Allele-specific expression analyses reveal immune divergences between ibex and goat species

DEAR EDITOR,Understanding the different immune responses of wild and domestic caprid species is critical for addressing certain zoonotic diseases.In this study,we generated blood transcriptomes of 13 Siberian ibex and domestic goat hybrids and performed allele-specific expression and splicing analyses.Results showed that genes exhibiting significant imbalance between the ibex and goat were highly related to the Toll-like receptor(TLR),antigen recognition,and immune activation pathways.Comparative genomic analysis of the species revealed that immune function-related genes were under strong selection pressure in the domestic goat.

Branched-chain/aromatic amino acids as integrated biomarker of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:As type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)biomarkers,branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs:valine,leucine and isoleucine)and aromatic amino acids(AAAs:phenylalanine,tryptophan and tyrosine)may be correlated with the occurrence and development of T2DM.However,there is still no consensus on the disperse and isolated biomarkers of T2DM.Purpose:To explore the correlation between amino acids and T2DM based on integrated biomarker approach revealed.Methods:PubMed,Web of Science and CNKI were selected to search the literature published until August 31,2019.The included studies described the association between BCAAs,AAAs and T2DM.Random effect model and fixed effect model were adopted in pooled analysis to determine mean difference and 95 percent confidence interval of metabolites.Integrated biomarker was constructed in form of concentration change ratios or risk ratio(RR),relative risk(HR)and odds ratio(OR)of BCAAs and AAAs to reflect the integrated change information of amino acids.Results:The selected 20 studies contained 14942 healthy individuals and 3615 T2DM patients.The levels of BCAAs,phenylalanine and tyrosine both in plasma and serum samples were increased among all T2DM patients compared with those of the healthy control subjects(P<0.00001).However,the mean difference of tryptophan concentration was not statistically significant(P=0.60).The concentration change ratios or HR/RR/OR of BCAAs and AAAs were connected to form integrated biomarker.Conclusion:The integrated biomarker including BCAAs and AAAs could reflect the basic characteristics of T2DM,which has the potential clinical value on comprehensive diagnosis of T2DM.

Clinical metabolic analysis combined with traceability of biosynthetic pathway:a new approach to quality marker of Chinese materia medica

Quality marker(Q-marker)of Chinese materia medica(CMM)plays an important role in quality control of CMM products.However,its research strategy and technique remain unclear.Based on the fact that quality standard of CMM should be associated with clinical efficacy,taking Jinqi Jiangtang tablet treating type 2 diabetes as an example,the Q-marker related to activity via the reverse analysis of drug metabolism in clinic and traceability of botanic biosynthetic pathways is discovered and validated.Therefore,we proposed a new research strategy of Q-marker of CMM with"Discovery of clinical active constituents as guidance,Reverse analysis of metabolic transformations as link,and Traceability of biosynthesis pathways as key",to improve quality control of CMM products.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Powdered Chinese Herbal Medicines-An Exemplification of Isatidis Radix

Objective Currently, powdered Chinese herbal medicines （CHMs） were mainly evaluated through physical property, chemical dissolution, and bioactivity independently. It could not reflect the quality comprehensively. This paper was to explore and establish a comprehensive evaluation method for powdered CHMs. Methods Isatidis Radixwas chosen as an exemple. Firstly, powdered Isatidis Radixin different particle size was prepared. Then, their physical properties were characterized. The dissolution of index component epigoitrin was determined, and their antiviral activities were evaluated by neuraminidase-based bioassay. Results As the particle size decreased, powder distribution tended to be uniform, and the dissolution of epigoitrin increased, antiviral activity enhanced. According to cluster analysis of above results, the sequence of evaluation consequence was ultrafine powder S2 （D90：32.80± 0.29） 〉 ultrafine powder S1 （D90：52.08 ± 0.53） 〉 fine powder SO （D90：118.16± 0.76） （from the superior to the inferior）. Conclusion Overall, the comprehensive evaluation for powdered CHMs based on the physical characterization, chemical dissolution, and bioassay could not only be used to evaluate powdered herbs, but also guide the screening and optimization of the particle size of powder.