Genome-wide characterization and expression profiling of E2F/DP gene family members in response to abiotic stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

BACKGROUND: E2F/DP (Eukaryotic 2 transcription factor/dimerization partner) family proteins play an essential function in the cell cycle development of higher organisms. E2F/DP family genes have been reported only in a few plant species. However, comprehensive genome-wide characterization analysis of the E2F/DP gene family of Solanum lycopersicum has not been reported so far. RESULTS: This study identified eight nonredundant SlE2F/DP genes that were classified into seven groups in the phylogenetic analysis. All eight genes had a single E2F-TDP domain and few genes had additional domains. Two segmental duplication gene pairs were observed within tomato, in addition to cis-regulatory elements, miRNA target sites and phosphorylation sites which play an important role in plant development and stress response in tomato. To explore the three-dimensional (3D) models and gene ontology (GO) annotations of SlE2F/DP proteins, we pointed to their putative transporter activity and their interaction with several putative ligands. The localization of SlE2F/DP-GFP fused proteins in the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum suggested that they may act in other biological functions. Expression studies revealed the differential expression pattern of most of the SlE2F/DP genes in various organs. Moreover, the expression of E2F/DP genes against abiotic stress, particularly SlE2F/DP2 and/or SlE2F/DP7, was upregulated in response to heat, salt, cold and ABA treatment. Furthermore, the co-expression analysis of SlE2F/DP genes with multiple metabolic pathways was co-expressed with defence genes, transcription factors and so on, suggested their crucial role in various biological processes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings provide a way to understand the structure and function of SlE2F/DP genes; it might be helpful to improve fruit development and tolerance against abiotic stress through marker-assisted selection or transgenic approaches.

Reinforcing Relationships Between Gaming Disorder and Aggression and Intrusive Parenting Across 4 Years.

Adolescent gaming disorder is associated with aggressive tendencies and parenting styles; however, few studies have examined the reinforcing spiral patterns between aggression or intrusive parenting and long-term gaming disorder across several years. Thus, we investigated the reciprocal relationships between aggression and gaming disorder and between intrusive parenting and gaming disorder among Korean adolescents (n = 801, mean age at T1 = 13.39 years old) using an annual five-wave longitudinal study design. The results of the autoregressive cross-lagged analyses showed that gaming disorder and aggression were reinforced across 4 years (five waves) among male adolescents. However, these reinforcing spiral effects were not found in female adolescents. More intrusive parenting showed reinforcing patterns with more gaming disorder in both male and female adolescents in early-to-middle adolescence. These findings suggest that interventions for gaming disorder need to involve monitoring the ways in which gaming disorder and adolescents' aggression affect each other in addition to regulating parents' degree of control.

Comprehensive Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Pattern Profiling of PLATZ Gene Family Members in Solanum Lycopersicum L. under Multiple Abiotic Stresses.

PLATZ (plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding) family proteins with two conserved zinc-dependent DNA-binding motifs are transcription factors specific to the plant kingdom. The functions of PLATZ proteins in growth, development, and adaptation to multiple abiotic stresses have been investigated in various plant species, but their role in tomato has not been explored yet. In the present work, 20 non-redundant Solanum lycopersicum PLATZ (SlPLATZ) genes with three segmentally duplicated gene pairs and four tandemly duplicated gene pairs were identified on eight tomato chromosomes. The comparative modeling and gene ontology (GO) annotations of tomato PLATZ proteins indicated their probable roles in defense response, transcriptional regulation, and protein metabolic processes as well as their binding affinity for various ligands, including nucleic acids, peptides, and zinc. SlPLATZ10 and SlPLATZ17 were only expressed in 1 cm fruits and flowers, respectively, indicating their preferential involvement in the development of these organs. The expression of SlPLATZ1, SlPLATZ12, and SlPLATZ19 was up- or down-regulated following exposure to various abiotic stresses, whereas that of SlPLATZ11 was induced under temperature stresses (i.e., cold and heat stress), revealing their probable function in the abiotic stress tolerance of tomato. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis corroborated the aforementioned findings by spotlighting the co-expression of several stress-associated genes with SlPLATZ genes. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed the localization of SlPLATZ−GFP fusion proteins in the nucleus, hinting at their functions as transcription factors. These findings provide a foundation for a better understanding of the structure and function of PLATZ genes and should assist in the selection of potential candidate genes involved in the development and abiotic stress adaptation in tomato.

Psychological treatments for excessive gaming: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite widespread public interest in problematic gaming interventions, questions regarding the empirical status of treatment efficacy persist. We conducted pairwise and network meta-analyses based on 17 psychological intervention studies on excessive gaming (n = 745 participants). The pairwise meta-analysis showed that psychological interventions reduce excessive gaming more than the inactive control (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27 to 2.12) and active control (SMD = 0.88, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.56). The network meta-analysis showed that a combined treatment of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness was the most effective intervention in reducing excessive gaming, followed by a combined CBT and Family intervention, Mindfulness, and then CBT as a standalone treatment. Due to the limited number of included studies and resulting identified methodological concerns, the current results should be interpreted as preliminary to help support future research focused on excessive gaming interventions. Recommendations for improving the methodological rigor are also discussed.

Comprehensive Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Pattern Profiling of the SlHVA22 Gene Family Unravels Their Likely Involvement in the Abiotic Stress Adaptation of Tomato.

HVA22 family proteins with a conserved TB2/DP1/HVA22 domain are ubiquitous in eukaryotes. HVA22 family genes have been identified in a variety of plant species. However, there has been no comprehensive genome-wide analysis of HVA22 family genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Here, we identified 15 non-redundant SlHVA22 genes with three segmentally duplicated gene pairs on 8 of the 12 tomato chromosomes. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) models and gene ontology (GO) annotations of SlHVA22 proteins pointed to their putative transporter activity and ability to bind to diverse ligands. The co-expression of SlHVA22 genes with various genes implicated in multiple metabolic pathways and the localization of SlHVA22-GFP fused proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum suggested that they might have a variety of biological functions, including vesicular transport in stressed cells. Comprehensive expression analysis revealed that SlHVA22 genes were differentially expressed in various organs and in response to abiotic stress conditions. The predominant expression of SlHVA22i at the ripening stage and that of SlHVA22g, SlHVA22k, and SlHVA22l in fruits at most developmental stages suggested their probable involvement in tomato fruit development and ripening. Moreover, the transcript expression of most tomato HVA22 genes, particularly SlHVA22b, SlHVA22i, SlHVA22k, SlHVA22l, SlHVA22m, and SlHVA22n, was affected by abscisic acid (ABA) and diverse abiotic stress treatments, indicating the likely involvement of these genes in tomato abiotic stress responses in an ABA-dependent manner. Overall, our findings provide a foundation to better understand the structures and functional roles of SlHVA22 genes, many of which might be useful to improve the abiotic stress tolerance and fruit quality of tomato through marker-assisted backcrossing or transgenic approaches.

Interaction Effects of DRD2 Genetic Polymorphism and Interpersonal Stress on Problematic Gaming in College Students.

Problematic gaming has become a public concern, influenced both by genetic factors and stressful environments. Studies have reported the effects of dopamine-related genes and interpersonal stressors on problematic gaming, but gene and environment interaction (G × E) studies have not been conducted. In this study, we investigated the interaction effects of dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) polymorphisms and interpersonal stress on problematic gaming and the mediating effect of avoidant coping to reveal the mechanism of the G × E process. We recruited 168 college students (mean age = 22; male 63.1%) and genotyped their DRD2 C957T (rs6277) and Taq1 (rs1800497) polymorphisms. The results of the mediated moderation analysis showed that, when experiencing interpersonal stressors, individuals with both the C957T T allele and the Taq1 A1 allele showed more elevated problematic gaming scores than non-carriers. Moreover, the interaction effect of the combined DRD2 polymorphisms and interpersonal stress was significantly mediated by avoidant coping. These findings suggest that the influence of interpersonal stress on problematic gaming can be changed as a function of DRD2 genotypes, which may be because of the avoidant coping styles of C957T T allele and Taq1 A1 allele carriers in response to stress.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of Alba gene family members in response to abiotic stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

BACKGROUND: Alba (Acetylation lowers binding affinity) proteins are an ancient family of nucleic acid-binding proteins that function in gene regulation, RNA metabolism, mRNA translatability, developmental processes, and stress adaptation. However, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis on the Alba gene family of Solanum lycopersicum has not been reported previously. RESULTS: In the present study, we undertook the first comprehensive genome-wide characterization of the Alba gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). We identified eight tomato Alba genes, which were classified into two groups: genes containing a single Alba domain and genes with a generic Alba domain and RGG/RG repeat motifs. Cis-regulatory elements and target sites for miRNAs, which function in plant development and stress responses, were prevalent in SlAlba genes. To explore the structure-function relationships of tomato Alba proteins, we predicted their 3D structures, highlighting their likely interactions with several putative ligands. Confocal microscopy revealed that SlAlba-GFP fusion proteins were localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm, consistent with putative roles in various signalling cascades. Expression profiling revealed the differential expression patterns of most SlAlba genes across diverse organs. SlAlba1 and SlAlba2 were predominantly expressed in flowers, whereas SlAlba5 expression peaked in 1 cm-diameter fruits. The SlAlba genes were differentially expressed (up- or downregulated) in response to different abiotic stresses. All but one of these genes were induced by abscisic acid treatment, pointing to their possible regulatory roles in stress tolerance via an abscisic acid-dependent pathway. Furthermore, co-expression of SlAlba genes with multiple genes related to several metabolic pathways spotlighted their crucial roles in various biological processes and signalling. CONCLUSIONS: Our characterization of SlAlba genes should facilitate the discovery of additional genes associated with organ and fruit development as well as abiotic stress adaptation in tomato.

Genome-wide identification, genomic organization, and expression profiling of the CONSTANS-like (COL) gene family in petunia under multiple stresses.

BACKGROUND: CONSTANS-like (CO-like, COL) are putative zinc-finger transcription factors known to play vital role in various plant biological processes such as control of flowering time, regulation of plant growth and development and responses to stresses. However, no systematic analysis of COL family gene regarding the plant development and stress response has been previously performed in any solanaceous crop. In the present study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of COL family genes in petunia has been conducted to figure out their roles in development of organs and stress response. RESULTS: A total of 33 COL genes, 15 PaCOL genes in P. axillaris and 18 PiCOL genes in P. inflata, were identified in petunia. Subsequently, a genome-wide systematic analysis was performed in 15 PaCOL genes. Considering the domain composition and sequence similarity the 15 PaCOL and 18 PiCOL genes were phylogenetically classified into three groups those are conserved among the flowering plants. Moreover, all of the 15 PaCOL proteins were localized in nucleus. Furthermore, differential expression patterns of PaCOL genes were observed at different developmental stages of petunia. Additionally, transcript expression of 15 PaCOL genes under various abiotic and phytohormone treatments showed their response against stresses. Moreover, several cis-elements related to stress, light-responsive, hormone signaling were also detected in different PaCOL genes. CONCLUSION: The phylogenetic clustering, organ specific expression pattern and stress responsive expression profile of conserved petunia COL genes indicating their involvement in plant growth and development and stress response mechanism. This work provide a significant foundation for understanding the biological roles of petunia COL genes in plant growth, development and in stress response.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of the PDI Gene Family Reveals Their Probable Involvement in Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.).

Protein disulfide isomerases (PDI) and PDI-like proteins catalyze the formation and isomerization of protein disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum and prevent the buildup of misfolded proteins under abiotic stress conditions. In the present study, we conducted the first comprehensive genome-wide exploration of the PDI gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). We identified 19 tomato PDI genes that were unevenly distributed on 8 of the 12 tomato chromosomes, with segmental duplications detected for 3 paralogous gene pairs. Expression profiling of the PDI genes revealed that most of them were differentially expressed across different organs and developmental stages of the fruit. Furthermore, most of the PDI genes were highly induced by heat, salt, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments, while relatively few of the genes were induced by cold and nutrient and water deficit (NWD) stresses. The predominant expression of SlPDI1-1, SlPDI1-3, SlPDI1-4, SlPDI2-1, SlPDI4-1, and SlPDI5-1 in response to abiotic stress and ABA treatment suggested they play regulatory roles in abiotic stress tolerance in tomato in an ABA-dependent manner. Our results provide new insight into the structure and function of PDI genes and will be helpful for the selection of candidate genes involved in fruit development and abiotic stress tolerance in tomato.

Ectopic expression of miRNA172 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) reveals novel function in fruit development through regulation of an AP2 transcription factor.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that can influence gene expression via diverse mechanisms. Tomato is a fruit widely consumed for its flavor, culinary attributes, and high nutritional quality. Tomato fruit are climacteric and fleshy, and their ripening is regulated by endogenous and exogenous signals operating through a coordinated genetic network. Much research has been conducted on mechanisms of tomato fruit ripening, but the roles of miRNA-regulated repression/expression of specific regulatory genes are not well documented. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrate that miR172 specifically targets four SlAP2 transcription factor genes in tomato. Among them, SlAP2a was repressed by the overexpression of SlmiR172, manifesting in altered flower morphology, development and accelerated ripening. miR172 over-expression lines specifically repressed SlAP2a, enhancing ethylene biosynthesis, fruit color and additional ripening characteristics. Most previously described ripening-regulatory genes, including RIN-MADS, NR, TAGL1 and LeHB-1 were not influenced by miR172 while CNR showed altered expression. CONCLUSIONS: Tomato fruit ripening is directly influenced by miR172 targeting of the APETALA2 transcription factor, SlAP2a, with minimal influence over additional known ripening-regulatory genes. miR172a-guided SlAP2a expression provides insight into another layer of genetic control of ripening and a target for modifying the quality and nutritional value of tomato and possibly other fleshy fruit crops.

Genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of zinc finger homeodomain (ZHD) family genes reveal likely roles in organ development and stress responses in tomato.

BACKGROUND: Zinc finger homeodomain proteins (ZHD) constitute a plant-specific transcription factor family with a conserved DNA binding homeodomain and a zinc finger motif. Members of the ZHD protein family play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Genome-wide characterization of ZHD genes has been carried out in several model plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, but not yet in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). RESULTS: In this study, we performed the first comprehensive genome-wide characterization and expression profiling of the ZHD gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We identified 22 SlZHD genes and classified them into six subfamilies based on phylogeny. The SlZHD genes were generally conserved in each subfamily, with minor variations in gene structure and motif distribution. The 22 SlZHD genes were distributed on six of the 12 tomato chromosomes, with segmental duplication detected in four genes. Analysis of Ka/Ks ratios revealed that the duplicated genes are under negative or purifying selection. Comprehensive expression analysis revealed that the SlZHD genes are widely expressed in various tissues, with most genes preferentially expressed in flower buds compared to other tissues. Moreover, many of the genes are responsive to abiotic stress and phytohormone treatment. CONCLUSION: Systematic analysis revealed structural diversity among tomato ZHD proteins, which indicates the possibility for diverse roles of SlZHD genes in different developmental stages as well as in response to abiotic stresses. Our expression analysis of SlZHD genes in various tissues/organs and under various abiotic stress and phytohormone treatments sheds light on their functional divergence. Our findings represent a valuable resource for further analysis to explore the biological functions of tomato ZHD genes.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiling of ADF Family Genes in Solanum lycopersicum L.

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) proteins have growth, development, defense-related and growth regulatory functions in plants. The present study used genome-wide analysis to investigate ADF family genes in tomato. Eleven tomato ADF genes were identified and differential expression patterns were found in different organs. SlADF6 was preferentially expressed in roots, suggesting its function in root development. SlADF1, SlADF3 and SlADF10 were predominately expressed in the flowers compared to the other organs and specifically in the stamen compared to other flower parts, indicating their potential roles in pollen development. The comparatively higher expression of SlADF3 and SlADF11 at early fruit developmental stages might implicate them in determining final fruit size. SlADF5 and SlADF8 had relatively higher levels of expression five days after the breaker stage of fruit development, suggesting their possible role in fruit ripening. Notably, six genes were induced by cold and heat, seven by drought, five by NaCl, and four each by abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and wounding treatments. The differential expression patterns of the SlADF genes under different types of stresses suggested their function in stress tolerance in tomato plants. Our results will be helpful for the functional characterization of ADF genes during organ and fruit development of tomato under different stresses.

Effect of Molar Concentration of NH4OH on Photocatalytic Activity in Preparation of Nanosized TiO2 Powder from Spent Titanium Chip by Sol-Gel Method.

The TiO2 powder was prepared from the spent titanium chips by applying the sol-gel method. The spent titanium chip was dissolved in HCl solution, and then NH4OH solution was added. The molar concentration of NH4OH solution was 2 M, 4 M, 8 M, and 10 M. Obtained TiO2 powders were calcined at 200 degrees C, 400 degrees C, and 600 degrees C. The prepared TiO2 powder was characterized using a particle size analysis, BET surface area, and XRD analysis. The crystal structure of the TiO2 powder was rutile type and anatase. The highest BET surface area of TiO2 powder was 432.8 m2/g. The photocatalytic property of the TiO2 powder was evaluated as decomposition rate of methylene blue(MB) by using a liquid phase stirred reactor. UV source was a UV-A, and concentration of MB in most experiments was 8 ppm. The concentration of MB was measured by absorbance at 664 nm using UV spectroscopy. Photocatalytic efficiency of prepared TiO2 powder depended highly on concentration of NH4OH solution. The TiO2 powder prepared with 8 M-NH4OH solution showed the highest efficiency, the decomposition efficiency at decomposition time of 2 hr and MB concentration of pH 8 was 98%.

Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression profiling of LIM family genes in Solanum lycopersicum L.

LIM domain proteins, some of which have been shown to be actin binding proteins, are involved in various developmental activities and cellular processes in plants. To date, the molecular defense-related functions of LIM family genes have not been investigated in any solanaceous vegetable crop species. In this study, we identified 15 LIM family genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through genome-wide analysis and performed expression profiling in different organs of tomato, including fruits at six different developmental stages. We also performed expression profiling of selected tomato LIM genes in plants under ABA, drought, cold, NaCl and heat stress treatment. The encoded proteins of the 15 tomato LIM genes were classified into two main groups, i.e., proteins similar to cysteine-rich proteins and plant-specific DAR proteins, based on differences in functional domains and variability in their C-terminal regions. The DAR proteins contain a so far poorly characterized zinc-finger-like motif that we propose to call DAR-ZF. Six of the 15 LIM genes were expressed only in flowers, indicating that they play flower-specific roles in plants. The other nine genes were expressed in all organs and at various stages of fruit development. SlßLIM1b was expressed relatively highly at the later stage of fruit development, but three other genes, SlWLIM2a, SlDAR2 and SlDAR4, were expressed at the early stage of fruit development. Seven genes were induced by ABA, five by cold, seven by drought, eight by NaCl and seven by heat treatment respectively, indicating their possible roles in abiotic stress tolerance. Our results will be useful for functional analysis of LIM genes during fruit development in tomato plants under different abiotic stresses.

Catalytic Activity of Nanosized CuO-ZnO Supported on Titanium Chips in Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methyl Alcohol.

In this study, titanium chips (TC) generated from industrial facilities was utilized as TiO2 support for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methyl alcohol (CH3OH) over Cu-based catalysts. Nano-sized CuO and ZnO catalysts were deposited on TiO2 support using a co-precipitation (CP) method (CuO-ZnO/TiO2), where the thermal treatment of TC and the particle size of TiC2 are optimized on CO2 conversion under different reaction temperature and contact time. Direct hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts was achieved and the maximum selectivity (22%) and yield (18.2%) of CH3OH were obtained in the range of reaction temperature 210-240 degrees C under the 30 bar. The selectivity was readily increased by increasing the flow rate, which does not affect much to the CO2 conversion and CH3OH yield.

Preparation of Low Molecular Weight Gelatin Using Microwave Discharge Electrodeless Lamp/TiO2 Photocatalyst Hybrid System.

In this study, an MDEL/TiO2 photocatalyst hybrid system was applied to the production of low molecular weight gelatin. The molecular weight of produed gelatin decreased with increasing microwave intensity and increasing treatment time. The abscission of the chemical bonds between the con- stituents of gelatin by photocatalytic reaction did not alter the characteristics of gelatin. Formation of any by-products due to side reaction was not observed. It is suggested that gelatin was depolymerized by hydroxyl radicals produced during the MDEL/TiO2 photochemical reaction.

Nanosized CuO and ZnO Catalyst Supported on Honeycomb-Typed Monolith for Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methyl Alcohol.

The greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been recognized as one of the most serious problems in the world. Conversion of CO2 to methyl alcohol (CH3OH) was studied using catalytic chemical methods. Honeycomb-typed monolith used as catalyst support was 400 cell/inch2. Pretreatment of the monolith surface was carried out by thermal treatment and acid treatment. Monolith-supported nanosized CuO-ZnO catalysts were prepared by wash-coat method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by using SEM, TEM, and XRD. The catalytic activity for CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH was investigated using a flow-type reactor with varying reaction temperature, reaction pressure and contact time. Conversion of CO2 was increased with increasing reaction temperature, but selectivity to CH3OH was decreased. Optimum reaction temperature was about 250 degrees C under 20 atm. Because of the reverse water gas shift reaction.

Preparation of Low Molecular Weight Heparin by Microwave Discharge Electrodeless Lamp/TiO2 Photo-Catalytic Reaction.

An MDEL/TiO2 photo-catalyst hybrid system was applied, for the first time, for the production of low molecular weight heparin. The molecular weight of produed heparin decreased with increasing microwave intensity and treatment time. The abscission of the chemical bonds between the constituents of heparin by photo-catalytic reaction did not alter the characteristics of heparin. Formation of by-products due to side reaction was not observed. It is suggested that heparin was depolymerized by active oxygen radicals produced during the MDEL/TiO2 photo-chemical reaction.

Determination of C-Terminal δ-Catenin Responsible for Inducing Dendritic Morphogenesis.

δ-Catenin induces dendritic morphogenesis in several cells and it was reported that deletion of C-terminal 207 amino acid of δ-catenin completely abolished the dendritic morphogenesis. However, exact domain responsible for inducing dendritic morphogenesis in C-terminus of δ-catenin was not mapped. Here, we report that expression of ΔC47 (lacking 47 amino acid of C-terminus: 1-1200), ΔC77 (lacking 77 amino acid of C-terminus: 1-1170) deletion mutants of δ-catenin induced the dendritic morphogenesis of HEK293T and NIH3T3 cells as full-length δ-catenin did. In agreement with previous report, ΔC207 deletion mutant did not show the dendritic morphogenesis of the cells. Interestingly, introducing 107 amino acid deletion of C-terminus (ΔC107 mutant: 1-1140) and 177 amino acid deletion of C-terminus (ΔC177 mutant: 1-1070) showed limited primary and secondary dendritic process and notable spine-like process formation. These results suggest that 1140-1170 amino acid of C-terminal δ-catenin is required for primary and secondary dendrite-like process formation.

Preparation and Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Heparin by Liquid Phase Plasma Method.

An liquid phase plasma process system was applied to the production of low molecular weight heparin. The molecular weight of produed heparin decreased with increasing liquid phase plasma treatment time. The abscission of the chemical bonds between the constituents of heparin by liquid phase plasma reaction did not alter the characteristics of heparin. Formation of any by-products due to side reaction was not observed. It is suggested that heparin was depolymerized by active oxygen radicals produced during the liquid phase plasma reaction.