Salidroside Supplementation Affects In Vitro Maturation and Preimplantation Embryonic Development by Promoting Meiotic Resumption.

Salidroside (Sal) possesses several pharmacological activities, such as antiaging, and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer activities, and proliferation-promoting activities, but the effects of Sal on oocytes have rarely been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the beneficial effects of Sal, which is mainly found in the roots of Rhodiola. Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in IVM medium supplemented (with 250 µmol/L) with Sal or not supplemented with Sal. The maturation rate in the Sal group increased from 88.34 ± 4.32% to 94.12 ± 2.29%, and the blastocyst rate in the Sal group increased from 30.35 ± 3.20% to 52.14 ± 7.32% compared with that in the control group. The experimental groups showed significant improvements in the cumulus expansion area. Sal reduced oocyte levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced intracellular GSH levels. Sal supplementation enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP level, and mtDNA copy number, which shows that Sal enhances the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. Oocytes in the Sal group exhibited slowed apoptosis and reduced DNA breakage. Cell cycle signals and oocyte meiosis play important roles in oocyte maturation. The mRNA expressions of the MAPK pathway and MAPK phosphorylation increased significantly in the Sal group. The mRNA expression of the oocyte meiosis gene also increased significantly. These results show that Sal enhances the nuclear maturation of oocytes. Moreover, Sal increased the number of blastocyst cells, the proliferation of blastocysts, and the expressions of pluripotency genes. Sal down-regulated apoptosis-related genes and the apoptotic cell rate of blastocysts. In summary, our results demonstrate that Sal is helpful to improving the quality of porcine oocytes in vitro, and their subsequent embryonic development.

Ornamental plants associated with Buddhist figures in China.

BACKGROUND: In China, many ornamental plants associated with Buddhist figures, including the Sakyamuni, Bodhisattva, and Arhat, were grown and worshiped because of their cultural and religious significance. However, the systematic collation and ethnobotanical information about these culturally important plants have yet to be fully understood. METHODS: Online information was collected from 93 e-commercial platforms for ornamental plants all over China. Field sampling was conducted in 16 ornamental markets and 163 Buddhist temples using key informant interviews and participatory observation with traders, tourists, and local disciples. The types, distributions, and associated characteristics of the screened plants were summarized and the evolving characteristics of these ornamental plants were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 60 ornamental plants, including six varieties and one subspecies, were screened, of which 43 species were associated with Sakyamuni, 13 with Bodhisattva, and four with Arhat. Among the 60 species, three were regarded as the Asoka tree related to Buddha's birth, ten as the Bodhi tree connected to Buddha's enlightenment, three as the Sal tree associated with Buddha's nirvana, nine were related to Buddha's head, belly, or hand, and 18 were connected with Buddha as lotus throne, bamboo monastery, or Bodhi beads. The evolving characteristics of these ornamental plants primarily constituted the substitution of the original plants by similar native plant species, followed by the introduced species with comparable morphology to the Buddhist figures. CONCLUSIONS: People grow ornamental plants associated with Buddhist figures to reflect their love and praise for plants and Buddha. The association between the ornamental plants and Buddhist figures will aid the inheritance of Buddhist culture and promote ornamental plants in the commercial market. Thus, the ethnobotany of ornamental plants associated with Buddhist figures can serve as a basis for future investigation of modern Buddhist culture.

Iodine status in pregnant women in northern Spain. Effect of iodised salt and iodine supplements on thyroid function.

INTRODUCTION: Iodine deficiency is linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to ascertain the iodine levels of women in the second trimester of pregnancy, analysing the influence of iodine ingestion on urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and maternal thyroid function. METHODS: A prospective observational study of pregnant women from Health Area IV of Asturias (northern Spain) recruited before 13 weeks of gestation between May and June 2017. A questionnaire on iodine intake was completed at the first visit, and urine and serum samples were collected at baseline and again during the second trimester. UIC, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) obtained in the second trimester of gestation were analysed and related to iodine intake. Thyroid autoimmunity was also analysed in half of the pregnant women at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 241 pregnant women were studied. Of these, 56.7% used iodised salt, 46.7% consumed ≥2 servings of dairy products daily and 88.1% took iodine supplements. Median UIC was 191µg/l (135.3-294µg/l), with 68.1% of the women having UIC ≥150µg/l. Only iodised salt consumption provided protection against iodine deficiency (odds ratio 0.35 [0.20-0.63], p=0.001). In women with no autoimmune thyroid disease (n=88), mean levels of TSH were lower in those that consumed iodised salt than in those that did not (respectively, 2.08±0.89mIU/l vs. 2.56±1.02mIU/l, p=0.025). In women with autoimmune thyroid disease (n=30), mean levels of TSH were higher in those that took iodine supplements than in those that did not (respectively, 2.97±1.25mIU/l vs. 1.16±0.41mIU/l, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The pregnant women studied from Health Area IV in Asturias maintain adequate nutritional iodine status in the second trimester of gestation. In our sample, only the consumption of iodised salt was associated with adequate iodine nutrition, without affecting maternal thyroid function. Most of the women used iodine supplements, which was linked to higher levels of TSH in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Protective effect of salidroside on high fat-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K pathway].

The study explored the effect of salidroside(SAL) on high fat-induced apoptosis in H9 c2 cardiomyocytes based on AMPK/mTOR/p70 S6 K pathway.H9 c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and the lipotoxicity model of H9 c2 cardiomyocytes was constructed by 0.2 mmol·L~(-1) palmitic acid(PA) treatment for 24 hours.The cells were divided into control group, PA group, and SAL group(20 µmol·L~(-1)).Cell proliferation was detected with cell proliferation kit I(MTT) assay after SAL and PA treatment.Dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, Annexin V-FITC/PI kit, and JC-1 probe were used to estimate reactive oxygen species(ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) change, respectively.The expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-p70 S6 K/p70 S6 K and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were investigated with Western blot.The mRNA levels of AMPK, mTOR and p70 S6 K were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).RESULTS:: showed that compared with control group, PA group had decreased cell proliferation ability, MMP, Bcl-2 protein expression and AMPK protein and mRNA expression, while increased ROS level, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression, and mTOR and p70 S6 K mRNA and protein expression, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05, P<0.01).Compared with PA group, SAL improved cell proliferation ability, MMP level, Bcl-2 protein expression, and AMPK mRNA and protein expression, while down-regulated ROS level, cell apoptosis, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression, and mTOR and p70 S6 K mRNA and protein expression, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05, P<0.01).In conclusion, SAL exerted protective effects on high fat-induced lipotoxicity of H9 c2 cardiomyocytes, alleviated the oxidative stress injury and reduced cell apoptosis via regulating AMPK/mTOR/p70 S6 K signaling pathway.

Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling: An important molecular mechanism of herbal medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis via the protection of vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress.

Introduction: Recently, Nrf2/HO-1 has received extensive attention as the main regulatory pathway of intracellular defense against oxidative stress and is considered an ideal target for alleviating endothelial cell (EC) injury. Objectives: This paper aimed to summarized the natural monomers/extracts that potentially exert protective effects against oxidative stress in ECs. Methods: A literature search was carried out regarding our topic with the keywords of "atherosclerosis" or "Nrf2/HO-1" or "vascular endothelial cells" or "oxidative stress" or "Herbal medicine" or "natural products" or "natural extracts" or "natural compounds" or "traditional Chinese medicines" based on classic books of herbal medicine and scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, GoogleScholar, BaiduScholar, and others. Then, we analyzed the possible molecular mechanisms for different types of natural compounds in the treatment of atherosclerosis via the protection of vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies are discussed. Results: These agents with protective effects against oxidative stress in ECs mainly include phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Most of these agents alleviate cell apoptosis in ECs due to oxidative stress, and the mechanisms are related to Nrf2/HO-1 signaling activation. However, despite continued progress in research on various aspects of natural agents exerting protective effects against EC injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, the development of new drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) and other CVDs based on these agents will require more detailed preclinical and clinical studies. Conclusion: Our present paper provides updated information of natural agents with protective activities on ECs against oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1. We hope this review will provide some directions for the further development of novel candidate drugs from natural agents for the treatment of AS and other CVDs.

Change over time in the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region. / Evolución del estado de nutrición de yodo en gestantes del area sanitaria de Pamplona.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate iodine intake is essential during pregnancy. A previous study of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region showed mild iodine deficiency (mean urinary iodine level, 125 mcg/L). This study was intended to ascertain the iodine intake of pregnant women in our region and to analyze the change over time in their iodine nutritional status. METHODS: An observational study of 400 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. An iodine intake questionnaire was administered. To assess iodine status, urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in a simple urine sample, and serum thyroglobulin levels were determined. In addition, thyroid volume was measured by cervical ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Iodized salt was used by 70.5% of all participants (55.3% since the pre-gestational period) and 98.5% of them received iodine-containing supplements (mean dose, 202.6±30.1 mcg/day). Mean urinary iodine concentration was 242 mcg/L (138.5-415.5 mcg/L) and the mean serum thyroglobulin level was 12.3 mcg/L (8.3-9 mcg/L). Iodized salt intake was associated with higher UICs and lower thyroid volume. No differences were found in any of the tested parameters regarding the intake of dairy products, fish, or eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake by pregnant women in Pamplona has increased due to a greater use of iodized salt and to higher doses of iodine supplements. As a result of this, an adequate iodine status has been achieved in the last decade.

Salidroside protects against ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury by enhancing autophagy mediated by SIRT1-FoxO1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a condition with the vascular accumulation of lipid plaques, and its main major contributing factor is endothelial injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Salidroside (SAL) is the primary active ingredient of Rhodiola rosea, and exhibits antioxidant properties on endothelial cells and alleviates atherosclerosis. However, the effect of SAL on autophagy in ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial injury remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect and underlying mechanisms of SAL on autophagy in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: HUVECs were incubated with ox-LDL to induce in vitro atherosclerosis model. The cell viability and injury were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. The oxidative stress was evaluated by NADPH oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect autophagy using LC3ß antibody. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to measure the mRNA expressions of SIRT1 and Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Nicotinamide (NAM) and AS1842856 were used to inhibit activities of SIRT1 and FOXO1, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure of HUVECs to ox-LDL (100 µg/mL) reduced cell viability, increased cellular MDA, and reduced SOD in a concentration-dependent manner. The pretreatment with SAL (20, 50 and 100 µM) significantly enhanced the cell viability and decreased LDH release in HUVECs exposed to ox-LDL (100 µg/mL). ox-LDL induced autophagy in HUVECs, which was further enhanced by pretreatment with SAL. However, SAL attenuated increase in oxidative stress in HUVECs induced by ox-LDL. ox-LDL reduced mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT1 and FOXO1, which could be reversed by SAL. The protective, anti-oxidative and pro-autophagic effects of SAL could be obviously abolished by cotreatment with SIRT1 inhibitor or FOXO1 inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Salidroside shows protective effect on endothelial cell induced by ox-LDL, and the mechanisms might be related to autophagy induction via increasing SIRT1 and FoxO1 expressions.

Salidroside stimulates the Sirt1/PGC-1α axis and ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in mice.

BACKGROUND: Salidroside, an active component from Traditional Chinese Medicine Rhodiola rosea L., has various pharmacological functions including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-oxidative properties. However, whether salidroside plays a beneficial role in diabetic nephropathy is still unclear. PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to investigate the potential roles of salidroside against diabetic nephropathy and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Streptozocin was given to obese mice to generate diabetic nephropathy animal model. Salidroside was administered to these mice and proteinuria, podocyte integrity, renal morphology and fibrosis, mitochondrial biogenesis were examined. RESULTS: Our results showed that salidroside treatment greatly attenuates diabetic nephropathy as evidenced by decreased urinary albumin, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Morphological analysis indicated that salidroside improves renal structures in diabetic nephropathy. The decreases in nephrin and podocin expression were markedly reversed by salidroside. Moreover, kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy mice was largely prevented by salidroside. Mechanistically, in salidroside-treated mice, the mitochondrial DNA copy and electron transport chain proteins were significantly enhanced. Meanwhile, the reduced Sirt1 and PGC-1α expression in diabetic nephropathy was almost completely counteracted in the presence of salidroside. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that salidroside plays a beneficial role against diabetic nephropathy in mice, which probably via Sirt1/PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

Design and evaluation of a hypoallergenic peptide-based vaccine for Salsola kali allergy.

BACKGROUND: The Salsola kali (S. kali) pollen is one of the most important causes of allergic rhinitis in the deserts and semi-desert areas. Immunotherapy with allergen extracts remains the only available treatment addressing the underlying mechanism of allergy. However, given the low efficacy of this method, it is necessary to find more effective and alternative therapeutic interventions using molecular biology and bioinformatics tools. In this study, a hypoallergenic vaccine was designed on the basis of B-cell epitope approach for S. kali immunotherapy. METHODS: Using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), a 35-mer peptide was selected and chemically conjugated to a keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) molecule. Specific IgG and IgE from immunized BALB/c mice sera against the vaccine (Sal k 1-KLH), S. kali extract and the recombinant protein, rSal k 1, were measured using ELISA. Also, inhibition of IgE by mouse IgG was evaluated using an inhibitory ELISA. Finally, the IgE reactivity and T-cell reactivity of the designed vaccine were evaluated by dot blot assay and MTT assay. RESULTS: Vaccination with the vaccine produced high levels of protective IgG in mice, which inhibited the binding of patients IgE to recombinant proteins. The result showed that the designed vaccine, unlike the recombinant protein and extract, did not induce T-cell lymphocytes response and also exhibited decreased IgE reactivity. CONCLUSION: The designed vaccine can be considered as a promising candidate for therapeutic allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Salvianolic acid B as an anti-emphysema agent I: In vitro stimulation of lung cell proliferation and migration, and protection against lung cell death, and in vivo lung STAT3 activation and VEGF elevation.

Emphysema causes progressive and life-threatening alveolar structural destruction/loss, yet remains irreversible and incurable to date. Impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling has been proposed as a new pathogenic mechanism, and if so, VEGF recovery may enable reversal of emphysema. Thus, we hypothesized that salvianolic acid B (Sal-B), a polyphenol in traditional Chinese herbal danshen, is an alveolar structural recovery agent for emphysema by virtue of VEGF stimulation/elevation via activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), as stimulating lung cell proliferation and migration, and protecting against lung cell death. Using in vitro human lung microvascular endothelial (HMVEC-L) and alveolar epithelial (A549) cell systems, Sal-B was examined for 1) stimulation of cell proliferation by the MTT and BrdU assays; 2) promotion of cell migration by the scratch wound closure assay; 3) protection against emphysema-like induced cell death by the trypan blue exclusion and flow cytometry assays; and 4) mechanistic involvement of JAK2/STAT3/VEGF in these activities. Sal-B was also spray-dosed to the lungs of healthy rats for two weeks to verify the lung's STAT3 activation and VEGF elevation by western blot, as well as the absence of functional and morphological abnormalities. All the in vitro cell-based activities were concentration-dependent. At 25 µM, Sal-B 1) stimulated cell proliferation by 1.4-2.6-fold; 2) promoted migratory cell wound closure by 1.5-1.7-fold; and 3) protected against cell death induced with H2O2 (oxidative stress) and SU5416 (VEGF receptor blockade) by 49-86%. JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors and VEGF receptor antagonist each opposed these Sal-B's activities by over 65%, suggesting the mechanistic involvement of JAK2/STAT3 activation and VEGF stimulation/elevation. In rats, Sal-B at 0.2 mg/kg enabled 1.9 and 1.5-fold increased STAT3 phosphorylation and VEGF elevation in the lungs, respectively, while causing no functional and morphological abnormalities. Hence, Sal-B was projected to be a new class of anti-emphysema agent capable of reversing alveolar structural destruction/loss via JAK2/STAT3/VEGF-dependent stimulation of lung cell proliferation and migration, and inhibition of induced lung cell death.

Salvianolic acid B as an anti-emphysema agent II: In vivo reversal activities in two rat models of emphysema.

Emphysema progressively destroys alveolar structures, leading to disability and death, yet remains irreversible and incurable to date. Impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is an emerging pathogenic mechanism, thereby proposing a hypothesis that VEGF stimulation/elevation enables recovery from alveolar structural destruction and loss of emphysema. Our previous in vitro study identified that salvianolic acid B (Sal-B), a polyphenol of traditional Chinese herbal danshen, stimulated lung cell proliferation and migration, and protected against induced lung cell death, by virtue of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation and VEGF stimulation/elevation. Thus, this study examined Sal-B for in vivo therapeutic reversal of established emphysema in two rat models. Emphysema was induced with porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and established by day 21. Sal-B was then spray-dosed to the lung three times weekly for three weeks. Functional treadmill exercise endurance; morphological airspace enlargement and alveolar destruction; apoptosis, cell proliferation and tissue matrix proteins; phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and VEGF expressions; neutrophil accumulation; and lipid peroxidation were determined. In both models, Sal-B at 0.2 mg/kg significantly reversed impaired exercise endurance by 80 and 64%; airspace enlargement [mean linear intercept (MLI)] by 56 and 67%; and alveolar destructive index (%DI) by 63 and 66%, respectively. Induced apoptosis activity [cleaved caspase-3] was normalized by 94 and 82%; and cell proliferation activity [proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)] was stimulated by 1.6 and 2.1-fold. In the PPE-induced model, Sal-B reduced induction of lung's matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 activities by 59 and 94%, respectively, and restored pSTAT3 and VEGF expressions to the healthy lung levels, while leaving neutrophil accumulation unchecked [myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity]. In the CSE-induced model, Sal-B elevated pSTAT3 and VEGF expressions both by 1.8-fold over the healthy lung levels, and normalized induced lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA) activity] by 68%. These results provide an in vivo proof-of-concept for Sal-B as one of the first anti-emphysema agents enabling reversal of alveolar structural destruction and loss via local lung treatment by virtue of its STAT3 activation and VEGF stimulation.

Is iodine nutrition in the Spanish pediatric population adequate? Historical review and current situation. / ¿Es suficiente la nutrición de yodo en la población infantil española? Revisión histórica y situación actual.

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, and iodine deficit is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. Spain was considered iodine-deficient until 2003. Although iodine urinary levels have been in the optimal range in Spain since 2004, the WHO recognizes that our country does not meet the necessary requirements to ensure that the whole population is not at risk of an iodine deficiency disorder. The aim of this article is to review the current iodine status in Spain. Data from several studies emphasize the low consumption of iodized salt at home. Despite the progress made in recent decades, Spanish children are not exempt from suffering an iodine deficiency disorder. Policies that allow for controlling iodine nutrition and promote universal consumption of iodized salt should therefore be implemented.

Production of Recombinant Protein of Salsola Kali (Sal k1) Pollen Allergen in Lactococcus Lactis.

The Salsola kali pollen is considered the main cause of allergic sensitization in desert and semi-desert regions. We have constructed recombinant Lactococcus lactis producing Sal k1 protein with the aim of using it as a mucosal vaccine for specific immunotherapy. The Sal k1 gene was amplified, and transferred into a PNZ 8148 plasmid. The PNZ8148-Sal k1 recombinant plasmid was transformed into competent E.coli strain MC1061 for replication, and then was isolated and cloned into competent L. lactis by electroporation. The cloning was verified by PCR and gene sequencing. The production of recombinant Sal K1 (rSal K1) protein was induced by nisin. The rSal K1 protein was purified by affinity chromatography and dialysis, and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blot analyses. The recombinant L. lactis was successfully constructed. Production of a 40-kDa rSal k1 protein with the L. lactis was shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. In addition, western blot analysis using specific mouse anti-Sal k1 polyclonal antibodies and sensitive human sera verified the 40-kD protein as rSal k1 allergen. This study demonstrated that L. lactis may be used as a promising live delivery system for recombinant Sal k1 protein without altering its immunoreactivity; however, its efficacy in the context of the immune system is suggested to be pursued in future studies.

A relevant IgE-reactive 28kDa protein identified from Salsola kali pollen extract by proteomics is a natural degradation product of an integral 47kDa polygalaturonase.

A highly prevalent IgE-binding protein band of 28kDa is observed when Salsola kali pollen extract is incubated with individual sera from Amaranthaceae pollen sensitized patients. By an immunoproteomic analysis of S. kali pollen extract, we identified this protein band as an allergenic polygalacturonase enzyme. The allergen, named Sal k 6, exhibits a pI of 7.14 and a molecular mass of 39,554.2Da. It presents similarities to Platanaceae, Poaceae, and Cupressaceae allergenic polygalacturonases. cDNA-encoding sequence was subcloned into the pET41b vector and produced in bacteria as a His-tag fusion recombinant protein. The far-UV CD spectrum determined that rSal k 6 was folded. Immunostaining of the S. kali pollen protein extract with a rSal k 6-specific pAb and LC-MS/MS proteomic analyses confirmed the co-existence of the 28kDa band together with an allergenic band of about 47kDa in the pollen extract. Therefore, the 28kDa was assigned as a natural degradation product of the 47kDa integral polygalacturonase. The IgE-binding inhibition to S. kali pollen extract using rSal k 6 as inhibitor showed that signals directed to both protein bands of 28 and 47kDa were completely abrogated. The average prevalence of rSal k 6 among the three populations analyzed was 30%, with values correlating well with the levels of grains/m3 of Amaranthaceae pollen. Sal k 6 shares IgE epitopes with Oleaceae members (Fraxinus excelsior, Olea europaea and Syringa vulgaris), with IgE-inhibition values ranging from 20% to 60%, respectively. No IgE-inhibition was observed with plant-derived food extracts.

Overexpression of the immediate-early genes Egr1, Egr2, and Egr3 in two strains of rodents susceptible to audiogenic seizures.

Genetic animal models of epilepsy are an important tool for further understanding the basic cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and for developing novel antiepileptic drugs. We conducted a comparative study of gene expression in the inferior colliculus, a nucleus that triggers audiogenic seizures, using two animal models, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR) and the genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal). For this purpose, both models were exposed to high intensity auditory stimulation, and 60min later, the inferior colliculi were collected. As controls, intact Wistar rats and Syrian hamsters were subjected to stimulation and tissue preparation protocols identical to those performed on the experimental animals. Ribonucleic acid was isolated, and microarray analysis comparing the stimulated Wistar and WAR rats showed that the genomic profile of these animals displayed significant (fold change, |FC|≥2.0 and p<0.05) upregulation of 38 genes and downregulation of 47 genes. Comparison of gene expression profiles between stimulated control hamsters and stimulated GASH:Sal revealed the upregulation of 10 genes and the downregulation of 5 genes. Among the common genes that were altered in both models, we identified the zinc finger immediate-early growth response gene Egr3. The Egr3 protein is a transcription factor that is induced by distinct stress-elicited factors. Based on immunohistochemistry, this protein was expressed in the cochlear nucleus complex, the inferior colliculus, and the hippocampus of both animal models as well as in lymphoma tumors of the GASH:Sal. Our results support that the overexpression of the Egr3 gene in both models might contribute to neuronal viability and development of lymphoma in response to stress associated with audiogenic seizures. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".

Dietary fish protein hydrolysates containing bioactive motifs affect serum and adipose tissue fatty acid compositions, serum lipids, postprandial glucose regulation and growth in obese Zucker fa/fa rats.

The world's fisheries and aquaculture industries produce vast amounts of protein-containing by-products that can be enzymatically hydrolysed to smaller peptides and possibly be used as additives to functional foods and nutraceuticals targeted for patients with obesity-related metabolic disorders. To investigate the effects of fish protein hydrolysates on markers of metabolic disorders, obese Zucker fa/fa rats consumed diets with 75 % of protein from casein/whey (CAS) and 25 % from herring (HER) or salmon (SAL) protein hydrolysate from rest raw material, or 100 % protein from CAS for 4 weeks. The fatty acid compositions were similar in the experimental diets, and none of them contained any long-chain n-3 PUFA. Ratios of lysine:arginine and methionine:glycine were lower in HER and SAL diets when compared with CAS, and taurine was detected only in fish protein hydrolysate diets. Motifs with reported hypocholesterolemic or antidiabetic activities were identified in both fish protein hydrolysates. Rats fed HER diet had lower serum HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and higher serum TAG, MUFA and n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio compared with CAS-fed rats. SAL rats gained more weight and had better postprandial glucose regulation compared with CAS rats. Serum lipids and fatty acids were only marginally affected by SAL, but adipose tissue contained less total SFA and more total n-3 PUFA when compared with CAS. To conclude, diets containing hydrolysed rest raw material from herring or salmon proteins may affect growth, lipid metabolism, postprandial glucose regulation and fatty acid composition in serum and adipose tissue in obese Zucker rats.

Pectina e cloreto de potássio na produção de presunto cozido / Pectin and potassium chloride in the production of cooked ham

No Brasil, as Doenças Cardiovasculares são as principais causas de morte, fenômeno que ocorre mundialmente. Dentre os fatores de risco considerados de maior importância para a aterosclerose estão: hipertensão arterial, dislipidemias,obesidade, diabetes mellitus e alguns hábitos relacionados ao estilo de vida, como dieta pobre em fibras e rica em calorias, gorduras saturadas, colesterol e sal (NaCl). A pectina é uma fibra dietética solúvel, podendo também ser classificada como fibra funcional, ou seja, que possui benefícios adicionais à saúde humana. Na fabricação de produtos cárneos, a pectina vem sendo avaliada em razão da capacidade de associação com moléculas de água, favorecendo a capacidade de retenção de água, aumentando o rendimento dos processos e melhorando a textura dos produtos. O cloreto de potássio (KCl) tem sido amplamente estudado como principal substituto do sal comum (NaCl), a fim de garantir alimentos voltados à população portadora de desordens no aparelho circulatório.

In Brazil, cardiovascular diseases are major causes of death, a phenomenon that occurs worldwide. Among the risk factors considered most important for atherosclerosis are hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus and certain habits related to lifestyle such as diet low in fiber and rich in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and salt (NaCl). Pectin is a soluble dietary fiber, may also be classified as functional fiber, ie, which has additional benefits to human health. In the manufacture of meat products, the pectin is being evaluated because of the capacity of association with water molecules, by promoting water retention, increasing the efficiency of processes and improving the texture of products. Potassium chloride (KCl) has been widely studied as a main substitute for common salt (NaCl), to ensure foods aimed at people suffering from disorders of the circulatory system.

A SAL1 Loss-of-Function Arabidopsis Mutant Exhibits Enhanced Cadmium Tolerance in Association with Alleviation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

SAL1, as a negative regulator of stress response signaling, has been studied extensively for its role in plant response to environmental stresses. However, the role of SAL1 in cadmium (Cd) stress response and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Using an Arabidopsis thaliana loss-of-function mutant of SAL1, we assessed Cd resistance and further explored the Cd toxicity mechanism through analysis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. The loss of SAL1 function greatly improved Cd tolerance and significantly attenuated ER stress in Arabidopsis. Exposure to Cd induced an ER stress response in Arabidopsis as evidenced by unconventional splicing of AtbZIP60 and up-regulation of ER stress-responsive genes. Damage caused by Cd was markedly reduced in the ER stress response double mutant bzip28 bzip60 or by application of the ER stress-alleviating chemical agents, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA), in wild-type plants. The Cd-induced ER stress in Arabidopsis was also alleviated by loss of function of SAL1. These results identified SAL1 as a new component mediating Cd toxicity and established the role of the ER stress response in Cd toxicity. Additionally, the attenuated ER stress in the sal1 mutant might also shed new light on the mechanism of diverse abiotic stress resistance in the SAL1 loss-of-function mutants.

Potentiation activity of multiple antibacterial agents by Salvianolate from the Chinese medicine Danshen against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Salvianolate (SAL) is a prescribed medicine from the Chinese herb Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge). It has been widely used in treatment of coronary and other diseases with significant effects. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of SAL against infectious pathogens were assayed and its combined effects on 10 clinical isolates of SCCmec III type methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with ten antibiotics were evaluated. Susceptibility to each agent alone was tested using a broth microdilution method, and the chequerboard and time-kill experiments were used for the combined activities. The results showed MIC was 128-256 mg/L for SAL used alone against MRSA. Significant synergies were observed for SAL/Ampicillin (Fosfomycin, Erythromycin, Piperacillin-tazobactam or Clindamycin) combination against over half of the isolates, with their MICs reduced by times of dilution (TOD) to 4-32 (FICIs 0.375-0.5), respectively. SAL/AMP combination showed the best combined effect of synergy on bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities, while SAL/AMK combination reversed the resistance of MRSA to AMK. The results demonstrated that SAL enhanced widely the in vitro anti-MRSA efficacy of the ten antibacterial agents, which had potential for combinatory therapy of patients infected with MRSA and warrants further investigations.

Assessment of iodine nutritional status in the general population in the province of Jaén.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Iodine deficiency affecting both pregnant women and schoolchildren has been reported in Jaén. Iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of thyroid dysfunction and goiter, and adequate iodine prophylaxis with iodized salt, milk, and dairy products, or iodine supplementation have been shown to significantly improve iodine status in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to assess iodine nutritional status in the general population of a iodine-deficient area with no previous institutional campaigns of iodine prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Urinary iodine levels were measured in subjects from the Jaén healthcare district. The data were stratified by sex and age groups, and a survey was conducted on iodized salt consumption. RESULTS: Median and mean urinary iodine levels were 110.59 mcg/L and 130.11 mcg/L respectively. Urinary iodine levels were significantly higher in schoolchildren as compared to other age groups (161.52µg/L vs 109.33µg/L in subjects older than 65 years). Forty-three percent of the population had urinary iodine levels less than 100µg/L, and 68% of women of childbearing age had levels less than 150µg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine nutritional status appears to be adequate, but the proportion of the population with urinary iodine levels less than 100µg/L is still very high, and iodized salt consumption is much less common than recommended by the WHO.