Dioscin induces M1 macrophage polarization through Connexin-43 Channels in Tumor-associated-macrophages-mediated melanoma metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important constituent parts of tumor microenvironment that connected with tumor metastasis in melanoma. Connexin 43 (Cx43) was expressed in all the immune cells which modulated different aspects of immune response. However, the concrete molecular mechanism maintains unclear. PURPOSE: The study aimed to find a natural drug monomer effectively reversed the polarity of tumor-associated macrophages inhibiting melanoma metastasis and improving survival time. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to determine the effects of dioscin on the macrophage phenotype. Western bolt and ELISA were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of dioscin and a co-culture experiment in vitro was applied to assess the role of dioscin on TAMs-mediated melanoma proliferation, invasion and migration. Moreover, in vivo melanoma metastasis models were established for examining effects of dioscin on TAMs-mediated melanoma metastasis. RESULTS: Dioscin repolarized macrophages from M2 towards M1-like phenotype. Dioscin suppressed M2-like phenotype macrophages through enhanced the expression and transport function of Cx43. Furthermore, the stimulation IFN-γ/STAT1 pathway and suppression IL-4/JAK2/STAT3 pathway were major mechanism of dioscin. Importantly, dioscin suppressed Cx43G21R mutation TAMs induced proliferation, invasion, migration and metastasis of melanoma cells. It worthily noting that dioscin ameliorated tumor-associated-macrophages-mediated melanoma metastasis in vitro and vivo. CONCLUSION: Dioscin re-polarized macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype through activation of Cx43-gap-junction-intercellular-communications (Cx43-GJs)/IFN-γ/STAT1 pathway and inhibition of Cx43-GJs/IL-4/JAK2/STAT3 suppressing migration, invasion and metastasis of melanoma, which provided a theoretical and experimental basis for treating melanoma metastasis.

The prospective multiple-centre randomized controlled clinical study of high-dose amoxicillin-proton pump inhibitor dual therapy for H. pylori infection in Sichuan areas.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-dose amoxicillin-proton pump inhibitor dual therapy, and to provide a new eradication regimen as a first-line option for patients with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 971 H. pylori positive patients who received initial treatment were recruited from March to August 2020, and randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The treatment group received of 20 mg esomeprazole four times daily and 750 mg amoxicillin four times daily for 14 days. Control group received of 220 mg bismuth potassium citrate twice daily, 20 mg esomeprazole twice daily, 1000 mg amoxicillin twice daily and 250 mg clarithromycin capsule twice daily for 14 days. Four weeks after the end of treatment, the urea breath test was reviewed to detect whether H. pylori was eradicated. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in age, gender, the total clinical symptom scores before and after initial treatment, the compliance, and the degree of remission of symptoms before and after initial treatment between the two groups. The eradication rates of H. pylori between dual therapy and quadruple therapy were 88.31% and 85.26% (p=.158) by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, 88.66% and 85.44% (p=.186) by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis, and 91.63% and 90.60% (p=.116) by PP analysis, respectively. Adverse events in dual therapy group were significantly lower than quadruple therapy group (13.3% vs. 28.2% (p<.01)). CONCLUSIONS: For the initial treatment of H. pylori infection, the high-dose dual therapy regimen has the same efficacy as the bismuth-containing quadruple therapy regimen, good compliance, less adverse reactions and high safety, so it can be recommended as the empirical first-line treatment regimen for the eradication of H. pylori (KY2019173).

Structure elucidation of arabinogalactoglucan isolated from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge and its inhibition on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SS) is clinically used as Chinese medicine for hepatitis related diseases treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the chemical structures of polysaccharides from this plant. A neutral polysaccharide (SSWP) was isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and Superdex-75 column. The obtained SSWP was a homogenous one with a molecular weight of 21.5 kDa according to the high-performance gel permeation chromatography. The major monosaccharide composition of SSWP was arabinose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 2.4:1:1.8. The methylation analysis showed that SSWP consists mainly of Araf-(1→, →5)-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-Araf-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →4)-Glcp-(1→. The NMR result and enzymatic digestion data comprehensively indicated that SSWP was a novel arabinogalactoglucan-type structure. The anticancer assay in vitro exhibited that SSWP could effectively inhibit 48.9% of Huh-7 cells growth at 50 µg/mL and arrest cells at S-phase, and induce tumor cells apoptosis. Together, polysaccharide from S. sarmentosum Bunge could be a potential natural antitumor agent.

Simultaneous Preparation of Abundant Flavonol Triglycosides from Tea Leaves.

Flavonol glycosides are important components of tea leaves, contributing to the bioactivities as well as bitterness and astringency of tea. However, the standards of many flavonol triglycosides are still not available, which restricts both sensory and bioactivity studies on flavonol glycosides. In the present study, we established a simultaneous preparation method of seven flavonol triglycoside individuals from tea leaves, which consisted of two steps: polyamide column enrichment and preparative HPLC isolation. The structures of seven flavonol triglycoside isolates were identified by mass and UV absorption spectra, four of which were further characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, namely, quercetin-3-O-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside and kaempferol-O-rhamnosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside. The purities of all isolated flavonol triglycosides were above 95% based on HPLC, and the production yield of total flavonol glycosides from dry tea was 0.487%. Our study provides a preparation method of flavonol triglycosides from tea leaves, with relatively low cost of time and solvent but high production yield.

A comparative study of sulfated tara gum: RSM optimization and structural characterization.

Interest in galactomannans and its derivatives as a functional health supplement is growing based on physicochemical properties. In this work, the optimized conditions of sulfated tara gum (STG) with a maximum DS of 0.66 by box-behnken design (BBD) were obtained as following: ratio of chlorosulfonic acid/pyridine 3:1, reaction time 4 h and reaction temperature 40 °C. The structure features of STG such as the degree of substitution (DS), substitution position, weight average molar mass (MW), monosaccharide components and chain conformation were investigated. Decreasing of MW, the increasing of Z-average radius of gyration (〈S2〉Z1/2) and specific volume for gyration (SVg) were obtained by SEC-MALLS. In addition, the structural properties of four sulfated galactomannans were comparatively investigated and analyzed based on our earlier reports of sulfated fenugreek gum, guar gum and locust bean gum. A conclusion was drown that higher galactose branch could enhance steric hindrance, which was inferred as one of the significant factors for the derivatization efficiency, thus affecting the DS, MW and conformational transition of sulfated galactomannans. This study will provide valuable information for further research on the comparison of bioactivities and medical application of galactomannans family.

Effect and mechanisms of sacral nerve stimulation on visceral hypersensitivity mediated by nerve growth factor.

To investigate the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on nerve growth factor (NGF) mediated visceral sensitivity in normal rat and visceral hypersensitivity model rats. 120 male newborn rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: group A was normal model group; group B ~ F were all sensitized with acetic acid enema and grouped again. Group c2 was given NGF antagonist, d2 group was given NGF agonist, e2 group was given PI3K inhibitor, and f2 group was given PLC-γ inhibitor. After treatment, the expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K, AKT, PLC-γ, NF-κB, TRPV1, pTRPV1 and intracellular Ca2+ content were detected. The expression of protein TRPV1 and pTRPV1 was increased, and Ca2+ was increased in the visceral hypersensitive group. NGF, TrKA in NGF antagonist group, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB in PI3K inhibitor group, PLC-γ in PLC-γ inhibitor group were all almost not expressed. The relative expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K, AKT, PLC-γ and NF-κB in NGF antagonist group was lower than that in visceral hypersensitivity group and NGF activator group (P < .01). The relative expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K and AKT mRNA in NGF antagonist group was lower than that in the normal model group (P < .01). There was no significant difference in the relative expression of PLC-γ and NF-κB mRNA (P > .05). The expression level of MAPK, ERK1 and ERK2 in visceral hypersensitivity group was higher than that in PI3K inhibitor group and PLC-γ inhibitor group. The normal group Ca2+ curve was flat, and the NGF agonist group had the highest Ca2+ curve peak. Calcium concentration in visceral hypersensitivity group was higher than that in PI3K inhibitor group and that in PLC-γ inhibitor group was higher than that in NGF antagonist group. The binding of TrkA receptor to NGF activates the MAPK/ERK pathway, the PI3K/Akt pathway and the PLC-γ pathway, causing changes in the fluidity of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ , resulting in increased sensitivity of visceral tissues and organs.

Comparative effect of black, green, oolong, and white tea intake on weight gain and bile acid metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: The beneficial effects of tea on health, including obesity, are well known. However, the comparative effects of black, green, white, and oolong teas, which are prepared from the same fresh leaves, on weight gain and the potential mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. Bile acids (BAs) are shown to be powerful regulators of metabolism; however, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effect of tea on BA metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effects that green, black, white, and oolong teas that were prepared from the same raw tea leaves have on the plasma BA profile. METHODS: Female rats were dosed with the aforementioned tea types as their sole source of drinking fluid for 28 d. We then investigated their weight and effect on BA metabolic profile using advanced ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics. RESULTS: The UPLC-MS/MS analysis of the plasma show that the levels of murocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, tauromuricholic acid, and taurocholic acid were increased; whereas levels of taurolithocholic acid and isolithocholic acid were decreased after drinking green, oolong, and white tea types compared with control. Surprisingly, oolong tea significantly influenced reduction in relative weight compared with control, black, and green tea; whereas black, green, and white teas had no effects on weight compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: Green, black, oolong, and white teas altered the BA metabolism. This change in BA metabolism could be associated with the health benefit effects of tea. Oolong tea was most effective in reducing weight.

Trends in anemia treatment among patients with five non-myeloid malignancies treated with chemotherapy in a large integrated health care delivery system in California, 2000-2013.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine treatment patterns for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) between calendar periods when the changes in the US prescribing information, for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) took place. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, or gastric cancer (2000-2012) who developed grade 2+ CIA (hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl) were identified from Kaiser Permanente Southern California Health Plan. We estimated the proportions of CIA episodes with ESA use, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, or prescription nutritional supplements in three calendar periods: January 1, 2000-December 31, 2006 (P1), January 1, 2007-March 24, 2010 (P2), and March 25, 2010-June 30, 2013 (P3). Multivariable regressions were used to test the differences of CIA treatment approaches and Hb concentration prior to CIA treatment across these calendar periods. RESULTS: The proportions of CIA episodes with ESA use were 28 % in P1, 21 % in P2, and 3 % in P3. For RBC transfusion, they were 8 % in P1, 14 % in P2 and 16 % in P3. The trend of decreasing ESA use and increasing transfusion use were statistically significant. Relative to P1, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.86) for P2 and 0.08 (0.30, 0.88) for P3 for ESA use. For RBC transfusion, OR was 2.00 (1.56, 2.56) for P2 and 2.37 (1.88, 3.00) for P3. Use of prescription nutritional supplement was rare across calendar periods. There was a decreasing trend of Hb concentration prior to ESA use (p value <0.01), but no difference in Hb concentrations prior to transfusion. CONCLUSION: In the management of CIA, use of ESA has decreased over time, while use of RBC transfusion has increased.

Discrimination of oolong tea (Camellia sinensis) varieties based on feature extraction and selection from aromatic profiles analysed by HS-SPME/GC-MS.

This study aimed to develop an objective and accurate analytical method to discriminate oolong tea varieties that easily causing adulteration by potential volatile compounds. A total of 75 oolong tea samples of five similar varieties (Tieguanyin, Benshan, Maoxie, Huangjingui and Jinguanyin) were analysed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The relative content of 26 major volatile compounds varied significantly according to variety, combined with the results of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), indicating that the varietal differences of aromatic profile remain significant for tea cultivars with very close origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the aromatic profiles showed that the feature of variety dominated over the other features (like producing region and quality). By stepwise linear discriminant analysis (S-LDA), 18 volatiles with the best discriminating capacity were selected, and 4 discriminant functions (DFs) enabled simultaneously discrimination of the five oolong varieties with 100% correct rate.

Volatile profile analysis and quality prediction of Longjing tea (Camellia sinensis) by HS-SPME/GC-MS.

This study aimed to analyze the volatile chemical profile of Longjing tea, and further develop a prediction model for aroma quality of Longjing tea based on potent odorants. A total of 21 Longjing samples were analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Pearson's linear correlation analysis and partial least square (PLS) regression were applied to investigate the relationship between sensory aroma scores and the volatile compounds. Results showed that 60 volatile compounds could be commonly detected in this famous green tea. Terpenes and esters were two major groups characterized, representing 33.89% and 15.53% of the total peak area respectively. Ten compounds were determined to contribute significantly to the perceived aroma quality of Longjing tea, especially linalool (0.701), nonanal (0.738), (Z)-3-hexenyl hexanoate (-0.785), and ß-ionone (-0.763). On the basis of these 10 compounds, a model (correlation coefficient of 89.4% and cross-validated correlation coefficient of 80.4%) was constructed to predict the aroma quality of Longjing tea. Summarily, this study has provided a novel option for quality prediction of green tea based on HS-SPME/GC-MS technique.

Determination of catechins and flavonol glycosides in Chinese tea varieties.

A standardised profiling method based on high performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet (UV) and mass spectrometric detection (MS) was established to analyse the phenolic compounds of selected tea varieties used for manufacturing of green, black and oolong teas. The composition and content of 24 tea constituents were analysed, including catechins, flavonol and flavones glycosides, phenolic acids and purine alkaloids. Each tea variety had a unique chemical profile. The compositions of catechins were lower in the tea varieties for green tea manufacturing, while the content of myricetin glycosides was the lowest in the tea variety for oolong tea manufacturing. The content of individual phenolic compounds in the selected tea varieties is highly variable. However, the content of total catechins is proposed to be helpful to classify tea according to the future application as non fermented green and fermented oolong or black tea.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture of Back-shu acupoints for chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture of Back-shu points [Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), etc.] in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: A total of 120 CFS patients were equally randomized Into acupuncture and control groups. Acupuncture needles were inserted into bilateral Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), and Gaohuang (BL 43) points, once daily for 4 weeks except weekends. For patients of the control group, acupuncture needles were inserted into the shallow layer of the non-acupoints (two mid-points of the horizon lines passing through the crossing-points of the 1st and 2nd branches of the Gallbladder Meridian and the crests of 4th, 5th and 11th thoracic vertebrae). General health scale (SF-20) and Chalder fatigue scale were used to measure the CFS patients' degree of general health. A follow-up survey was carried out 3 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: In comparison with pre-treatment, the scores of Chalder fatigue scale were decreased significantly in both treatment and control groups (P < 0.01), while the scores of physiological function (PF) and general health (GH) of SF-20 in both acupuncture groups and those of the role function (RF), social function (SF), mental health (MH) and pain sensation (PS) in the treatment group were increased apparently after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The scores of Chalder Scale and PF, RF, SF, GH, MH, PS and the CFS patients' satisfication degrees 4 weeks (64.4% and 36.7%) and 3 months (62.3% and 32%) after the treatment in the treatment group were significantly superior to those of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Back-shu point has a good therapeutic effect (including immediate and midterm effect) in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Clinical observations on 46 cases of globus hystericus treated with modified Banxia Houpu decoction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Banxia Houpu decoction on globus hystericus. METHODS: The 95 patients with globus hystericus were randomly divided into a treatment group of 46 cases treated with modified Banxia Houpu decoction and a control group of 49 cases treated with Manyanshuning (Granula for Clearing the Throat). In addition, a normal group of 24 healthy people was set up. SCL-90 scale was adopted to observe the therapeutic effect, evaluate the psychological state of patients and build a database on combination of four diagnoses. RESULTS: The effect of the modified Banxia Houpo decoction was better than that of the control group in relieving depression, anxiety and improving the psychological state (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Modified Banxia Houpu decoction has definite therapeutic effect on globus hystericus. Its mechanism may be related to its function in relieving depression and anxiety and regulating the psychological state.

Development of a rapid screening and surveillance for estrogenic chemicals in environment based on recombinant yEGFP yeast cell.

A recombinant yEGFP gene yeast strain necessary for the routine screening of estrogen activity in the chemical product of the environment was described. Two plasmids, one containing human estrogen receptor (hER) cDNA fused to the GPD gene promoter and another yEGFP inserted under the control of ERE, were constructed. The use of hER cDNA and the yEGFP reporter in the yeast cell sensor resulted in estrogenic chemical product-dependent light emission of yEGFP without additions owing its advantages: a simple and reagent-free measurement of GFP, and a non-toxic protein characteristic. The time needed for the optimal induction of light emission was 4h. The maximal fold induction of 8.80 over uninduced levels at the concentration of 10(-5)M of bisphenol A and 0.1 nM sensitivities for four different estrogenic chemicals tested were obtained. Five different chemicals which could not bind to hER did not cause an induction of yEGFP. This bioassay can be performed completely in 96-well plates. Thus, this test system can be used as a rapid screening system for the surveillance of estrogenic chemical products in the environment. The yEGFP assay is sensitive, reproducible, and cheap, which makes it highly suitable to be used as a high throughput system.

An international trial of antioxidants in the prevention of preeclampsia (INTAPP).

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether prenatal vitamin C and E supplementation reduces the incidence of gestational hypertension (GH) and its adverse conditions among high- and low-risk women. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, women were stratified by the risk status and assigned to daily treatment (1 g vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E) or placebo. The primary outcome was GH and its adverse conditions. RESULTS: Of the 2647 women randomized, 2363 were included in the analysis. There was no difference in the risk of GH and its adverse conditions between groups (relative risk, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.26). However, vitamins C and E increased the risk of fetal loss or perinatal death (nonprespecified) as well as preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C and E supplementation did not reduce the rate of preeclampsia or GH, but increased the risk of fetal loss or perinatal death and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

[Establishment of reporter gene-based cell screening model for discovering new chemopreventive agents].

OBJECTIVE: To discover new chemopreventive agents, a drug screening cell model based on reporter gene and antioxidative response element (ARE) has been established. METHOD: Four repeas of ARE DNA binding conserved sequences were synthesized and cloned into a GFP expression vector. This construct was stably transfected into HepG2 cells in vitro. The cell model was tested with known chemopreventive agents and the effects of resveratrol, protocatechuic aldehyde, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid at different concentration (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 micromol x L(-1)) were observed by determining reporter gene GFP activity. RESULT: The induce level of GFP was regulated by ARE and the dose-dependence in a certain range was observed. The induce level of GFP by resveratrol was significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The method can be used to screening of chemopreventive agents from Chinese traditional medicine by measurement of luminescent value of expressed GFP in wells of microtiter plate.

Tea consumption during pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of tea consumption during pregnancy on the risk of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out among nulliparous pregnant women in Quebec between January 2003 and March 2006. Data were collected using a structured study questionnaire. A total of 92 women with pre-eclampsia and 245 controls were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were performed to examine the association between tea consumption and pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Compared with non-tea drinking during pregnancy, the crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) of pre-eclampsia for tea drinking were 1.34 (95% CI, 0.80-2.25) and 1.39 (95% CI, 0.81-2.41), respectively. The OR and aOR of severe pre-eclampsia for tea drinking were 1.39 (95% CI, 0.78-2.46) and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.01-4.54), respectively. The aORs for persistent tea consumption in pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia were 1.88 (95% CI, 1.01-3.51) and 1.95 (95% CI, 1.06-3.57), respectively. CONCLUSION: Persistent tea drinking during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

[Study on integrated Chinese and Western therapy and criterion for efficacy evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease--a clinical observation on 116 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the criterion for efficacy evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) and the effect of treatment with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen patients of GERD were randomly assigned to two groups, group A treated with Western medicine and group B with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. Changes of symptoms, TCM syndromes, and endoscopic picture were observed before and after treatment. And the condition of recurrence was also inspected. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 84.5% and 67.2% in group A and B respectively. The long-term efficacy was better in group B than that in group A (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in short-term efficacy between the two groups. But the recurrence happened in both groups after withdrawal of treatment. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients of deficiency syndrome type and coexistence of deficiency and excess syndrome type than that in those of excess syndrome type (P < 0.05), and it was also higher in those whose pathogenesis was associated with mental factor (P < 0.05). In the other 20 patients the treatment was sustained for 10.4 +/- 11.4 months on average. There were 69.0% of the patients with normal esophagus mucosa shown by endoscope examination, and the pathological changes were not coincident with the symptoms and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Basically, no case of GERD could be cured, so, it is supposed that the item of "cure" in the criteria of therapeutic efficacy evaluation is advisably made over to "clinical control" or "obvious efficacy", and add an item of "no change" in the criterion. The importance of endoscopic picture for efficacy evaluation is doubtful and needs to be further discussed.

[Photosynthesis and active-oxygen-scavenging enzyme activities in rice varieties with different phosphorus efficiency under phosphorus stress].

Using six rice varieties with different phosphorus (P) use efficiency as the materials, the photosynthesis and active-oxygen-scavenging enzyme activities of the rice varieties under different P conditions were studied. Under deficient P condition, the photosynthetic rate (Pn) and soluble protein content (pro) were all gradually decreased with the growth process in the six tested varieties. The Pn and pro were always lower under deficient P condition than those under sufficient P condition. The Pn (ranging from 10.06-10.83 micromol CO2 x m(-2) x s(-1)), chlorophyll content (ranging from 3.32-3.56 mg x g(-1) FM) and pro (ranging from 33.08-33.95 mg x g(-1) FM) were all the highest in varieties with high-P efficiency, then in varieties with mid-P efficiency, and the lowest in varieties with low-P efficiency. There were no obvious differences on stomatal conductance (Gs) among the varieties. Meanwhile, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the tested varieties were all decreased with the process of deficient P stress. The SOD activities were also shown to be the highest in the varieties with high-P efficiency, then in the varieties with mid-P efficiency, and the lowest in the varieties with low-P efficiency under deficient P conditions. The malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the tested varieties showed a reverse pattern of the SOD activities, with the highest in varieties with low-P efficiency and lowest in varieties with high-P efficiency. There was not an obvious change pattern on POD activity among the tested varieties under different P conditions. Under deficient P condition, the higher SOD activity and lower peroxidation degree of cell membrane system play important roles in improving the photosynthesis of the varieties with high-P efficiency.