esophageal cancer patients with adjuvant chemotherapy and 160 well-matched patients without chemotherapy were included in this study. Nine markers were measured in the protein level to analyze prognostic significance. In the whole group, adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve the survival of esophageal cancer patients. There was also no significant difference for survival in stage I (P=0.59 and P=0.59), stage II (P=0.28 and P=0.28) and stage III patients (P=0.144 and P=0.06) between the observation and the chemotherapy group. Chemotherapy was most effective for the patients who had metastases in cervical and/or celiac lymph nodes (IV subgroup). One and 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly better than for those who did not receive the chemotherapy(P=0.038, and 0.016, respectively). Bcl-2 expression was a bad prognostic factor, and was more predictive in the adjuvant chemotherapy group than in the no-chemotherapy group. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved the treatment result of stage IV patients compared with the observation group. Bcl-2 could be used to analyze prognosis and guide the adjuvant treatment.

Protective effect of Gui Qi mixture on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Huang Qi (root of Astragalus membranaceus) and Dang Gui ( Angelica sinensis), two of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, have been proven to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) although the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Dang Gui and Huang Qi mixture (GQM) on the development of diabetic nephropathy in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM and the possible underlying molecular mechanism. The diabetic animal model was made by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ and then treated with GQM or benazepril. Blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum creatinine (Scr), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine beta (2)-microglobin (beta (2)-MG), kidney/body weight (K/B) ratio, glomerular area (GA), renal transforming growth factor-beta (1) (TGF-beta (1)) mRNA expression and blood and renal angiotensin II (AngII) expression were determined 8 weeks after the treatment. The blood glucose, CHO and TG levels, BUN, SCr, Ccr. K/B ratio, GA, the excretion of beta (2)-MG, renal TGF-beta (1) mRNA expression and blood and renal AngII expression were significantly increased while the HDL level was decreased 8 week after STZ injection. The changes in blood glucose, TG, CHO and HDL were reversed by GQM, not by benazepril, whereas the changes in other variables were reversed by both GQM and benazepril. Our results suggest that GQM alleviates the disorder in blood glucose and lipids, protects against the progression of renal nephropathy in diabetic rats, probably by inhibiting the expression of AngII and TGF-beta (1) mRNA.

Cytotoxicity of Marchantia convoluta leaf extracts to human liver and lung cancer cells.

The cytotoxicity of three extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) from a plant used in folk medicine, Marchantia convoluta, to human non-small cell lung carcinoma (H1299) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines was tested. After 72-h incubation of lung and liver cancer cell cultures with varying concentrations of extracts (15 to 200 microg/mL), cytotoxicity was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and reported in terms of cell viability. The extracts that showed a significant cytotoxicity were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to identify the components. The ethyl acetate, but not the petroleum ether or n-butanol extract, had a significant cytotoxicity against lung and liver carcinoma cells with IC50 values of 100 and 30 microg/mL, respectively. A high concentration of ethyl acetate extract (100 microg/mL) rapidly reduced the number of H1299 cells. At lower concentrations of ethyl acetate extract (15, 30, and 40 microg/mL), the numbers of HepG2 cells started to decrease markedly. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of several compounds such as phytol (23.42%), 1,2,4-tripropylbenzene (13.09%), 9-cedranone (12.75%), ledene oxide (7.22%), caryophyllene (1.82%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.15%). HPLC analysis result showed that there were no flavonoids in ethyl acetate extract, but flavonoids are abundant in n-butanol extract. Further studies are needed regarding the identification, toxicity, and mechanism of action of active compounds.

Cytotoxicity of Marchantia convoluta leaf extracts to human liver and lung cancer cells

The cytotoxicity of three extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) from a plant used in folk medicine, Marchantia convoluta, to human non-small cell lung carcinoma (H1299) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines was tested. After 72-h incubation of lung and liver cancer cell cultures with varying concentrations of extracts (15 to 200 æg/mL), cytotoxicity was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and reported in terms of cell viability. The extracts that showed a significant cytotoxicity were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to identify the components. The ethyl acetate, but not the petroleum ether or n-butanol extract, had a significant cytotoxicity against lung and liver carcinoma cells with IC50 values of 100 and 30 æg/mL, respectively. A high concentration of ethyl acetate extract (100 æg/mL) rapidly reduced the number of H1299 cells. At lower concentrations of ethyl acetate extract (15, 30, and 40 æg/mL), the numbers of HepG2 cells started to decrease markedly. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of several compounds such as phytol (23.42 percent), 1,2,4-tripropylbenzene (13.09 percent), 9-cedranone (12.75 percent), ledene oxide (7.22 percent), caryophyllene (1.82 percent), and caryophyllene oxide (1.15 percent). HPLC analysis result showed that there were no flavonoids in ethyl acetate extract, but flavonoids are abundant in n-butanol extract. Further studies are needed regarding the identification, toxicity, and mechanism of action of active compounds.

Suppression of transforming growth factor-beta1 gene expression by Danggui buxue tang, a traditional Chinese herbal preparation, in retarding the progress of renal damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Danggui buxue tang (DBT), a preparation containing Angelica sinensis (danggui) and Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi) at a ratio of 1 : 5, is used widely in China for stimulating red blood cell production and enhancing cardiovascular function. The present study was undertaken to characterize the effects of this preparation on diabetic nephropathy using streptozotocin-diabetic rats as a model. Streptozotocin-dependent alterations in renal weight/body weight ratio, urinary albumin and beta (2)-microglobulin concentrations, urinary albumin excretion rate, and creatinine clearance were ameliorated after eight weeks of treatment with either DBT or the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, benazepril. DBT, but not benazepril, partially attenuated the increases in blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in STZ-diabetic rats. Additionally, the increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta (1) mRNA in the renal cortex due to streptozotocin-induced diabetes was modestly attenuated by these treatments. However, eight weeks of treatment with DBT failed to modify the concentration of angiotensin II in plasma or kidney, indicating that the ability of the preparation to retard the progression of kidney disease was not attributable to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. We propose that DBT alleviates renal alterations in diabetes and slows the progression of diabetic nephropathy by suppressing transforming growth factor-beta (1) mRNA expression. The preparation may therefore be useful as an adjuvant therapy for controlling diabetes and its complications.

Effects of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on cell-to-cell communication function mediated by gap junctions.

Gap junctions have been shown or are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of many inherited and acquired human diseases. Agents that regulate the gap junction-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) function may facilitate prevention and treatment of GJIC-involved diseases. In the present study we examined the effects of 27 ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng on GJIC. The results show that compounds 1 (oleanolic acid), 2 (ginsenoside-R0), 3 (ginsenoside-Rb1), 5 (ginsenoside-Rb2), 7 (ginsenoside-Rd), 8 (ginsenoside-Rg3), 12 (panaxadial), 13 (notoginsenoside-R4), 17 [ginsenoside-Rg2 (20S)], 18 (ginsenoside-Rf), and 26 (ginsenoside-F3) did not obviously affect GJIC, whereas compounds 4 (ginsenoside-Rc), 6 (ginsenoside-Rb3), 9 (ginsenoside-Rd2), 10 (notoginsenoside-Fe), 11 (ginsenoside-Rh2),14 (ginsenoside-Ra1), 15 (ginsenoside-Re), 16 [ginsenoside-Rg2 (20R)], 19 (ginsenoside-Ia), 20 [ginsenoside-Rh1 (20S)], 21 [ginsenoside-Rh1 (20R)], 22 (ginsenoside-F1), 23 (protopanaxatriol), 24 (panaxatriol), 25 (ginsenoside-Rg1), and 27 (chikusetsaponin-L8) induced GJIC reductions at various degrees. Compounds 2, 7, and 8 protected against the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor vanadate-induced GJIC reduction, while compounds 1, 5, 7, and 17 inhibited the cytokine interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1alpha)-induced reduction in GJIC. Nevertheless, no compounds protected against the protein kinase C (PKC) activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced GJIC inhibition. On the other hand, GJIC reductions induced by compounds 6, 9,10, 20, 21, 22, 24, and 25 were inhibited by the tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor genistein, while GJIC reductions induced by compounds 6, 9, 14, 16, 19, 21, and 24 were attenuated in the presence of the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. However, GJIC reductions induced by compounds 4, 23, and 27 were not inhibited either by genistein or by calphostin C. These data indicate that various mechanisms are responsible for effects of ginsenosides on GJIC.

The inhibitory effects of ginsenosides on protein tyrosine kinase activated by hypoxia/reoxygenation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

27 individual ginsenosides and aglycones, together with five extracts from ginseng roots, ginseng leaves, American ginseng roots, American ginseng leaves and non-saponin fraction from roots of Panax ginseng, were tested for their effects on protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation induced by an in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The results indicated that ginsenoside-Rb1 (3), -Rd (7), -Ra1 (1) and -Ro (27) showed significant inhibitory effects on PTK activation induced by H/R. Dose-response experiments revealed that ginsenoside-Rb1 was the most active compound and it completely blocked PTK activation at a wide range of concentrations. Most protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides and some protopanaxatriol-type saponins also showed significant effects on PTK activation. However, the crude extracts did not protect against H/R-induced PTK activation.

Modulation of postoperative immune and inflammatory response by immune-enhancing enteral diet in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, clinical trial was performed. Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into two groups, one group was given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard diet and the other was fed with the supplemented diet with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids. Feedings were started within 48 hours after operation, and continued until day 8. All variables were measured before operation and on postoperative day 1 and 8. Immune responses were determined by phagocytosis ability, respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, total lymphocytes lymphocyte subsets, nitric oxide, cytokines concentration, and inflammatory responses by plasma levels of C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 level. RESULTS: Tolerance of both formula diets was excellent. There were significant differences in the immunological and inflammatory responses between the two groups. In supplemented group, phagocytosis and respiratory burst after surgery was higher and C-reactive protein level was lower (P<0.01) than in the standard group. The supplemented group had higher levels of nitric oxide, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells. Postoperative levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were lower in the supplemented group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: It was clearly established in this trial that early postoperative enteral feeding is safe in patients who have undergone major operations for gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation of enteral nutrition with glutamine, arginine, and omega-3-fatty acids positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.

Screening of anti-hypoxia/reoxygenation agents by an in vitro model. Part 1: Natural inhibitors for protein tyrosine kinase activated by hypoxia/reoxygenation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) signaling pathways play important roles in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injuries. Inhibition of PTK activation can protect against I/R- or H/R-induced damages. As one part of our work for seeking bioactive compounds from natural sources against I/R or H/R, in the present study we examined the effects of 54 compounds purified from various traditional Chinese herbs on H/R-induced PTK activation by means of an in vitro H/R model in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The results demonstrated that an increase in PTK activation was induced after 2 h of reoxygenation. Compounds 2 (macrostemososide A), 3 (laxogenin-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyra nosyl- (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside), 4 (chinenoside II), 7 (ginsenoside-Rd), 52 (icariin), 53 (icariside), and 54 (icaritin) showed relatively obvious inhibition on this H/R-induced PTK activation. Compounds 5 (beta-sitosterol) and 6 (daucosterine), especially 5, completely blocked such an increased activation of PTK induced by H/R. On the contrary, compound 29 (isocumarine) significantly promoted PTK activation further. Moreover, the effects of these compounds on PTK activation were dose-dependent.

Screening of anti-hypoxia/reoxygenation agents by an in vitro method. Part 2: Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activation prevented hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in endothelial gap junctional intercellular communication.

In this study, we demonstrated that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced an injury in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) after 2 h of reoxygenation in cultured HUVEC. Free radical scavenger (DMSO) and antioxidant (SOD) did not prevent this GJIC injury at all. Protein kinase C inhibitor (calphostin C) partly blocked this injury. However, the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor genistein completely inhibited this GJIC injury. Compounds 1 [laxogenin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinosyl-(1-->6)- beta-D-glucopyranoside], 2 (macrostemososide A), 3 [laxogenin-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside], 4 (chinenoside II), 5 (beta-sitosterol), 6 (daucosterine), 7 (ginsenoside-Rd), 29 (isocumarine), 52 (icariin), 53 (icariside), and 54 (icaritin), which showed obvious influence on H/R-induced PTK activation as stated in Part 1 (except 1), were explored for their effects on GJIC. The results showed that compounds 2-7 and 52-57 partly protected H/R-induced GJIC injury. Compounds 5 and 6 (especially 5), which showed the strongest inhibitory effects on PTK activation, completely blocked H/R-provoked GJIC injury. Compound 1, which did not influence PTK activation, failed to prevent this GJIC injury. In contrast, compound 29, which significantly promoted PTK activation, enhanced this H/R-induced GJIC injury further. Western blotting of connexin 43, an important gap junctional protein for modulating GJIC in HUVEC, revealed that interference with the gap junctional protein might be the most direct mechanism for compounds 2, 5, 29, and 53 to affect H/R-injured GJIC.

Normal gestation after 5 years on home parenteral nutrition.

A case of normal gestation after 5 years on HPN is reported. The patient had her entire jejunum and ileum and right colon resected because of gangrene and has subsisted normally on HPN ever since. From the second trimester on, her HPN formula was supplemented to meet the requirement for growth and development of the foetus. Anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, low plasma zinc levels and jaundice became manifest in the final trimester. These responded readily to readjustment of her HPN formula. A normal baby weighing 2020 g was delivered by Caesarean section at 36 weeks. Long-term HPN, final trimester abnormalities and HPN formula adjustments are discussed.

[Triterpenes and steroidal compounds from cynomorium songaricum].

From the whole parasitic plant of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. three ursane type triterpenes, three steroidal compounds, palmitic acid and sucrose were isolated. The triterpenes were identified as acetyl ursolic acid (2), ursolic acid (3) and a new compound, ursa-12-ene-28-oic acid, 3 beta-propanedioic acid monoester (1). The steroidal compounds were identified as beta-sitosterol palmitate (4), beta-sitosterol (5) and beta-sitosterol glucoside (daucosterol, 6). Compounds 2 and 5 were found in this genus for the first time.

[Structure determination of saponin XI, XII and XIII from Dipsacus asper Wall].

Three new triterpenoid glycosides (XI, XII and XIII) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots of Dipsacus asper Wall. Their structures were deduced as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)][alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3)]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha- arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin (XI), 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester of XI (XII) and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)][alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-arabinopyranosyl-oleanolic.ac id 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (XIII), respectively, based on spectral and chemical analysis.

Growth promoting effect of zinc supplementation in infants of high-risk pregnancies.

This study was made to determine whether zinc deficiency is one of the factors involved in growth retardation of infants of high-risk pregnancies. The high risk factors were hypertension of pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, congenital heart disease, chronic nephritis, rheumatic heart disease and hyperthyroidism. 102 neonatal infants were divided into 3 groups: breast fed group, 37 cases; test group, 32 cases formula-fed with supplementary zinc 1.14-2.28 mg/kg/d; and control group, 33 cases formula-fed and supplemented with Vitamin B complex as placebo. The groups were divided by double-blind and randomized method. There were no differences in the 3 groups in sex ratio, growth status and serum zinc concentration at the beginning of the study. Anthropometric data were obtained at 0, 3 and 6 months.

[Structure determination of saponin IX and X from Dipsacus asper Wall].

Two new triterpenoid glycosides (IX and X) were isolated from the ethanol extracts of the roots of Dipsacus asper Wall. Their structures were deduced as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)] [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)- alpha-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin (IX) and 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)- beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester of IX (X), based on spectral and chemical analysis.