Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Attenuated the Motor Coordination and Cognitive Impairment of Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxia SCA17 Mice.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a large and diverse group of autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative diseases. No drugs have been approved for these relentlessly progressive and fatal SCAs. Our previous studies indicate that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis are elevated in the SCA17 mice, which are the main therapeutic targets of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). HBOT is considered to be an alternative and less invasive therapy for SCAs. In this study, we evaluated the HBOT (2.2 ATA for 14 days) effect and the persistence for the management of SCA17 mice and their wild-type littermates. We found HBOT attenuated the motor coordination and cognitive impairment of SCA17 mice and which persisted for about 1 month after the treatment. The results of several biochemistry and liver/kidney hematoxylin and eosin staining show the HBOT condition has no obvious toxicity in the mice. Immunostaining analyses show that the neuroprotective effect of HBOT could be through the promotion of BDNF production and the amelioration of neuroinflammation. Surprisingly, HBOT executes different effects on the male and female SCA17 mice, including the reduction of neuroinflammation and activation of CaMKII and ERK. This study suggests HBOT is a potential alternative therapeutic treatment for SCA17. Accumulated findings have revealed the similarity in disease pathomechanisms and possible therapeutic strategies in polyQ diseases; therefore, HBOT could be an optional treatment as well as the other polyQ diseases.

[Effect of meridian sinew releasing technique on moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of meridian sinew releasing technique on moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. In the observation group, on the basis of the meridian sinew releasing technique, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. In the control group, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. The meridian sinew releasing technique was performed for 20 min each time, the moxibustion sensation exploration method was performed for 60 min each time, once a day for 3 days. The excitation rate, latency, duration time and intensity value of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion were recorded on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration in the two groups. RESULTS: The excitation rate on the 3rd day of exploration and total excitation rate in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration, the latency of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the observation group was shorter than the control group (P<0.05), the duration time was longer than the control group (P<0.05), and the intensity value was higher than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Meridian sinew releasing technique could improve the excitation rate of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with KOA, shorten the latency, prolong the duration time, and improve the intensity value.

Effects of Chinese fir planting and phosphorus addition on soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activities.

Plants can alter soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activities related with carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), through litter and root exudates, with consequences on soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus (P) cycling. However, it is not well known how the changes in soil phosphorus availability affect the relationships between plants and soil microorganisms. In this study, a factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) planting and different levels of P addition (0, 1.95, 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 g P·m-2·a-1) on soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activities. The results showed that planting Chinese fir planting significantly altered soil microbial biomass and C- and N- and P-related extracellular enzyme activities, but the effects were dependent on P addition levels. Without P addition, Chinese fir planting significantly reduced soil nutrient availability and pH, which led to the aggravation of P limitation and lower soil microbial biomass. P addition relieved P limitation, and reduced soil acid phosphatase (ACP) activities by 30.0%, 30.5%, 35.3% and 47.1% with the increasing P addition level (1.95, 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 g P·m-2·a-1). Under three P addition levels (1.95, 3.9 and 7.8 g P·m-2·a-1), the negative effects of Chinese fir planting on soil microbial growth were alleviated. Under the high P addition level (15.6 g P·m-2·a-1), the negative effects of Chinese fir planting on soil microbial growth occurred again due to soil N limitation. Taken together, Chinese fir planting and soil P availability generally affected soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activities, and changed P limitation.

Effect of meridian sinew releasing technique on moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of meridian sinew releasing technique on moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. In the observation group, on the basis of the meridian sinew releasing technique, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. In the control group, moxibustion sensation exploration method was applied at Dubi (ST 35) area on the affected side. The meridian sinew releasing technique was performed for 20 min each time, the moxibustion sensation exploration method was performed for 60 min each time, once a day for 3 days. The excitation rate, latency, duration time and intensity value of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion were recorded on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The excitation rate on the 3rd day of exploration and total excitation rate in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of exploration, the latency of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the observation group was shorter than the control group (P<0.05), the duration time was longer than the control group (P<0.05), and the intensity value was higher than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Meridian sinew releasing technique could improve the excitation rate of moxibustion sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with KOA, shorten the latency, prolong the duration time, and improve the intensity value.

Pilot study on the treatment of low carbon and nitrogen ratio municipal sewage by A1/O2/A3/A4/O5 sludge-membrane coupling process with multi-point inflow.

A new multi-point inflow pre-anoxic/oxic/anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A1/O2/A3/A4/O5) sludge-membrane coupling process and pilot plant were developed and designed to solve the problem of nitrogen and phosphorus removal of low carbon and nitrogen (C/N) ratio domestic sewage in southern China. The removal effect and transformation rule of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the system were studied by changing the distribution ratio of multi-point influent. The average C/N ratio of the influent was 2.09 and the influent distribution ratio was 1:1. When the temperature was 16-25 °C, the average concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+- N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the effluent were 21.31 (±2.65), 0.60 (±0.24), 12.76 (±1.09), and 0.34 (±0.05) mg/L, respectively, and their average removals are 87.3 (±1.2)%, 98.7 (±0.4)%, 74.1 (±1.3)%, and 88.1 (±0.4)% respectively. When the low temperature was 12-15 °C, the average removals were 78.6 (±1.1)%, 90.5 (±1.3)%, 73.7 (±1.13)%, and 86.6 (±1.7)%, respectively. Compared with the traditional anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic (A2O) process under the same conditions, the TN removal was increased by 15.4%, and the TP removal was increased by 22.2%. This system has obvious advantages in treating wastewater with low C/N ratio, thereby solving the problem wherein the effluent of biological phosphorus removal from low C/N ratio domestic sewage was difficult when it was lower than 0.5 mg/L.

Pectic polysaccharides extracted from sesame seed hull: Physicochemical and functional properties.

The objective of the present investigation was to extract pectic polysaccharides from sesame seed hull and to determine their physicochemical and functional characteristics. The pectic polysaccharides in the seed hull were extracted with HCl and then collected at three ethanol concentrations of 30% (SSP30), 50% (SSP50), and 90% (SSP90). We found that SSP30 represented 75.6% of the total polysaccharides, and that it contained 76.39% galacturonic acid, with many HG domains and few short side chains in the RG-I domains. SSP30 exhibited the strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity among the three fractions, and was better able to stabilize the emulsions. Higher Mw pectic polysaccharides were firstly precipitated at lower ethanol concentrations, and the Mw of the precipitated pectic polysaccharides decreased with increasing ethanol concentration. These results provide important information on the structure and functional characteristics of sesame hull polysaccharides. This information can contribute to the future development of sesame hull polysaccharides for industrial purposes.

[Effects of Different Exogenous Selenium Species Application on Growth and Cadmium Uptake of Pak Choi in Cadmium Contaminated Soil].

This study explored the discrepancy in the detoxification effects of different exogenous selenium (Se) species in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil to provide a scientific basis for the control of Cd pollution in the soil and the safe production of crops. A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg·kg-1) of selenite and selenate on the growth (root length, shoot height, biomass, and photosynthetic parameters), uptake, and translocation of Cd on pak choi in Cd-contaminated soil. The results indicated that the detoxification effect of a low Se concentration (≤1.0 mg·kg-1) treatment on Cd was better than that with a high Se concentration (2.5 mg·kg-1) treatment, and the selenite treatment demonstrated a greater detoxification effect on Cd than the corresponding selenate treatment. Meanwhile, the application of low-concentration selenite and selenate both increased the SPAD value, Pn, Gs, Ci, biomass, and shoot length of the pak choi, and the 1.0 mg·kg-1 selenite treatment had the most significant (P<0.05) effect (except Ci). Nevertheless, the photosynthetic parameters of the pak choi under the high-concentration Se were significantly lower than those under the low Se concentration treatment (except Tr, P<0.05). Compared with the treatment without Se (control), the uptake of Cd in the pak choi was reduced under different Se treatments. Compared with the control, the Cd concentration in the shoots of the pak choi treated with 1.0 mg·kg-1 of selenite and selenate decreased by 40.0% and 20.5% (P<0.05), respectively. In addition, the translocation of Cd from the root to the shoot was significantly reduced under the 0.5 mg·kg-1 selenate treatment, while the high-concentration treatments of either exogenous Se promoted the translocation of Cd. Overall, applying the appropriate amount of exogenous Se could promote the photosynthesis and biomass of pak choi, and reduce the accumulation of Cd in pak choi. Therefore, the 1.0 mg·kg-1 selenite treatment is recommended for the control and safe utilization of Cd in Cd-contaminated soil.

Tongmai Yangxin pill reduces myocardial No-reflow via endothelium-dependent NO-cGMP signaling by activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Tongmai Yangxin pill (TMYX) is derived from the Zhigancao decoction recorded in Shang han lun by Zhang Zhongjing during the Han dynasty. TMYX is used for the clinical treatment of chest pain, heartache, and qi-yin-deficiency coronary heart disease. Previous studies have confirmed that TMYX can improve vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease by upregulating nitric oxide activity and then regulating vascular tension. Whether TMYX can further improve myocardial NR by upregulating NO activity and then dilating blood vessels remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to reveal whether TMYX can further improve myocardial NR by upregulating NO activity and then dilating blood vessels. The underlying cAMP/PKA and NO-cGMP signaling pathway-dependent mechanism is also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The left anterior descending coronary arteries of healthy adult male SD rats were ligated to establish the NR model. TMYX (4.0 g/kg) was orally administered throughout the experiment. Cardiac function was measured through echocardiography. Thioflavin S, Evans Blue, and TTC staining were used to evaluate the NR and ischemic areas. Pathological changes in the myocardium were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. An automated biochemical analyzer and kit were used to detect the activities of myocardial enzymes and myocardial oxidants, including CK, CK-MB, LDH, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, and NO. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cAMP/PKA and NO/cGMP signaling pathways were detected via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. A microvascular tension sensor was used to detect coronary artery diastolic function in vitro. RESULTS: TMYX elevated the EF, FS, LVOT peak, LVPWd and LVPWs values, decreased the LVIDd, LVIDs, LV-mass, IVSd, and LV Vols values, demonstrating cardio-protective effects, and reduced the NR and ischemic areas. Pathological staining showed that TMYX could significantly reduce inflammatory cell number and interstitial edema. The activities of CK, LDH, and MDA were reduced, NO activity was increased, and oxidative stress was suppressed after treatment with TMYX. TMYX not only enhanced the expression of Gs-α, AC, PKA, and eNOS but also increased the expression of sGC and PKG. Furthermore, TMYX treatment significantly decreased ROCK expression. We further showed that TMYX (25-200 mg/mL) relaxed isolated coronary microvessels. CONCLUSIONS: TMYX attenuates myocardial NR after ischemia and reperfusion by activating the cAMP/PKA and NO/cGMP signaling pathways, further upregulating NO activity and relaxing coronary microvessels.

[Metabolomics analysis of Lycium barbarum leaves after Aceria pallida infestation].

Aceria pallida is one of the most common pests in the main production areas of Lycium barbarum in China. The mite mainly feeds on foliage, leading to local tissue deformation and formation of massive galls, which seriously affects the growth and yield of L. barbarum. However, little is known about the influence of galling organisms on plant primary and secondary metabolism. In order to compare the metabolites differences between healthy and the mite infested leaves of wolfberry, and provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of the galled leaves, L. barbarum seedlings were infested with A. pallida artificially in the laboratory, the metabolites of L. barbarum leaves were determined by LC-MS/MS. Our results showed that the leaves were rich in amino acids and flavonoid compounds. A total of 204 compounds from 16 classes were detected in L. barbarum leaves based on LC-MS/MS. The primary metabolites are mainly amino acids, and the secondary metabolites are mainly organic acids and flavonoids. The content of the metabolite in the leaves of L. barbarum was significantly affected by the mite, 30 metabolites such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids were significantly changed, 21 metabolites were up-regulated and 9 metabolites were down-regulated significantly. There were 8 compounds which has pharmacological and biological activity, such as eriodictyol, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside and scopoletin up-regulated significantly. Based on the above findings, we suggest that the galled leaves of L.barbarum have a potential to be developed in the future.

Tongmai Yangxin pill reduces myocardial no-reflow by regulating apoptosis and activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tongmai Yangxin pill (TMYX) is derived from the Zhigancao decoction recorded in Shang han lun by Zhang Zhongjing during the Han dynasty and was further improved by Professor Ruan Shiyi, a cardiovascular expert at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. TMYX is used for the clinical treatment of chest pain, heartache, and qi-yin-deficiency coronary heart disease and can improve vascular endothelial function in patients with angina pectoris or coronary heart disease by up-regulating nitric oxide activity and then regulating vascular tension. Whether TMYX can further improve myocardial no-reflow by up-regulating NO activity and then dilating blood vessels remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to reveal whether TMYX can further improve myocardial NR by up-regulating NO activity and then dilating blood vessels. The mechanism underlying PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway activation and apoptosis regulation is also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The left anterior descending coronary arteries of healthy adult male SD rats were ligated to establish a NR model. The rats were assigned to 14 groups: control, sham, NR, TMYX (4.0 g/kg), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), Tongxinluo capsule (TXL), PI3K blocker (LY), TMYX + LY, SNP + LY, TXL + LY, eNOS blocker (L-NAME), TMYX + L-NAME, SNP + L-NAME, and TXL + L-NAME groups. Cardiac function was measured through echocardiography. Thioflavin S, Evans Blue, and TTC staining were adopted to evaluate NR and ischemic areas. Cell inflammation degree and edema were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Automated biochemical analyzer and kit were used to detect the activities of myocardial oxidants, including reactive oxygen species, super oxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, and NO. The expression levels of genes and proteins in the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway and apoptosis were detected via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. A microvascular tension sensor was adopted to detect coronary artery diastolic function in vitro. RESULTS: TMYX reduced NR and ischemic areas; suppressed LV-mass; enhanced EF, FS, LVOT peak, and LVSV; and improved cardiac structure and function. Moreover, it decreased creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and lactic dehydrogenase activities. TMYX increased NO and super oxide dismutase activities; inhibited malonaldehyde activity; reduced muscle fiber swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration; and improved vasodilation in vitro. In the NR myocardium, TMYX stimulated myocardial PI3K activities and PI3K (Tyr458) phosphorylation and enhanced Akt activities and Akt phosphorylation at Tyr315. TMYX increased the activities of eNOS and the phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177 in the NR myocardium and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing that of caspase-3 and Bax. All these effects of TMYX were abolished by the specific inhibitors of PI3K (LY) and eNOS (L-NAME). CONCLUSIONS: TMYX attenuates myocardial NR after ischemia and reperfusion by activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and regulating apoptosis, further up-regulating NO activity and relaxing coronary microvessels.

[Overwintering status and species identification of gall mite in major wolfberry production areas].

To identify the wolfberry gall mite species and their overwintering situation in different wolfberry production areas and to provide a scientific basis for their prevention and control. We investigate the phoresy overwintering situation of gall mite, and identify the species of gall mite. Our results showed that the phoretic gall mite was Aceria pallida in all the production areas. The phoresy of gall mite was a common occurrence in different production areas, and the phoresy probability was above 75%. The phoretic behavior of wolfberry gall mite occurred commonly in the other production areas. The control of this mite in different production areas should pay attention to their phoretic behavior.

[Variance analysis on polysaccharide,total flavonoids and total phenols of Lycium barbarum leaves from different production areas].

To compare the polysaccharides( LBLP),total flavonoids( LBLTF) and total phenols( LBLTP) of Lycium barbarum leaves from 14 production areas from Ningxia,Qinghai and Gansu at different harvesting time. Our results showed that there were significant difference of LBLP,LBLTF and LBLTP among different production areas. The LBLP collected from Xiangride township production area,Dulan,Qinghai was as high as 15. 02%. The LBLTF collected from Dagele township production area,Geermu,Qinghai was as high as28. 63%. The LBLTP collected from Keluke township production area,Delingha,Qinghai was as high as 16. 7%. There were also significant difference of these 3 components between different harvest periods. The average LBLP in May( 10. 20%) was significantly higher than that in June( 8. 49%). However,the average LBLTF( 17. 71%) and LBLTP( 12. 77%) in June was significantly higher than that in May( 14. 15%,11. 19%). The LBLTF and LBLTP have a positive correlation with the altitude of production areas,but there was no significant association between LBLP and altitude. The LBLP,LBLTF and LBLTP in different production areas and harvesting time was significant difference,the results provide some references for furthermore development and utilization of L. barbarum leaves.

GABAB receptor activation attenuates inflammatory orofacial pain by modulating interleukin-1ß in satellite glial cells: Role of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Orofacial inflammation could activate satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) to produce interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) which plays crucial roles in the development of inflammatory pain. Recent studies have shown that gamma-amino butyric acid-B (GABAB) receptor could modulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines in microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord. The objective of this study was to investigate whether GABAB receptors in TG SGCs attenuate inflammatory facial pain via mediating IL-1ß following inflammation and its mechanisms. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was injected into the whisker pad of rats to induce inflammation in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to culture medium to activate SGCs in vitro. Behavioral measures showed that microinjection of baclofen (a selective GABAB receptor agonist) into the TG ameliorated the mechanical allodynia of CFA-treated rats. Interestingly, baclofen pretreatment inhibited SGC activation and IL-1ß production, however, preserved the decreased expression of GABAB receptors in SGCs activated by CFA in vivo and LPS in vitro. In addition, baclofen suppressed the increased expression of p-NF- κ B p65, p-I κ Bα, and p-p38 MAPK, while reversed the decreased production of I κ Bα, and further enhanced the increased expression of p-ERK(1/2) in LPS-treated SGCs in vitro. Finally, those effects of baclofen were abolished by saclofen (a specific GABAB receptor antagonist) co-administration. Altogether, these results demonstrated for the first time that activation of GABAB receptor might inhibit IL-1ß production by suppressing NF- κ B and p38 MAPK signaling pathway activation and restore GABAB receptor expression in SGCs to attenuate inflammatory facial pain.

[Study on phenotypic diversity and cluster analysis of Cistanche Herba in different populations in Xinjiang].

To intuitively understand the phenotypic diversity of intra-population and inter-population of the medicinal Cistanche Herba distributed in Xinjiang province, three species of Cistanche Herba were selected for the first time to be conducted to phenotypic observation and measurement from the morphological perspective, aiming to fill the gap in the morphological research concerning Cistanche Herba, and discuss about the relationship between the phenotypic variation and the host plants together with the geographical conditions, thus better understanding the speciation and evolutionary mechanism of Cistanche Herba and providing some scientific basis for the resource protection and germplasm breeding of Cistanche Herba. Based on sampling survey, a total of 118 well grown medicinal Cistanche samples from 17 Cistanche Herba distribution areas in Xinjiang province were selected, and various indexes were observed and measured. Besides, ANOVA and clustering analysis were conducted with 9 phenotypic quantity characters. The Cistanche Herba was plentiful in phenotypic variation. For detail, significant intra-population differences were observed in eight of the nine character indexes, and the intra-population differences were more obvious than those of inter-population. For each quantity character of the three species, the flower density possessed the maximal variable coefficient (71.1%) while the flower length was the minimum (15.9%). The phenotypic variation was also obvious among different populations. Specifically, the average variable coefficient of flower number was the maximal one (46.5%) and the flower length was the minimum one (10.0%). For different populations, the average variable coefficient of the D4 population was the maximal one (41.1%) and the S3 population was the minimum one (13.5%). According to the clustering analysis, all the samples of Cistanche Herba could be divided into three groups when the Euclidean distance was set at 15. The populations of S1, S3, D1, S2, D4, D6, D7 and D5 which distributed in the north of Xinjiang were clustered into one group, and the populations of D8, S4, D9, D2 and D3 that grown in east and central of Xinjiang were clustered into another group. The populations of C. deserticola and C. salsa could not be completely separated, but both of them were obviously differentiated from the T1, T3 and T2 populations of C. tubulosa. Besides, the C. deserticola and C. salsa displayed a patch distribution among different populations, and similar phenotypic characters were shared for each population. The research results of phenotype were consistent with that of molecular biology study of Cistanche Herba. The different phenotypic characters in different distribution areas were deduced to be arose from geographical isolation caused by mountains, which led to the specific genetic structure for each population of Cistanche Herba during the long-term adaptation and evolution. In conclusion, the current study showed the adaptation potency of Cistanche Herba exposed to different habitats.

Protective Effects of Yinchenhao Decoction on Cholesterol Gallstone in Mice Fed a Lithogenic Diet by Regulating LXR, CYP7A1, CYP7B1, and HMGCR Pathways.

The study attempted to elucidate whether lipid genes are closely associated with lipid metabolic abnormalities during the lithogenic time and how Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD) works on the transcriptions of lipid genes against cholesterol gallstone model. C57BL/6J mice fed on lithogenic diet (LD) were used for model establishment and randomized into 5 groups. All groups received LD for different weeks with isometrically intragastric administration of YCHD or NS. Biochemical tests were measured and liver tissues were harvested for histological and genetic detection. It was found that all groups with increasing LD showed a following tendency of gallstone incidence, bile cholesterol, phospholipids, total bile acid, and cholesterol saturation index (CSI). Conversely, YCHD could significantly normalize the levels of gallstone incidence, bile lipids, and CSI (CSI<1). As lithogenic time progressed, ABCG5, ABCG8, PPAR-α, and ABCB4 were upregulated, and SREBP2, CYP7A1, and CYP7B1 were downregulated, while CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA were increased 3-fold under the administration of YCHD. It was concluded that abnormal expressions of the mentioned genes may eventually progress to cholesterol gallstone. CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA may be efficient targets of YCHD, which may be a preventive drug to reverse liver injury, normalize bile lipids, facilitate gallstone dissolution, and attenuate gallstone formation.

Study on phenotypic diversity and cluster analysis of Cistanche Herba in different populations in Xinjiang / 中国中药杂志

To intuitively understand the phenotypic diversity of intra-population and inter-population of the medicinal Cistanche Herba distributed in Xinjiang province, three species of Cistanche Herba were selected for the first time to be conducted to phenotypic observation and measurement from the morphological perspective, aiming to fill the gap in the morphological research concerning Cistanche Herba, and discuss about the relationship between the phenotypic variation and the host plants together with the geographical conditions, thus better understanding the speciation and evolutionary mechanism of Cistanche Herba and providing some scientific basis for the resource protection and germplasm breeding of Cistanche Herba. Based on sampling survey, a total of 118 well grown medicinal Cistanche samples from 17 Cistanche Herba distribution areas in Xinjiang province were selected, and various indexes were observed and measured. Besides, ANOVA and clustering analysis were conducted with 9 phenotypic quantity characters. The Cistanche Herba was plentiful in phenotypic variation. For detail, significant intra-population differences were observed in eight of the nine character indexes, and the intra-population differences were more obvious than those of inter-population. For each quantity character of the three species, the flower density possessed the maximal variable coefficient (71.1%) while the flower length was the minimum (15.9%). The phenotypic variation was also obvious among different populations. Specifically, the average variable coefficient of flower number was the maximal one (46.5%) and the flower length was the minimum one (10.0%). For different populations, the average variable coefficient of the D4 population was the maximal one (41.1%) and the S3 population was the minimum one (13.5%). According to the clustering analysis, all the samples of Cistanche Herba could be divided into three groups when the Euclidean distance was set at 15. The populations of S1, S3, D1, S2, D4, D6, D7 and D5 which distributed in the north of Xinjiang were clustered into one group, and the populations of D8, S4, D9, D2 and D3 that grown in east and central of Xinjiang were clustered into another group. The populations of C. deserticola and C. salsa could not be completely separated, but both of them were obviously differentiated from the T1, T3 and T2 populations of C. tubulosa. Besides, the C. deserticola and C. salsa displayed a patch distribution among different populations, and similar phenotypic characters were shared for each population. The research results of phenotype were consistent with that of molecular biology study of Cistanche Herba. The different phenotypic characters in different distribution areas were deduced to be arose from geographical isolation caused by mountains, which led to the specific genetic structure for each population of Cistanche Herba during the long-term adaptation and evolution. In conclusion, the current study showed the adaptation potency of Cistanche Herba exposed to different habitats.

[Dynamic Differences of Uptake and Translocation of Exogenous Selenium by Different Crops and Its Mechanism].

The study aimed to find out the dynamic changes of selenium (Se) uptake with crops growing and to provide better understanding on the translocation of Se in soil-plant system. Pot experiments and laboratory analysis were carried out, in which 6 crops were planted for eight weeks in the soils treated with selenite and selenate. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the plant dynamic uptake pattern for selenite and selenate. Se concentration in shoots and roots of all tested plants continuously declined with growth since the third week after planting for selenate treatment; while Se concentration in roots of plants gradually increased with the growth, and that for shoots firstly increased and then leveled off or decreased for selenite treatment. Crops could accumulate Se throughout the whole growing period, while 80% of the Se in plants was uptaken in the first 6 weeks. Among the 6 tested plants, the Se concentration in the shoots and roots of mustard was the highest, followed by the shoots of wheat for selenate treatment. The Se concentration in shoots of carrot was the highest, while that in roots was the lowest for selenite treatment. For the same Se treatment, the Se concentrations in both roots and shoots of broccoli, purple cabbage and flowering Chinese cabbage were similar. Broccoli, purple cabbage, flowering Chinese cabbage, mustard and wheat had higher translocation ability to transport selenate than selenite from roots to shoots, whereas carrot had the same ability for translocating selenite and selenate. Biological dilution affected the dynamic changes of the Se content in crops, especially for selenate treatment, and a significant negative correlation between Se concentration of plants and their biomass further verified this. However, the changes of biomass of plants with growing period couldn't explain the total inverse dynamic uptake pattern for selenite and selenate. A significant positive correlation was observed between Se accumulations amount in six crops with available Se changes in soil during the corresponding growing period for selenate treatment, while no such correlation was found for selenite treatment. Se accumulation in crops grown on selenite-treated soil accounted for 0.5%-18.1% of soil available Se, whereas that in selenate treatment was 1.1-4.5 times of soil available Se except for carrot. In conclusion, the dynamic changes of Se uptake with crop growth were the comprehensive results of the absorption and transport capacity of crops, Se availability in soil and biological dilution. It should be considered as a whole in the selenium biofortification.

Puerarin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Puerarin, a predominant isoflavonoid compound extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Radix Puerariae, is considered to exhibit an antitumor effect. In the present study, the effects of puerarin on SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were investigated. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyante staining and morphological observation of nuclear changes by Hoechst staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored using rhodamine 123. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified using dichloro­dihydro­fluorescein diacetate. Polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis­associated genes. The results revealed that high concentrations of puerarin (500, 1,000 and 1,500 µg/ml) significantly inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Simultaneously, apoptotic rates were increased and cell morphology was changed following puerarin treatment. Furthermore, puerarin­induced apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells was associated with loss of MMP and generation of ROS. Puerarin treatment increased caspase­3,8,9 and apoptosis­inducing factor (AIF) mRNA expression levels in SMMC­7721 cells, while the phosphorylation levels of P38, extracellular signal­regulated kinase (ERK1) and c-Jun N­terminal kinase were also increased. Furthermore, caspase-9 and AIF protein expression was upregulated. In conclusion, puerarin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in SMMC­7721 cells via the mitochondria­dependent pathway; however, the specific mechanisms require further investigation.

[Red clover isoflavones inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia stromal cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of red clover isoflavones on the proliferation and apoptosis of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stromal cells. METHODS: We treated human prostate stromal cells with red clover isoflavones at the concentration of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 microg/ml, and established a PBS blank control, a dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) negative control and four finasteride positive control groups (at the concentration of 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 microg/ml). We determined the effects of different concentrations of red clover isoflavones on the proliferation of the cells by MTT assay and on their apoptosis by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry. RESULTS: Red clover isoflavones inhibited the proliferation of the BPH stromal cells by 18.86% at 25.0 microg/ml, compared with 5.17% in the blank control group (P < 0.05), and more obviously at a higher concentration. At 50.0 microg/ml, red clover isoflavones exhibited a weaker inhibitory effect than finasteride (28% vs 69.88% , P < 0.05). Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry showed that red clover isoflavones at 25.0 microg/ml induced the apoptosis of the prostate stromal cells by (18.54 +/- 2.5)%, with significant differences from the negative control and blank control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Red clover isoflavones can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human BPH stromal cells.

Red clover isoflavones inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia stromal cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of red clover isoflavones on the proliferation and apoptosis of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stromal cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We treated human prostate stromal cells with red clover isoflavones at the concentration of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 microg/ml, and established a PBS blank control, a dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) negative control and four finasteride positive control groups (at the concentration of 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 microg/ml). We determined the effects of different concentrations of red clover isoflavones on the proliferation of the cells by MTT assay and on their apoptosis by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Red clover isoflavones inhibited the proliferation of the BPH stromal cells by 18.86% at 25.0 microg/ml, compared with 5.17% in the blank control group (P < 0.05), and more obviously at a higher concentration. At 50.0 microg/ml, red clover isoflavones exhibited a weaker inhibitory effect than finasteride (28% vs 69.88% , P < 0.05). Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry showed that red clover isoflavones at 25.0 microg/ml induced the apoptosis of the prostate stromal cells by (18.54 +/- 2.5)%, with significant differences from the negative control and blank control (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Red clover isoflavones can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human BPH stromal cells.</p>