Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Vaccinium carlesii Dunn.

Vaccinium L. is an important fruit tree with nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental values. However, the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Vaccinium L. remains largely unexplored. Vaccinium carlesii Dunn is an endemic wild resource in China, which is crucial for blueberry breeding. The V. carlesii mt genomes were sequenced using Illumina and Nanopore, which total length was 636,904 bp with 37 protein coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. We found four pairs of long repeat fragments homologous recombination mediated the generation of substructures in the V. carlesii mt genome. We predicted 383 RNA editing sites, all converting cytosine (C) to uracil (U). According to the phylogenetic analysis, V. carlesii and V. macrocarpon of the Ericaceae exhibited the closest genetic relationship. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the evolution of higher plants, species classification and identification, and will also be useful for further utilization of Vaccinium germplasm resources.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for phosphorus use efficiency traits in rice using a high density SNP map.

BACKGROUND: Soil phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major limiting factors to crop production. The development of crop varieties with improved P use efficiency (PUE) is an important strategy for sustainable agriculture. The objectives of this research were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to PUE traits using a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map and to estimate the epistatic interactions and environmental effects in rice (Oryza sativa L.). RESULTS: We conducted a two-year field experiment under low and normal P conditions using a recombinant inbred population of rice derived from Zhenshan 97 and Minghui 63 (indica). We investigated three yield traits, biomass (BIOM), harvest index (HI), and grain yield (Yield), and eight PUE traits: total P uptake (PUP), P harvest index (PHI), grain P use efficiency (gPUE) based on P accumulation in grains, straw P use efficiency (strPUE) based on P accumulation in straw, P use efficiency for biomass (PUEb) and for grain yield (PUEg) based on P accumulation in the whole plant, P translocation (PT), and P translocation efficiency (PTE). Of the 36 QTLs and 24 epistatic interactions identified, 26 QTLs and 12 interactions were detected for PUE traits. The environment affected seven QTLs and three epistatic interactions. Four QTLs (qPHI1 and qPHI2 for PHI, qPUEg2 for PUEg, and qPTE8 for PTE) with strong effects were environmentally independent. By comparing our results with similar QTLs in previous studies, three QTLs for PUE traits (qPUP1 and qPUP10 for PUP, and qPHI6 for PHI) were found across various genetic backgrounds. Seven regions were shared by QTLs for yield and PUE traits. CONCLUSION: Most QTLs linked to PUE traits were different from those linked to yield traits, suggesting different genetic controls underlying these two traits. Those chromosomal regions with large effects that are not affected by different environments are promising for improving P use efficiency. The seven regions shared by QTLs linked to yield and PUE traits imply the possibility of the simultaneous improvement of yield and PUE traits.

[Effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine on serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-2, and NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid of CIA rats: an experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine (TMP) on the cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the serum and the synovial fluid of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)rats, and further to investigate its possible mechanisms for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Type II CIA rat model was established. Rats in the TMP group were administered with TMP at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, once daily. Dexamethasone at 2.0 mg/kg was intramuscularly injected to those in the Dexamethasone treated group, once daily. Normal saline at 2 mL/kg was given to those in the normal control group and the model group, once daily. All medication was started from the 7th day, lasting to the 35th day. CIA rats' foot swelling degree was observed. Contents of serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-2, NO and PGE2in the synovial fluid were detected by radioimmunoassay and nitrate reduction method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the foot swelling obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid were obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the foot swelling could be obviously inhibited by 100 mg/kg TMP and Dexamethasone; serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 obviously decreased, serum IL-2 level obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE, decreased (P < 0.01). TMP 50 mg/kg could obviously inhibit the foot swelling of CIA rats (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in other indices (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TMP at 100 mg/kg showed obvious inhibition on CIA rats. Its inhibitory effect might be correlated to inhibiting activities of endogenous cytokines and the generation of inflammatory mediators in inflammation local regions, improving contents of anti-inflammation cytokines, and inducing the balance of the inflammatory cytokine network.

Cyanidin-3-O-ß-glucoside regulates fatty acid metabolism via an AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling pathway in human HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic metabolic derangements are key components in the development of fatty liver disease. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in controlling hepatic lipid metabolism through modulating the downstream acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1) pathway. In this study, cyanidin-3-O-ß-glucoside (Cy-3-g), a typical anthocyanin pigment was used to examine its effects on AMPK activation and fatty acid metabolism in human HepG2 hepatocytes. RESULTS: Anthocyanin Cy-3-g increased cellular AMPK activity in a calmodulin kinase kinase dependent manner. Furthermore, Cy-3-g substantially induced AMPK downstream target ACC phosphorylation and inactivation, and then decreased malonyl CoA contents, leading to stimulation of CPT-1 expression and significant increase of fatty acid oxidation in HepG2 cells. These effects of Cy-3-g are largely abolished by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of AMPK. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Cy-3-g regulates hepatic lipid homeostasis via an AMPK-dependent signaling pathway. Targeting AMPK activation by anthocyanin may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Optimization of the extraction of anthocyanins from the fruit skin of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk and identification of anthocyanins in the extract using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS).

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenols that impart bright color to fruits, vegetables and plants. In this study, the extraction of anthocyanins from freeze-dried fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk var. Gangren) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Using 60% ethanol containing 0.1% (v/v) hydrochloric acid as extraction solvent, the optimal conditions for maximum yields of anthocyanin (4.358 ± 0.045 mg/g) were 15.7:1 (v/w) liquid to solid ratio, 64.38 °C with a 116.88 min extraction time. The results showed good fits with the proposed model for the anthocyanin extraction (R(2) = 0.9944). Furthermore, the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis of the anthocyanins extracted from the fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle revealed the presence of five anthocyanin components, which were tentatively identified as delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside and malvidin-3-glucoside.

[Berberine inhibits cardiac fibrosis of diabetic rats].

Objective To explore the effect of berberine on cardiac fibrosis of diabetic rats by observing the expressions of serum transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) , collagen type 1 (Col1) and collagen type 3 (Col3) in myocardial tissues of diabetic rats after berberine treatment. Methods The diabetic model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptococci (STZ). Forty-three diabetic rats were randomly divided into diabetic model group (n=9), berberine treated groups of different doses [50, 100, 150 mg/(kg.d), gavage administration for 12 weeks; n=9, 9, 8 respectively], and metformin group as positive control (n=8); other 8 normal rats served as a negative control group. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured; rats' heart were taken to calculate the heart mass index (HMI); ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of TGF-ß1 and CTGF; collagenous fibers in cardiac tissues were tested by Masson staining; collagen volume fraction (CVF) was measured by image analysis; Col1 and Col3 in cardiac tissues were determined by Western blotting. Results Compared with the normal control group, the fasting blood glucose, LVSP, LVEDP absolute value, HMI, the degree of cardiac fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-ß1, CTGF, Col1 and Col3 significantly increased in the model group. All indexes mentioned above were reduced obviously in berberine treated groups of 100 and 150 mg/(kg.d). Conclusion Berberine improves cardiac fibrosis in diabetic rats through down-regulating the expressions of TGF-ß1 and CTGF and reducing the synthesis and deposition of Col1 and Col3.

Cyanidin-3-O-ß-glucoside protects primary mouse hepatocytes against high glucose-induced apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction and the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Apoptosis is an early event of steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and an increase in oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia has been linked to an acceleration of apoptosis in hepatocytes. Cyanidin-3-O-ß-glucoside (C3G), a classic anthocyanin, has been reported to reduce oxidative stress and attenuate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of high glucose in primary hepatocytes of mice fed with a high fat diet and amelioration of this toxicity by C3G. Incubation of hepatocytes with 35mM glucose for 12h resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability and increase in apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial depolarization was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c and altered expression of Bax and Bcl-2, suggesting a mitochondria-mediated apoptotic mode of cell death. Pre-incubation with 50µM C3G induced changes associated with better cell survival and function, including a reduction in reactive species generation, improvement of mitochondrial membrane potential, inactivation of caspase-3 and -9, and down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bax protein. We further investigated the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways with respect to the anti-apoptotic action of C3G, and our results showed that C3G could activate Akt. Additionally, C3G inactivated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase or p38 MAPK, in glucose-stressed cells. Interestingly, JNK inhibitor enhanced the protective effect of C3G on cell survival. Our results suggest that anthocyanin C3G may exhibit hepatoprotective potential against NAFLD by promoting functional integrity and survival of hepatocytes.

[Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression in rats with diabetic nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TWP) on the expressions of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other inflammatory factors in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. METHODS: The diabetic model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, diabetic model group and TWP (1.8 g/kg.d) treatment group. Kidney index, blood glucose (BG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and other biochemical criterions were measured after eight-week treatment. The concentration of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in serum and IL-6, TNF-α, CCL5 in kidney homogenate were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of kidney were observed by HE staining and the expression of NF-κB in kidney was tested by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, TWP improved evidently the general situation of rats. The levels of BG, HbA1c, kidney index, Scr and BUN were reduced significantly (P<0.01) and the body mass was elevated significantly (P<0.01). Additionally, the content of hs-CRP in serum, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL5 in kidney homogenate and the expression of NF-κB in kidney decreased obviously in TWP group compared with the model group(P<0.01). The pathological changes of kidney were also relieved by TWP treatment. CONCLUSION: TWP treatment could reduce the expressions of inflammation cytokines in serum and kidney and relieve the nephropathy in diabetic rats.

[Inhibitory effect of total glucosides of paeonia on the NF-κB/p65 protein expression in paws of RA rats].

AIM: To explore effects of total glucosides of paeonia (TGP)on the NF-κB/p65 protein expression in paws of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and the contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10 in RA rats serum. METHODS: Type II collagen-induced arthritis model in SD rats was established. The expression of NF-κB/p65 proteins in rat, s paw tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10 in RA rats were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: TGP could down-regulate the expression of NF-κB/ p65 protein and contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10 in RA rats. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effect of TGP on anti-inflammation maybe related to decreasing the expression of NF-κB/p65 protein and suppressing the production of TNF-α and IL-1ß in RA rats.

[Observation on the receiving sensibilities of the points on the hand's six channels for vibromusic sound wave].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the receiving sensibility of the points on the hand's six channels for music sound wave in the healthy persons, so as to provide experimental basis for exploring the mechanism of music treatment. METHODS: By the radiating and receiving sound wave system, the total receiving music sound (RMS) power of the music sound wave were measured at the points of the hand's six channels and non-acupuncture in 34 healthy undergraduates. RESULTS: There was the specific receiving sensibility at Taiyuan (LU 9). The total RMS power of the music sound wave at Daling (PC 7) and Shaohai (HT 3) in the female was stronger than that in the male. CONCLUSION: There is the difference in the receiving sensibility of the music sound wave at the different acupoints of different channels.