First Report of Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Graminicola on Brassica Juncea in China.

In southern China, the staple food rice (Oryza sativa) field is commonly rotated with brown mustard Brassica juncea. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a major threat to rice production. From 2019 to 2021, B. juncea in 56 fields from 26 counties in Guangxi Province were observed with symptoms of leaf yellowing, stunting, and several hook-shaped galls on the roots. Females and egg masses of Meloidogyne sp. were found within the galls. The females, males, and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were collected, and identified with morphological and molecular characteristics and female perineal patterns. Brassica juncea was transplanted in pots and a pathogenicity test was conducted to confirm the species as Meloidogyne graminicola. In China, this is the first record of a natural infection of mustard with M. graminicola, and this finding has great importance for Chinese mustard production, since this nematode may damage mustard plants and become an additional problem for this crop.

Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) community composition in the rangeland of the northern slopes of The Qilian Mountains in northwestern China.

In order to describe grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) species composition, diversity, abundance, and density of four rangelands types, we compared the grasshopper community composition and dynamics in the rangeland of the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains. In total, 55 grasshopper species were collected from 2007 to 2009, representing three families and six subfamilies. The subfamily Oedipodinae was dominant, followed by Gomphocerinae and Catantopinae. Species abundance varied among rangeland types (RTs). The greatest abundance of grasshoppers was found in mountain rangeland, while the lowest abundance of grasshoppers was caught in alpine shrublands. Three species (Chorthippus cf. brunneus (Thunberg) (Acrididae), Chorthippus Dubius (Zubovski), and Gomphocerus licenti (Chang) were broadly distributed in the four RTs and constituted 7.5% of all grasshoppers collected. Ch. dubius was very abundant in desert rangeland and alpine shrubland. Bryodema dolichoptera Yin et Feng Eremippus qilianshanensis Lian and Zheng, and Filchnerella qilianshanensis Xi and Zheng (Pamphagidae) were endemic to the region of the Qilian Mountains. Species similarity between RTs ranged from 17.8 to 51.6 based on the Renkonen index. Similarly, the Sörensen index indicated a wide separation in species composition among RTs. The abundance of the eight most common species showed obvious differences among RTs and years. On average, mountain rangeland had the highest density values in 2007 and 2008, and alpine shrubland supported the smallest density. The densities in desert and mountain rangeland in 2007 were significantly higher than in 2008, while alpine rangeland and shrublands did not present obvious differences among years.

Redistribution of body composition in patients with Graves' disease after iodine-131 treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate body composition redistribution at 3 months after radioactive iodine therapy (RAI). METHODS: Eighty patients with Graves' disease (GD) for RAI and 18 volunteers were recruited. All patients underwent thyroid status test and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 3 months after RAI. According to the second thyroid status test, patients were divided into the following groups: A, with aggravated hyperthyroidism; B-1, with improved hyperthyroidism; B-2, with euthyroidism; and B-3, with hypothyroidism. RESULTS: Total lean mass (LM) but fat mass (FM) and bone mineral content (BMC) of whole GD patients after RAI recovered to be not different with controls. Compared with baseline, in group A, FM in the left leg increased, and LM in left arm, right arm, trunk and total LM decreased (P<0.05). In B-2, FM in the head increased, and LM in the head, right arm, trunk and total LM increased (P<0.05). In B-3, FM in the right leg and total body fat percentage decreased, but FM in the head, android-to-gynoid fat ratio and body mass index increased (P<0.05); LM of all sites, weight and total mass increased (P<0.05); BMC in lumbar spine and left leg, and total BMC decreased (P<0.05). Body composition of unmentioned sites was retained after RAI in each group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Replenishment of LM gets priority rather than FM and BMC during the first 3 months after RAI, and the increase in LM starts from the upper body; head is the regional site in which FM recovery occurs first.

Oleanolic acid inhibits hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scarring, a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts, results from an overproduction of collagen and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although treatment with surgical excision or steroid hormones can modify the symptoms, numerous treatment-related complications have been described. AIM: To investigate the effects of oleanolic acid (OA), a naturally occurring triterpenoid, on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model. METHODS: A rabbit ear model of hypertrophic scarring was used, with wounds produced with a biopsy punch. Oleanolic acid (2.5%, 5% and 10%) was applied once daily to the scars for 22 days. On postoperative day 28, the scars were excised, and the tissue used for histological examination and assays of the levels of collagens I and III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß(1). The scar elevation index (SEI) was also determined. RESULTS: Treatment with different concentrations of oleanolic acid (OA) for 22 days significantly inhibited hypertrophic scarring in rabbit ear tissue. Levels of TGF-ß(1), collagen I and collagen III were significantly decreased and levels of MMP-1 significantly increased in the scar tissue. SEI was also significantly reduced. Histological findings showed significant amelioration of the scar tissue. CONCLUSIONS: OA suppresses hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model and may be an effective cure for human hypertrophic scarring.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for analgesic properties and constituents of Vitex negundo L. seeds.

This study was undertaken to ascertain the analgesic properties of Vitex negundo L. seeds and to isolate and characterize the active constituents. Among the 80% ethanol extract and some fractions with different polarity, the acetoacetate fraction showed the highest anti-nociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing test in ICR mice. The analgesic bioguided isolation of the acetoacetate fraction yielded two major lignans: 6-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-naphthaldehyde (1) and vitedoamine A (2). Given orally, compound (1), which was more productive, produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin injections and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activities in dimethyl benzene-induced ear edema test in a dose-dependent manner. Since co-administration of naloxone fails to antagonize the analgesic activity of compound (1) in the formalin test, we suggest that compound (1) possesses potent analgesic effects which are most likely to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity rather than through opioid receptor system and therefore could partially explain the anti-nociceptive effect of V. negundo L. seeds.

Curculigo orchioides, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: Natural medicines derived from plants have aroused increasing interest in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This is due to their unique characteristics as these are more suitable for long-term use compared with synthesized chemicals and have apparently fewer adverse effects. Curculigo orchioides (CO) has a long history in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of ethanol extracts of CO on ovariectomy-induced bone loss. METHODS: Sixty female (4.5-month-old) Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sham and OVX groups. The OVX rats were further divided into five subgroups treated respectively, with vehicle, nylestriol (1 mg/kg, i.g.) and CO extract (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg, i.g.) for 12 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) densitometry. Serum phosphorus, calcium, ACTH, corticosterone, deoxypyridinoline crosslinks to creatinine ratio (DPD/Cr), alkaline phosphate (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), IL-6, and TNF-alpha were also determined. RESULTS: Administration of CO extract prevented bone loss in the trabecular bone of the tibia in ovariectomized rats without affecting the weight of the body and the uterus, and increased serum phosphorus, calcium, and OPG levels, decreased serum DPD/Cr, TRAP, ACTH, and corticosterone levels, but did not alter serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and ALP levels in ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: CO ethanol extract has a definite protective effect on bone loss in ovariectomized rats by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing serum phosphorus and calcium levels, without affecting bone formation. Therefore, CO can be considered a potential antiosteoporosis herbal plant, although more studies are needed to clarify its real potential chemical constituents and their mechanism of action.

Estrogen-like activities in Vitex species from China determined by a cell based proliferation assay.

Ethanolic extracts of four Chinese medicinally used Vitex species were selected and tested for their estrogen-like activities, using an ERalpha-positive MCF-7 cell based proliferation assay (E-screen assay) and cell cycle analysis (flow cytometry). Vitex negundo displayed the highest estrogenic-like activity, and could be useful in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in rat brain after implantation of 9L rat glioma cells.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have come to be highlighted by their close relation to the cell invasion of gliomas. The inhibitors of MMPs have undergone extensive development because of its effectiveness against tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Therefore, a suitable animal model is necessary for searching new MMPs inhibitors against gliomas. In this study, we established an experimental model by implanting 9L glioma cells stereotactically into Fisher344 (F344) rat's brain, and the expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 9L glioma cells and in tumor tissue was determined by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) zymography, in situ film zymography and immunostaining. The results of RT-PCR showed that the mRNA level of MMP-2 in 9L glioma cells was higher than that of MMP-9, and the mRNA expression of MMP-9 was increased along with the growth of malignant gliomas. SDS-PAGE zymography revealed that the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly increased in tumor tissues, and the MMP-9 wasn't detected in normal tissue. The positive stain of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was enhanced with the growth of malignant gliomas, especially for MMP-9. The expression of active gelatinase was found in tumor tissue. In conclusion, the expression of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 was increased in 9L/F344 rat brain during the growth of malignant gliomas at different time intervals, which indicate that 9L/F344 animal model may be a prospective animal model to test new MMPs inhibitors.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and constituents of Xanthium strumarium L.

The aim of this study was to fractionate an extract of Xanthium strumarium L. (EXS) and to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the extract and its fractions. The ethanol extract of X. strumarium (EXS) was fractionated on the basis of polarity. Among the different fractions, the n-butanol fraction showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity in the croton-oil-induced ear edema test and furthermore reduced the number of writhings induced by acetic acid in mice in a dose-dependent manner. This indicates that the n-butanol fraction of X. strumarium possesses potent analgesic effects which are likely to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation of EXS led to the isolation and identification of ten caffeoylquinic acids and three heterocyclics by HPLC-DAD-MS(n) from the active n-butanol fraction, implying that the active compounds are polar in nature. The isolated caffeoylquinic acids could partially explain the antinociceptive effect of X. strumarium polar extract.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities of Fructus Viticis and its effective fractions and chemical constituents.

Vitex rotundifolia L. is widely distributed along the sea coast of China. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities of substances isolated from Fructus Viticis (the fruit of Vitex rotundifolia), which may be effective in the treatment of pre-menstrual symptoms, using acetic-acid-induced writhing and metoclopramide-dihydrochloride-induced hyperprolactinemia in mice. The fractions effective in terms of anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperprolactinemia activities were obtained from Fructus Viticis by elution through macro-porous resin, and polyamide and silica gel column chromatography. The standardization of the fractions obtained from the separation procedures was carried out by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fingerprint. In this study, the flavone-enriched fraction (Fraction 6) showed a higher inhibitory rate than indomethacin (69.4% vs. 56.4%) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt., and significantly reduced the prolactin level as compared to HPRL-treated mice (8.2 ng/ml vs. 25.5 ng/ml). Furthermore, this fraction showed anti-nociceptive activity in a dose-dependent manner (10-50 mg/kg body wt., i.g.). On further purification with silica gel, Casticin was isolated from this fraction and it decreased abnormal serum levels of prolactin by approximately 50% (p < 0.01). Using bioassay-screening methods, our results indicate that the presence of flavonoids such as Casticin in this plant may be responsible for the activity effects. Casticin has potent analgesic and anti-hyperprolactinaemia properties, is likely to be one of the active components of Fructus Viticis, and may have a role in treating PMS (premenstrual syndrom).

Antinociceptive activity and chemical composition of constituents from Caragana microphylla seeds.

This investigation was undertaken to ascertain the antinociceptive activity of Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds and isolate and characterize the constituents. Antinociceptive activity was screened using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in ICR mice. The 75% ethanol extract and some fractions showed analgesic activity, but the antinociceptive activity of chloroform fraction was the strongest and was more productive than other fractions. Seven compounds were isolated from it and identified as: (1) machaeric acid, (2) beta-sitosterol, (3) stigmasterol, (4) pratol, (5) dehydrocavidine, (6) formononetin and (7) sucrose. Caragana microphylla Lam. seeds showed analgesic activity, with the chloroform fraction showing the strongest analgesic activity among the fractions.

[Resources distribution and pharamacognostic identification of Centella asiatica (L.) urban produced in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the resources distribution and morphological histology of Centella asiatica distributed in China, and offer evidences for exploiting the plant resources and drafting the quality standards. METHOD: Sample collection, document investigation and microscopic section observation. RESULT: A table of resources distribution was worked out, the medicinal properties and the microscopic characteristics of the stem, leaf and stipe were described. CONCLUSION: This study supports the viewpoint of Urban and can be used as a reference for the quality standard of Centella asiation.

[Effects of coumarins from cnidium monnieri on the function of pituitary-adrenocortical axis in kidney yang deficiency rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Cnidium monnieri in Kidney Yang Deficiency rats. METHODS: Rats were injected intraperitoneally with hydrocortisone acetate to replicate the animal model of Kidney Yang Deficiency. Osthol, total-coumarins (TCR) from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri and positive control drug (PCD) were administered orally to model rats. The plasma levels of corticosterone (B), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), renin (PRA), angiotensin-II (AT-II) and aldosterone (ALD) were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with those in normal rats, the levels of B and ACTH in the plasma of model rats lowered significantly (P < 0.01), the levels of B and ACTH of treatment groups were higher than those of model group, while the levels of PRA, AT-II and ALD had no significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The osthol, TCR have the effects in protecting and strengthening the function of pituitary-adrenocortex axis.

[Modulation mechanism of IL-1 in hemorrhagic shock in relation to endotoxin].

The modulation mechanism of IL-1 in relation to endotoxin (ET) was investigated in hemorrhangic shock rat. It was found that within 4 h after hemorrhagic shock, SD rat showed a significant increase in both ET and IL-1, the latter taking place earlier than the former. While SD rat reared in germ free condition showed an obvious increas in IL-1 but without marked change in ET, no matter whether the rats reared in different condition were pretreated with lactuolsc or anti-ET. Within 5 d after reinfusion of lost blood to the ordinary shock rat, IL-1 and ET changed in a parallel manner. When shock rats were treated with lactulose or anti-ET, both IL-1 and ET showed significant decrease as compared with the control. It is suggested from the above observation that ET is not an important factor in enhancing IL-1 activity in the early stage of hemorrhagic shock, but does contribute to the increased IL-1 activity in the later phase of hemorrhagic shock. The ET comes mainly from the gut in hemorrhagic state.

[Effect of osthol and total coumarins of fructus cnidii on thyroid hormone and thyrotropic hormone in kidney-yang deficiency rats].

Osthol and total coumarins of Fructus Cnidii were given to the model of Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats induced by hydrocortison acetate injection, the changes of serum concentration of thyroxine T3, reverse T3 (rT3), T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were observed. Results showed that in comparison with normal rats, all of the criteria mentioned above were lowered significantly (P < 0.01) in model rats. After treatment, the criteria observed were all increased significantly (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). It was suggested that the osthol and total coumarins of Fructus Cnidii could elevate the pituitary-thyroid axis function of Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats.

[Effects of osthol and total-coumarins from Cnidium monnieri on immunological function in kidney yang deficiency mice].

Mice were injected intraperitoneally with hydrocortisone acetate to replicate the animal model of Kidney Yang Deficiency (KYD). Osthol and total-coumarins (TCR) from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri were administered orally to model mice. The effects of osthol and TCR on the immunological function of the KYD mice were observed. The results showed that compare with those in normal mice, the percentage of phagocytosis and the index of macrophage phagocytosis, the level of serum hemolysin and the proliferation of lymphocytes lowered significantly (P < 0.01) in model mice. It was shown that administering osthol or TCR could notably (P < 0.01) prevent the above-mentioned lowering in model mice, revealing that osthol and TCR could improve the immunological function of KYD mice.

[Effects of total coumarins, essential oil and water extracts of Cnidium monnieri on plasma prostaglandin and cyclic nucleotide in the rats of kidney-yang insufficiency].

Effects of total coumarins, essential oil and water extracts of Cnidium monnieri on plasma prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGF2 alpha) and cyclic nucleotide levels in rats of Kidney-Yang insufficiency were studied. 55 rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, Group I was administered orally with saline (normal group), group II was injected with intraperitonally hydrocortison acetate to induce Kidney-Yang insufficiency (control group), group III, group IV and group V (experimental groups) were injected with hydrocortison acetate, the same as group II, and administered orally with the total coumarins, essential oil and water extracts of Fructus Cnidii respectively. The levels of plasma PGE2, PG2 alpha and plasma cAMP, cGMP were measured. In group II, in comparing with those of group I, the levels of plasma PGE2, and PGF2 alpha decreased significantly (P < 0.01), and the value of cAMP/cGMP also lowered obviously (P < 0.01) due to the significant reduction of cAMP and insignificant change of cGMP. In group III and group V, the above-mentioned indices changed significantly (P < 0.01 or 0.05) compared with those of group II, and after treatment it normalized basically in comparing with those of group I. In group IV, those indices didn't change regularly and apparently as group III and group V did, compared with group II, and could not normalize satisfactorily. It is suggested that the coumarins in the fruit of Cnidium monnieri are probably the effective ingredients to invigorate Kidney and strengthen Yang, while the efficacy of essential oil remained unconfirmed.