Determination of the total antioxidant capacity of the Chinese tea based on a novel "peroxidase/zirconium phosphonate"composite electrochemical sensor.

In this work, a novel zirconium phosphonate (ZrPR1R2) was prepared by decorating both the aminoethoxy- group (R1) and the carboxypropyl- group (R2) on the zirconium phosphate layers in order to manipulate further the immobilization of the peroxidase (POD), and an antioxidant biosensor with higher sensitivity was constructed by dropping the POD/ZrPR1R2 composite onto the glassy carbon electrode surface. The activity of the POD/ZrPR1R2 composite was detected by Uv-vis spectra. The direct electrochemical behavior, the electrocatalytic response to dissolved oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the ability to detect total antioxidant capacity in tea sample were investigated by the methods of cyclic voltammetry. The results indicated that the immobilization of POD in ZrPR1R2 nanosheets matrix enhanced the enzymatic activity, and achieved the fast and direct electron transfer between POD and glassy carbon electrode. Moreover, the POD/ZrPR1R2 composite modified electrode show the electrocatalytic response to hydrogen peroxide in the linear range of 8.8×10-8 to 8.8×10-7 mol L-1, with the detection limit of 3.3×10-8 mol L-1. Attributing to the sensitive response to dissolved oxygen, the total antioxidant capacity can be detected directly in the real tea water by this POD/ZrPR1R2 composite modified electrode.

Novel zinc sources as antimicrobial growth promoters for monogastric animals: a review.

The essentiality of zinc for animals has been recognized over 80 years. Zinc is an essential trace element that is a component of many enzymes and is associated with the various hormones. Apart from the nutritional function, zinc has antimicrobial property and often be supplemented in diets in the quantities greater than which is required to meet the nutritional requirement, especially for weaning pigs. This review will focus on the application of pharmacological zinc and its mechanisms which may be responsible for the effects of zinc on performance and health of monogastric animals. Various novel sources of zinc in non-ruminant animal production will also be discussed. These should assist in more precisely formulating feed to maximize the production performance and to maintain the health condition of monogastric animals.

Structure-Based Molecular Networking for the Discovery of Anti-HBV Compounds from Saussurea lappa (Decne.) C.B Clarke.

It is a crucial to find target compounds in natural product research. This study presents a concept of structure-guided isolation to find candidate active molecules from herbs. We establish a process of anti-viral sesquiterpene networking. An analysis of the networking suggested that new anti-HBV sesquiterpene may be attributable to eudesmane-, guaiane-, cadinane-, germacane- and bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the structure-based molecular networking, ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa (Decne.) C.B Clarke was investigated, which led to the isolation of two guaiane-type (1 and 14), ten eudesmane-type (2-5 and 8-13), two chain (6 and 7) and one germacrane-type (15) sesquiterpenes, including seven new ones, lappaterpenes A-G (1-7), which are reported on herein. The absolute configurations of the new compounds were established by coupling constants, calculated ECD and ROESY correlations, as well as comparisons of optical rotation values with those of known compounds. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-15 were evaluated for their potency against hepatitis B virus. Compounds 4, 6, 7 and 9 showed effect on HBsAg with inhibition ratios of more than 40% at 30 µM concentrations. Compounds 14 and 15 inhibited HBsAg secretion with the values of IC50 0.73 ± 0.18 and 1.43 ± 0.54 µM, respectively. Structure-based molecular networking inspired the discovery of target compounds.

[Preparation of paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles and in vitro anticancer effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells].

The paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles(PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs) were prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the parameters of paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were optimized with the particle size and PDI as evaluation indexes. The morphology of the nano-micelles was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and the stability, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were systematically investigated. In vitro experiments were performed to study the cytotoxic effects of nano-micelles, apoptosis, and cellular uptake. Under the optimal parameters, the nano-micelles showed the particle size of(125.3±1.2) nm, the PDI of 0.086±0.026, the zeta potential of(-20.0±3.8) mV, the drug loading of 7.2%±0.75%, and the encapsulation efficiency of 50.7%±1.0%. The nano-micelles were in regular spherical shape as observed by TEM. The blank FA-PLGA-NMs exhibited almost no inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of tumor cells, while the drug-loaded nano-micelles and free PTX exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The IC_(50) of PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs and PTX was 0.56 µg·mL~(-1) and 0.66 µg·mL~(-1), respectively. The paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were potent in inhibiting cell migration as assessed by the scratch assay. PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs had good pro-apoptotic effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells and significantly promoted the uptake of HeLa cells. The results of in vitro experiments suggested that PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs could target and treat cervical cancer HeLa cells. Therefore, as nanodrug carriers, PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs with anti-cancer activity are a promising nano-system for improving the-rapeutic effects on tumors.

Research Progress of Targeted Drug Delivery Nanocarriers Through Blood-brain Barrier / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The small size， moderate drug loading， and targeting properties of nano-preparations make them can be excellent delivery tools for drugs， genes or proteins crossing the cell or blood-brain barrier （BBB）. Currently， facilitating drug crossing BBB with innovative nano-drug delivery systems is considered as a strategic approach for the prevention， diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system （CNS） diseases. However， with the deepening of the research， the adverse reactions and toxicity of nanocarriers have gradually attracted the attention of researchers. Based on this， this paper summarized the situation of BBB-penetrating targeted nano-preparations at home and abroad in recent years from the perspective of classification of types and properties of nanocarriers， and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each carrier. The results showed that nano-preparations with active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） as carriers have become a promising way of cancer treatment， but the complexity and diversity of TCM components limited its application to a certain extent. Further studies should be strengthened to lay a foundation for the application and development of TCM nano-preparations in the field of CNS diseases.

Research Status of Zexietang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Zexietang is derived from Jingui Yaolue （《金匮要略》）， which is composed of Alismatis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， and has the effect of inducing diuresis and invigorating the spleen to produce water. Compared with western medicine in the treatment of related diseases， Zexietang can not only improve the curative effect， but also reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions， so as to achieve long-term stable administration. The authors sorted out and analyzed the chemical composition， pharmacological effect and clinical application of Zexietang in recent years. It was found that the main active components of Zexietang were alismol A and B， 23-acetyl-alismol B and C， atractylenolides （atractylenolide Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ） and polysaccharides. Pharmacological experiments showed that they had diuretic， hypolipidemic， anti-inflammatory and others. And it can be used in the treatment of hypertension， hyperlipidemia， vertigo， cerebral vascular insufficiency and other diseases combined with other Chinese materia medica， and the curative effect is obvious. By summarizing the research status of Zexietang in recent years， its active components and pharmacological mechanism can be further clarified， which provides the basis for the clinical application of Zexietang and guides the direction of its further research.

[Change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine decoction].

This study aims to explore the change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and establish the prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine compound decoction. Firstly, fitted equations of water absorption and decocting time was established by observing the change laws of water absorption in 36 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces in 12 groups(according to the drug-parts) with decocting time. The r value of the mineral group and other type group was 0.691 2 and 0.663 3, respectively. The r value of the remaining 10 groups was 0.802 2-0.925 4. All P values were less than 0.05(n=21). The formula of the amount of water added was optimized by combining the fitted equations with determined water absorption, and the liquid yield could be controlled in a range of 100%±10%. Secondly, it was determined that the liquid density tester could be used for the rapid determination of relative density of Chinese medicine decoction after methodological study and comparison with the pycnometer method. The linear regression equation between the corrected relative density(y) and extraction ratio(%, x) was built by measuring and analyzing the related parameters such as liquid yield, relative density and extraction ratio in 46 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces. The established equation was y=0.041 3x+1.003 7, r=0.930 9(P <0.01, n=46), with linear range of 1.94%-65.75%. Based on this, the prototype model for predicting relative density of Chinese medicine decoction was established, and the relative densities of 8 Chinese medicine decoctions were within the prediction interval of this model in verification. This study lays a foundation for database construction of Chinese medicine decoction, implementation of personalized decocting mode and rapid quality control of Chinese medicine decoction.

Gegen Qinlian decoction enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in colorectal cancer patients via gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed, using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database, that Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) had a direct antitumor effect, and was combined with programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 inhibitors to treat microsatellite stable (MSS) tumor-bearing mice. However, the effect of GQD on patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear. AIM: To determine the therapeutic mechanism of GQD in improving immune function, reducing inflammation and protecting intestinal barrier function. METHODS: Seventy patients with CRC were included in this study: 37 in the control group and 33 in the treatment group. The proportions of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, natural killer (NK), NKT and T regulatory cells were measured by flow cytometry. Levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10 and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and TNF-α in tumor and normal tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry. The composition of gut microbiota from patients in the treatment group was assessed using 16S rDNA analysis. RESULTS: There were no adverse events in the treatment group. The proportion of CD4+ T cells and NKT cells in the post-treatment group was significantly higher than that in the pre-treatment and control groups (P < 0.05). The level of TNF-α in the post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment and control groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of 5-HT in the post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment group (P < 0.05). The expression of ZO-1 and occludin in tumor tissues in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of ZO-1 in normal tissues of the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.010). Compared with the control group, expression of NF-κB and TNF-α in tumor tissues of the treatment group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the pre-treatment group, GQD decreased the relative abundance of Megamonas and Veillonella. In addition, GQD increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Akkermansia and Prevotella. CONCLUSION: GQD enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in patients with CRC by regulating the composition of gut microbiota.

An updated meta-analysis of prostatic arterial embolization versus transurethral resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) could be recommended as a routine therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we conducted an updated meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of PAE compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: Systematic literature retrieval by searching data from Web of science, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrial.gov, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases was carried out to identify all related trials from the inception dates to June 2019. We also conducted subgroup analyses depending on the kind of study design, kind of PAE and kind of TURP. RESULTS: Nine studies comparing PAE with TURP involving a total of 860 BPH patients were selected. Postoperative reduced IPSS score (MD 2.50; 95% CI 0.78-4.21; P = 0.004), postoperative reduced QOL score (MD 0.40; 95% CI 0.09-0.71; P = 0.01), postoperative reduced PV (MD 8.59; 95% CI 4.74-12.44; P < 0.00001) and postoperative increased Qmax (MD 2.54; 95% CI 1.02-4.05; P = 0.001) were better in TURP than in PAE; however, PAE was associated with lower sexual dysfunction rate (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.15-0.39; P < 0.00001) compared with TURP. Meanwhile, no significant difference in postoperative reduced PVR (MD 0.46; 95% CI - 2.08 to 3.00; P = 0.72) and complication (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.21-1.55; P = 0.27) between PAE and TURP group was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: PAE was inferior to TURP in the improvement of postoperative IPSS, QOL, PV, Qmax and TURP still remained the gold standard. However, PAE may be a valuable alternative to TURP in the treatment of BPH patients who refuse surgery or with surgery contraindication.

Change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine decoction / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and establish the prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine compound decoction. Firstly, fitted equations of water absorption and decocting time was established by observing the change laws of water absorption in 36 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces in 12 groups(according to the drug-parts) with decocting time. The r value of the mineral group and other type group was 0.691 2 and 0.663 3, respectively. The r value of the remaining 10 groups was 0.802 2-0.925 4. All P values were less than 0.05(n=21). The formula of the amount of water added was optimized by combining the fitted equations with determined water absorption, and the liquid yield could be controlled in a range of 100%±10%. Secondly, it was determined that the liquid density tester could be used for the rapid determination of relative density of Chinese medicine decoction after methodological study and comparison with the pycnometer method. The linear regression equation between the corrected relative density(y) and extraction ratio(%, x) was built by measuring and analyzing the related parameters such as liquid yield, relative density and extraction ratio in 46 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces. The established equation was y=0.041 3x+1.003 7, r=0.930 9(P <0.01, n=46), with linear range of 1.94%-65.75%. Based on this, the prototype model for predicting relative density of Chinese medicine decoction was established, and the relative densities of 8 Chinese medicine decoctions were within the prediction interval of this model in verification. This study lays a foundation for database construction of Chinese medicine decoction, implementation of personalized decocting mode and rapid quality control of Chinese medicine decoction.

The efficacy of Xue Fu Zhu Yu prescription for hyperlipidemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Hyperlipidemia is rampant as a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Xue Fu Zhu Yu (XFZY), a prescription formula in traditional Chinese medicine, is well-known for treating hyperlipidemia. Herein we conducted meta-analysis and assessed the efficacy of XFZY prescription as mono or adjunctive therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia. Databases including Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP Information were comprehensively investigated via searching keywords "Xuefuzhuyu", "Xuefu Zhuyu", "Xue Fu Zhu Yu", "Xuefu-Zhuyu" or "XFZY" in combination with "hyperlipidemia" and "dyslipidemia". Efficacy, methodological quality, and publication bias of recruited trials on XFZY prescription were also assessed. Review Manager version 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Twelve trials involving 1305 participants all reported in Chinese were enrolled and, based on our analysis, significant increase of efficacy in XFZY prescription groups compared to control groups was observed, and there was either significance or non-significance of differences in regulating the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This meta-analysis preliminarily demonstrated that XFZY prescription is effective for treating hyperlipidemia, but due to the poor methodological quality of most analyzed trials, conclusion should be cautiously summarized. Thoroughly designed, large-scale and multicenter trials are needed to estimate efficacy and safety of XFZY prescription for hyperlipidemia in the future.

[Cloning and expression analysis of LncRNA-RgAGT2 responding to consecutive monoculture in Rehmannia glutinosa].

The consecutive monoculture obstacle is a major problem in the field of Rehmannia glutinosa( R. glutinosa),has severely declined the yield and quality of R. glutinosa. Here,using hi TAIL-PCR and RACE techniques,we have cloned the full-length transcript( 1 573 bp) of Unigene 29334＿All screened by DGE as a consecutive monoculture obstacle response gene of R. glutinosa. Based on ORF Finder prediction,all ORFs detected in the full-length transcript were less than 300 nt,which suggested that the above transcript was confirmed to be a long non-coding RNA( LncRNA). With alignment in R. glutinosa transcriptome,this LncRNA was partially homologous to alanine glyoxylate transaminase 2 gene( Rg AGT2),which was named LncRNA-RgATG2. To further explore the function of LncRNA-RgAGT2,we have examined expression patterns of LncRNA-RgAGT2 and Rg AGT2 at five critical development stages( seedling,elongation,pre-expanding,mid-expanding,late-expanding) in the first and second year replanting of R. glutinosa,respectively. The results indicated that LncRNA-RgAGT2,as a potential regulator,is possible to play a vital role in Rg AGT2 expression regulation. Meanwhile,LncRNA-RgAGT2 has presented significant variation in all development stages of R. glutinosa,which could be used as a " diagnostic label" to assess consecutive monoculture obstacle. This study,for the first time,showed that LncRNA was responsible for the response and regulation of consecutive monoculture obstacle,which would be a powerful supplement to reveal the molecular mechanisms of consecutive monoculture obstacle of R. glutinosa.

Effects of different levels of dietary protein with or without plant extract YGF251 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant extract YGF251 supplementation in different protein level diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs. A total of 144 pigs (24.72 ± 1.54 kg) were randomly assigned to the treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary protein levels (15.50%, 14.00% or 12.50%) and plant extract YGF251 levels (0 or 0.05%) with 6 replications per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. Pigs fed low protein diets had reduced average daily gain (p < 0.05) and increased feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01) compared with pigs fed high protein diets. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen was decreased (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. Fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that reducing dietary protein level impaired growth performance and nitrogen digestibility but reduced ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions in growing pigs. Dietary supplementation with 0.05% herbal extract YGF251 was not effective in improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, or in decreasing gas emission in different protein diets.

Research Progress on Biopharmaceutics of Active Ingredients in Chinese Materia Medica Under Multi-component System / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The biopharmaceutical properties (solubility, permeability, etc.) of active pharmaceutical ingredients are playing an important role in understanding of disposition of drugs in the body, screening of drugs and evaluation of drug delivery system. The active ingredients of Chinese materia medica (CMM) are various and complex, the research on biopharmaceutics provides a train of thought and practical method for the prediction and research on the process of active ingredients from CMM in vivo. The multi-components system is one of the main differences between CMM and chemical medicine, and the study on biopharmaceutics of active ingredients in CMM under multi-components system has become a hot topic. The progress on biopharmaceutics of active ingredients in CMM under multi-components system was reviewed in this article, which may provide the reference for data integration, theoretical induction and system construction in this field, and provide new train of thought for the research on CMM theories and the development of CMM in the perspective of biopharmaceutics.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel iso-flavones derivatives as H3R antagonists.

Histamine H3 receptor (H3R), a kind of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), is expressed mainly in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a vital role in homoeostatic control. This study describes the design and synthesis of a series of novel H3R antagonists based on the iso-flavone scaffold. The results of the bioactivity evaluation show that four compounds (1c, 2c, 2h, and 2o) possess significant H3R inhibitory activities. Molecular docking indicates that a salt bridge, π-π T-shape interactions, and hydrophobic interaction all contribute to the interaction between compound 2h and H3R.

Efficacy and Safety of a Formulated Herbal Granula, Jiu Wei Zhen Xin, for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional Chinese medicine formula Jiu Wei Zhen Xin Granula (JWZXG) is prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in China. This study was to assess the efficacy and safety of JWZXG in patients with GAD. METHOD: Data were pooled from 14 randomized controlled trials involving the assessment of mean changes of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) total scores, response rates, adverse event rates, quality, publication bias, and risk of bias. RESULTS: Pooled analysis showed no significant difference in response rate (risk ratio 1.01, 95% CI [0.93-1.08]; Z test = 0.17, P = 0.86) and no significant difference between JWZXG group and azapirones group (RR 0.69, 95% CI [0.45, 1.06]; Z test = 1.69, P = 0.09) in rate of adverse events. Though no difference exists between JWZXG group and azapirones group in HAMA total score from baseline, JWZXG group was inferior to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group (WMD -0.93, 95% CI [-1.64, -0.23]; Z test = 2.6, P = 0.009) which had more adverse events than JWZXG group (RR 0.64, 95% CI [0.46, 0.89]; Z test = 2.63, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis preliminarily suggests that JWZXG is as effective as azapirones, though having the same possibility of suffering AEs. JWZXG was inferior to SSRIs but causes fewer AEs in the treatment of GAD.

Treatment of Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells with diallyl trisulfide is associated with an increase in calreticulin expression.

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is a natural organic sulfur compound that may be isolated from garlic and has strong anticancer activity. DATS has been demonstrated to upregulate the expression of calreticulin (CRT) in various types of human cancers, which is associated with the prognosis of cancer and its response to therapy. However, whether DATS has the same effect on human osteosarcoma cells is not known. Therefore, in the present study, Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells were cultured with different concentrations of DATS (0, 25, 50 and 100 µmol/l) for 24 h, or with 50 µmol/l DATS for different time periods (0, 12, 24 and 36 h). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting and immunofluorescent staining were used to detect CRT mRNA and protein in the Saos-2 cells. Exposure to DATS changed the morphology and inhibited the growth of the Saos-2 cells, and its effects appeared to be concentration- and exposure time-dependent. The optimum concentration and exposure time of DATS were 50 µmol/l and 24 h, respectively. The levels of CRT mRNA and protein in the Saos-2 cells were significantly upregulated following exposure to DATS. The upregulation of CRT expression by DATS may be a mechanism underlying the ability of DATS to inhibit the growth of human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells.

Effects of levan-type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhoea scores, faecal shedding of total lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs.

BACKGROUND: The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in feed has been fully or partially banned in several countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of levan-type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal shedding of lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, diarrhoea scores, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs. A total of 144 weaning pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] were randomly allocated to four diets: corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 g kg-1 levan-type fructan during this 42-day experiment. RESULTS: During days 0 to 21 and 0 to 42, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary levan-type fructan inclusion. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were linearly increased (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary levan-type fructan content. With increasing levels of levan-type fructan, faecal lactic acid bacteria counts were linearly increased (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that dietary supplementation with increasing levan-type fructan enhanced growth performance, improved nutrient digestibility, and increased faecal lactic acid bacteria counts in weaning pigs linearly. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A new caffeic acid tetramer from the Dracocephalum moldavica L.

A new caffeic acid tetramer compound, named (+) methyl rabdosiin (4), together with seven known caffeic acid multimers (1-3, 5-8) and one caffeic acid monomer (9), were isolated from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica L. The structures of these compounds were assigned on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry analyses. The protective effects of compounds 2-4 against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis were evaluated in primary cardiomyocytes of SD neonatal rats in vitro by the MTT method. Three compounds exhibited potent protective activities at 12.5 µg/mL.

[Research progress of relationship between continuous cropping obstacles and microRNAs in Rehmannia glutinosa].

The efficacy of Rehmannia glutinosa which as a large quantity of traditional Chinese medicine is significant. However, the land must be given up after one season of R. glutinosa cultivation or replanted after a period of 8-10 years because of the severe continuous cropping obstacles. MicroRNAs is a class of endogenous non-coding small RNAs, which participate in regulation of physiological activities by target mRNA cleavage or translational repression in plants. In recent years,studies on the role of miRNAs in plants have made significant progresses,especially in medicinal plants．MiRNAs from some different medicinal plant species have been identified with regulatory effects．When plants are exposed to environmental stress, miRNAs act on stress-related genes and initiate stress-resistance mechanisms in the body against adverse factors. R. glutinosa is also a kind of environmental stress. It is conducive to deciphering the molecular mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles for us by researching miRNAs. This article reviews the production of miRNAs, mechanism, research approaches and characteristics of resisting the environmental stresses in plants, the development trends and future prospect of R. glutinosa miRNAs research.