Genotype-Controlled Vertical Transmission Exerts Selective Pressure on Community Assembly of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

The plant's endophytic fungi play an important role in promoting host development and metabolism. Studies have shown that the factors affecting the assembly of the endophyte community mainly include host genotype, vertical transmission, and soil origin. However, we do not know the role of vertically transmitted endohytic fungi influences on the host-plant's endophytic community assembly. Salvia miltiorrhiza from three production areas were used as research objects; we constructed three production area genotypes of S. miltiorrhiza regenerated seedlings simultaneously. Based on high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the effects of genotype, soil origin, and vertical transmission on endophytic fungal communities. The results show that the community of soil origins significantly affected the endophytic fungal community in the regenerated seedlings of S. miltiorrhiza. The influence of genotype on community composition occurs through a specific mechanism. Genotype may selectively screen certain communities into the seed, thereby exerting selection pressure on the community composition process of offspring. As the number of offspring increases gradually, the microbiota, controlled by genotype and transmitted vertically, stabilizes, ultimately resulting in a significant effect of genotype on community composition.Furthermore, we observed that the taxa influencing the active ingredients are also selected as the vertically transmitted community. Moreover, the absence of an initial vertically transmitted community in S. miltiorrhiza makes it more vulnerable to infection by pathogenic fungi. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and comprehend the selection model of the vertically transmitted community under varying genotypes and soil conditions. This research holds significant implications for enhancing the quality and yield of medicinal plants and economic crops.

Protective Effects of Anthocyanins Extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum on 661W Cells Against Microwave-Induced Retinal Damage / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the protective effect of anthocyanins extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum (VU) on retinal 661W cells against microwave radiation induced retinal injury.@*METHODS@#661W cells were divided into 6 groups, including control, model [661W cells radiated by microwave (30 mW/cm2, 1 h)] and VU groups [661W cells pretreated with anthocyanins extracted from VU (25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively) for 48 h, and radiated by microwave 30 mW/cm2, 1 h]. After treatment with different interventions, the cell apoptosis index (AI) was determined using Heochst staining; contents of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutataione (GSH), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of HO-1 protein was examined by Western blot analysis. Nucleus and cytoplasm were separated and Nrf2 protein expression was further verified by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#There was significant difference in AI among the groups (F=322.83, P<;0.05). Compared with the control group, AI was significantly higher in the model group and was lower in 4 VU-pretreated groups (P<;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed the decline of AI was in a dose-dependent manner with VU treatment (r=0.8419, P<;0.05). The MDA and GSH contents of 661W cells in VU-treated groups were significantly lower than the model group (P<;0.05). Compared with the model group, the SOD activity in the VU-treated groups (50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) was significantly higher (all P<;0.05). The Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expressions were slightly increased after irradiation, and obviously increased in 100 µg/mL VU-treated group. After irradiation, the relative expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 proteins in nucleus were slightly increased (P<;0.05), and the changes in cytoplasm were not obvious, whereas it was significantly increased in both nucleus and cytoplasm in the VU treatment groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anthocyanins extracted from VU could reduce apoptosis, stabilize cell membrane, and alleviate oxidant injury of mouse retinal photoreceptor 661W cells. The mechanism might be through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and inducing HO-1 transcription and translation.

Tojapride Reverses Esophageal Epithelial Inflammatory Responses on Reflux Esophagitis Model Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism of Tojapride, a Chinese herbal formula extract, on strengthening the barrier function of esophageal epithelium in rats with reflux esophagitis (RE).@*METHODS@#Ten out of 85 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham group (n10), and 75 rats were developed a reflux esophagitis model (RE) by the esophageal and duodenal side-to-side anastomosis. Fifty successful modeling rats were divided into different medicated groups through a random number table including the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose of Tojapride as well as omeprazole groups (n10). Three doses of Tojapride [5.73, 11.46, 22.92 g/(kg•d)] and omeprazole [4.17 mg/(kg•d)] were administrated intragastrically twice daily for 3 weeks. And the rats in the sham and model groups were administered 10 mL/kg distilled water. Gastric fluid was collected and the supernatant was kept to measure for volume, pH value and acidity. Esophageal tissues were isolated to monitor the morphological changes through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and esophageal epithelial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-KBp65), κB kinase beta (IKKß), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the esophageal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The gastric pH value in the model group was significantly lower than the sham group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, gastric pH value in the omeprazole and medium-dose of Tojapride groups were significantly higher (P<0.05). A large area of ulceration was found on the esophageal mucosa from the model rats, while varying degrees of congestion and partially visible erosion was observed in the remaining groups. Remarkable increase in cell gap width and decrease in desmosome count was seen in RE rats and the effect was reversed by Tojapride treatment. Compared with the sham group, the IKKß levels were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). However, the IKKß levels were down-regulated after treatment by all doses of Tojapride (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The occluding and ZO-1 levels decreased in the model group compared with the sham group (Ps0.01 or Ps0.05), while both indices were significantly up-regulated in the Tojapride-treated groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tojapride could improve the pathological conditions of esophageal epithelium in RE rats. The underlying mechanisms may involve in down-regulating the IKKß expression and elevating ZO-1 and occludin expression, thereby alleviating the inflammation of the esophagus and strengthening the barrier function of the esophageal epithelium.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints on the Expression of NMDA Receptors in ACC and Colon in IBS Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor ) and behaviors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group (blank group, n=10) and model preparation group (n=50); experimental rat model of IBS was established by the "neonatal maternal separation and acetic acid enema" combined with "colorectal distension stimulation" method. A total of 50 IBS rats were randomly assigned to five groups of 10 each: model group, Yintang (GV29) group, Neiguan (PC6) group, Tianshu (ST25) group, and Zusanli (ST36) group. Rats in four treatment groups, aged 9 weeks old, were treated with EA by HANS with a sparse-dense wave with a frequency of 2/100 Hz, current of 0.1-0.3mA, and 20 min/stimulation, every other day for a total of 5 sessions. After treatment, the abdominal visceral sensitivity was evaluated by abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), and the psychological and emotional behavior of rats were evaluated by the open-field test (OFT). The expression of NMDA receptors in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was detected by Quantitative Real-time PCR, and the positive expression of NMDA receptors in colon was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The IBS rat's abdomen is more sensitive and irritable; NR1, NR2A, and NR2B in ACC and NR1 and NR2B in colon of rats significantly increased in the model group versus the normal group (P<0.01) and were inhibited in all treatment groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). Additionally, NR2A and NR2B in ACC reduced more in GV29 group (P<0.01) than in other treatment groups (P all<0.05) compared with the model group. The expression of NR2B in colon was significantly inhibited in ST36 group (P<0.01) and inhibited in GV29 group and ST25 group (P all <0.05) compared with the model group. And the expression of NR2B in colon was more inhibited in ST36 group than in PC6 group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA at different acupoints could obviously relieve abdominal pain and abnormal behaviors in IBS rats in different degrees of effects. The effect of abdominal pain-relief, from greatest to least, is ST25, ST36, GV29, and PC6, while the effect of relieving abnormal behaviors caused by IBS, from greatest to least, is GV29, PC6, ST36, and ST25. There are significant differences in the expressions of NMDA receptors in ACC and colon among different acupoints. This difference should be related to the location distribution and indications of acupoints.

[Applications of mathematical statistics methods on compatibility researches of traditional Chinese medicines formulae].

The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) formulae containing enormous information, is a complex component system. Applications of mathematical statistics methods on the compatibility researches of traditional Chinese medicines formulae have great significance for promoting the modernization of traditional Chinese medicines and improving clinical efficacies and optimizations of formulae. As a tool for quantitative analysis, data inference and exploring inherent rules of substances, the mathematical statistics method can be used to reveal the working mechanisms of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines formulae in qualitatively and quantitatively. By reviewing studies based on the applications of mathematical statistics methods, this paper were summarized from perspective of dosages optimization, efficacies and changes of chemical components as well as the rules of incompatibility and contraindication of formulae, will provide the references for further studying and revealing the working mechanisms and the connotations of traditional Chinese medicines.

Applications of mathematical statistics methods on compatibility researches of traditional Chinese medicines formulae / 中国中药杂志

The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) formulae containing enormous information, is a complex component system. Applications of mathematical statistics methods on the compatibility researches of traditional Chinese medicines formulae have great significance for promoting the modernization of traditional Chinese medicines and improving clinical efficacies and optimizations of formulae. As a tool for quantitative analysis, data inference and exploring inherent rules of substances, the mathematical statistics method can be used to reveal the working mechanisms of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines formulae in qualitatively and quantitatively. By reviewing studies based on the applications of mathematical statistics methods, this paper were summarized from perspective of dosages optimization, efficacies and changes of chemical components as well as the rules of incompatibility and contraindication of formulae, will provide the references for further studying and revealing the working mechanisms and the connotations of traditional Chinese medicines.

The effect of Vaccinium uliginosum on rabbit retinal structure and light-induced function damage / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Vaccinium uliginosum L., (VU) on the electroretinogram (ERG) and retinal pathological changes in rabbits after light-induced damage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-eight Chinchilla rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: administration beforehand (A), administration after injury (B), light injury without administration (C), and blank (D) groups. After a 4-week administration of VU homogenate at 4.8 g/(kg·d) once a day in group A, ERG in groups A, B and C were recorded according to the standards set by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV). Except for group D, the groups were then exposed to strong light. Just after that, group A stopped receiving VU treatment and group B started to receive it. Then ERGs in all groups were recorded after 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Throughout the whole process groups which were not fed with VU were fed with normal saline. Finally, the tissues and structures of all the groups were observed and the thickness of the outer nuclear layers (ONL) was measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) After 4-week feeding with VU, the latency time of ERG in group A became shorter than those in the other groups and the amplitude increased. After being exposed to strong light, the latency time lengthened and amplitude decreased in all the injury groups, but comparing at each time point, the measured values in group A were better than those in group C. With the accumulation of VU, the ERG in group B improved, and finally, all of the detected values became better than those in group C. (2) Retinae in group D were normal in histology and the layers were in order but those in group C became disarranged. The injuries in groups A and B were minor compared with those in group C. The thickness of the ONL in group C was significantly thinner than in the other groups (P=0.000), and that in groups A and B was thicker than that in group C, although thinner than in group D. That in group A was thicker than in group B.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>VU can relieve the injury to rabbit retinae exposed to normal day and night rhythm, alleviate the harm caused by light when used beforehand, and repair the light damage to the retina.</p>

Expression of a novel pyridoxal kinase mRNA splice variant, PKH-T, in human testis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To identify the genes specifically expressed in human adult and fetal testes and spermatozoa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A human testis cDNA microarray was established. Then mRNAs of human adult and fetal testis and spermatozoa were purified and probes were prepared by a reverse transcription reaction with mRNA as the template. The microarray was hybridized with probes of adult and fetal testes and spermatozoa. The nucleic acid sequences of differentially expressed genes were determined and homologies were searched in the databases of GenBank.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A novel human testis-specific gene, PKH-T, was identified by hybridizing adult and fetal testis and spermatozoa probes with a human testis cDNA microarray. The cDNA of PKH-T was 1 069 bp in length. The cDNA sequence of this clone was deposited in the Genbank (AY303972) and PKH-T was also determined as Interim GenSymbol (Unigene, HS.38041). PKH-T contained most PKH conserved motif. The 239 amino acid sequences deduced from the 719 bp open reading frame (ORF) had a homology with the gene PKH (U89606). PKH-T was specifically and strongly expressed in the testis. Comparison of the differential expressions of PKH and PKH-T in testes of different developmental stages indicated that PKH-T was expressed in the adult testis and spermatozoa, while PKH, in the adult, fetal and aged testes. PKH-T had no expression in the testis of Sertoli cell only and partially spermatogenic arrest patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PKH-T is a gene highly expressed in adult human testis and spermatozoa. It may play an important role in spermatogenesis and could be related to male infertility.</p>