Sesamin-mediated high expression of BECN2 ameliorates cartilage endplate degeneration by reducing autophagy and inflammation.

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a prevalent clinical spinal disease characterized by the calcification and degeneration of the cartilage endplate (CEP), which significantly reduces nutrient supply to the intervertebral disc. Traditional Chinese medicine offers a conservative and effective approach for treating LDD. We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Sesamin in LDD treatment. Transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the effect of Sesamin on LPS-induced ATDC5. We explored the role of BECN2, a target gene of Sesamin, in attenuating LPS-induced degeneration of ATDC5 cells. Our results revealed the identification of 117 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 54 up-regulated and 63 down-regulated genes. Notably, Sesamin significantly increased the expression of BECN2 in LPS-induced ATDC5 cell degeneration. Overexpressed BECN2 enhanced cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis in LPS-induced ATDC5 cells, while BECN2 knockdown reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, BECN2 played a crucial role in attenuating chondrocyte degeneration by modulating autophagy and inflammation. Specifically, BECN2 suppressed autophagy by reducing the expression of ATG14, VPS34, and GASP1, and alleviated the inflammatory response by decreasing the expression of inflammasome proteins NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, and AIM2. In vivo experiments further supported the beneficial effects of Sesamin in mitigating LDD. This study provides novel insights into the potential molecular mechanism of Sesamin in treating LDD, highlighting its ability to mediate autophagy and inflammation inhibition via targeting the BECN2. This study provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of LDD, as well as a potential molecular target for LDD.

The mechanism by which Naru 3 pill protects against intervertebral disc cartilage endplate degeneration based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

CONTEXT: Naru 3 pill is a traditional Mongolian medicine for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the mechanism is not yet clear. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the mechanism of Naru 3 pill in the treatment of IDD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active ingredients and related targets of Naru 3 pill, as well as IDD-related genes, were collected from public databases. The analysis was performed by protein‒protein interaction network analysis, gene ontology and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, the network pharmacology results were validated by in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Network analysis showed that sesamin, piperine and ellagic acid were potential key components and CASP3, BAX and BCL2 were key targets. KEGG analysis indicated the apoptotic pathway as a potential pathway. Molecular docking showed that sesamin interacted better with the targets than the other components. The results of molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the three systems BAX-sesamin, BCL2-sesamin and CASP3-sesamin were stable and reasonable during the simulation. In vitro experiments showed that sesamin had the least effect on cell growth and the most pronounced proliferation-promoting effect, and so sesamin was considered the key component. The experiments confirmed that sesamin had antiapoptotic effects and reversed the expression of CASP3, BAX and BCL2 in degeneration models, which was consistent with the network pharmacology results. Furthermore, sesamin alleviated extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration and promoted cell proliferation in the IDD model. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that Naru 3 pill might exert its therapeutic and antiapoptotic effects on IDD by delaying ECM degradation and promoting cell proliferation, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of IDD.

Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: A study-level pooled analysis of 44 randomized controlled trials.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant effects on reducing 24-h urinary protein (24-h UPRO) and improves renal function indices. The current level of evidence-based medicine is still not enough due to the limitation of clinical center size and sample size. Objective: We aimed to update the current evidence on the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SinoMed were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy of TCM combined with Western medicine with that of Western medicine alone for the treatment of DKD. The main outcome measure was 24-h UPRO. The secondary outcomes were serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: A total of 44 RCTs with 3,730 participants were included. The summary estimates showed that compared with Western medicine alone, TCM combined with Western medicine significantly improved 24-h UPRO [standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.45 to -0.74]. Moreover, TCM combined with Western medicine significantly reduced the levels of other renal function indices, including Scr (SMD -1.25, 95% CI: -1.69 to -0.81) and BUN (SMD -0.75, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.40). TCM combined with Western medicine also showed greater benefits in reducing the levels of FBG (SMD -0.31, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.15) and HbA1c (SMD -0.62, 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.36) in patients with DKD. In addition, superior effects on the lipid profile were noted in the TCM combined with Western medicine group in terms of TG (SMD -1.17, 95% CI: -1.76 to -0.59) and TC (SMD -0.95, 95% CI: -1.43 to -0.47). The risk of bias could have resulted from selective reports, unclear randomization methods, unblinded assignments, and some missing data. Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that TCM combined with Western medicine has significant effects on reducing 24-h UPRO and improves renal function indices and lipid profiles compared with Western medicine alone for DKD. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the risk of bias of the included trials. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=213199], identifier [CRD: 42020213199].

Decreased angiotensin receptor 1 expression in ± AT1 Knockout mice testis results in male infertility and GnRH reduction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to detect the effect of angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) knock out (KO) on spermatogenesis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormone expression. METHODS: Normal C57BL/6 male mice were used as control group or treated with angiotensin receptor blocker, in addition heterozygous ± AT1KO mice were generated. After caged at a ratio of 2 to 1 with females, pregnancy rates of female mice were determined by detection of vaginal plugs. Deformity rate of spermatozoa was evaluated by eosin staining and morphology evaluation. The AT1 mRNA expression in the testes of male ± AT1KO mice was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Serum GnRH level was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared to control, ± AT1KO mice showed reduced expression of AT1 in testes, pituitary and hypothalamus. In addition, decreased level of GnRH, but not follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH), in ± AT1KO mice was detected. Treatment with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) did not have significant effects on HPG hormones. ± AT1KO mice exhibited male infertility and significant abnormality of sperm morphology. CONCLUSION: Reduced AT1 knockout resulted in male infertility, potentially by inducing abnormal spermatogenesis. Both testis and HPG axis signaling may be involved.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte colonization in Artemisia roots responds differently to environmental gradients in eastern and central China.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) are two types of root symbiotic fungi that enhance nutrient uptake by host plants and their resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, it remains unclear whether AMF and DSE are synergistic or antagonistic in the presence of host plants to environmental gradients, especially on large geographical scales. To determine the relationships between AMF and DSE and their adaptability on a regional scale, we measured AMF and DSE colonization in the roots of 1023 plants of different species within the Artemisia genus collected from 81 sites across central and eastern China. We used general linear mixed models to analyze the relationships between colonization, and temperature and precipitation conditions. We found no significant correlation between AMF and DSE. The AMF colonization rate followed a significant longitudinal trend, but there was no latitudinal pattern. DSE colonization did not follow any geographical pattern. The AMF colonization rate was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation, whereas it was not significantly correlated with soil. There was no significant correlation between DSE colonization and climate or soil. Our results suggest that AMF and DSE play independent roles in the response of Artemisia to the regional environment. Therefore, studies on mycorrhizal symbiosis should discern the differential responses between AMF and DSE to climate and soil when evaluating the adaptability of the two types of symbiosis on large geographical scales.

Emodin ameliorates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in obstructed kidneys by inhibiting EZH2.

Emodin, a major component of Chinese herbal rhubarb, delays the progression of chronic renal failure. However, the effect and working mechanisms of Emodin on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis remains elusive. We hypothesized that emodin inhibits renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through EZH2, a histone methyltransferase. Our in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that emodin reduced extracellular collagen deposition and inhibited Smad3 and CTGF pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, which were correlated with the down-regulation of EZH2 and reduced trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3k27me3) in NRK-49F fibrotic cells and UUO kidneys. Inhibition of EZH2 by 3-DZNeP blocked or attenuated the anti-fibrotic effect of emodin in UUO kidneys and NRK-49F cells. These data indicate that emodin inhibits renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in obstructed kidneys and this effect is mediated through EZH2.

Evodiamine via targeting nNOS and AMPA receptor GluA1 inhibits nitroglycerin-induced migraine-like response.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Evodiamine (EVO) is a natural compound derived from Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) T.G.Hartley used to treat pain and migraine in traditional Chinese medicine. EVO is the primary active ingredient of Tetradium ruticarpum. However, the preventive effect of EVO against migraine remains unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the preventive effect of EVO against nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced acute migraine in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were intragastrically administered EVO (45 or 90 mg/kg) for nine days. To establish an acute migraine model, we subcutaneously injected rats with a 10 mg/kg NTG solution. The migraine-like behavior of the rats was evaluated via the formalin test and the warm water tail-withdrawal assay. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) and serum samples were collected from the rats and used to determine the effect of EVO on the levels of serum nitric oxide (NO), CGRP, c-Fos, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluA1. RESULTS: The formalin test and the warm water tail-withdrawal assay showed that EVO inhibited the licking foot/shaking response and reversed the shortened tail-withdrawal latency in NTG-treated rats. Additionally, EVO suppressed serum NO levels and reduced the mRNA/protein expression of c-Fos and nNOS, but not iNOS, in the PAG. Furthermore, EVO suppressed total protein expression of the AMPA receptor GluA1 and its phosphorylation at Ser831 and Ser845. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that EVO inhibits the migraine-like pain response and that this beneficial effect might be attributed to the regulation of nNOS and suppression of the AMPA receptor GluA1. We suggest that EVO has the potential to treat migraine as a lead compound of natural origin.

ACT001 modulates the NF-κB/MnSOD/ROS axis by targeting IKKß to inhibit glioblastoma cell growth.

Glioblastomas are high-grade brain tumors with poor prognoses, and new therapeutic approaches for these tumors are critically needed. This study revealed the underlying mechanisms of a new orphan drug, ACT001, that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced glioblastoma in Australia and China. ACT001 significantly suppressed glioma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro, as determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry. In addition, U-118 MG cells with high expression of p-IKKß were sensitive to ACT001. Changes in the oxidative stress pathway in U-118 MG cells were detected with the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method. We further verified that ACT001 elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by regulating NF-κB-targeted MnSOD. ACT001 markedly inhibited NF-κB activation by directly binding IKKß and inhibiting its phosphorylation. Overexpression of IKKß markedly attenuated the changes in MnSOD and NOX1, indicating that ACT001 increased the levels of ROS by reducing the protein expression of p-IKKß. Furthermore, ACT001 reduced cyclin B1/CDC2 expression and triggered G2/M phase arrest by increasing ROS production. ACT001 also upregulated the expression of Bax and Bim and induced apoptosis in a ROS-dependent manner. ACT001 effectively suppressed the growth of U-118 MG tumors in BALB/c nude mice and GL-261-luciferase tumors in C57BL/6 J mice. Finally, ACT001 downregulated the expression of p-p65, MnSOD, cyclin B1, CDC2, and Ki67 in U-118 MG tumor tissues. Patients with activated NF-κB signaling should thus be given priority for enrollment in future phase II clinical trials. KEY MESSAGES: ACT001 directly bind to IKKß and inhibited its phosphorylation. The inhibition of p-IKKß induced the generation of ROS. ACT001 promoted the generation of ROS by regulating MnSOD expression to induce G2/M phase arrest.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and achene mucilage have independent functions in seedling growth of a desert shrub.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis can play a role in improving seedling establishment in deserts, and it has been suggested that achene mucilage facilitates seedling establishment in sandy deserts and that mucilage biodegradation products may improve seedling growth. We aimed to determine if AM symbiosis interacts with achene mucilage in regulating seedling growth in sand dunes. Up to 20 A M fungal taxa colonized Artemisia sphaerocephala roots in the field, and mycorrhizal frequency and colonization intensity exhibited seasonal dynamics. In the greenhouse, total biomass of AM fungal-colonized plants decreased, whereas the root/shoot ratio increased. AM symbiosis resulted in increased concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll and decreased concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Achene mucilage had a weaker effect on biomass and on nutrient, chlorophyll, and phytohormone concentration than did AM symbiosis. We suggest that AM symbiosis and achene mucilage act independently in enhancing seedling establishment in sandy deserts.

Seed mucilage interacts with soil microbial community and physiochemical processes to affect seedling emergence on desert sand dunes.

Seedling emergence is a critical stage in the establishment of desert plants. Soil microbes participate in plant growth and development, but information is lacking with regard to the role of microbes on seedling emergence. We applied the biocides (captan and streptomycin) to assess how seed mucilage interacts with soil microbial community and physiochemical processes to affect seedling emergence of Artemisia sphaerocephala on the desert sand dune. Fungal and bacterial community composition and diversity and fungal-bacterial interactions were changed by both captan and streptomycin. Mucilage increased soil enzyme activities and fungal-bacterial interactions. Highest seedling emergence occurred under streptomycin and mucilage treatment. Members of the phyla Firmicutes and Glomeromycota were the keystone species that improved A. sphaerocephala seedling emergence, by increasing resistance of young seedlings to drought and pathogen. Seed mucilage directly improved seedling emergence and indirectly interacted with the soil microbial community through strengthening fungal-bacterial interactions and providing favourable environment for soil enzymes to affect seedling emergence. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms by which soil microbial community and seed mucilage interactively promote successful establishment of populations of desert plants on the barren and stressful sand dune.

Bartter Syndrome Type 3: Phenotype-Genotype Correlation and Favorable Response to Ibuprofen.

Objective: To investigate the phenotype-genotype correlation in different genetic kinds of Bartter syndrome type 3 in children. Methods: Clinical and genetic data of 2 patients with different mutations in Bartter syndrome type 3 was analyzed while the prognosis was compared after a 6-year follow-up or 2-year follow-up, respectively. Results: Bartter syndrome is a kind of autosomal recessive inherited renal disorder. The manifestation and prognosis of Bartter syndrome change with mutation types, and severe mutation were often accompanied with unfavorable prognosis. Comprehensive therapy with ibuprofen, antisterone, captopril, and potassium have remarkable effect, while ibuprofen may improve growth retardation partly. Conclusion: Bartter syndrome should be considered when children have unreasonable continuous electrolyte disturbance, metabolic alkalosis and growth retardation.As a genetic disease, its clinical features depend on the mutation type. It can be ameliorated by electrolyte supplementation, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretic. Considering the following electrolyte disturbances, infections, growth retardation, kidney failure and even death, Bartter syndrome need lifelong treatment, early diagnosis and treatment is the most important.

A system biology approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of Gubentongluo decoction acting on IgA Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in treating various diseases in eastern Asia for several thousand years, and is becoming increasingly popular in western countries. Gubentongluo (GBTL) decoction, as a classic TCM formula, is commonly applied to treat IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) in China. To date, however, the pharmacological/molecular mechanisms of GBTL have not been fully elucidated. METHOD: In the present study, we used a system biological approach to explore these mechanisms acting on IgAN. RESULTS: First, we found 3876 potential target proteins for GBTL (based on TCMID) and 25 known IgAN associated biomarkers (based on the OMIM or IPA database).16 of the latter biomarkers were direct targets of 6 of the 9 herbs in GBTL, suggesting that these components play a vital role in treating IgAN. Second, we showed that these 6 herbs mainly regulate the immune system and renin-angiotensin system, imbalance in which is the main factor leading to IgAN. Importantly, HUANG QI links with 14 biomarkers, indicating that it is the most important herb in GBTL for treating IgAN. Also, relationships of other herbs with IgAN were explored. Third, we demonstrated that the remaining 9 IgAN associated proteins are responses to biological processes, such as antigen processing, protein ubiquitination and cell cycle regulation, which are crucial for IgAN development. Finally, we found that GBTL could induce a significant increase in the levels of two target gene: TNF and NOS2. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are called to develop/modify the formula of GBTL, in order to enhance its effect on IgAN.

[Effect of Astragali and Angelica particle on proteinuria in Chinese patients with primary glomerulonephritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the traditional Chinese herbs Astragali and Angelicae Sinensis (A & As) particle [contains Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolica), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Huzhanggeng (Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati) and Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)] on proteinuria in glomerulonephritis patients with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. METHODS: A prospective, multi-center, and randomized controlled clinical trial was performed for 24 weeks. From March 2011 to April 2012, 158 patients from nine hospitals in China participated. They were randomized into the A & As group (79 cases, A & As particle 15.2 g/day) and losartan group (79 cases, losartan 50 mg/day). At each follow-up visit, clinical data including blood pressure, urinalysis, 24-h-urinary protein excretion, serum albumin and serum creatinine were collected. RESULTS: All 158 patients completed the follow-up. Proteinuria in the losartan group exhibited a biphasic time-dependent decline with a significant steady reduction from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.0014), and a platform level during the remaining 12-week follow-up (P > 0.05). In contrast, there was a continual significant decrease of proteinuria in the A & As group (P < 0.001). When compared with the losartan results, proteinuria in the A & As group from week 16 to week 24 was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Stable eGFRs and blood pressure were also observed in both groups. Medication side effects were minimal and non-fatal. CONCLUSION: For Chinese glomerulonephritis patients with stage 2 chronic kidney disease, therapy with A & As particles may provide effective anti-proteinuria treatment.

Metformin sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis by downregulating Bcl2 expression.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor that can evolve rapidly to acquire resistance to conventional chemotherapies. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a traditional Asian medicine, and a phase II study has shown that treatment with ATO alone was not effective against HCC. Bcl2 is an antiapoptotic protein that regulates chemotherapy in HCC. Metformin is reported to decrease Bcl2 expression, and the purpose of this study was to verify whether metformin could potentiate the anti-HCC efficacy of ATO in vitro. In the present study, we used metformin and ATO alone or in combination and then tested proliferation, apoptosis, and Bcl2 level of HCC cells. The results showed that metformin enhanced both the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of ATO on HCC cell lines HepG2 and BEL7402. Furthermore, this activity proceeded via a mechanism involving metformin-induced downregulation of Bcl2. A combination of ATO and metformin is therefore a potentially promising approach for HCC therapy.

Effect of Shenxinning decoction on ventricular remodeling in AT1 receptor-knockout mice with chronic renal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of Shenxinning Decoction (SXND) in ventricular remodeling in AT1 receptor-knockout (AT1-KO) mice with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: AT1-KO mice modeled with subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy were intervened with SXND for 12 weeks. Subsequently, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiography (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, LVDD; left ventricular end-systolic diameter, LVDS; fractional shortening, FS; and ejection fraction, EF), collagen types I and III in the heart and kidney, myocardial mitochondria, and cardiac transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) of the AT1-KO mice were compared with the same model with nephrectomy only and untreated with SXND. RESULTS: AT1-KO mice did not affect the process of CRI but it could significantly affect cardiac remodeling process. SXND decreased to some extent the AT1-KO mice's BUN, SCr, BNP, and cardiac LVDD, LVDS, and BNP, improved FS and EF, lowered the expression of collagen type I and III in heart and kidney, increased the quantity of mitochondria and ameliorated their structure, and down-regulated the expression of TGF-ß1. CONCLUSION: SXND may antagonize the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and decrease uremia toxins, thereby ameliorating ventricular remodeling in CRI. Furthermore, SXND has a mechanism correlated with the improvement of myocardial energy metabolism and the down-regulation of TGF-ß1.

Hydrated mucilage reduces post-dispersal seed removal of a sand desert shrub by ants in a semiarid ecosystem.

Post-dispersal seed removal by animals can lead to extensive seed loss and thus is an important factor in structuring plant communities. However, we know much less about post-dispersal seed predation than about other forms of herbivory. Mucilage plays many ecological roles in adaptation of plants to diverse environments; nevertheless, until now the role of mucilage in ant-mediated seed movement remains largely hypothetical. We studied the role of mucilage in seed removal of Artemisia sphaerocephala by ants in Mu Us Sandland in Inner Mongolia, China. Messor aciculatus was the most active seed predator of Artemisia sphaerocephala. Time to first ant collecting (T 1st) of wet intact seeds was longest and significantly different from that for dry intact seeds, wet demucilaged seeds, and dry demucilaged seeds; number of seeds removed to ant nests was lowest for wet intact seeds. After they were collected by ants, 5 % of wet intact seeds were dropped during transport. Our results indicate that seed mucilage of Artemisia sphaerocephala may play a significant role in post-dispersal seed removal by (1) making seeds less attractive to ants, thus resulting in a delay of collection time; (2) forming a strong bond to soil particles, making it difficult for ants to remove seeds; and (3) making seeds more likely to be dropped during transport, thereby allowing them to escape from predation even after collection by ants. This study demonstrates the importance of mucilage in reducing seed removal by ants and thus in anchoring seeds of desert plants in the vicinity of mother plants.

Renal protection of losartan 50 mg in normotensive Chinese patients with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease.

AIMS: Nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading major cause of end-stage renal disease in developing countries including China. Among the 5 stages of CKD, it is critical to retard the progression of stage 3 because renal disorder could accelerate aggravation behind that stage. Data suggest that high dosages of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could retard the progression of renal disease in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients. Nevertheless, in daily practice of nephrology, quite a number of nondiabetic patients with CKD who are normotensive do not tolerate even moderate dosages of ARBs because of adverse effects such as systemic hypotension, epically for Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of relatively low dosages of ARBs in normotensive Chinese patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label study was performed over a period of 12 months. A total of 238 enrolled patients were randomly allocated to treatment with losartan 50 mg (n = 119) or placebo (n = 119). All patients were followed up at 2-month intervals. At each visit, blood pressure was measured, and urinalysis and serum biochemistry tests were performed. RESULTS: Finally, 112 patients given losartan and 114 patients given placebo completed the study. In the losartan group, there was a significant and biphasic time-dependent decline in proteinuria during therapy (1.72 ± 0.47 to 0.99 ± 0.48 g/d; P < 0.001). Conversely, placebo did not simultaneously change the amount of proteinuria (1.73 ± 0.49 to 1.64 ± 0.50 g/d; P = 0.337). Estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable during the entire study period in the patients given losartan (44.8 ± 8.1 to 44.1 ± 7.7 mL/min per 1.73 m; P = 0.120) but were significantly reduced in the placebo group (44.5 ± 8.5 to 39.1 ± 7.4 mL/min per 1.73 m, P < 0.001). The changes in blood pressure were kept constant in the 2 groups. All adverse events were minimal and nonfatal. CONCLUSIONS: For normotensive patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD, therapy with a daily dose of losartan, 50 mg, may perform effective renoprotection without changing blood pressure and be generally safe and well tolerated.

Seed mucilage improves seedling emergence of a sand desert shrub.

The success of seedling establishment of desert plants is determined by seedling emergence response to an unpredictable precipitation regime. Sand burial is a crucial and frequent environmental stress that impacts seedling establishment on sand dunes. However, little is known about the ecological role of seed mucilage in seedling emergence in arid sandy environments. We hypothesized that seed mucilage enhances seedling emergence in a low precipitation regime and under conditions of sand burial. In a greenhouse experiment, two types of Artemisia sphaerocephala achenes (intact and demucilaged) were exposed to different combinations of burial depth (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mm) and irrigation regimes (low, medium and high, which simulated the precipitation amount and frequency in May, June and July in the natural habitat, respectively). Seedling emergence increased with increasing irrigation. It was highest at 5 mm sand burial depth and ceased at burial depths greater than 20 mm in all irrigation regimes. Mucilage significantly enhanced seedling emergence at 0, 5 and 10 mm burial depths in low irrigation, at 0 and 5 mm burial depths in medium irrigation and at 0 and 10 mm burial depths in high irrigation. Seed mucilage also reduced seedling mortality at the shallow sand burial depths. Moreover, mucilage significantly affected seedling emergence time and quiescence and dormancy percentages. Our findings suggest that seed mucilage plays an ecologically important role in successful seedling establishment of A. sphaerocephala by improving seedling emergence and reducing seedling mortality in stressful habitats of the sandy desert environment.

Degradation of seed mucilage by soil microflora promotes early seedling growth of a desert sand dune plant.

In contrast to the extensive understanding of seed mucilage biosynthesis, much less is known about how mucilage is biodegraded and what role it plays in the soil where seeds germinate. We studied seed mucilage biodegradation by a natural microbial community. High-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was used to determine monosaccharide composition in achene mucilage of Artemisia sphaerocephala. Mucilage degradation by the soil microbial community from natural habitats was examined by monosaccharide utilization tests using Biolog plates, chemical assays and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Glucose (29.4%), mannose (20.3%) and arabinose (19.5%) were found to be the main components of achene mucilage. The mucilage was biodegraded to CO(2) and soluble sugars, and an increase in soil microbial biomass was observed during biodegradation. Fluorescence microscopy showed the presence of mucilage (or its derivatives) in seedling tissues after growth with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled mucilage. The biodegradation also promoted early seedling growth in barren sand dunes, which was associated with a large soil microbial community that supplies substances promoting seedling establishment. We conclude that biodegradation of seed mucilage can play an ecologically important role in the life cycles of plants especially in harsh desert environments to which A. sphaerocephala is well-adapted.

The achene mucilage hydrated in desert dew assists seed cells in maintaining DNA integrity: adaptive strategy of desert plant Artemisia sphaerocephala.

Despite proposed ecological importance of mucilage in seed dispersal, germination and seedling establishment, little is known about the role of mucilage in seed pre-germination processes. Here we investigated the role of mucilage in assisting achene cells to repair DNA damage during dew deposition in the desert. Artemisia sphaerocephala achenes were first treated γ-irradiation to induce DNA damage, and then they were repaired in situ in the desert dew. Dew deposition duration can be as long as 421 min in early mornings. Intact achenes absorbed more water than demucilaged achenes during dew deposition and also carried water for longer time following sunrise. After 4-d dew treatment, DNA damage of irradiated intact and demucilaged achenes was reduced to 24.38% and 46.84%, respectively. The irradiated intact achenes exhibited much higher DNA repair ratio than irradiated demucilaged achenes. Irradiated intact achenes showed an improved germination and decreased nonviable achenes after dew treatment, and significant differences in viability between the two types of achenes were detected after 1020 min of dew treatment. Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of A. sphaerocephala by aiding DNA repair of achene cells in genomic-stressful habitats.