Transcription factor CncC potentially regulates cytochrome P450 CYP321A1-mediated flavone tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera.

Insect P450s play crucial roles in metabolizing insecticides and toxic plant allelochemicals. In this study, our results demonstrate that Helicoverpa armigera can adapt to a lower concentration of flavone (a flavonoid phytochemical), and P450 activities and CYP321A1 transcript levels significantly increase after exposure to flavone. RNAi-mediated knockdown of CYP321A1 significantly reduced the tolerance of H. armigera larvae to flavone. In addition, the regulatory mechanisms driving CYP321A1 induction following exposure to flavone were investigated. Flavone exposure significantly increased H2O2 generation in the larval midgut. The mRNA levels of HaCncC and HaMaf-s significantly increased in the midgut of H. armigera after exposure to flavone. Knockdown of HaCncC significantly inhibited expression of flavone-induced CYP321A1 and resulted in a decrease in flavone induction of CYP321A1. HaCncC knockdown significantly reduced the tolerance of H. armigera larvae to flavone. Taken together, these results indicate that HaCncC regulates expression of the CYP321A1 gene responsible for flavone tolerance in H. armigera.

The Orco gene involved in recognition of host plant volatiles and sex pheromone in the chive maggot Bradysia odoriphaga.

The insect olfactory recognition system plays a crucial role in the feeding and reproductive behaviors of insects. The odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco), as an obligatory chaperone, is critical for odorant recognition by way of forming heteromeric complexes with conventional odorant receptors (ORs). To investigate the biological functions of Orco in perceiving host plant volatiles and sex pheromone, the Orco gene was identified from the chive maggot Bradysia odoriphaga transcriptome data. Multiple sequence alignment reveals that BodoOrco exhibits an extremely high sequence identity with Orcos from other dipteran insects. The expression of BodoOrco is significantly higher in adults than in larvae and pupae, and the BodoOrco gene is primarily expressed in the antennae of both sexes. Furthermore, the Y-tube assay indicated that knockdown of BodoOrco leads to significant reductions in B. odoriphaga adults' response to all tested host plant volatiles. The dsOrco-treated unmated male adults show less attraction to unmated females and responded slowly compared with dsGFP control group. These results indicated that BodoOrco is involved in recognition of sex pheromone and host plant volatiles in B. odoriphaga and has the potential to be used as a target for the design of novel active compounds for developing ecofriendly pest control strategies.

Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes of Nirvanini and Evacanthini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) reveals an explicit evolutionary relationship.

Mitogenomes of five leafhopper species, Chudania hellerina and Concaveplana rufolineata in Nirvanini, Carinata rufipenna, Evacanthus danmainus and E. heimianus representing Evacanthini, were sequenced. The lengths of these five mitogenomes range from 15,044 (C. hellerina) to 15,680 bp (E. heimianus). All five mitogenomes exhibit similar base composition, gene size and codon usage of protein-coding genes. All 22 tRNA genes have typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for trnS1 (AGN) which appears to lack the dihydrouridine arm. The two included Nirvanini species employ the anticodon TCT instead of the commonly used GCT in trnS1 (AGN). Genes nad2, atp8 and nad6 were highly variable while cox1 and cob showed the lowest nucleotide diversity. Phylogenetic analyses of two concatenated nucleotide datasets, incorporating the newly sequenced taxa and other available membracoid mitogenomes, recovered each included leafhopper subfamily as monophyletic with evacanthine tribes Nirvanini and Evacanthini forming monophyletic sister clades. A relationship among Evacanthinae, Cicadellinae and Typhlocybinae received moderate branch support.

TLR4 knockout ameliorates streptozotocin-induced osteoporosis in a mouse model of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia manifesting as insufficient insulin. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) has been implicated in diabetic osteoporosis. We established streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model and examined the relevant osteoporosis factors in different experimental groups, the WT-CON group, WT-STZ group, KO-CON group and KO-STZ group, respectively. No obvious protection of TLR4 deletion was shown in mice with diabetes. There was no obvious difference in the body weight or blood glucose concentration between WT-STZ group and KO-STZ group. However, TLR4 deletion reduced the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, TLR4 knockout attenuated STZ-induced diabetic osteoporosis via inhibiting osteoblasts and pre-inflammation factors mediated by the NF-κB pathway. TLR4 deletion ameliorated STZ-induced diabetic osteoporosis in mice, and TLR4 may be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.

Increased serum/plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) plays an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aims to systemically review the evidence regarding the relationship between the FGF-21 levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as the related influential factors. METHODS: Research related to plasma/serum FGF-21 levels in patients with T2DM and healthy controls were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases (up to 31 March 2017). Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was calculated by fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q-statistic and quantified using I 2, and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: In total, 317 articles were obtained after searching databases, and 11 studies with 866 patients with T2DM and 629 controls were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the T2DM group had a significantly higher plasma/serum FGF-21 level (p < 0.001), with the SMD of 1.34% and 95% CI (0.70 to 1.98). Meta-regression analysis and subgroup analyses suggested that body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were likely related to the observed FGF-21 differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study suggests that patients with T2DM have significantly higher plasma/serum FGF-21 levels, and the FGF-21 levels were influenced by BMI, TC and TG.

Synthesis of La-Co-O Mixed Oxides via Polyethylene Glycol-Assisted Co-Precipitation Method for Total Oxidation of Benzene.

La-Co-O mixed oxides (LCO) were prepared by co-precipitation method with the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as dispersant. The influence of adding different molecular weight of PEG (0, 2 000, 6 000, 20 000 g·mol-1) on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of La-Co-O mixed oxides for total oxidation of benzene was investigated. The samples were characterized by means of N2 physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), temperature-programmed reduction by H2 (H2-TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of O2 (O2-TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The order of catalytic activity was found to be LCO-PEG6000>LCO>LCO-PG20000>LCO-PG2000. Particularly, LCO-PEG6000 exhibited benzene conversion of 99% at temperature as low as 383 ℃, which was 126 ℃ lower than that of LCO. The characterization result reveals that all samples had a BET surface area of about 9～10 m2·g-1. The XRD result shows that on all samples LaCoO3 perovskite was mainly formed together with a small amount of La2O3 and Co3O4. The addition of PEG was favorable for the formation of LaCoO3 perovskite. Particularly, the addition of PEG-6000 effectively suppressed the agglomeration of LaCoO3 perovskite, giving rise to small and uniform particles as observed by SEM. Moreover, the results of H2-TPR and O2-TPD indicate that the obtained La-Co-O mixed oxides showed higher reducibility and lattice oxygen mobility, and the Co 2p XPS analysis suggests that more surface Co3+ active species were presented by the addition of PEG-6000. These properties are thought to contribute to the high activity in benzene total oxidation.

Bicoloratum Dai and Li, a new synonym of the leafhopper genus Scaphoideus Uhler (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae), with description of two new species.

Bicoloratum Dai and Li, 2011 is considered to be a junior synonym of Scaphoideus Uhler, 1889 based on study of specimens of two new species, one of which is morphologically very similar to the type species of Bicoloratum, B. pintungisis Dai and Li 2011. Three valid species now included within the genus Scaphoideus are: S. dinghuensis sp. nov., S. taishanensis sp. nov. and S. pingtungisis (Dai and Li, 2011) n. comb. The detailed morphology of the two new species is described, and photographs of their external habitus and male and female genitalia are also given.

Transcription Factors AhR and ARNT Regulate the Expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 Involved in Insecticide Detoxification in Bradysia odoriphaga.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) mediate the responses of adaptive metabolism to various xenobiotics. Here, we found that BoAhR and BoARNT are highly expressed in the midgut of Bradysia odoriphaga larvae. The expression of BoAhR and BoARNT was significantly increased after exposure to imidacloprid and phoxim. The knockdown of BoAhR and BoARNT significantly decreased the expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 as well as P450 enzyme activity and caused a significant increase in the sensitivity of larvae to imidacloprid and phoxim. Exposure to ß-naphthoflavone (BNF) significantly increased the expression of BoAhR, BoARNT, CYP6SX1, and CYP3828A1 as well as P450 activity and decreased larval sensitivity to imidacloprid and phoxim. Furthermore, CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 were significantly induced by imidacloprid and phoxim, and the silencing of these two genes significantly reduced larval tolerance to imidacloprid and phoxim. Taken together, the BoAhR/BoARNT pathway plays key roles in larval tolerance to imidacloprid and phoxim by regulating the expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1.

Importance of Assessing Sarcopenia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Body Fat Percentage Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Different Genders.

Background: Growing evidence indicates that there is a close relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia, and T2DM patients are often accompanied by obesity. However, research exploring the connection between body fat percentage (BFP) and sarcopenia is currently limited. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 676 patients with T2DM over 50 years old. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), handgrip strength, and 5-time chair stand test (5-TCST) were measured, and sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS). Spearman's coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation of BFP and body mass index (BMI) with the diagnostic elements of sarcopenia, and BFP and other relevant covariates were included in the binary logistic regression model. The subgroup performed an interaction test for statistically significant population baseline information. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.0% in males and 11.6% in females. Spearman correlation analysis showed that BFP was positively correlated with ASMI in women (R=0.107, P=0.029), but not in men. BFP was negatively correlated with grip strength (male: R= -0.187, P=0.003; female: R=-0.108, P=0.029). There was a positive correlation between BFP and 5-TCST (male: R=0.199, P=0.001; female: R=0.144, P=0.003). After adjusting for confounding factors, BFP was an independent risk factor for sarcopenia (men, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15-1.54; women, OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13-1.41). This correlation was generally consistent, as demonstrated in further subgroup analyses. Conclusion: High BFP was significantly associated with sarcopenia risk, and this association was independent of gender, age, and BMI.

[Variation Characteristics of PM2.5 Pollution and Transport in Typical Transport Channel Cities in Winter].

Taking Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, four cities in southwest Hebei Province along the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei typical transport route, as examples, we analyzed the variation characteristics of 3a meteorological conditions and PM2.5 concentration in winter from 2019 to 2021 and used potential source contribution analysis (PSCF) and concentration weight analysis (CWT) to identify the transport characteristics of PM2.5 in the four cities during the study period. Based on the meteorological air quality model (WRF-CMAQ) transmission matrix method and transport flux method, the contribution of PM2.5 transport between Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou and the surrounding areas was quantitatively assessed; the vertical distribution characteristics of PM2.5 net transport flux were revealed; and the two main transport routes of PM2.5 pollution were further identified. The results showed that during the study period, the PM2.5 concentration decreased by 45.85%, 49.45%, 42.40%, and 31.65%, respectively. The potential source contribution of Handan and Xingtai was mainly distributed in south-central Shanxi (Linfen, Changzhi, and Jinzhong), northern Henan (Xinxiang, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou), and a small part of Inner Mongolia (PSCF > 0.9). The potential contribution areas of Hengshui and Cangzhou were mainly concentrated in southern Hebei (Handan and Shijiazhuang), central Shanxi (Taiyuan and Yangquan), and some Shandong regions (PSCF > 0.7), and the CWT results were similar to those of PSCF. During the study period, the local contribution (51.11%-62.99%) was slightly higher than the regional contribution (37.01%-48.89%) during winter in the four cities. Affected by horizontal turbulence and vertical diffusion, the impact of regional transmission in 2020 was slightly higher than that in other years (0.50%-9.52%). In 2021, the influence of regional transmission was slightly lower than that of other years (-2.15%--9.52%) due to low PM2.5 concentration and meteorological factors. For Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities during winter and the surrounding areas was in 2020 > 2021 > 2019. For the total net flux, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities in winter was 0.094, -0.070, and 0.087 kt·d-1 (Xingtai:0.212, 0.395, and 0.544 kt·d-1; Hengshui:-0.040, -0.228, and 0.185 kt·d-1; Cangzhou:0.062, 0.126, and 0.128 kt·d-1). During the study, Handan, Xingtai, and Cangzhou were mostly used as transport receptors, whereas Hengshui was mostly used as a transport source. In the range of 0-1 260 m, the net transport flux intensity of PM2.5 increased basically with the increase in height, and the maximum net flux of the various cities in different periods was different. The maximum net flux of Handan, Xingtai, and Hengshui was 252-1 261 m, 817 m, and 252-817 m, respectively. The maximum net flux in Cangzhou was 252-359 m. By analyzing the transmission characteristics of the four cities, it was found that there were two main transport directions of PM2.5, that is, the northwest-southeast direction (Shanxi → Handan → Henan and Shandong; Shijiazhuang → Xingtai → Handan and Shandong; Baoding → Cangzhou → Shandong) and the southwest-northeast direction (Shanxi → Xingtai → Hengshui → Cangzhou → Bohai Bay).

Functional Characterization of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 in Resistance to λ-Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid in Bradysia odoriphaga.

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that are involved in the detoxification of insecticides. In this study, our bioassay results showed that a field-collected population of Bradysia odoriphaga displayed a moderate resistance to λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid. Compared to susceptible population, CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 were significantly overexpressed in the field population. The expression of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 was more abundant in the third and fourth larval stages, and CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 were most highly expressed in the midgut and Malpighian tubules. Exposure to λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid significantly increased the expression levels of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21. Furthermore, the silencing of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 significantly increased the susceptibility of B. odoriphaga larvae to λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid. The overexpression of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 significantly enhanced the tolerance of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines to λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid. In addition, molecular docking revealed that these two P450 proteins have strong binding affinity toward λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid insecticides. Taken together, these results indicate that the overexpression of CYP6QE1 and CYP6FV21 is responsible for resistance to λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid in B. odoriphaga.

First records of the genus Hishimonus Ishihara from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Opsiini) including description of three new species.

Seven species of Hishimonus Ishihara are recorded in Thailand, four of which were previously recorded from neighbouring countries and three new species described herein: Hishimonus pallidus sp. nov., H. diffractus sp. nov. and H. gillespiei sp. nov. The other four species are H. concavus Knight, previously known from the Philippines, H. subtilis Knight recorded from Singapore, H. aberrans Knight recorded from Taiwan and H. phycitis (Distant), which is widespread in Asia from the Middle East to China. These species are all newly recorded from Thailand and represent the first records of the genus Hishimonus in that country.

Activation of the CncC pathway is involved in the regulation of P450 genes responsible for clothianidin resistance in Bradysia odoriphaga.

BACKGROUND: Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play a key role in the detoxification metabolism of insecticides and their overexpression is often associated with insecticide resistance. Our previous research showed that the overexpression of four P450 genes is responsible for clothianidin resistance in B. odoriphaga. In this study, we characterized another P450 gene, CYP6FV21, associated with clothianidin resistance. However, the molecular basis for the overexpression of P450 genes in clothianidin-resistant strain remains obscure in B. odoriphaga. RESULTS: In this study, the CYP6FV21 gene was significantly overexpressed in the clothianidin-resistant (CL-R) strain. Clothianidin exposure significantly increased the expression level of CYP6FV21. Knockdown of CYP6FV21 significantly increased the susceptibility of B. odoriphaga larvae to clothianidin. The transcription factor Cap 'n' Collar isoform-C (CncC) was highly expressed in the midgut of larvae in B. odoriphaga. The expression level of CncC was higher in the CL-R strain compared with the susceptible (SS) strain. Clothianidin exposure caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and significantly increased the expression level of CncC. Knockdown of CncC caused a significant decrease in the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21, and P450 enzyme activity, and led to a significant increase in mortality after exposure to lethal concentration at 30% (LC30 ) of clothianidin. After treatment with CncC agonist curcumin, the P450 activity and the expression levels of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 significantly increased, and larval sensitivity to clothianidin decreased. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment significantly inhibited the expression levels of CncC, CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 in response to clothianidin exposure and increased larval sensitivity to clothianidin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results indicate that activation of the CncC pathway by the ROS burst plays a critical role in clothianidin resistance by regulating the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 genes in B. odoriphaga. This study provides more insight into the mechanisms underlying B. odoriphaga larval resistance to clothianidin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus Planaphrodes Hamilton (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Aphrodinae) Based on Morphological Characteristics, with Revision of Species from China, Korea and Japan.

A morphology-based phylogeny of the Holarctic leafhopper genus Planaphrodes Hamilton is reconstructed for the first time based on 39 discrete male adult morphological characters. The results support the monophyly of Planaphrodes, with the included species forming two monophyletic lineages defined mainly by the number and location of aedeagus processes. The position of Planaphrodes in the Aphrodini was resolved as follows: (Stroggylocephalus + (Anoscopus + (Planaphrodes + Aphrodes))). The fauna of Planaphrodes from China, Japan and Korea are reviewed and six species are recognized, including two new species: P. bifasciatus (Linnaeus), P. sahlbergii (Signoret), P. nigricans (Matsumura), P. laevus (Rey), P. baoxingensis sp. nov. (China: Sichuan) and P. faciems sp. nov. (China: Hubei). Acocephalus alboguttatus Kato, 1933 syn. nov. and Aphrodes daiwenicus Kuoh, 1981 syn. nov. are considered junior synonyms of Planaphrodes sahlbergii (Signoret, 1879). Planaphrodes bella Choe, 1981 is a junior synonym of Planaphrodes nigricans (Matsumura, 1912). A checklist and key to species of Planaphrodes are provided.

Ampelopsin inhibits H2O2-induced apoptosis by ERK and Akt signaling pathways and up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in neurodegenerative disorders. Ampelopsin, a flavonoid abundant in Rattan tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), is a potent antioxidant and its neuroprotective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells is investigated here for the first time. It was found that treatment of cells with ampelopsin for 1 h significantly reduced the loss of vitality, LDH release and apoptosis and inhibited the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ampelopsin was able to prevent the activation of p38 induced by H2O2. In addition, up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression by ampelopsin was shown to be both dose- and time-dependent. Mechanically, HO-1 expression induced by ampelopsin was found to be due to activation of the ERK and Akt signaling pathways, because it was almost completely blocked by the specific inhibitors of ERK and Akt. These results suggest that ampelopsin increases cellular antioxidant defense through activation of the ERK and Akt signaling pathways, which induces HO-1 expression and thereby protects PC12 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis.

Ulopsina, a remarkable new ulopine leafhopper genus from China.

An unusual new cicadellid genus, Ulopsina gen. nov. and two new species, U. sinica sp. nov. and U. szwedoi sp. nov. from China are described, illustrated, and placed in the subfamily Ulopinae. The genus has characters of both the tribes Mesargini and Coloborrhinini, suggesting that the delimitation of these tribes may not be natural. The tribal placement of Ulopsina is uncertain. A checklist of the subfamily Ulopinae from China is also provided, and nine Chinese species designated under the genus Moonia are herein transferred to Mesargus, namely Mesargus albomaculata (Li) comb. nov., M. brevita (Cai et Shen) comb. nov., M. castanea (Kuoh) comb. nov., M. hei (Cai et Shen) comb. nov., M. hirsuta (Li) comb. nov., M. hyboma (Cai et Kuoh) comb. nov., M. maculigena (Kuoh) comb. nov., M. serrata (Li and Zhang) comb. nov., and M. spinapenis (Li and Zhang) comb. nov.

Fine-Structural Morphology of the Mouthparts of the Polyphagous Invasive Planthopper, Ricania speculum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae).

Mouthparts are the crucial sensory and feeding organs associated with food detection and feeding in insects. The Asian ricaniid planthopper Ricania speculum (Walker), recently introduced into Europe, can cause severe economic damage by sucking the phloem sap of tea, camphor, citrus, black locust and other plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. To facilitate comprehensive understanding of feeding mechanisms in the Ricaniidae, the fine structure of the mouthparts of Ricania speculum was observed by scanning electron microscopy for the first time. The mouthparts are tubular, consist of a cone-shaped labrum, with a wrinkled epidermis and without sensilla; the tubular labium is divided into three segments: a slender stylet fascicle consisting of two mandibular stylets with four ridged processes and a row of longitudinal striations on the distal part of the outer surface; and two maxillary stylets with a smooth and sharp distal part, interlocked to form a larger food canal and a smaller salivary canal. On the labium, 15 kinds of sensilla of different functions were recognized. Two rows of short sensilla basiconica (SB I) are symmetrically distributed along the labial groove on the first segment. Two pairs of long sensilla basiconica (SB II) (proprioceptors) are on both sides of the labial groove at the junction of the second and third segments. A placoid, flattened sensillum (SPF) is symmetrically located laterally on the proximal end of the last segment and several flattened sensilla campaniformia (SFC) were visible on the ventral side on the second and third segments. The distribution of four types (I-IV) of sensilla cheatica of different lengths on the dorsal surface of the labium is significantly denser than on the lateral and ventral surfaces. The labial apex is divided into dorsal and ventral sensory fields, mainly including uniporous long peg sensilla (I), as well as smaller peg sensilla (II) and nonporous peg sensilla (PGSN) on each dorsal field. These nonporous sensilla basiconica (BSN I and III) occur on the ventral sensory fields and are constant in number and distribution. The nonporous sensilla basiconica (BSN II) are symmetrically arranged near the opening of the stylet fascicle similarly to two oval multiporous plate sensilla (OPSM). The sensilla arrangement is slightly different from that observed in previously studied Fulgoromorpha using scanning electron micrographs, which may reflect differences in feeding preference or behavior.

Overexpression of Multiple Cytochrome P450 Genes Conferring Clothianidin Resistance in Bradysia odoriphaga.

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play important roles in the detoxification metabolism of xenobiotics and are involved in the resistance of insects to many insecticides. In this study, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), an inhibitor of P450 enzyme activity, significantly increased the toxicity of clothianidin in the clothianidin-resistant (CL-R) population of Bradysia odoriphaga. The enzyme activity of P450 in the CL-R population was significantly higher than that in the SS population. Furthermore, four P450 genes were found to be significantly overexpressed in the CL-R population. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicates that CYP9J57, CYP3828A1, CYP6SX1, and CYP6QE1 were most highly expressed in the midgut and/or Malpighian tubules. After exposure to LC30 of clothianidin, the expression levels of the four P450 genes were significantly upregulated. The RNAi-mediated knockdown of CYP9J57, CYP3828A1, and CYP6QE1 significantly increased the susceptibility of B. odoriphaga to clothianidin. These results suggest that P450 genes are involved in clothianidin resistance in B. odoriphaga. This provides a better understanding of P450-mediated clothianidin resistance in B. odoriphaga and will contribute to the management of insect resistance to insecticides.

The olive constituent oleuropein exerts nephritic protective effects on diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice.

BACKGROUND: Oleuropein, the most prevalent polyphenol in olives, exerts many positive impacts on human health, including counteracting cancer. However, the effect of oleuropein on diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression remains elusive. METHODS: A total of three groups of mice were used in our study. Two groups of db/db mice fed with or without oleuropein. A group of wide-type mice fed with normal diet was used as normal control. After ten weeks of treatment, the body weight, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines levels, and kidney injury status were measured. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that oral administration of oleuropein reduced body weight, alleviated kidney injury, and decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory response in db/db mice. The oleuropein inhibited cell apoptosis via regulation of MAPK signalling pathways and its downstream targets Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION: Oleuropein may server as a favourable additional agent for the treatment of patients with DN.

A new mutation c.685G>A:p.E229K in the KCNJ11 gene: A case report of maturity-onset diabetes of the young13.

INTRODUCTION: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an autosomal dominant monogenic diabetes. We report a pair of father and son diagnosed as MODY13 with a new mutation c.685G>A:p.E229K in the inwardly rectifying subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene. CASE PRESENTATION: A pair of father and son was examined after admission to the hospital and a whole exome test performed. Whole exome test showed that there was a mutation c.685G>A:p.E229K in the KCNJ11 gene encoding a potassium channel, KCNJ11. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of MODY13 requires genetic testing. After confirmation, medication and diet need to be adjusted to control blood glucose. The treatment plan was adjusted. After glimepiride was administered, symptoms of diabetes were effectively improved. According to our knowledge, this is the first reported mutation of c.685G>A:p.E229K in the KCNJ11 gene.