Revealing of Intracellular Antioxidants in Dendrobium nobile by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The medicinal plant Dendrobium nobile is an important natural antioxidant resource. To reveal the antioxidants of D. nobile, high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed for metabolic analysis. The H2O2-induced oxidative damage was used in human embryonic kidney 293T (H293T) cells to assess intracellular antioxidant activities. Cells incubated with flower and fruit extracts showed better cell survival, lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities than those incubated with root, stem, and leaf extracts (p < 0.01). A total of 13 compounds were newly identified as intracellular antioxidants by association analysis, including coniferin, galactinol, trehalose, beta-D-lactose, trigonelline, nicotinamide-N-oxide, shikimic acid, 5'-deoxy-5'-(methylthio)adenosine, salicylic acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohespeidoside, methylhesperidin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and cis-aconitic acid (R2 > 0.8, Log2FC > 1, distribution > 0.1%, and p < 0.01). They showed lower molecular weight and higher polarity, compared to previously identified in vitro antioxidants in D. nobile (p < 0.01). The credibility of HPLC-MS/MS relative quantification was verified by common methods. In conclusion, some saccharides and phenols with low molecular weight and high polarity helped protect H293T cells from oxidative damage by increasing the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes and reducing intracellular ROS levels. The results enriched the database of safe and effective intracellular antioxidants in medicinal plants.

N-acetylcysteine regulates dental follicle stem cell osteogenesis and alveolar bone repair via ROS scavenging.

BACKGROUND: Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) show mesenchymal stem cell properties with the potential for alveolar bone regeneration. Stem cell properties can be impaired by reactive oxygen species (ROS), prompting us to examine the importance of scavenging ROS for stem cell-based tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a promising antioxidant, on the properties of DFSCs and DFSC-based alveolar bone regeneration. METHODS: DFSCs were cultured in media supplemented with different concentrations of NAC (0-10 mM). Cytologic experiments, RNA-sequencing and antioxidant assays were performed in vitro in human DFSCs (hDFSCs). Rat maxillary first molar extraction models were constructed, histological and radiological examinations were performed at day 7 post-surgery to investigate alveolar bone regeneration in tooth extraction sockets after local transplantation of NAC, rat DFSCs (rDFSCs) or NAC-treated rDFSCs. RESULTS: 5 mM NAC-treated hDFSCs exhibited better proliferation, less senescent rate, higher stem cell-specific marker and immune-related factor expression with the strongest osteogenic differentiation; other concentrations were also beneficial for maintaining stem cell properties. RNA-sequencing identified 803 differentially expressed genes between hDFSCs with and without 5 mM NAC. "Developmental process (GO:0032502)" was prominent, bioinformatic analysis of 394 involved genes revealed functional and pathway enrichment of ossification and PI3K/AKT pathway, respectively. Furthermore, after NAC treatment, the reduction of ROS levels (ROS, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide), the induction of antioxidant levels (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), the upregulation of PI3K/AKT signaling (PI3K-p110, PI3K-p85, AKT, phosphorylated-PI3K-p85, phosphorylated-AKT) and the rebound of ROS level upon PI3K/AKT inhibition were showed. Local transplantation of NAC, rDFSCs or NAC-treated rDFSCs was safe and promoted oral socket bone formation after tooth extraction, with application of NAC-treated rDFSCs possessing the best effect. CONCLUSIONS: The proper concentration of NAC enhances DFSC properties, especially osteogenesis, via PI3K/AKT/ROS signaling, and offers clinical potential for stem cell-based alveolar bone regeneration.

Quantitative Identification of Antioxidant Basis for Dendrobium Nobile Flower by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Dendrobium nobile is a beautiful orchid and a widely used medicinal plant. In vitro antioxidant assays suggested that D. noblie flower extracts showed significantly higher 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging rates and much more ferric-reducing power than those of root, stem, leaf and fruit. To better understand the antioxidant basis of D. nobile flower, high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used for metabolic identification and quantification. Finally, there were 72 metabolites among the total of 712 identified components showed significant association (coefficient >0.8, p < 0.05) with ABTS scavenging rates, DPPH scavenging rates, and ferric-reducing power. The three enriched classes of flower metabolites, including amino acids and their derivatives, organic acids and their derivatives, and flavonoids, formed the main antioxidant basis. The significantly accumulated rutin, astragalin, isomucronulatol-7-O-glucoside, quercetin 4'-O-glucoside, methylquercetin O-hexoside, caffeic acid, caffeic acid O-glucoside, and p-coumaric acid (Log2(fold change) >2, p < 0.01, distribution in flower >0.1%) made a key contribution to the higher antioxidant activities in flower. The relative quantification results of HPLC-MS/MS were verified by the common quantification methods. The antioxidant basis revealed of D. nobile flower will be helpful in the production of healthy or beauty products.

Genome-Wide Identification of Wheat ZIP Gene Family and Functional Characterization of the TaZIP13-B in Plants.

The ZIP (Zn-regulated, iron-regulated transporter-like protein) transporter plays an important role in regulating the uptake, transport, and accumulation of microelements in plants. Although some studies have identified ZIP genes in wheat, the significance of this family is not well understood, particularly its involvement under Fe and Zn stresses. In this study, we comprehensively characterized the wheat ZIP family at the genomic level and performed functional verification of three TaZIP genes by yeast complementary analysis and of TaZIP13-B by transgenic Arabidopsis. Totally, 58 TaZIP genes were identified based on the genome-wide search against the latest wheat reference (IWGSC_V1.1). They were then classified into three groups, based on phylogenetic analysis, and the members within the same group shared the similar exon-intron structures and conserved motif compositions. Expression pattern analysis revealed that the most of TaZIP genes were highly expressed in the roots, and nine TaZIP genes displayed high expression at grain filling stage. When exposed to ZnSO4 and FeCl3 solutions, the TaZIP genes showed differential expression patterns. Additionally, six ZIP genes responded to zinc-iron deficiency. A total of 57 miRNA-TaZIP interactions were constructed based on the target relationship, and three miRNAs were downregulated when exposed to the ZnSO4 and FeCl3 stresses. Yeast complementation analysis proved that TaZIP14-B, TaZIP13-B, and TaIRT2-A could transport Zn and Fe. Finally, overexpression of TaZIP13-B in Arabidopsis showed that the transgenic plants displayed better tolerance to Fe/Zn stresses and could enrich more metallic elements in their seeds than wild-type Arabidopsis. This study systematically analyzed the genomic organization, gene structure, expression profiles, regulatory network, and the biological function of the ZIP family in wheat, providing better understanding of the regulatory roles of TaZIPs and contributing to improve nutrient quality in wheat crops.

[Correlation analysis and breeding application of agronomic traits and quality indexes in Dendrobium nobile].

The present study aimed to explore the correlation between agronomic traits and quality indexes of Dendrobium nobile and its application value in agricultural breeding. The cultivated strains of D. nobile in Hejiang-Chishui producing areas were extensively collected,and the main agronomic traits and quality indexes were measured. The agronomic traits with significant correlation with quality indexes were screened out by the correlation analysis,and then the parental lines and self-bred F_1 generation plants were furtherverified. Among 96 lines of D. nobile,the content of soluble polysaccharides showed a significant negative correlation with dendrobine( P < 0. 01),and no significant correlation with agronomic traits in stems and leaves. The content of dendrobine exhibited a significant positive correlation with the stem width-thickness ratio( at the largest cross section; P < 0. 01),and no significant correlation with other agronomic traits. Regression analysis further verified the positive correlation between dendrobine content and stem width-thickness ratio( R2> 0. 9). Two lines,JC-10 and JC-35,with significant differences in stem width-thickness ratio were screened out( P <0. 05). The corresponding F1 generation plants by self-pollination both showed that the dendrobine content was higher with greater stem width-thickness ratio( P < 0. 01). The experimental results suggested that within a certain range,the dendrobine content was higher in D. nobile with flatter stem. Therefore,in the breeding of D. nobile,this specific trait could be used for screening plants with high content of quality indexes such as dendrobine.

AtENO2 functions in the development of male gametophytes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Pollen fertility is an important factor affecting the seed setting rate and seed yield of plants. The Arabidopsis thaliana enolase gene ENO2 (AtENO2) can affect the pollen morphology, germination, and pollen tube growth. AtENO2 encodes two proteins AtENO2 and AtMBP-1. To examine the effect of AtENO2 protein on pollen development, the 2nd ATG of the AtENO2 coding sequence for AtMBP-1 was mutated by site-directed mutagenesis, and transgenic plants expressing only AtENO2 but not AtMBP-1 were obtained. Phenotypic analysis indicated that AtENO2 was essential in the pollen development. The mechanisms of AtENO2 on pollen development were analyzed. AtENO2 can affect development of the pollen intine, and the mechanism may be that AtENO2 regulated the methyl esterification of pectin in pollen intine through ARF3 and AtPMEI-pi. The -734 ∼ -573 sequence of AtENO2 promoter is the main transcriptional regulatory region of AtENO2 affecting pollen development. The functional cis-acting element may be GTGANTG10(GTGA), and the trans-acting factors may be KAN, AS2 and ARF3/ETT. Moreover, the deletion of AtENO2 can cause significant difference in the expression of multiple genes related to pollen exine development. These results are useful for further studying the function of AtENO2 and exploring the mechanism of plant pollen development.

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor genes and their responses to drought stress in ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

BACKGROUND: Ginseng is an important medicinal herb in Asia and Northern America. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor genes play important roles in many biological processes and plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, such as drought stress. Nevertheless, the genes remain unknown in ginseng. RESULTS: Here, we report 91 bZIP genes identified from ginseng, designated PgbZIP genes. These PgbZIP genes were alternatively spliced into 273 transcripts. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the PgbZIP genes into ten groups, including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and S. Gene Ontology (GO) categorized the PgbZIP genes into five functional subcategories, suggesting that they have diversified in functionality, even though their putative proteins share a number of conserved motifs. These 273 PgbZIP transcripts expressed differentially across 14 tissues, the roots of different ages and the roots of different genotypes. However, the transcripts of the genes expressed coordinately and were more likely to form a co-expression network. Furthermore, we studied the responses of the PgbZIP genes to drought stress in ginseng using a random selection of five PgbZIP genes, including PgbZIP25, PgbZIP38, PgbZIP39, PgbZIP53 and PgbZIP54. The results showed that all five PgbZIP genes responded to drought stress in ginseng, indicating that the PgbZIP genes play important roles in ginseng responses to drought stress. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide knowledge and gene resources for deeper functional analysis of the PgbZIP genes and molecular tools for enhanced drought tolerance breeding in ginseng.

Structural variation, functional differentiation and expression characteristics of the AP2/ERF gene family and its response to cold stress and methyl jasmonate in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

The APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) gene family has been shown to play a crucial role in plant growth and development, stress responses and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Nevertheless, little is known about the gene family in ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), an important medicinal herb in Asia and North America. Here, we report the systematic analysis of the gene family in ginseng using several transcriptomic databases. A total of 189 putative AP2/ERF genes, defined as PgERF001 through PgERF189, were identified and these PgERF genes were spliced into 397 transcripts. The 93 PgERF genes that have complete AP2 domains in open reading frame were classified into five subfamilies, DREB, ERF, AP2, RAV and Soloist. The DREB subfamily and ERF subfamily were further clustered into four and six groups, respectively, compared to the 12 groups of these subfamilies found in Arabidopsis thaliana. Gene ontology categorized these 397 transcripts of the 189 PgERF genes into eight functional subcategories, suggesting their functional differentiation, and they have been especially enriched for the subcategory of nucleic acid binding transcription factor activity. The expression activity and networks of the 397 PgERF transcripts have substantially diversified across tissues, developmental stages and genotypes. The expressions of the PgERF genes also significantly varied, when ginseng was subjected to cold stress, as tested using six PgERF genes, PgERF073, PgERF079, PgERF110, PgERF115, PgERF120 and PgERF128, randomly selected from the DREB subfamily. This result suggests that the DREB subfamily genes play an important role in plant response to cold stress. Finally, we studied the responses of the PgERF genes to methyl jasmonate (MeJA). We found that 288 (72.5%) of the 397 PgERF gene transcripts responded to the MeJA treatment, with 136 up-regulated and 152 down-regulated, indicating that most members of the PgERF gene family are responsive to MeJA. These results, therefore, provide new resources and knowledge necessary for family-wide functional analysis of the PgERF genes in ginseng and related species.

Quantitative assessment of secondary metabolites and cancer cell inhibiting activity by high performance liquid chromatography fingerprinting in Dendrobium nobile.

Dendrobium nobile is an important medicinal food beneficial for human health, well known for polysaccharides and dendrobine. For fast, accurate, and comprehensive comparison of its quality, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting method was constructed. Firstly, spring frost stressed D. nobile herb was observed for assessment. Decreased leaf thickness, chlorophyll, and drying rate, and increased free-proline indicated heavy damages on growth. But, the content of polysaccharides increased significantly in during-frost (DF), and dropped significantly in after-frost (AF). The content of dendrobine accumulated significantly in AF. Then, low similarity among HPLC fingerprints of before-frost (BF), DF, and AF, and 75.82% of significantly variant peaks indicated the changing of much more components. Especially, some less-polar components increased significantly in DF, but not in AF. Moreover, the highest suppression rates (SRs) to A549 lung cancer cells were up to 33.08% in DF, but only 15.63% and 12.12% in BF and AF. After association analysis, eleven less-polar components were found to be significantly and positively correlated to SRs under relatively high concentration. The result shows that frost stress not only causes damages to plant growth, but also promotes the accumulation of some health-beneficial bioactive metabolites. HPLC based fingerprinting method shows good applicability on quality evaluation and bioactivity correlation analysis of complexed agricultural products.

Litter quality drives the differentiation of microbial communities in the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

Cellulose and lignin are the main polymeric components of the forest litter horizon. We monitored microbial community composition using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and investigated the ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzyme activities of the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The activities of ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzymes and the biomass of microbial PLFAs were higher in the initial stage of litter decomposition than in the latter stage in the three vegetation types (coniferous forest, alpine shrubland and alpine meadow). Soil microbial community structure varied significantly over the course of litter decomposition in the three vegetation types. Furthermore, the BIOENV procedure revealed that the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, carbon to phosphorus (C:P) ratio and moisture content (MC) were the most important determinants of microbial community structure in the initial stage of litter decomposition, whereas pH and the lignin concentration were the major factors influencing the microbial community structure in the later stage of litter decomposition. These findings indicate that litter quality drives the differentiation of microbial communities in the litter horizon across an alpine treeline ecotone in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

The Y-chromosome haplogroup C3*-F3918, likely attributed to the Mongol Empire, can be traced to a 2500-year-old nomadic group.

The Mongol Empire had a significant role in shaping the landscape of modern populations. Many populations living in Eurasia may have been the product of population mixture between ancient Mongolians and natives following the expansion of Mongol Empire. Geneticists have found that most of these populations carried the Y-haplogroup C3* (C-M217). To trace the history of haplogroup (Hg) C3* and to further understand the origin and development of Mongolians, ancient human remains from the Jinggouzi, Chenwugou and Gangga archaeological sites, which belonged to the Donghu, Xianbei and Shiwei, respectively, were analysed. Our results show that nine of the eleven males of the Gangga site, two of the eight males of Chengwugou site and all of the twelve males of Jinggouzi site were found to have mutations at M130 (Hg C), M217 (Hg C3), L1373 (C2b, ISOGG2015), with the absence of mutations at M93 (Hg C3a), P39 (Hg C3b), M48 (Hg C3c), M407 (Hg C3d) and P62 (Hg C3f). These samples were attributed to the Y-chromosome Hg C3* (Hg C2b, ISOGG2015), and most of them were further typed as Hg C2b1a based on the mutation at F3918. Finally, we inferred that the Y-chromosome Hg C3*-F3918 can trace its origins to the Donghu ancient nomadic group.

Genetic diversity of two Neolithic populations provides evidence of farming expansions in North China.

The West Liao River Valley and the Yellow River Valley are recognized Neolithic farming centers in North China. The population dynamics between these two centers have significantly contributed to the present-day genetic patterns and the agricultural advances of North China. To understand the Neolithic farming expansions between the West Liao River Valley and the Yellow River Valley, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the Y chromosome of 48 individuals from two archeological sites, Jiangjialiang (>3000 BC) and Sanguan (~1500 BC). These two sites are situated between the two farming centers and experienced a subsistence shift from hunting to farming. We did not find a significant difference in the mtDNA, but their genetic variations in the Y chromosome were different. Individuals from the Jiangjialiang belonged to two Y haplogroups, N1 (not N1a or N1c) and N1c. The individuals from the Sanguan are Y haplogroup O3. Two stages of migration are supported. Populations from the West Liao River Valley spread south at about 3000 BC, and a second northward expansion from the Yellow River Valley occurred later (3000-1500 BC).

Draft genome of the peanut A-genome progenitor (Arachis duranensis) provides insights into geocarpy, oil biosynthesis, and allergens.

Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a legume of South American origin, has high seed oil content (45-56%) and is a staple crop in semiarid tropical and subtropical regions, partially because of drought tolerance conferred by its geocarpic reproductive strategy. We present a draft genome of the peanut A-genome progenitor, Arachis duranensis, and 50,324 protein-coding gene models. Patterns of gene duplication suggest the peanut lineage has been affected by at least three polyploidizations since the origin of eudicots. Resequencing of synthetic Arachis tetraploids reveals extensive gene conversion in only three seed-to-seed generations since their formation by human hands, indicating that this process begins virtually immediately following polyploid formation. Expansion of some specific gene families suggests roles in the unusual subterranean fructification of Arachis For example, the S1Fa-like transcription factor family has 126 Arachis members, in contrast to no more than five members in other examined plant species, and is more highly expressed in roots and etiolated seedlings than green leaves. The A. duranensis genome provides a major source of candidate genes for fructification, oil biosynthesis, and allergens, expanding knowledge of understudied areas of plant biology and human health impacts of plants, informing peanut genetic improvement and aiding deeper sequencing of Arachis diversity.

Low Mitochondrial DNA Diversity in an Ancient Population from China: Insight into Social Organization at the Fujia Site.

To gain insight into the social organization of a population associated with the Dawenkou period, we performed ancient DNA analysis of 18 individuals from human remains from the Fujia site in Shandong Province, China. Directly radiocarbon dated to 4800-4500 cal BP, the Fujia site is assumed to be associated with a transitional phase from matrilineal clans to patrilineal monogamous families. Our results reveal a low mitochondrial DNA diversity from the site and population. Combined with Y chromosome data, the pattern observed at the Fujia site is most consistent with a matrilineal community. The patterns also suggest that the bond of marriage was de-emphasized compared with the bonds of descent at Fujia.

Ancient DNA reveals that the genetic structure of the northern Han Chinese was shaped prior to 3,000 years ago.

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world, and their origins, development, and expansion are complex. Many genetic studies have shown that Han Chinese can be divided into two distinct groups: northern Han Chinese and southern Han Chinese. The genetic history of the southern Han Chinese has been well studied. However, the genetic history of the northern Han Chinese is still obscure. In order to gain insight into the genetic history of the northern Han Chinese, 89 human remains were sampled from the Hengbei site which is located in the Central Plain and dates back to a key transitional period during the rise of the Han Chinese (approximately 3,000 years ago). We used 64 authentic mtDNA data obtained in this study, 27 Y chromosome SNP data profiles from previously studied Hengbei samples, and genetic datasets of the current Chinese populations and two ancient northern Chinese populations to analyze the relationship between the ancient people of Hengbei and present-day northern Han Chinese. We used a wide range of population genetic analyses, including principal component analyses, shared mtDNA haplotype analyses, and geographic mapping of maternal genetic distances. The results show that the ancient people of Hengbei bore a strong genetic resemblance to present-day northern Han Chinese and were genetically distinct from other present-day Chinese populations and two ancient populations. These findings suggest that the genetic structure of northern Han Chinese was already shaped 3,000 years ago in the Central Plain area.

Two genes conferring resistance to Pythium stalk rot in maize inbred line Qi319.

Stalk rots are destructive diseases in maize around the world, and are most often caused by the pathogen Pythium, Fusarium and other fungi. The most efficient management for controlling stalk rots is to breed resistant cultivars. Pythium stalk rot can cause serious yield loss on maize, and to find the resistance genes from the existing germplasm is the basis to develop Pythium-resistance hybrid lines. In this study, we investigated the genetic resistance to Pythium stalk rot in inbred line Qi319 using F2 and F2:3 population, and found that the resistance to Pythium inflatum in Qi319 was conferred by two independently inherited dominant genes, RpiQI319-1 and RpiQI319-2. Linkage analysis uncovered that the RpiQI319-1 co-segregated with markers bnlg1203, and bnlg2057 on chromosome 1, and that the RpiQI319-2 locus co-segregated with markers umc2069 and bnlg1716 on chromosome 10. The RpiQI319-1 locus was further mapped into a ~500-kb interval flanked by markers SSRZ33 and SSRZ47. These results will facilitate marker-assisted selection of Pythium stalk rot-resistant cultivars in maize breeding. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the resistance to P. inflatum in the inbred line Qi319, and is also the first description of two independently inherited dominant genes conferring the resistance of Pythium stalk rot in maize.

Cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides from Beesia calthaefolia and their anticomplement activity.

Two new 9,19-cycloartane triterpenes (1, 2), together with three known compounds (3-5), were isolated from the whole plant of Beesia calthaefolia. Their structures were determined by the application of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Compound 1 showed moderate anticomplement activity similar to that of the positive control (rosmarinic acid), while compounds 3 and 4 showed weak activity. The results suggest that 6'-O-(4″-hydroxy-3″-methoxy-benzoyl)-ß-D-glucosyl of 9,19-cycloartane-type triterpenoids could be a structure that is essential for anticomplement activity.

Effects of (20S*,24R*)-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanstane-3ß,12ß,16ß,25-pentaol-3-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside extracted from rhizoma Beesia on immunoregulation and anti-inflammation.

(20S*,24R*)-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanstane-3ß,12ß,16ß,25-pentaol-3-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside (BC1) is a kind of natural bioactive substance extracted from Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.)Ulbr. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of BC1 on the proliferation of lymphocytes, phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage, and cytokine secretion, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß, and the foot pad thickness index, which is beneficial for understanding the mechanism of BC1 on immunoregulation and anti-inflammation and also will benefit our further research. The proliferation of splenic lymphocyte induced by mitogen (concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) was detected using the cell counting kit assay. The neutral red phagocytic test of macrophages was determined by colorimetric method. The gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß were measured by real time RT-PCR and ELISA in serum, spleen, and lymphocytes, respectively. In vitro, our present study has shown that BC1 (31.25-250 µg/ml) could inhibit the proliferation of splenic lymphocyte and phagocytosis of macrophages, and inhibit the increased production of TNF-α and IL-1ß in protein and gene levels. In mice, LPS could increase the gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß, respectively, but BC1 (12.5-50 µg/kg) could recover the increased gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß induced by LPS in the spleen and serum of mice. Treatment of arthritic rats with BC1 (1.5 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant reduction in foot pad thickness index and serum TNF-α level comparable to the indomethacin-treated arthritic rats, proving its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the function of immunoregulation of BC1 may be accomplished through modulating the gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß.

Cycloartane triterpenes from Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.).

Three new cycloartane triterpenoids (1-3) and two known compounds (4, 5) were isolated from the whole plant of Beesia calthaefolia. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and optical rotation spectral data. All isolates were investigated for their inhibitory effects on the classical pathway of the complement system. Among them, compound 4 showed stronger inhibitory activity (IC50 136.7 µM) than positive control (Rosmarinic acid, IC50 181.8 µM) while compounds 2 and 3 were moderately active with IC50 value of 206 µM and 200.9 µM. Chemical compound studied in this article: Rosmarinic acid (PubChem CID: 5281792).

Genetic characteristics and migration history of a bronze culture population in the West Liao-River valley revealed by ancient DNA.

In order to study the genetic characteristics of the Lower Xiajiadian culture (LXC) population, a main bronze culture branch in northern China dated 4500-3500 years ago, two uniparentally inherited markers, mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome single-nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs), were analyzed on 14 human remains excavated from the Dadianzi site. The 14 sequences, which contained 13 haplotypes, were assigned to 9 haplogroups, and Y-SNP typing of 5 male individuals assigned them to haplogroups N (M231) and O3 (M122). The results indicate that the LXC population mainly included people carrying haplogroups from northern Asia who had lived in this region since the Neolithic period, as well as genetic evidence of immigration from the Central Plain. Later in the Bronze Age, part of the population migrated to the south away from a cooler climate, which ultimately influenced the gene pool in the Central Plain. Thus, climate change is an important factor, which drove the population migration during the Bronze Age in northern China. Based on these results, the local genetic continuity did not seem to be affected by outward migration, although more data are needed especially from other ancient populations to determine the influence of return migration on genetic continuity.