Phytochemical Constituents from the Seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Their Antioxidant Activities.

Phytochemical investigation of 70% EtOH extract of the seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris led to the isolation of a new cyclobutane organic acid (1), and fourteen known compounds, including two organosulfur compounds (2, 3), two quinonoids (4, 5), five flavonoids (6-10), three sterols (11-13) and two other types (14, 15). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses as well as comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The antioxidant capacities of all compounds and extractive fractions were evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging test and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Then the antioxidative substances were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced HT22 cell injury. The results indicated the strong scavenging ability to free radical of the extractive fractions and compounds 1-3, 8-10 and 13, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power of the extractive fractions and compounds 1-3, 8 and 10, which were close to or higher than that of the positive control trolox. The EtOAc fraction, n-BuOH fraction, and compounds 1, 3 and 8 can protect HT-22 cells from oxidative damage.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera macularis on Humulus scandens in China.

Humulus scandens, (Lour.) Merr., is a climbing herb which are used as traditional Chinese medicine, a raw material for papermaking, making soap, and replacing hops H. lupulus. This herb is distributed in many provinces of China, including Sichuan province. During March and June 2022, powdery mildew was found on leaves of H. scandens in the modern agricultural high-tech demonstration garden of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Abundant white or grayish powdery colonies could be seen on the surface of leaves, and 30%-100% of leaf areas were affected. Some of the infected leaves were either chlorotic or senescent. About 90% of the observed plants showed powdery mildew symptoms. Conidiophores (n = 25) were 74.0 to 160.1 µm × 8.7 to 12.7 µm (on average 120.9 × 10.4 µm) and composed of cylindrical foot cells (length 31.9-72.9 µm, average 50.1 µm) and conidia (mostly 10 conidia) in chains. Barrel-shaped conidia with fibrosin bodies (n = 30) were 12.8 to 21.0 µm × 7.9 to 15 µm, on average 16.7 × 11.3 µm, with a length/width ratio of 1.5. Chasmothecia were not found. Based on these morphologic characteristics, the pathogen was initially identified as Podosphaera macularis (Braun and Cook 2012; Mahaffee et al. 2009). To confirm the identification, two isolates (PDLC0315 and PDLC0412) of P. macularis mycelia and conidia were collected, and mycelia and conidia were combined for a single DNA extraction from each isolate. With the total genomic DNA, the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 5.8S rRNA, the 18S and 28S large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) (Bradshaw and Tobin 2020; White et al. 1990), were bi-directionally sequenced and deposited in GenBank (ON862625.1 and ON862630.1). The ON862625.1 and ON862630.1 showed 100% similarity with sequences of P. macularis isolate CT1 (MH687414.1). Phylogenetic analyses based on the combined ITS and 28S rDNA sequences indicated that the two specimens, PDLC0315 and PDLC0412 formed a monophyletic clade together with sequences retrieved from Podosphaera macularis CT1 and Head quarter 31 (KX842348.1). The pathogenicity test with the fungus was confirmed by gently pressing the infected leaves onto three healthy wild plants from the same geographical location. Three uninoculated wild plants served as controls. Six inoculated and non-inoculated plants were placed in different growth chambers with a 16-h photoperiod at 22±2°C and 70% of relative humidity. After 10 to 14 days, powdery mildew colonies developed on inoculated plants. Non-inoculated control plants did not show any symptoms. The fungus on inoculated leaves was morphologically identical to that first observed in the garden. As far as we know, this study is the first report of powdery mildew disease in Humulus scandens caused by Podosphaera macularis in China. Rapid expansion and wild distribution of H. scandens could lead to increased powdery mildew risk in outdoor cultivation. Due to the invasive potential of the powdery mildew fungi, this record is important in the context of the range extension of Podosphaera macularis.

Zuo Jin Wan Reverses the Resistance of Colorectal Cancer to Oxaliplatin by Regulating the MALAT1/miR-200s/JNK Signaling Pathway.

Background: Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a common chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous work showed that Zuo Jin Wan (ZJW), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, could improve sensitivity to L-OHP in the treatment of CRC, but the detailed mechanism is not clear. In previous mechanistic studies, we found that the miR-200s expression in CRC is associated with L-OHP sensitivity through regulation of MDR1/p-gp and the downstream c-JunN-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Moreover, lncRNA-MALAT1 offers great potential in the regulation of drug resistance by interacting with miR-200s. Therefore, in this work, we explored whether ZJW could reverse L-OHP resistance in CRC by regulating MALAT1, miR-200s, and the downstream signaling pathway. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of ZJW combined with L-OHP on chemotherapy tolerance and cell apoptosis of HCT116/L-OHP cells. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the activation of the JNK signaling pathway and the protein and mRNA expression levels of the drug resistance-related MDR1/ABCB1 gene in HCT116/L-OHP cells treated with ZJW. The binding sites of MALAT1 and miR-200s were predicted by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by qRT-PCR. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-200s and MALAT1 in HCT116/L-OHP cells treated with ZJW. A xenograft model of CRC in nude mice was established to observe the effect of ZJW combined with L-OHP on the growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors. Apoptosis in tumor cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The activation of the JNK signaling pathway and the expression of drug resistance-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-200s and the MALAT1 gene in the tumors. Results: Our study showed that ZJW could significantly decrease the proliferation and promote apoptosis of HCT116/L-OHP cells treated with L-OHP. We further proved that ZJW could reverse the drug resistance of HCT116/L-OHP cells by reducing MALAT1, indirectly upregulating miR-200s, alleviating the activation of the JNK signaling axis, and downregulating the expression of resistance proteins such as MDR1/ABCB1 and ABCG2. ZJW combined with L-OHP inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors and induced apoptosis in nude mice. ZJW reduced the expression of MALAT1 and upregulated the expression of miR-200s in transplanted tumors. In addition, ZJW also alleviated the activation of the JNK signaling pathway while reducing the expression of MDR1/ABCB1 and ABCG2. Conclusions: Our study identified that MALAT1 promotes colorectal cancer resistance to oxaliplatin by reducing the miR-200s expression. ZJW may reverse chemoresistance by inhibiting the expression of MALAT1 and regulating the miR-200s/JNK pathway, providing an experimental basis for the clinical application of ZJW in relieving chemotherapy resistance.

Enhancing the In Vitro Biological Activity of Degraded Silk Sericin and Its Analog Metabolites.

Two sericins of high and low molecular weight (HS and LS) were prepared from commercial silkworm cocoon silk with a boiling water and Ca(OH)2 solution with ultrasonic treatments, respectively. This study first investigated the release concentration of the two abovementioned sericins in simulated saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal juice (pH 6.8, 2.0, and 7.4, respectively) within 10 h. The results showed that the order of sericin release rate and its amount in the simulated environment was gastric juice > saliva > intestinal juice. Second, the molecular weights of both sericin metabolites formed by in vitro enzymatic degradation were lower than 15 kDa. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of both sericins and their analog metabolites were positively correlated with their concentrations. The IC50 values of the HS- and LS-derived metabolites were 1.02 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.91 ± 0.15 mg/mL, respectively, which were five to seven times lower than those of both original sericins. The total antioxidant capacities and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities of both metabolites were enhanced by one- to three-fold compared with HS and LS. These results indicate that both sericins, regardless of molecular size, have significantly enhanced antioxidant, superoxide free radical scavenging, and glycosidase inhibitory activities after simulated metabolism, and that LS is better than HS regardless of simulated digestion. These results confirm that sericin is important in the sustainable development and utilization of silk resources, especially the reduction in environmental pollution, and provides new ideas for the development of adjuvant treatments for diabetes and the development of foods with anti-hyperglycemic functions.

YYFZBJS inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis by enhancing Tregs-induced immunosuppression through HIF-1α mediated hypoxia in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a variety of factors. Accumulating evidence shows that peripheral differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critical in controlling tumorigenesis. Our previous studies demonstrated that the Yi-Yi-Fu-Zi-Bai-Jiang-San (YYFZBJS) extract exerted potent anticancer activities by significantly enhancing immunosuppression in ApcMin/+ mice. However, there is limited knowledge on the effect of YYFZBJS in the prevention of colorectal cancer and the underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of YYFZBJS in preventing azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced tumorigenesis. We found that YYFZBJS treatment decreased tumor load, tumor number, histology, and the severity of disease activity index (DAI) scores. To investigate if YYFZBJS inhibited tumorigenesis by regulating regulatory T cells, we depleted Tregs in AOM/DSS mice. We then analyzed the effect of intragastric administration of YYFZBJS on tumorigenesis and the regulation of tumor microenvironment. RESULTS: As expected, intragastric administration of YYFZBJS in AOM/DSS mice model significantly increased immune responses in the tumor microenvironment through its hypoxia-associated anti-cancer activities. Additionally, YYFZBJS regulated the polarization of peripheral Treg (pTreg) to suppress CRC cell proliferation and infiltration. This was demonstrated by the decrease in tumor proliferation-related proteins including p-STAT3, p-NF-κB and MMPs in a dose-dependent manner. Clinically, the increase in the levels of Tregs in human tissues during CRC progression was associated with low expression of HIF-1α in the stroma, and correlated with CRC survival and prognosis. CONCLUSION: Altogether, we demonstrated that HIF-1α may promote pTreg -induced carcinogenesis and progression of CRC cells, indicating that YYFZBJS is a promising protective agent against HIF-1α-mediated Treg activation in colorectal cancer. This study is the first to imply a novel clinical significance of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine from Synopsis of Golden Chamber in the cancer treatment and clarify the important role of tumor microenvironment in preventing tumorigenesis.

A Quantitative Serum Proteomic Analysis Helps to Explore the Comprehensive Mechanism and Identify Serum Biomarkers of Shengmai Injection's Effect on Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Ischemia in Rats.

Shengmai injection (SMI), a traditional Chinese medicine formula with the nature of multicomponent and multi-target, has been widely used in clinic for treating cardiovascular diseases in China; however, its comprehensive mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, a TMT-based quantitative serum proteomics was performed to explore SMI's global mechanism and help identify serum biomarkers of its effect on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemia rats. The results of TMT-based proteomic analysis identified 227, 100, and 228 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) for the model compared to the control group, SMI pretreatment + model compared to the model group, and SMI pretreatment + model compared to the control group, respectively. Based on bioinformatics analyses of gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathways, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for the DEPs, it is concluded that the comprehensive mechanism of SMI's effect on ISO-induced myocardial ischemia injury includes regulation of energy metabolism, reducing endothelial cell permeability, regulation of vessel and cardiac contractility, anti-inflammation, and prevention of cell apoptosis. Furthermore, 10 common DEPs were found, and six of them were regulated in model vs. control group, while back-regulated in SMI pretreatment + model vs. model group. Among them, three functional proteins of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 3 (FAIM3), and uncharacterized protein (M0R5J4), which were verified by the PRM analysis, might be the potential serum biomarkers on SMI's effects. Overall, this serum proteomics of SMI not only provides insights into the comprehensive mechanism underlying SMI's effects on ischemic heart disease but also helps identify serum biomarkers for directing SMI's cardioprotective effects.

[Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and treating cerebral ischemia injury based on "nose-brain" pathway].

Due to the increasing incidence of central nervous system diseases,especially the increasing incidence and mortality of stroke,brain-targeted drug delivery has attached more and more attention. Nasal administration,as one of the ways of brain-targeted administration,can effectively make the drug delivered to the brain in a targeted way after by passing the blood-brain barrier,providing a new idea for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Therefore,it is a promising administration way. In recent years,the treatment of encephalopathy by nasal administration of traditional Chinese medicine has become a hot topic in the research of traditional Chinese medicine. Ischemic stroke is one of the most important diseases endangering human health. Nasal administration has a history of thousands of years in treatment of stroke. Modern medical research has proved that there is a subtle connection between the nasal cavity and the brain,and the complex and ingenious structure of the nasal cavity provides the possibility for drugs delivery to the brain through the nose. Drug administration through nasal cavity has obvious advantages in treatment of central nervous system diseases represented by ischemic stroke. Nasal administration is characterized by non-invasion,low infection,rapid absorption and brain targeting. The author will expound the theoretical basis of brain targeting of nasal administration from the aspects of anatomy and physiology,and summarize the transport pathway of drugs through the nose into the brain,the in vitro and in vivo experimental research basis of the " nose-brain"pathway,and the clinical nasal administration of traditional Chinese medicine to prevent cerebral ischemia. It provides a reference for better research of drugs to prevent and treat cerebral ischemia injury through the " nose-brain"pathway and lays a foundation for further research of the " nose-brain" pathway.

Hypocotyl Elongation Inhibition of Melatonin Is Involved in Repressing Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

Melatonin functions as a plant hormone/regulator in the regulation of growth and development. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we found that a high dose of melatonin inhibited hypocotyl elongation in a dose-dependent manner in Arabidopsis. An expression profile analysis showed that hypocotyl growth inhibition by melatonin was involved in reprograming the expression of cell elongation genes and brassinosteroid (BRs) biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, similar to BR biosynthetic inhibitor brassinazole (BRZ), a high concentration of melatonin upregulated BR-biosynthetic genes and downregulated BR-induced genes involved in cell elongation, while melatonin was inefficient in brassinazole-resistant mutants like the bzr1-1D and bes1-D in hypocotyl inhibition. The comparative expression profile analysis showed an opposite expression mode in the co-regulated genes between melatonin and BZR1 or melatonin and brassinolide (BL). Additionally, exogenous BL rescued the repressive phenotype of BR biosynthesis-deficient mutant like det2-1 even in the presence of high-dose melatonin, but not BR receptor mutant bri1-5 or signal transduction mutant bin2-1. A biochemical analysis further confirmed that melatonin reduced endogenous BR levels in a dose-dependent manner in Arabidopsis. Taken together, these results indicate that melatonin inhibits BR biosynthesis but does not block BR signaling in the inhibition of hypocotyl elongation and extends insights on the role of melatonin in cross-talking with plant hormone signaling.

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy affects the function of Th1/Th2 cells and methylation of IFN-γ gene in offspring rats.

The effects of maternal vitamin D status on offspring's Th1/Th2 cell function and the related mechanisms have not been reported. In this study, we established the rat model of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 16/group): control group (fed with standard AIN-93 G diet until parturition), vitamin D deficiency group (VDD group, fed with vitamin D deficient diet until parturition) and vitamin D supplementation group (VDS group, fed with vitamin D deficient diet prior to mating and with standard AIN-93 G diet during pregnancy). At 4 weeks of age, the ratio of T helper type 1/ T helper type 2 (Th1/Th2) cells and the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13) in offspring rats were determined by Flow Cytometry and Meso Scale Discovery, respectively. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity as well as the methylation levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 genes were measured. As a result, rats in the VDD group showed a significant decrease in Th1/Th2 ratio and IFN-γ level and an increase in IL-4 level. Additionally, up-regulated DNMT activity and increased methylation rate of IFN-γ gene was shown in VDD offspring rats. Supplementation with vitamin D during pregnancy reversed the above abnormalities. In conclusion, maternal vitamin D deficiency affected the function of Th1/Th2 cells and methylation of IFN-γ gene in offspring rats. Meanwhile, maternal vitamin D deficiency had the potential to regulate DNMT activity, which may determine the status of methylation.

Study on neuroendocrine-immune function of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb in perimenopausal rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Desertliving Cistanche herb was first recorded in "Shen Nong'Herbal Classic" and listed as the top grade herbal medicine in it. Phenylethanoid glycosides are indicative components for identification and content determination of Desertliving Cistanche herb in Chinese pharmacopoeia, which is also one of the main active components. In this research, we explored the mechanism of phenylethanoid glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb to the perimenopausal model rats. AIM: The purpose of this study is to research the effects of phenylethanoid glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb (PGC) on the neuroendocrine-immune function of perimenopausal syndrome by perimenopausal model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar female rats were selected. The left ovaries for all rats except in the blank control group(BC) were removed, and the right ovaries were removed in 80%. The vaginal smear showed irregular estrous cycle changes for the perimenopausal model rats. And the perimenopausal model rats were gavaged Gengnian'an, Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb high, medium, low suspension which is 450mg/(kg day), 133.33mg/(kg day), 66.67mg/(kg day), 33.33mg/(kg day); the group of BC and model group (MC)were given distilled water in the same volume as the drugs group for 30 consecutive days. Horizontal-vertical exercise scores were measured at 29 days of dosing. After the last administration, the blood was taken from the abdominal aorta, and levels of E2, LH, FSH, GnRH, BGP in serum, and the levels ß-EP in plasma were measured respective. Organ indexes of thymus, spleen, and uterus were calculated. The content of estrogen receptor (ER) in the hypothalamic, pituitary and uterus tissues and the content of androgen receptor (AR) in the hypothalamic homogenate were measured. The pathological changes of the thymus, spleen, uterus, ovary were observed by HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with MC, PGC increase the activity, the organ index (thymus, spleen, uterus), E2, T, BGP level in serum, ß-EP level in plasma, AR level in hypothalamus, ER level in hypothalamus, pituitary, uterus in perimenopausal model rats. And it also reduced FSH, LH, GnRH level in serum, and improved uterine and ovarian lesions in perimenopausal model rats. CONCLUSION: Each dose of PCG could counteract the disorder of sex hormone in perimenopausal model rats, correct the imbalance of ER and AR level, enhance and restore the effect of uterus and the nerve cells of hypothalamic, and improve immune function.

Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche on menopausal syndrome model in mice.

Cistanche is the traditional and precious Chinese herbal, with two thousand years of use history in China. It has the effect on tonifying kidney, strong supplement to the liver and kidney, and replenishing essence and blood, known as the "desert ginseng". Here, we explored the mechanism of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (PGC) to the model mice of menopausal syndrome, as well as the therapeutic effect and characteristics of PGC to the menopausal syndrome. In this study, KM mice were reproduced by the complete resection of the ovaries on both sides of the back to establish the model mice of menopausal syndrome (MPS), and received distilled water or drugs, respectively. Model mice received distilled water. Mice received 200 mg/(kg day) high doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (HPGC), and 100 mg/(kg day) medium doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (MPGC), and 50 mg/(kg day) low doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (LPGC). After 21 days, it could determine the number of independent activities and the number of standing, the latent period of first entering the dark room, and the electric number. It also calculated the viscera index of uterus, thymus, spleen, measured the levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum. Furthermore, it observed the pathological changes of uterus, thymus, spleen and pituitary of mice. The results showed that behavioral indicators: Compared with the model group (MG), HPGC, MPGC, LPGC could increase the independent activities (P < 0.01); HPGC, MPGC could increase the number of standing, the latent period of first entering the dark room, and reduce the electric number (P < 0.01); LPGC could increase the number of standing (P < 0.05); Viscera index: Compared with MG, HPGC, MPGC could increase the viscera index of uterus, thymus, spleen (P < 0.01); LPGC could increase the viscera index of uterus (P < 0.05); Serum index: Compared with MG, all groups could decrease the levels of LH in the serum (P < 0.01); HPGC, MPGC could improve the levels of E2, T and decrease the levels of LH, FSH in the serum (P < 0.01); LPGC could improve the levels of E2 and decrease the levels of FSH in the serum (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, it had the trend to improve the levels of T in the serum. Pathological changes: Compared with MG, HPGC could significant improve the pathological changes of uterus, thymus, spleen and pituitary of mice; other groups also has a certain effect. The results indicated that PGC could improve the sex hormone disorder of MPS, and restore the function of uterus, thymus and spleen, with better therapeutic effect on MPS.

Effects of maternal mild zinc deficiency and different ways of zinc supplementation for offspring on learning and memory.

BACKGROUND: The effect of different ways of zinc supplementation on spatial learning and memory remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of two ways of zinc supplementation - oral use and intravenous transfusion - in zinc-deficient offspring rats on learning and memory. DESIGN: Rats were randomly divided into six groups on the first day of pregnancy (n=12): control (CO), pair fed (PF), zinc deprived (ZD), oral zinc supplementation (OZS), injection zinc supplementation (IZS), and injection control. The offspring's spatial learning and memory were tested at postnatal day 35 using Morris water maze (MWM). Maternal rats' serum zinc was measured at postnatal day 21, while pups' serum zinc was measured at postnatal day 35. RESULTS: Compared with the CO and PF groups, pups in ZD group spent more time finding the latent platform and swam longer distances (p<0.05). Compared with ZD groups, pups in OZS group significantly decreased the time used for finding the platform and the swimming distance (p<0.05) and were similar to that of CO and PF groups (p>0.05). However, compared with ZD groups, pups in IZS did not show any improvement in the indexes of MWM (p>0.05) although their zinc serum concentration increased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that mild zinc deficiency during pregnancy and lactation leads to the impairment of learning and memory function in offspring, and that OZS, instead of intravenous transfusion zinc supplementation, can recover the impairment of spatial learning and memory function.

Urinary iodine level and its determinants in pregnant women of Shanghai, China.

It is known that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can interfere with normal fetal growth and development. However, iodine levels of pregnant women in Shanghai, China, and factors that could influence its levels remain unclear. A total of 916 pregnant women were selected from the Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Minhang District in Shanghai. Morning urinary iodine (UI) and iodine content of salt from the participants' home were measured, and UI concentration was adjusted by creatinine concentrations. Serum tri-iodothyronine, thyroxin, free tri-iodothyronine, free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone were tested in the second trimester of pregnancy by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. The median levels of UI in pregnant women were 156.3, 176.9 and 175.1 µg/g creatinine in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. The prevalence of UI deficiency (UI < 150 µg/g creatinine) was 48.3, 34.2 and 36.2% in the three trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Factors that significantly influenced the UI levels include the following: iodine content of household salt; age; occupation; multivitamin supplement with iodine; seaweed intakes. Furthermore, UI and iodine content of salt were moderately correlated (r 0.406, P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant association between UI and thyroid hormone levels. The present study showed a high prevalence of UI deficiency in pregnant women in Shanghai, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Both iodine content of household salt and multivitamin supplement with iodine are the main determinants of UI levels in Shanghai.

Vitamin D status and related factors in newborns in Shanghai, China.

With the increasing recognition of the importance of the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D (VitD), more and more attention has been drawn to VitD status in early life. However, the VitD status of newborns and factors that influence VitD levels in Shanghai, China, remain unclear. A total of 1030 pregnant women were selected from two hospitals in Shanghai, one of the largest cities in China located at 31 degrees north latitude. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by LC-MS-MS, and questionnaires were used to collect information. The median cord serum 25(OH)D concentration was 22.4 ng/mL; the concentration lower than 20 ng/mL accounted for 36.3% of the participants, and the concentration lower than 30 ng/mL for 84.1%. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that the determinants of low 25(OH)D status were being born during autumn or winter months and a lack of VitD-related multivitamin supplementation. The relative risk was 1.7 for both autumn (95% CI, 1.1-2.6) and winter (95% CI, 1.1-2.5) births (p < 0.05). VitD-related multivitamin supplementation more than once a day during pregnancy reduced the risk of VitD deficiency [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.6, 95% CI (0.45-1.0) for VitD supplementation] (p < 0.05). VitD deficiency and insufficiency are common in newborns in Shanghai, China, and are independently associated with season and VitD supplementation. Our findings may assist future efforts to correct low levels of 25(OH)D in Shanghai mothers and their newborn children.

Determination and comparison of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in pu-erh and other types of Chinese tea.

Two previous studies have reported that pu-erh tea contains a high level of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and has several physiological functions. However, two other researchers have demonstrated that the GABA content of several pu-erh teas was low. Due to the high value and health benefits of GABA, analysis of mass-produced pu-erh tea is necessary to determine whether it is actually enriched with GABA. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of GABA in tea, the results of which were verified by amino acid analysis using an Amino Acid Analyzer (AAA). A total of 114 samples of various types of Chinese tea, including 62 pu-erh teas, 13 green teas, 8 oolong teas, 8 black teas, 3 white teas, 4 GABA teas, and 16 process samples from two industrial fermentations of pu-erh tea (including the raw material and the first to seventh turnings), were analyzed using HPLC. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the GABA content in pu-erh tea was significantly lower than that in other types of tea (p < 0.05) and that the GABA content decreased during industrial fermentation of pu-erh tea (p < 0.05). This mass analysis and comparison suggested GABA was not a major bioactive constituent and resolved the disagreement GABA content in pu-erh tea. In addition, the GABA content in white tea was found to be significantly higher than that in the other types of tea (p < 0.05), leading to the possibility of producing GABA-enriched white tea.