Modified colonic transit test in healthy subjects and constipated patients: A triple-phase, two-center prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Classic daily-ingestion single-film protocol using radiopaque markers for colonic transit time (CTT) is unsuitable for Chinese patients because of rapid colonic motility. A new modified method needs to be established. METHODS: The triple-phase study was performed. In Phase I, the classic protocol was assessed to evaluate its feasibility for Chinese subjects. In Phase II, a modified protocol was performed in two centers on 180 healthy subjects and 90 constipated patients to determine optimal conditions. In Phase III, the simplified protocol was validated on 90 constipated patients. RESULTS: All the subjects of the Phase I expelled more than 95% of the markers during the examination period, which means that the classic protocol is unsuitable for Chinese patients. The 20.9-h mean total CTT for healthy Chinese subjects was much faster than that seen in Western countries. As shown by Phase II, the numbers of subjects went beyond the upper limit were 22 in P1TCTT and 10 in P2TCTT (8.14% vs 3.70%, P = 0.029). The percentage of values fall outside of the measurement range of excretion ratio was around half of our study subjects (45-70%), whereas this percentage was only 3.70% using P2TCTT. The simplified protocol had a diagnostic accuracy for constipation of 0.81, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.46 and 0.97, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Colon movement in Chinese individuals is significantly faster than that of Western populations. The modified protocol generated in this study is appropriate for diagnosis of constipation in population with rapid colon motility.

Characterization of glyphosate and quizalofop-p-ethyl multiple resistance in Eleusine indica.

Glyphosate and Acetyl-coenzyme A Carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors are popular herbicides that control goosegrass. However, some populations are difficult to control due to resistance resulting from the increasing selection pressure. The objectives of this research were to detect the multiple resistance levels, resistance mechanisms, and fitness costs of two goosegrass populations collected in China. The resistance indices of two resistant populations (denominated as R1 and R2) to glyphosate were 3.8 and 2.3, respectively; and it was 18.0 and 14.2 to quizalofop-p-ethyl, respectively. Shikimate accumulation in R1 and R2 populations was only 8% of that of the susceptible population after glyphosate treatment. A Pro-106-Ala mutation in EPSPS and an Asp-2078-Gly mutation in ACCase were present in both resistant populations. Both the expression level of EPSPS and ACCase in resistant populations were similar to that of susceptible populations. The leaf area of the individuals in wild-type populations was more than three times of the leaf area in the resistant populations. Similarly, resistant plants were 45-49% shorter, had 70-76% less fresh shoot weight, and 67-69% fewer seeds than wild-type plants. Goosegrass populations have evolved multiple resistance to glyphosate and the ACCase inhibitor quizalofop-p-ethyl in China. The Pro-106-Ala mutation in the EPSPS and the Asp-2078-Gly mutation in the ACCase were responsible for this resistance. In addition, a fitness cost exists in the resistant populations, and more work should conduct to clear which mutation is responsible for the fitness penalty.

Glyphosate resistance in Eleusine indica: EPSPS overexpression and P106A mutation evolved in the same individuals.

Goosegrass is one of the most widespread weeds in orchards and tea plantations in China, and glyphosate is a popular herbicide used to control it. However, high glyphosate selection pressure has led to some populations becoming resistant. The objectives of this research were to determine resistance levels and possible resistance mechanisms of goosegrass populations from several tea plantations in Zhejiang Province in China. The resistance indexes in four goosegrass populations (SH, SY, CA and CX) ranged from 4.9 to 13.4, and lower shikimate accumulation in these populations compared with a glyphosate-susceptible (GS) population confirmed their resistance to glyphosate. No mutations in the target gene EPSPS were found in populations SH and SY, however, the expression of EPSPS in these two populations was 9.3 and 29.7 times higher than that in the GS population, respectively. In the CX population, a P106S mutation in EPSPS was found in 6.7% of the individuals and another 80.0% of individuals had EPSPS amplification. In population CA, all the individuals had a P106A mutation and 86.7% of them had amplification in EPSPS. The EPSPS copy numbers ranged from 5.2 to 62.3 in these four resistant populations. There was a positive correlation between signal intensities of primary anti-EPSPS antibody and the copy number of the EPSPS protein, as indicated by immunoblot analysis. In population CA, with high-level resistance to glyphosate, both P106A mutation and amplification in EPSPS evolved in the same individuals in this population.

Investigation of resistance mechanism to fomesafen in Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Amaranthus retroflexus L. is one of the most troublesome weeds in autumn-crop fields in Northeast China. In recent years, field applications of fomesafen have failed to control an A. retroflexus population in Heilongjiang Province, China. Therefore, in this study, experiments were conducted to determine the resistance of A. retroflexus to fomesafen and investigate the molecular basis of herbicide resistance. Whole-plant dose-response experiments showed that the resistant (R) population exhibited 41.8-fold resistance to fomesafen compared with the susceptible (S) population. Target-gene sequence analysis revealed an Arg-128-Gly substitution in the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) in the R population. The response of PPO2 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana to fomesafen demonstrated that the Arg-128-Gly substitution conferred high resistance to fomesafen. Cross- and multiple-resistance analyses indicated that the R population was cross-resistant to lactofen and carfentrazone-ethyl but was sensitive to imazethapyr, thifensulfuron-methyl, atrazine, and glyphosate. This study indicated that the Arg-128-Gly substitution is the main reason for A. retroflexus resistance to fomesafen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a target-site based mechanism for the resistance to a PPO-inhibiting herbicide in A. retroflexus.

The basis of resistance mechanism to mesosulfuron-methyl in Tausch's goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.).

Tausch's goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) is one of the most troublesome weeds in winter wheat-growing regions of China. In recent years, the recommended field rate of mesosulfuron-methyl failed to control the Tausch's goatgrass population in Shanxi province (SX), China. Experiments were conducted to characterize the herbicide resistance level and investigate the basis of mesosulfuron-methyl resistance in Tausch's goatgrass. Whole-plant dose-response tests showed that the SX population exhibited 11.42-fold resistance to mesosulfuron-methyl than the susceptible HN population, and the resistance level in the SX population could be significantly reduced by malathion, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor. The SX population also exhibited cross-resistance to imazethapyr, pyroxsulam and bispyribac­sodium. Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) sequencing and enzyme activity assays demonstrated that the mesosulfuron-methyl resistance was not conferred by target-site substitution. A sensitive AHAS, together with the malathion revisable resistance, suggested that herbicide metabolism likely plays a main role in the mechanism of mesosulfuron-methyl resistance in the SX population. To our knowledge, this is the first report elucidating the mesosulfuron-methyl resistance in Tausch's goatgrass.

Investigating the mechanisms of glyphosate resistance in goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) by RNA sequencing technology.

Glyphosate is an important non-selective herbicide that is in common use worldwide. However, evolved glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds significantly affect crop yields. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying resistance in GR weeds, such as goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.), an annual weed found worldwide, have not been fully elucidated. In this study, transcriptome analysis was conducted to further assess the potential mechanisms of glyphosate resistance in goosegrass. The RNA sequencing libraries generated 24 597 462 clean reads. De novo assembly analysis produced 48 852 UniGenes with an average length of 847 bp. All UniGenes were annotated using seven databases. Sixteen candidate differentially expressed genes selected by digital gene expression analysis were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Among these UniGenes, the EPSPS and PFK genes were constitutively up-regulated in resistant (R) individuals and showed a higher copy number than that in susceptible (S) individuals. The expressions of four UniGenes relevant to photosynthesis were inhibited by glyphosate in S individuals, and this toxic response was confirmed by gas exchange analysis. Two UniGenes annotated as glutathione transferase (GST) were constitutively up-regulated in R individuals, and were induced by glyphosate both in R and S. In addition, the GST activities in R individuals were higher than in S. Our research confirmed that two UniGenes (PFK, EPSPS) were strongly associated with target resistance, and two GST-annotated UniGenes may play a role in metabolic glyphosate resistance in goosegrass.

Characterization of Eleusine indica with gene mutation or amplification in EPSPS to glyphosate.

The evolution of weed-resistant species threatens the sustainable use of glyphosate, which is the most important herbicide widely used in agriculture worldwide. Moreover, the high glyphosate resistance (>180-fold based on LD50) of Eleusine indica found in Malaysia, which carries a double mutation in its 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), made the control of this species more difficult. By contrast, the same species carrying the same double mutation in EPSPS (T102I+P106S) but found in China only shows a resistance level of not more than 14-fold based on GR50. The resistance level of this population is four times higher than that of the population carrying a single mutation (P106L). Although the members of this population survive under a high glyphosate dosage of 10,080gaeha-1, their growth was significantly inhibited by glyphosate under the recommend dose (840gaeha-1), where in the fresh weight was 85.4% of the control. EPSPS expression, relative copy number, and EPSPS activity in this population were similar to those of the susceptible population. In addition, the expression of two glutathione transferase (GST) genes (GST-U8 and GST-23) and the enzyme activity of the GST in this population did not significantly differ from those of the susceptible population. This finding is important in elucidating the resistance of the naturally evolved glyphosate-resistant (GR) weed species carrying a double mutation in EPSPS to glyphosate.

Target-site basis for resistance to imazethapyr in redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.).

Experiments were conducted to confirm imazethapyr resistance in redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and study the target-site based mechanism for the resistance. Whole-plant response experiments revealed that the resistant (R) population exhibited 19.16 fold resistance to imazethapyr compared with the susceptible (S) population. In vitro ALS activity assay demonstrated that the imazethapyr I50 value of the R population was 21.33 times greater than that of the S population. However, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that there is no difference in ALS gene expression between the R and S populations. Sequence analysis revealed an Asp-376-Glu substitution in ALS in the R population. In order to verify that the imazethapyr resistance was conferred by Asp-376-Glu mutation, the ALS-R and ALS-S genes were fused to the CaMV 35S promoter and introduced into Arabidopsis respectively. The expression of ALS-R in transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited 13.79 fold resistance to imazethapyr compared to ALS-S transgenic Arabidopsis.

[Interaction of MIF gene -173G/C polymorphism and GPX1 gene 594C/T polymorphism with high-fat diet in ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction of single nucleotide polymorphisms of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene -173G/C and glutathione peroxidase 1(GPX1) gene 594C/T polymorphisms and high-fat diet in ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of MIF -173G/C and GPX1 594C/T were determined with a polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-endonuclease method in peripheral blood leukocytes derived from 1500 UC cases and 1500 healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequencies of MIF -173CC and GPX1 594TT were 55.60% and 55.73% in the UC cases and 16.67% and 16.47% in the healthy controls, respectively. Statistical tests also showed a significant difference in the frequencies between the two groups (P<0.01; P<0.01, respectively). Individuals carrying MIF -173CC also had a significantly higher risk of UC compared with those with MIF -173GG (OR=6.8662, 95%CI: 4.5384-9.6158). Individuals carrying GPX1 594TT had a high risk of UC (OR=7.0854, 95%CI: 4.4702-10.5283). Combined analysis showed that the percentages of MIF -173CC/GPX1 594TT in the UC and control groups were 31.00% and 2.73%, respectively (P<0.01). Individuals carrying MIF -173CC/GPX1 594TT had a high risk of UC (OR=49.0113, 95%CI: 31.7364-61.8205). The high-fat diet rate of the case group was significantly higher than that of the control group (OR=3.3248, 95%CI: 1.9461-5.0193, P<0.01), and statistic analysis suggested an interaction between high-fat diet and MIF -173CC and GPX1 594TT which increase risk of UC (γ =6.9293; γ =6.9942). CONCLUSION: MIF -173CC and GPX1 594TT and high-fat diet are the risk factors for UC, and the significant interactions between genetic polymorphisms of MIF -173G/C, GPX1 594C/T and high-fat diet may increase the risk for UC.

Correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and polymorphism of adiponectin gene promoter-11391G/A, superoxide dismutase gene innonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection and polymorphism of adiponectin gene promoter -11391G/A, extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) gene in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
 METHODS: From June, 2010 to July, 2014, a hospital-based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out, with 600 cases of NAFLD and 600 healthy people in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University. The genetic polymorphisms of adiponectin gene promoter -11391G/A and EC-SOD were analyzed by polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in peripheral blood leukocytes of the subjects. 14C-urea breath test (14C-UBT) was used to test 14C disntegration per minute (DPM) for evaluating the infections status of H. Pylori. The synergistic effect between the two mutants and the gene-environment interaction of the genotypes with H. Pylori infection were analyzed.
 RESULTS: The frequencies of -11391G/A (AA) and EC-SOD (CG+GG) were 50.67% and 50.33% in NAFLD cases, 23.83% and 24.17% in healthy controls, respectively. Statistical tests showed significantly higher frequencies of -11391G/A (AA) and EC-SOD (CG+GG) in the NAFLD group (-11391G/A: P=0.0051; EC-SOD: P=0.0057). The risk of NAFLD with -11391G/A (AA) was significantly higher than those with -11391G/A(GG+GA) (OR=3.2822, 95% CI 1.9170 to 5.2039). The individuals who carried EC-SOD (CG+GG) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR=3.1800, 95% CI 1.7974 to 5.2391). Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that percentage of -11391G/A (AA)/EC-SOD (CG+GG) in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than that in the control groups (25.50% vs 5.83%, P=0.0039). The people who carried with -11391G/A (AA)/EC-SOD (CG+GG) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR=10.3190, 95% CI 8.1869 to 20.5102). The H. Pylori infection rate in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (OR=3.1667, 95% CI 1.9139 to 5.7443, P=0.0062), and statistical analysis suggested a positive correlation between H. Pylori infection and NAFLD with -11391G/A (AA) and EC-SOD (CG+GG) (-11391G/A: γ=1.8532; EC-SOD: γ=1.7899).
 CONCLUSION: These carriers of -11391G/A(AA) and EC-SOD (CG+GG) genotypes may have a high risk of NAFLD, and the gene genotypes can interact with H. Pylori infection in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Therefore, effective prevention measures for NAFLD should consider eradicating H. Pylori or regulating gene expression.

[Interaction between polymorphisms of TLR4 gene G11367C in 3' untranslated region and IκB-α Hae III in acute pancreatitis and the degree of severity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction between polymorphism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene G11367C in 3' untranslated region (UTR) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (IκB)-α Hae III in acute pancreatitis (AP) and the degree of severity.
 METHODS: A total of 450 patients with confirmed AP (AP group), who came from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from May 2013 to June 2015, were divided into a mild AP subgroup (MAP subgroup), a moderately severe AP (MSAP subgroup), and a severe acute AP (SAP subgroup) (n=150 in each group). One hundred fifty healthy persons were served as a control group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, ethnicity and birthplace among all groups. The genetic polymorphisms of TLR4 gene G11367C in 3' untranslated region and IκB-α Hae III were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eligible participants were personally interviewed by a questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression model and single factor analysis were performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of G11367C and IκB-α Hae III polymorphisms, respectively. The interaction of nucleotide polymorphisms was analyzed.
 RESULTS: The frequencies of G11367C (GC), IκB-α Hae III (AG) and IκB-α Hae III (GG) were 69.56%, 33.78% and 36.22% in the AP group; 49.33%, 24.67% and 26.00% in the MAP subgroup; 70.67%, 34.67% and 36.67% in the MSAP subgroup; 88.67%, 42.00% and 46.00% in the SAP subgroup and 26.67%, 14.00% and 14.67% in the control group, respectively. There was significant difference in the frequencies betweenc the AP group and the control group, or among each AP subgroup (all P<0.01). The risk of AP was significantly increased in the subjects with G11367C (GC) genotype (ORAP=6.2828, ORMAP=2.6776, ORMSAP=6.6250, ORSAP=21.5147), which was also increased in those with IκB-α Hae III (AG) genotype (ORAP=5.7369, ORMAP=2.5277, ORMSAP=6.1824, ORSAP=17.8572) and in those with IκB-α Hae III (GG) genotype (ORAP=5.8724, ORMAP=2.5902, ORMSAP=6.4027, ORSAP=18.9022). The combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that the percentage of G11367C (GC)/ IκB-α Hae III (GG) in the AP group, the MAP subgroup, the MSAP subgroup, the SAP subgroup and the control groups was 26.44%, 12.67%, 26.00%, 40.67% and 4.00%, respectively, with significant difference in the frequency among all groups (all P<0.01). The people who carried with Pro12Ala (AA)/Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of AP (ORAP=30.1314, ORMAP=6.7612, ORMSAP=39.5000, ORSAP=401.5833), and the statistical analysis suggested a positive interaction between Pro12Ala (AA) and Pro198Leu (LL) in increasing the risk of AP (All γ>1). Similarly, there were also positive interactions in the pathogenesis of AP between G11367C (GC) and IκB-α Hae III (AG) (All γ>1). 
 CONCLUSION: These carriers of G11367C(GC), IκB-α Hae III(AG) and IκB-α Hae III (GG) genotypes may have a high risk of AP occurency, and there are significant interactions between genetic polymorphisms of G11367C and IκB-α Hae III, which increaes the risk of the occurrence and development of AP.

Mutations and amplification of EPSPS gene confer resistance to glyphosate in goosegrass (Eleusine indica).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Field-evolved resistance of goosegrass to glyphosate is due to double or single mutation in EPSPS , or amplification of EPSPS leads to increased transcription and protein levels. Glyphosate has been used widely in the south of China. The high selection pressure from glyphosate use has led to the evolution of resistance to glyphosate in weeds. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of three recently discovered glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica populations (R1, R2 and R3). The results showed that R1 and R2 had double Thr102Ile and Pro106Ser mutation and a single mutation of Pro106Leu in the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene, respectively. Escherichia coli containing the mutated EPSPS genes was tolerant to glyphosate. EPSPS activity in R1 and R2 plants was higher than in the sensitive plants. There was no amino acid substitution in EPSPS gene in R3. However, expression of EPSPS in R3 plants was higher than in glyphosate-susceptible (S) population (13.8-fold) after glyphosate treatment. EPSPS enzyme activity in both R3 and S plants was inhibited by glyphosate, while shikimate accumulation in R3 was significantly lower than for the S population. Further analysis revealed that the genome of R3 contained 28.3-fold more copies of the EPSPS gene than that of susceptible population. EPSPS expression was positively correlated with copy number of EPSPS. In conclusion, mutation of the EPSPS gene and increased EPSPS expression are part of the molecular mechanisms of resistance to glyphosate in Eleusine indica.

Molecular basis of resistance to imazethapyr in redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) populations from China.

Three putative resistant Amaranthus retroflexus L. populations were collected in Heilongjiang province in China. Whole plant bioassays indicated high resistance (RI > 10) to imazethapyr in the three populations. In vitro acetolactate synthase (ALS) assays revealed that ALS from populations H3, H17 and H39 was less sensitive to imazethapyr inhibition compared to the susceptible population H76. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (I50) values for H3, H17 and H39 were 14.83, 15.27 and 268 times greater, respectively, than that of the susceptible population H76. Three nucleotide mutations resulted in three known resistance-endowing amino acid substitutions, Ala-205-Val, Trp-574-Leu and Ser-653-Thr in the three resistant populations respectively. Therefore, ALS target-site mutations in resistant A. retroflexus could be responsible for imazethapyr resistance.

[Interaction of polymorphisms of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor CCR2 gene 190A/G, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunit p22phox gene C242T and cigarette smoking increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction of polymorphisms of monocyte chemoattractant protein-I (MCP-1) receptor CCR2 gene 190A/G, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit p22phox gene C242T and cigarette smoking in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD ). METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of MCP-1 receptor CCR2 gene 190A/G and NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox gene C242T were analyzed by the technique of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) in peripheral blood leukocytes of 600 NAFLD cases and 600 healthy persons. RESULTS: The frequencies of 190A/G (GG) and C242T (TT) were 50. 17% and 50. 00% in NAFLD cases and 23. 83% and 24. 17% in healthy controls, respectively. There were significant differences in the frequencies between the two groups (χ2 = 88. 8462, P = 0. 0031, χ2 = 85. 8100, P = 0. 0039). The risk of NAFLD with 190A/G (GG) was significantly higher than those with 190A/G (AA + AG) (OR = 3. 2171, 95% CI 1. 9351 - 5. 2184). The individuals who carried with C242T (TT) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 3. 1379, 95% CI 1. 7973 - 5. 2362). Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that percentage of 190A/G (GG)/C242T (TT) in NAFLD and control groups was 39. 67% and 13. 00%, respectively (χ2 = 118. 3021, P =0. 0017). The people who carried with 190A/G (GG)/C242T (TT) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR =5. 0211, 95% CI 3. 1853 -7. 7926). The cigarette smoking rate of the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2 = 92. 2234, P = 0. 0025), smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer than non-smokers (OR = 3. 3032, 95% CI 1. 9147 -5. 7413 ), and statistic analysis suggested an interaction between cigarette smoking and 190A/G (GG) and C242T (TT) which increase risk of NAFLD (r = 3. 9983, r = 3. 8553 ). CONCLUSION: 190A/G (GG), C242T (TT) and cigarette smoking are the risk factors in NAFLD, and the significant interactions between genetic polymorphisms of 190A/G (GG), C242T (TT) and cigarette smoking added the risk of NAFLD.

Interaction between the polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2-1195G/A,MnSOD9Ala/val genes and the high-fat diets and its correlation with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction of the polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2-1195G/A (COX-2-1195G/A) and manganese superoxide dismutase 9Ala/Val (MnSOD9Ala/Val) genes and the high-fat diets and its potential correlation with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of COX-2-1195G/A and MnSOD9Ala/Val were analyzed by polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from 750 UC patients (UC group) and 750 healthy subjects (control group). RESULTS: The frequencies of COX-2-1195G/A(A/A) and MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) were 49.07% and 50.13% in UC group and 21.20% and 22.40% in control group, respectively (P<0.01). The risk of UC significantly increased in subjects with COX-2-1195G/A(A/A) genotype (OR=3.5808,95%CI=1.8062-5.3478) and in those with MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) genotype(OR=3.4828,95%CI=1.9137-5.5496). Pooled analysis of the polymorphisms showed that distribution frequency of COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)/MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) was 40.67% in UC group and 8.40% in control group (P<0.01). Subjects with COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)/MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) had a significantly higher risk of UC (OR=7.5655,95% CI=4.1849-11.2037). The rate of high-fat diets was significantly higher in the UC group than in the control group(49.73 vs.20.13%,P<0.01),and statistic analysis suggested an interaction between high-fat diet and COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)(Γ=11.81821)and MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V)(Γ=9.0107), which increase risk of UC. CONCLUSIONS: COX-2-1195G/A(A/A),MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V), and high-fat diet are the risk factors of UC. The interaction between the genetic polymorphisms of COX-2-1195G/A and MnSOD9Ala/Val and the high-fat diet increases the risk of UC.

[Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene for idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. METHODS: We randomly assigned 300 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia to a trial (n = 156) and a control group (n = 144) to be treated with Qilin Pills (6 g, tid) combined with clomiphene (50 mg, qd) and clomiphene alone (50 mg, qd), respectively, both for a course of 12 weeks. Before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, we determined sperm concentration, the percentages of grade a and grade a + b sperm, sperm motility, and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), followed by evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Qilin Pills with the pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses as the secondaty therapeutic indexes. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, both groups of patients showed remarkably improved semen parameters and hormone levels after treatment (all P < 0.01). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, statistically significant differences were observed between the trial and control groups in sperm concentration ([17.06 ± 2.24] vs [15.07 ± 2.48], [22.10 ± 2.65] vs [18.11 ± 2.97], and [28.13 ± 3.59] vs [21.21 ± 3.60] x 10(6)/mL, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a sperm ([15.03 ± 2.39] vs [13.08 ± 2.51], [21.08 ± 3.16] vs [16.04 ± 3.05], and [28.08 ± 4.70] vs [20.14 ± 4.74]%, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a + b sperm ([30.10 ± 5.07] vs [26.21 ± 3.96], [38.08 ± 5.64] vs [30.07 ± 4.80], and [48.04 ± 6.49] vs [35.28 ± 4.77]%, P < 0.01), sperm motility ([42.04 ± 4.86] vs [40.29 ± 4.19], [52.05 ± 5.58] vs [48.03 ± 4.40], and [65.03 ± 5.13] vs [56.67 ± 4.99]%), the FSH level ([7.75 ± 1.38] vs [7.20 ± 1.17], [10.83 ± 1.23] vs [9.10 ± 1.32], and [14.22 ± 0.84] vs [12.06 ± 1.45] IU/L, P < 0.01), the LH level ([10.05 ± 1.68] vs [9.18 ± 1.54], [13.96 ± 1.68] vs [11.99 ± 1.71], and [19.01 ± 2.42] vs [15.86 ± 2.08] IU/L, P < 0.01) and the T level ([19.19 ± 192] vs [18.34 ± 1.79] [21.06 ± 1.63] vs [20.06 ± 1.56], and [24.63 ± 1.06] vs [22.03 ± 1.49] nmol/L, P < 0.01). The pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses was significantly higher in the trial than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (1.92 vs 0.69, 4.81 vs 3.47, and 11.54 vs 8.33%, P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in drug tolerance between the two groups (P > 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene can evidently improve the seminal quality and hormone level of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events. However, its long-term efficacy and tolerance deserve further clinical investigation.

Molecular cloning and characterization of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase gene from Convolvulus arvensis L.

5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), the target enzyme for glyphosate inhibition, catalyzes an essential step in the shikimate pathway for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. The full-length cDNA of 1,751 nucleotides (CaEPSPS, Genbank accession number: EU698030) from Convolvulus arvensis was cloned and characterized. The CaEPSPS encodes a polypeptide of 520 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 55.5 kDa and an isoelectric point of 7.05. The results of homology analysis revealed that CaEPSPS showed highly homologous with EPSPS proteins from other plant species. Tissue expression pattern analysis indicated that CaEPSPS was constitutively expressed in stems, leaves and roots, with lower expression in roots. CaEPSPS expression level could increase significantly with glyphosate treatment, and reached its maximum at 24 h after glyphosate application. We fused CaEPSPS to the CaMV 35S promoter and introduced the chimeric gene into Arabidopsis. The resultant expression of CaEPSPS in transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to glyphosate in comparison with control.

Correlations between polymorphisms of extracellular superoxide dismutase, aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genes, as well as drinking behavior and pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between drinking behavior combined with polymorphisms of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) genes and pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of EC-SOD and ALDH2 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism in the peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from 680 pancreatic cancer cases and 680 non-cancer controls. Subsequently the frequency of genotype was compared between the pancreatic cancer patients and the healthy controls.The relationship of drinking with pancreatic cancer was analyzed. RESULTS: The frequencies of EC-SOD (C/G) and ALDH2 variant genotypes were 37.35% and 68.82% respectively in the pancreatic cancer cases, and were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (21.03% and 44.56%, all P<0.01). People who carried EC-SOD (C/G) (OR=2.24, 95% CI= 1.81-4.03, P<0.01) or ALDH2 variant genotypes (OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.92-4.47, P<0.01) had a high risk to develop pancreatic cancer. Those who carried EC-SOD (C/G) genotype combined with ALDH2 variant genotype had a high risk for pancreatic cancer (29.56% vs. 6.76%, OR=7.69, 95% CI=3.58-10.51, P<0.01). The drinking rate of the pancreatic cancer group (64.12%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (40.15%; OR=2.66, 95% CI=1.30-4.42, P<0.01). An interaction between drinking and EC-SOD (C/G)/ALDH2 variant genotypes increased the risk of occurrence of pancreatic cancer (OR=25.00, 95% CI= 11.87-35.64, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EC-SOD (C/G), ALDH2 variant genotypes and drinking might be the risk factors of pancreatic cancer.

[Interaction of polymorphisms of Leptin receptor gene Gln223Arg, MnSOD9Ala/Val genes and smoking in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction of polymorphisms of leptin receptor (LR) gene Gln223Arg, manganese superoxide dismutase9Ala/Val (MnSOD9Ala/Val) genes and smoking in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: The genetic polymorphisms of LEPR gene Gln223 Arg and MnSOD9Ala/Val were analyzed bypolymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in peripheral blood leukocytes of 600 NAFLD cases and 600 healthy persons. RESULTS: The frequencies of LR gene Gln223Arg (G/G) and MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) were 48. 67% and 50.17% in NAFLD cases and 21. 17% and 21. 50% in healthy controls respectively. Statistical tests showed significant difference in the frequencies between the two groups (P <0.01). The risk of NAFLD with Gln223Arg (G/G) was significantly higher than those of controls (OR = 3. 5309, 95% CI =21. 8165 -5.0724). The individuals who carried with MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 3. 6756, 95% CI = 1. 9137 - 5.5496). Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that percentage of Gln223Arg (G/G)/ MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) in NAFLD and control groups was40.33% % and 7.50% Respectively (P <0.01). The people who carried with Gln223 Arg (G/G)/ MnSOD9Ala/ Val (V/V) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 8. 4014,95% CI= 4. 2926 - 12. 4238). The smoking rate of the case group was significantly higher than which in the control group (OR = 3. 6754, 95% CI = 1. 4193 - 4. 9581, P <0. 01 ), and statistic analysis suggested an interaction between smoking and Gln223Arg ( G/G)/ MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) which increase risk of NAFLD ( OR = 9. 8665; OR = 8. 5476). CONCLUSION: Gln223Arg (G/G), MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) and smoking are the risk factors in NAFLD, and the significant interactions between geneticpolymorphisms of Gln223Arg,MnSOD9Ala/Val and smoking added the risk of NAFLD.

Short and long-term efficacy of combining Fuzhengliqi mixture with acupuncture in treatment of functional constipation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the short and long-term efficacy of combining Fuzhengliqi mixture (FLM) with acupuncture in treating functional constipation (FC). METHODS: The 560 patients with confirmed diagnosis of FC were randomly assigned to four groups: FLM group, acupuncture group, combined therapy group, and control group. There were 140 cases in each group. The FLM group was administered FLM 60 mL twice a day, while the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at acupoints Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Zusanli (ST 36), Dachangshu (BL 25), and Zhigou (TE 6) twice a day, the combined therapy group with FLM and acupuncture, and the control group was administered mosapride (5 mg thrice a day) and Macrogol 4000 (10 g twice a day). The treatment lasted 6 weeks. The defecation interval, stool property, constipation symptoms, and accompanying symptoms were recorded, graded, and scored. The gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) and motilin (MTL) level in serum and life quality score were detected at three time points (pre-treatment, at the end of treatment, and 60 weeks post-treatment). Moreover, the adverse reactions were also observed. RESULTS: In the FLM group 2 cases were eliminated for not taking medication strictly according to the research plan and 1 case was lost to follow-up, while 2 cases in the acupuncture group and 2 cases in the combined therapy group were lost to follow-up. Compared with those detected pre-treatment, the defecation interval, stool property, constipation symptom grade, accompanying symptom grade, and GITT were all decreased markedly at the end of treatment in every group, while the MTL levels in serum and life quality score were increased markedly (P < 0.01), the above-mentioned detecting indices were better in the combined therapy group than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the end of treatment, above-mentioned detecting indices all recurred significantly in the FLM group and control group 60 weeks post-treatment (P > 0.05), but these indices recurred insignificantly in the acupuncture and combined therapy groups (P > 0.05). The short and long-term total effective rates in the combined therapy group were significantly different from those in other groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). No serious adverse reactions were found in four groups. CONCLUSION: Both FLM and acupuncture can significantly shorten the defecation interval and GITT, increase MTL levels in serum, decrease the scores of stool property, constipation symptoms, and accompanying symptoms in patients with FC to increase their life quality. The combined therapy is much better in long-term efficacy and the safety is also good, worth spreading in clinical practice.