XQZ3, a Chlorella pyrenoidosa polysaccharide suppresses cancer progression by restraining mitochondrial bioenergetics via HSP90/AKT signaling pathway.

The mitochondria are known to exert significant influence on various aspects of cancer cell physiology. The suppression of mitochondrial function represents a novel avenue for the advancement of anti-cancer pharmaceuticals. The heat shock protein HSP90 functions as a versatile regulator of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells, rendering as a promising target for anticancer interventions. In this work, a novel acid polysaccharide named as XQZ3 was extracted from Chlorella pyrenoidosa and purified by DEAE-cellulose and gel-filtration chromatography. The structural characteristic of XQZ3 was evaluated by monosaccharides composition, methylation analysis, TEM, FT-IR, and 2D-NMR. It was found that XQZ3 with a molecular weight of 29.13 kDa was a complex branched polysaccharide with a backbone mainly composed of galactose and mannose. It exhibited good antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo by patient-derived 3D organoid models and patient-derived xenografts models. The mechanistic investigations revealed that XQZ3 specifically interacted with HSP90, impeding the activation of the HSP90/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade. This, in turn, led to the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis, ultimately resulting in the demise of cancer cells due to nutrient deprivation. This study offers a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the advancement of XQZ3, a novel polysaccharide inhibitor targeting HSP90, with potential as an effective therapeutic agent against cancer.

Safe utilization of bioresources in gentamicin mycelial residues by thermal treatment: Antibiotic degradation, resistance gene inactivation and available nutrients promotion.

Gentamicin mycelium residues (GMRs) abundant in organic substances were generated during the production of gentamicin. Inappropriate handling techniques not only waste valuable resources, they could also result in residual gentamicin into the natural environment, leading to the generation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which would cause a significant threat to ecological system and human health. In the present work, the effects of thermal treatment on the removal of residual gentamicin in GMRs, as well as the changes of associated ARGs abundance, antimicrobial activity and bioresources properties were investigated. The results indicated that the hazards of GMRs was significantly reduced through thermal treatment. The degradation rate of residual gentamicin in GMRs reached 100 %, the total abundance of gentamicin resistance genes declined from 8.20 to 1.14 × 10-5 and the antibacterial activity of the decomposition products of GMRs on Vibrio fischeri was markedly reduced at 200 °C for 120 min. Additionally, the thermal treatment remarkably influenced the bioresource properties of GMRs-decomposition products. The release of soluble organic matters including soluble carbohydrates and soluble proteins have been enhanced in GMRs, while excessively high temperatures could lead to a reduction of nutrient substances. Generally, thermal treatment technology was a promising strategy for synergistic reducing hazards and utilizing bioresources of GMRs.

Catalpol rescues LPS-induced cognitive impairment via inhibition of NF-Κb-regulated neuroinflammation and up-regulation of TrkB-mediated BDNF secretion in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Septic-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a key manifestation of sepsis. Nevertheless, specific treatment for SAE is still lacking. Catalpol is an active component derived from Rehmanniae Radix, and has been demonstrated to be a potential neuroprotective agent. However, its effect on SAE still needs to be fully explored. AIM: To address the benefits of catalpol on post-sepsis cognitive deterioration and related mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Novel object recognition test, temporal order task, histopathology, and immunochemistry were applied to address the benefits of catalpol on LPS-triggered post-sepsis cognitive decline in mice. Xuebijing injection (10 ml/kg) has been utilized as a positive control in the above animal studies. After treatment, the catalpol content in the hippocampus was determined using LC-MS/MS. Finally, the mechanisms of catalpol were further assessed in BV2 and PC12 cells in vitro using Western blot, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, molecular docking tests, thermal shift assay, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: Behavior tests showed that catalpol therapy could lessen the cognitive impairment induced by LPS damage. HE, Nissl, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and Golgi staining further reflected that catalpol treatment could restore lymphocyte infiltration, blood-brain barrier (BBB) degradation, and the decreasing complexity of dendritic trees. According to LC-MS/MS analysis, catalpol had a 136 ng/mg concentration in the hippocampus. In vitro investigation showed that catalpol could inhibit microglia M1 polarization via blocking NF-κB phosphorylation, translocation and then reducing inflammatory cytokine release in BV2 microglia cells. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release up-regulation and TrkB pathway activation were observed in the catalpol treatment group in vivo and in vitro. The effect of catalpol on enhancing BDNF expression was inhibited by the specific inhibitor of TrkB (GNF-5837) in PC12 cells. Further molecular docking tests showed that catalpol formed weak hydrophobic bonds with TrkB. Besides, thermal shift assay also reflected that catalpol incubation caused a considerable change in the melting temperature of the TrkB. CONCLUSION: Catalpol alleviates LPS-triggered post-sepsis cognitive impairment by reversing neuroinflammation via blocking the NF-κB pathway, up-regulating neurotrophic factors via the activation of TrkB pathway, and preserving BBB integrity.

Exploring the Relationship Between Auditory Brainstem Response Testing and Disease Progression in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objective: This study aimed to examine auditory brainstem response (ABR) test results in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to provide valuable insights for the future diagnosis and treatment of ASD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 26 children diagnosed with ASD admitted to our hospital between April 2021 and December 2022 (the observation group) and 38 children who underwent health checkups during the same period (the control group). ABR testing was administered to both groups at our hospital. We assessed differences in ABR test results between the observation and control groups and analyzed the correlation between ABR test results and the outcomes of the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) surveys. Additionally, we examined variations in ABR test results among ASD children across different age groups. Results: In the observation group, we observed higher right ear latencies of waves I and III, as well as differences in left and right ear interpeak latencies (IPLs) of waves I-V compared to the control group (P < .05). However, the left and right ear IPLs of waves III-V were lower in the observation group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in ABR test results among ASD children of different ages (P > .05). Furthermore, we identified positive correlations between the right ear wave III latency, left ear wave I-III IPL, and right ear wave I-III IPL with ABC and CARS scores (P < .05). Conclusions: Children with ASD display abnormal ABR characteristics, indicating the potential of ABR as a valuable tool for evaluating ASD progression in the future.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage induced redox imbalance by modulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Background: One of the severely debilitating and fatal subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which lacks an adequate cure at present. The Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu (ZLHXTY) capsule has been utilized effectively since last decade to treat ICH, in some provinces of China but the scientific basis for its mechanism is lacking. Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective role of ZLHXTY capsules for ICH-induced oxidative injury through the regulation of redox imbalance with the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Methods: Autologous blood injection model of ICH in C57BL/6J mice was employed. Three treatment groups received ZLHXTY once daily through oral gavage at doses 0.35 g/kg, 0.7 g/kg, and 1.4 g/kg, started after 2 h and continued for 72 h of ICH induction. The neurological outcome was measured using a balance beam test. Serum was tested for inflammatory markers IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α through ELISA, oxidative stress through hydrogen peroxide content assay, and antioxidant status by total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) assay. Nuclear extract from brain tissue was assayed for Nrf2 transcriptional factor activity. RT-qPCR was performed for Nfe2l2, Sod1, Hmox1, Nqo1, and Mgst1; and Western blotting for determination of protein expression of Nrf2, p62, Pp62, Keap, HO1, and NQO1. Fluoro-jade C staining was also used to examine neuronal damage. Results: ZLHXTY capsule treatment following ICH demonstrated a protective effect against oxidative brain injury. Neurological scoring showed improvement in behavioral outcomes. ELISA-based identification demonstrated a significant decline in the expression of serum inflammatory markers. Hydrogen peroxide content in serum was found to be reduced. The total antioxidant capacity was also reduced in serum, but the ZLHXTY extract showed a concentration-dependent increase in T-AOC speculating at its intrinsic antioxidant potential. Nrf2 transcriptional factor activity, mRNA and protein expression analyses revealed normalization of Nrf2 and its downstream targets, which were previously elevated as a result of oxidative stress induced by ICH. Neuronal damage was also reduced markedly after ZLHXTY treatment as revealed by Fluoro-jade C staining. Conclusion: ZLHXTY capsules possess an intrinsic antioxidant potential that can modulate the ICH-induced redox imbalance in the brain as revealed by the normalization of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant targets.

A novel strategy to enhance photocatalytic killing of foodborne pathogenic bacteria by modification of non-metallic monomeric black phosphorus with Elaeagnus mollis polysaccharides.

New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the challenges of microbial food contamination. In this study, we investigated the potential of Elaeagnus mollis polysaccharide (EMP) to modify black phosphorus (BP) for use as a bactericide for foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The resulting compound (EMP-BP) displayed enhanced stability and activity compared with BP. EMP-BP exhibited an increased antibacterial activity (bactericidal efficiency of 99.999 % after 60 min of light exposure) compared to EMP and BP. Further studies revealed that photocatalytically generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and active polysaccharides acted collectively on the cell membrane, leading to cell deformation and death. Furthermore, EMP-BP inhibited biofilm formation and reduced expression of virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus, and material hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests prove that the material had good biocompatibility. In addition, bacteria treated with EMP-BP remained highly sensitive to antibiotics and did not develop significant resistance. In summary, we report an environmentally friendly method for controlling pathogenic foodborne bacteria that is efficient and apparently safe.

The effects of short term blue light treatment on promoting nutrition value in Chinese cabbage.

Chinese cabbage is a nutrients-rich vegetable with diverse leaf colors. Here, we used widely-targeted metabolomics technology to study the metabolic responses of three Chinese cabbage varieties with representative leaf colors after blue light treatment. The inner leaf color of orange varieties 20S530 and 15S1094 changed from yellow to golden yellow, while no visible color change occurred in the common variety 14S23 after the treatment. A total of 844 metabolites were measured from the leaf samples of these three varieties in a time course study after short term blue light treatment, with kaempferol-4'-O-glucoside, isoquercitrin, hyperin, arbutin, sulforaphane as enriched nutritional metabolites. Orange Chinese cabbage varieties showed additional nutrition enhancement after the treatment. This study is the first to explore the global metabolic responses of Chinese cabbage after blue light treatment, and our findings provided valuable insights on how to effectively use lighting conditions to enhance specific groups of nutrients in vegetables.

Toxicity Analysis of Mesoporous Polydopamine on Intestinal Tissue and Microflora.

As a promising therapy, photothermal therapy (PTT) converts near-infrared (NIR) light into heat through efficient photothermal agents (PTAs), causing a rapid increase in local temperature. Considering the importance of PTAs in the clinical application of PTT, the safety of PTAs should be carefully evaluated before their widespread use. As a promising PTA, mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) was studied for its clinical applications for tumor photothermal therapy and drug delivery. Given the important role that intestinal microflora plays in health, the impacts of MPDA on the intestine and on intestinal microflora were systematically evaluated in this study. Through biological and animal experiments, it was found that MPDA exhibited excellent biocompatibility, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that there was no obvious difference in the composition and classification of intestinal microflora between different drug delivery groups and the control group. The results provided new evidence that MPDA was safe to use in large doses via different drug delivery means, and this lays the foundation for further clinical applications.

Zanthoxylum-specific whole genome duplication and recent activity of transposable elements in the highly repetitive paleotetraploid Z. bungeanum genome.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum is an important spice and medicinal plant that is unique for its accumulation of abundant secondary metabolites, which create a characteristic aroma and tingling sensation in the mouth. Owing to the high proportion of repetitive sequences, high heterozygosity, and increased chromosome number of Z. bungeanum, the assembly of its chromosomal pseudomolecules is extremely challenging. Here, we present a genome sequence for Z. bungeanum, with a dramatically expanded size of 4.23 Gb, assembled into 68 chromosomes. This genome is approximately tenfold larger than that of its close relative Citrus sinensis. After the divergence of Zanthoxylum and Citrus, the lineage-specific whole-genome duplication event η-WGD approximately 26.8 million years ago (MYA) and the recent transposable element (TE) burst ~6.41 MYA account for the substantial genome expansion in Z. bungeanum. The independent Zanthoxylum-specific WGD event was followed by numerous fusion/fission events that shaped the genomic architecture. Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analyses suggested that prominent species-specific gene family expansions and changes in gene expression have shaped the biosynthesis of sanshools, terpenoids, and anthocyanins, which contribute to the special flavor and appearance of Z. bungeanum. In summary, the reference genome provides a valuable model for studying the impact of WGDs with recent TE activity on gene gain and loss and genome reconstruction and provides resources to accelerate Zanthoxylum improvement.

Comprehensive profiling of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, anti-HepG2 cell proliferation, and cholinesterase inhibitory potential of Elaeagnus mollis leaf extracts.

The aim of this work was to enrich the knowledge on the potential applications of Elaeagnus mollis leaf extracts. For this purpose, the bioactive compounds (phenolic, flavonoid, alkaloid, proanthocyanidin, chlorophyll and carotene content), antioxidant activity, anti-HepG2 cell proliferation, and cholinesterase inhibitory potential (AChE and BChE) of E. mollis leaves which obtained from different habitats were quantitatively analyzed using various solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane). The results showed that the methanol extracts exhibited the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and the water extracts showed the best antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing power (RP) assays. Moreover, the methanol extracts showed the best inhibitory activity against cholinesterase and HepG2 cancer cells. Correlation analysis revealed that the high antioxidant and anti-HepG2 cell proliferation activities were mainly attributed to the total phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins while AChE inhibition was attributed to the total alkaloid and carotene content. The statistical results showed that the effect of habitats was lower than that of different solvents used. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of E. mollis leaves were evaluated using HPLC-ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS, and a total of 1,017 chemical components were detected and classified into 23 classes. The organic acids and derivatives ranked the first, followed by flavone, amino acid and derivatives, and so on. In conclusion, the effects of different solvents were more significant than the effects of different habitats and the methanol extracts of E. mollis leaves could be used as an effective source of functional active components, provide benefits to physical health care and be applied to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cross­validation of genes potentially associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and platinum­based chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Ovarian carcinomas have the poorest prognosis and the highest mortality among gynecological malignancies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is considered as a novel therapeutic strategy and an alternative treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC). The aim of the present study was to identify the core genes related to platinum­based NACT resistance in AEOC and to allow screening at the molecular level for the most appropriate ovarian cancer patients for NACT. We obtained three drug­resistant microarrays GSE114206, GSE41499 and GSE33482 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as well as a microarray representing NACT, GSE109934. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the nature of the four potential candidate genes for using in functional enrichment analyses and interaction network construction. The potential associations and possible genetic alterations among the DEGs were summarized using the STRING database in Cytoscape and the cBioPortal visualization tool, respectively. A total of 63 genes were identified as DEGs from GSE109934 representing NACT. From the drug­resistant GSE114206 and GSE41499 datasets, 106 DEGs containing 36 upregulated genes and 70 downregulated genes were selected, and from the drug­resistant GSE114206 and GSE33482 datasets, 406 DEGs with 157 upregulated genes and 249 downregulated genes were selected. The 36 upregulated DEGs and the 70 downregulated genes were notably abundant in the different categories. In KEGG pathway analysis, the 157 upregulated genes and the 249 downregulated genes were concentrated in distinctive signaling pathways. Four potential genes associated with NACT and platinum­based chemoresistance were screened, including nuclear factor of activated T­cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NAFTc1), Kruppel­like factor 4 (KLF4), nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Our study showed that the mRNA expression levels of NAFTc1, NR4A3 and HGF were increased in drug­resistant OC cell lines (all P<0.01), whereas the mRNA expression levels of KLF4 were notably lower in the SKOV3­CDDP and HeyA8­CDDP cell line (all P<0.01) but higher in the A2780­CBP cell line. The NAFTc1, KLF4, NR4A3 and HGF genes may be potential therapeutic targets for NACT and platinum­based chemoresistance factors as well as candidate biomarkers in AEOC. Determination of the expression levels of these four genes in tumor tissues before planning NACT treatment or initial surgery would be beneficial for AEOC patients.

Genome survey of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and development of genomic-SSR markers in congeneric species.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum, a spice and medicinal plant, is cultivated in many parts of China and some countries in Southeast Asia; however, data on its genome are lacking. In the present study, we performed a whole-genome survey and developed novel genomic-SSR markers of Z. bungeanum. Clean data (∼197.16 Gb) were obtained and assembled into 11185221 scaffolds with an N50 of 183 bp. K-mer analysis revealed that Z. bungeanum has an estimated genome size of 3971.92 Mb, and the GC content, heterozygous rate, and repeat sequence rate are 37.21%, 1.73%, and 86.04%, respectively. These results indicate that the genome of Z. bungeanum is complex. Furthermore, 27153 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were identified from 57288 scaffolds with a minimum length > 1 kb. Mononucleotide repeats (19706) were the most abundant type, followed by dinucleotide repeats (5154). The most common motifs were A/T, followed by AT/AT; these SSRs accounted for 71.42% and 11.84% of all repeats, respectively. A total of 21243 non-repeating primer pairs were designed, and 100 were randomly selected and validated by PCR analysis using DNA from 10 Z. bungeanum individuals and 5 Zanthoxylum armatum individuals. Finally, 36 polymorphic SSR markers were developed with polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.75. Cluster analysis revealed that Z. bungeanum and Z. armatum could be divided into two major clusters, suggesting that these newly developed SSR markers are useful for genetic diversity and germplasm resource identification in Z. bungeanum and Z. armatum.

Dynamics of soil microbial C:N:P stoichiometry and its driving mechanisms following natural vegetation restoration after farmland abandonment.

Vegetation restoration after farmland abandonment has increased greatly and is commonly used to improve soil fertility and ecosystem service. Knowledge of soil community-level elemental homeostasis following natural vegetation restoration is specially limited for the abandoned farmlands. This study examined the changes in soil microbial biomass stoichiometry and homeostasis with a chronosequence of 3, 8, 13, 18, 23 and 30 years following natural vegetation restoration since farmland abandonment on the Loess Plateau, China. Vegetation communities, soil properties, microbial communities, and enzyme activities were analyzed to study the drivers on soil microbial C:N:P stoichiometry. The results showed that soil microbial biomass C: N ratios had little change following natural vegetation restoration since farmland abandonment, natural vegetation >23 years had significantly enhanced the microbial biomass C:P and N:P ratios by 26.1%-133.9% and 31.7%-67.4%, respectively. However, microbial biomass C:N, C:P and N:P ratios were constrained following natural vegetation restoration. Vegetation restoration for 30 years enhanced urease and alkaline phosphatase activities by 125.4% and 42.9%, respectively, which showed synchronous changes with N and P contents in microbial biomass. Soil fungi, urease and alkaline phosphatase were the drivers to the changes in microbial C:N:P stoichiometry. The results suggest that long-term vegetation restoration (>23 years) will aggravate microbial P limitation, however, soil microorganism maintained the homeostatic regulation of stoichiometric ratios to mitigate P limitation. Fungi played a strong role in shaping microbial community-level elemental homeostasis and nutrient cycling through releasing N-converting and P-converting enzymes into soil following natural vegetation restoration.

Curcumin attenuates collagen-induced rat arthritis via anti-inflammatory and apoptotic effects.

Curcumin is a natural herbal product that has been popularly used to treat autoimmune diseases in China; however, its effects on rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanism are not clear. The main purposes of this study are to explore the therapeutic effects of curcumin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and the pharmacological mechanism. In the present study, CIA rats were established by injecting bovine type II collagen. Curcumin and methotrexate were then orally administered daily, and the swelling degree of the hind limb joints was scored every two days. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-17 and TGF-ß) were detected by radioimmunoassay, while the expression of IκBα and COX-2 was detected by Western blot. In addition, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, and the effect of curcumin on macrophage apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. The results indicated that in vivo curcumin attenuated the degree of joint swelling of rats and the further development of joint histopathology. Moreover, it downregulated the levels of cytokines. In vitro curcumin inhibited the degradation of IκBα and reduced the production of COX-2 in LPS-induced inflammatory RAW264.7 cells. Importantly, curcumin significantly induced macrophage apoptosis. In conclusion, in this study, we have demonstrated that curcumin exerts therapeutic effects on arthritis in CIA rats and has a strong pharmacological activity on reducing the inflammatory response in macrophages. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the promotion of macrophage apoptosis.

Transcriptome analysis of yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge): a potential oil-rich seed tree for biodiesel in China.

BACKGROUND: Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge) is an oil-rich seed shrub that grows well in cold, barren environments and has great potential for biodiesel production in China. However, the limited genetic data means that little information about the key genes involved in oil biosynthesis is available, which limits further improvement of this species. In this study, we describe sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly to produce the first comprehensive and integrated genomic resource for yellow horn and identify the pathways and key genes related to oil accumulation. In addition, potential molecular markers were identified and compiled. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Total RNA was isolated from 30 plants from two regions, including buds, leaves, flowers and seeds. Equal quantities of RNA from these tissues were pooled to construct a cDNA library for 454 pyrosequencing. A total of 1,147,624 high-quality reads with total and average lengths of 530.6 Mb and 462 bp, respectively, were generated. These reads were assembled into 51,867 unigenes, corresponding to a total of 36.1 Mb with a mean length, N50 and median of 696, 928 and 570 bp, respectively. Of the unigenes, 17,541 (33.82%) were unmatched in any public protein databases. We identified 281 unigenes that may be involved in de novo fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis and metabolism. Furthermore, 6,707 SSRs, 16,925 SNPs and 6,201 InDels with high-confidence were also identified in this study. CONCLUSIONS: This transcriptome represents a new functional genomics resource and a foundation for further studies on the metabolic engineering of yellow horn to increase oil content and modify oil composition. The potential molecular markers identified in this study provide a basis for polymorphism analysis of Xanthoceras, and even Sapindaceae; they will also accelerate the process of breeding new varieties with better agronomic characteristics.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on plasma estrin and bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on plasma estrin (E) 2 and bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats for studying its underlying mechanism in treating osteoporosis. METHODS: Thirty-two female SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, EA, and medication groups with 8 rats in each group. Postmenopausal osteoporosis model was established by removing the uterus under anesthesia (2% Phenobarbital, 40 mg/kg). In EA group, bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 32) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) were punctured and stimulated electrically for 20 minutes with 1-3 Hz in frequency, 1 ms in duration of waves, and 0.7-1.0 mA in strength, once daily and 8 weeks altogether. Rats of medication group were drenched with 5% Nilestriol, 5 mL/week and for 8 weeks. At the end of experiments, blood samples were collected after removing the rat eyeball, and the left femoral bone tissue was taken. Serum E2 was assayed by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and BMD was measured by using double functional X-ray digital bone density meter. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the body weight of model group was significantly bigger (P < 0.05), and that of model group was also significantly bigger than that of EA and medication groups (P < 0.11). No significant differences were found among the 4 groups before experiments and among normal control and EA groups after treatment (P > 0.05). In comparison with normal group, BMD and serum E2 of model group decreased significantly (P < 0. 01), while compared with model group, BMD and E2 of EA and medication groups increased significantly (P < 0.01, < 0.05). No significant differences were found among normal, EA and medication groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both EA and medication can increase BMD and serum E2 in OVX rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating osteoporosis.

Metabolic and functional protection by selective inhibition of nitric oxide synthase 2 during ischemia-reperfusion in isolated perfused hearts.

BACKGROUND: Drugs that selectively block nitric oxide synthase (NOS) 2 enzyme activity by inhibiting dimerization of NOS2 monomers have recently been developed. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate whether selective inhibition of NOS2 is cardioprotective, rats were pretreated for 2 days with BBS2, an inhibitor of NOS2 dimerization, at 15 mg/kg SC. Isolated buffer-perfused hearts from treated (n=9) and control (n=7) hearts were subjected to 20 minutes of ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. NOS2 protein was upregulated in all hearts at the end of ischemia and of reperfusion; NOS2 enzyme activity was 60% lower in hearts from the treated animals. In the treated hearts, the increase in end-diastolic pressure was significantly attenuated at the end of ischemia, and the return of developed pressure at reperfusion was greater (P<0.05). Creatine kinase release at reperfusion was lower in treated hearts than in controls (P=0.02). At the end of ischemia and of reperfusion, myocardial ATP levels were significantly higher in the treated hearts than in controls (P<0.05). In the treated hearts under ischemic conditions, lactate content was higher and the lactate/pyruvate ratio was lower than in controls (P<0.05); GAPDH activity was higher; and G-3-P and aldose reductase activity were lower. At reperfusion, in the treated hearts, there was less histological damage and less apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with BBS2, a selective inhibitor of NOS2, improves contractile performance, preserves myocardial ATP, and reduces damage and death of cardiac myocytes during ischemia and reperfusion of isolated buffer-perfused rat hearts.

[Survey on vitamin A deficiency in children under-6-years in China].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence and spatial distribution of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in China among children at ages under six years. METHODS: About 8,600 children under 6 years of age in 14 cities and 28 counties of 14 provinces were selected with stratified cluster sampling for survey, including interview with questionnaire for their family information and nutritional status. Blood specimens were collected for measuring serum level of VA with fluorescent spectrophotometry in laboratory. RESULTS: Totally, 8,669 children under 6 (2,877 in urban area and 5,792 in rural area) were surveyed in 14 provinces, with 4,629 males and 4,040 females. Eight cases of night blindness and seven cases of xerophthalmia were found among the children at ages of two to five years. Sixty-one mothers of the children in this group were also found suffering from night blindness. All the cases of night blindness and xerophthalmia both in children and mothers were living in rural areas. Based on their serum levels of VA, 11.7% of the all 1 018 children were diagnosed as VAD, with serum VA concentrations below or equal to 0.70 micro mol/L. Prevalence of VAD was 15.0% and 5.8% in rural (23.3% in the poverty-stricken counties) and urban areas, respectively, and 5.8%, 11.5% and 16.8% in the coastal, inland and remote areas, respectively. The average serum level of VA was 1.20 micro mol/L and 0.99 micro mol/L for urban and rural areas, respectively, with a national average of 1.06 micro mol/L. And, babies under six months of age with an average serum levels of VA < or = 0.70 micro mol/L accounted for 33.4%, and those at ages of four to five years with the same level of VA accounted for 8%. There was significant difference in serum levels of VA between ages, but no significant difference between genders. CONCLUSION: VAD did exist in children of China, especially in the remote and poverty-stricken rural areas and VA supplementation is urgently needed for the children in these regions.