The possible physiological mechanism of enhancement of cold tolerance by salicylic acid (SA) in banana seedlings ( Musa acuminata cv. Williams 8188) was explored. Measurements of leakage electrolyte after 2 d of re...The possible physiological mechanism of enhancement of cold tolerance by salicylic acid (SA) in banana seedlings ( Musa acuminata cv. Williams 8188) was explored. Measurements of leakage electrolyte after 2 d of recovery at 30/22 ℃ (day/night) following 3 d of cold stress at 7 ℃ showed that pretreatment with hydroponic solution containing SA 0.3-0.9 mmol/L as foliar spray under normal growth conditions (30/22 ℃) could significantly enhance cold tolerance of banana plants. The highest enhancing effect of SA occurred at 0.5 mmol/L and it showed the lowest leakage rate of electrolyte or smaller leaf wilting area after 2 d of recovery at normal temperature from 3 d of 7 ℃ or 5 ℃ cold stress. Higher concentrations (≥2.5 mmol/L) of SA, however, caused more electrolyte leakage, indicating that they aggravated chilling damage. Enhanced cold tolerance by SA could be related to H 2O 2 metabolism. Compared with water_treated seedlings (control), SA 0.5 mmol/L treatment inhibited activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), increased peroxidase (POX) activity, but did not affect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) under normal growth conditions, and these changes might lead to an accumulation of H 2O 2, whereas SA pretreatment enhanced the activities of CAT and APX, and reduced the increase in productions of H 2O 2 and thiobarbituric acid_reaction substances (TBARS) during subsequent 7 ℃ cold stress and recovery periods. Exogenous H 2O 2 treatments (1.5 -2.5 mmol/L) also increased cold tolerance of banana seedlings. Furthermore, pretreatment of banana seedlings with dimethylthiourea (a trap for H 2O 2) significantly inhibited cold tolerance induced by SA. These results suggested that endogenous H 2O 2 may be required for SA_enhanced cold tolerance. The significance of the interaction of SA, H 2O 2 and H 2O 2_metabolizing enzymes during cold stress has been discussed.展开更多
[Objective] This study was to understand the effects of β-Amino butyric acid(abbreviated as BABA) induced rice blast resistance on reactive oxygen metabolism. [Method] Using the cultivar Chaochan 2 that is highly sus...[Objective] This study was to understand the effects of β-Amino butyric acid(abbreviated as BABA) induced rice blast resistance on reactive oxygen metabolism. [Method] Using the cultivar Chaochan 2 that is highly susceptible to disease as experimental material, the changes of catalase(CAT), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) and MDA activities in rice treated by BABA were investigated. [Result] In rice plants treated by BABA, the activities of CAT and SOD increased, meanwhile the MDA content also rose to some extent, resulting in the disease resistance to rice blast. [Conclusion] By influencing reactive oxygen metabolism, BABA endows rice plants with resistance to rice blast. BABA is safe to environment and has highly resistance-inducing capacity, it could be generalized in production.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of glycine betaine（GB） on oxidation metabolism in cucumbers under low-temperature stress and to investigate the possible mechanism of l...[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of glycine betaine（GB） on oxidation metabolism in cucumbers under low-temperature stress and to investigate the possible mechanism of low-temperature resistance in cucumber during low-temperature storage. [Method] Cucumber cultivar Zhongnong No.8 was treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mmol/L GB solutions for 15 min and stored at 4 ℃. Changes in oxidative metabolism-related parameters were observed. [Result] Increasing exogenous GB concentration could enhance GB content in cucumbers, decline lipoxygenase（LOX） activity, improve peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT） activities, remove effectively hydrogen peroxide（H2O2） and reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）. [Conclusion] Treating cucumbers with10 mmol/L GB exhibited the most remarkable effect.展开更多
Objective: To purify and identify the osteoclasts from the tissue of humangiant cell tumor of bone. Methods: We have developed a new method that allows the purification oflarge numbers of authentic osteoclasts (OCs). ...Objective: To purify and identify the osteoclasts from the tissue of humangiant cell tumor of bone. Methods: We have developed a new method that allows the purification oflarge numbers of authentic osteoclasts (OCs). The OCs were isolated from tissue of human giant celltumor of bone by 0.25% trypsin and collagenase. We characterized OCs in terms of the expression ofdifferent phenotypic markers of OCs. The phenotypic markers of OC included Tartrate-resistant acidphosphatase staining (TRAP). The expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR), cathepsin K and receptoractivator of necrosis factor κB (RANK) mRNA were examined by RT-PCR. Results: The OC cell purifiedby above method functioned normally in vitro. The purity was about 79.7%. They showed the normalosteoclast phenotypes markers of OC. Conclusion: The method provides a system for performingbiochemical and molecular studies of OCs. The study indicates that the method of purifying theosteoclasts from human GCT cell can be used for research of bone metabolism.展开更多
Bacillus subtilis produces many chemlcally-dwerse seconaary metaDolltes or interest to chemists ano biologlsts. Based on this, this review gives a detailed overview of the natural components produced by B. subtilis in...Bacillus subtilis produces many chemlcally-dwerse seconaary metaDolltes or interest to chemists ano biologlsts. Based on this, this review gives a detailed overview of the natural components produced by B. subtilis including cyclic lipopeptides, polypeptides, proteins （enzymes）, and non-peptide products. Their structures, bioactive ac- tivities and the relevant variants as novel lead structures for drug discovery are also described. The challenging effects of fermentation metabolites, isolation and purification, as well as the overproduction of bioactive com- pounds from B. subtilis by metabolic engineering, ＇~ere also highlighted. Systematically exploring biosynthetic routes and the functions of secondary metabolites from 13. subtilis may not only be beneficial in improving yields of the products, but also in helping them to be used in food industry and public medical service on a large-scale.展开更多
Objective The experiment was conducted to explore the effects of silymarin on reproductive and lactation performance,serum antioxidants,and body metabolism of sows.Methods Sixty pregnant sows(85 d,Large×Landrace)...Objective The experiment was conducted to explore the effects of silymarin on reproductive and lactation performance,serum antioxidants,and body metabolism of sows.Methods Sixty pregnant sows(85 d,Large×Landrace)with similar genetic background,body condition,and parity were randomly divided into three groups,and each group has 20 individually housed sows.The sows in the control group(CG)were fed with basal diet,and those in the experimental group A(EGA)and B(EGB)were fed with basal diet containing 250 and 500 mg/kg silymarin,respectively.The experiment lasted 46 days from day 85 of gestation to the end of lactation(weaning on day 17).The milk composition and serum biochemical para-meters were determined by a milk composition analyzer and a blood biochemical analyzer,respectively.Serum antioxidant indexes and plasma hormone levels were measured using the biochemical kits.The gas chromatograph was applied to detect the fecal short chain fatty acids.Results Compared with the CG,the total feed intake(TFI)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the urea content in regular milk tended to increase(P=0.095)in the EG.The serum malondialdehyde(MDA)contents were decreased on day 90 of gestation and the day of farrowing(P<0.01),and the serum contents of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)tended to increase on day 17 of lactation(P=0.099)compared with the CG.Compared with the CG,the serum triglyceride(TG)concentrations in the EG tended to increase on day 90 of gestation(P=0.062),and the content of serum total protein(TP)and albumin(ALB)reduced on day 17 of lactation(P<0.01).Compared with the CG,plasm D-lactic acid content was decreased(P<0.05),and the plasma prostaglandin(PG)level tended to increase(P=0.088)in the EG on the day of farrowing and day 17 of lactation.Compared with the CG,fecal isobutyric acid concentration in the EG significantly decreased on the day of farrowing(P<0.05).Conclusion Adding 250-500 mg/kg silymarin to diets from the late gestation to the end of lactation could improve reproductive and lactation performance of sows via the regulation of nutrient metabolism and serum antioxidant.展开更多
The incidence of obesity has dramatically increased in recent years.Consequently,obesity and associated disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease constitute a serious problem.Therefore,the contribution of adi...The incidence of obesity has dramatically increased in recent years.Consequently,obesity and associated disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease constitute a serious problem.Therefore,the contribution of adipose tissue to metabolic homeostasis has become a focus of interest.In this review,we discuss the latest discoveries that support the role of lipids in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.We describe the common mechanisms(cJun aminoterminal kinases,endoplasmic reticulum stress,unfolded protein response,ceramide,lowgrade chronic inflammation)by which lipids and their derivatives impair insulin responsiveness and contribute to inflammatory liver and promote plaque instability in the arterial wall.Presenting the molecular mechanism of lipid activation of proinflammatory pathways,we attempt to find a link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.Describing the common mechanisms by which lipid derivatives,through modulation of macrophage function,promote plaque instability in the arterial wall,impair insulin responsiveness and contribute to inflammatory liver and discussing the molecular mechanism of lipid activation of proinflammatory pathways,the key roles played by the proliferatoractivated receptor and liver X receptorα,nuclear receptorslipid sensors that link lipid metabolism and inflammation,should be emphasized.Further studies are warranted of antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin,antiinterleukin6 receptors,immunemodulators(calcineurin inhibitors),substances enhancing the expression of heat shock proteins(which protect cells from endoplasmic reticulum stressinduced apoptosis),and anticJun aminoterminal kinases in welldesigned trials to try to minimize the high impact of these illnesses,and the different expressions of the diseases,on the whole population.展开更多
AIM： TO evaluate insulin resistance, cytolysis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH） score （NAS） using the Kleiner and Brunt criteria in 54 patients with NASH and mild-to-moderate hypertension, treated with tel...AIM： TO evaluate insulin resistance, cytolysis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH） score （NAS） using the Kleiner and Brunt criteria in 54 patients with NASH and mild-to-moderate hypertension, treated with telmisartan vs valsartan for 20 mo. METHODS： All patients met the NCEP-ATP Ⅲ criteria for metabolic syndrome. Histology confirmed steatohepatitis, defined as a NAS greater than five up to 3 wk prior inclusion, using the current criteria. Patients with viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol intake, drug abuse or other significant immune or metabolic hepatic pathology were excluded. Subjects were randomly assigned either to the valsartan （V） group （standard dose 80 mg o.d., n = 26）, or to the telmisartan （T） group （standard dose 20 mg o.d., n = 28）. Treatment had to be taken daily at the same hour with no concomitant medication or alcohol consumption allowed. Neither the patient nor the medical staff was aware of treatment group allocation. Paired liver biopsies obtained at inclusion （visit 1） and end of treatment （EOT） were assessed by a single blinded pathologist, not aware of patient or treatment group. Blood pressure, BMI, ALT, AST, HOMA-IR, plasma triglycerides （TG） and total cholesterol （TC） were evaluated at inclusion and every 4 mo until EOT （visit 6）. RESULTS： At EOT we noticed a significant decrease in ALT levels vs inclusion in all patients and this decrease did not differ significantly in group T vs group V. HOMA-IR significantly decreased at EOT vs inclusion in all patients but in group T, the mean HOMA-IR decrease per month was higher than in group V. NAS significantly diminished at EOT in all patients with a higher decrease in group T vs group V. CONCLUSION： Angiotensin receptor blockers seem to be efficient in hypertension-associated NASH. Telmisartan showed a higher efficacy regarding insulin resistance and histology, perhaps because of its specific PPAR-gamma ligand effect.展开更多
The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the...The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the Bohai Sea; however, little attention has been paid to potential biological differences between these two pedigrees. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of both pedigrees to marine metal (cadmium and zinc) pollution biomonitoring and marine environmental toxicology. Results demonstrate significant biological differences in gills of white and zebra clams based on metabolic profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, we found that hypotaurine, malonate and homarine were relatively high in white clam gills, while alanine, arginine, glutamate, succinate, 4-aminobutyrate, taurine and betaine were high in zebra clam gills. Zebra clam gills were also more sensitive to a mixture of Cd and Zn, as shown by antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic profiles, but white clam gills could accumulate more Zn. Therefore, we suggest that the white pedigree can be used as a biomonitor to marine Zn pollution, whereas the zebra pedigree can be used for toxicology studies on Cd and Zn mixed pollution.展开更多
Predators induce plastic responses in multiple prey taxa, ranging from morphological to behavioral or physiological changes. In amphibians, tadpoles activate plastic responses to reduce predation risk by reducing thei...Predators induce plastic responses in multiple prey taxa, ranging from morphological to behavioral or physiological changes. In amphibians, tadpoles activate plastic responses to reduce predation risk by reducing their activity rate and altering their morphology, specifically tail depth and pigmentation. Furthermore, there is now evidence that tadpoles＇ defenses are modi- fied when predators combine with other stressful factors such as pollutants or competitors, but our knowledge on the physiologi- cal responses underlying these responses is still scarce. Here we study physiological responses in Pelobates cultripes tadpoles exposed to a natural predator （larvae of the aquatic beetle Dytiscus circumflexus）, non-lethal concentrations of herbicide （gly- phosate, 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L） or both factors combined. We measured corticosterone levels, standard metabolic rate, oxidative damage （TBARS） and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and immune response （via leukocyte count）. Tadpoles reduced their corti- costerone concentration by ca. 24% in the presence of predator cues, whereas corticosterone did not change in the presence of glyphosate. Two enzymes involved in antioxidant response also decreased in the presence of predators （14.7% and 13.2% respec- tively） but not to glyphosate. Herbicide, however, increased the number of neutrophils and reduced that of lymphocytes, and had an interaction effect with predator presence. Standard metabolic rate did not vary across treatments in our experiment. Thus we show a marked physiological response to the presence of predators but little evidence for interaction between predators and low levels of herbicide. Multiple assessment of the physiological state of animals is important to understand the basis and conse- quences ofphenotypic plasticity展开更多
Aims Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the most important coniferous species in southern China,but its high sensitivity to drought restricts its expansion.Understanding the intraspecific variation of physiological res...Aims Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the most important coniferous species in southern China,but its high sensitivity to drought restricts its expansion.Understanding the intraspecific variation of physiological responses to drought can help us manage this plantation better.Methods We selected 3-year-old seedlings of C.lanceolata,which originated from the low precipitation(LP),middle precipitation(MP)and high precipitation(HP)habitats,respectively.Seedlings were grown under drought stress(20%of soil volumetric water content)for 40 days.The ecophysiological responses and adaptive strategies with different drought tolerance were investigated.Important Findings LP provenance possessed the best tolerance to drought stress,suggesting that considerably increased carbohydrates and nitrogen-containing compounds as osmotic protective materials,which were driven by fast carbon and nitrogen metabolisms.In addition,the highest peroxidase activity could effectively eliminate hydrogen peroxide in drought-stressed LP provenance.The MP provenance reserved a large amount of non-structural carbohydrates,which may act as a certain buffer for encountering drought stress.Importantly,timely closure of stomata to reduce needle transpiration when encountering a water deficiency would help them adapt to long-term drought.MP provenance adopted a conservative water-saving strategy.However,HP provenance regulated root growth(increased root/shoot ratio)and reduced penetration potential to help them absorb water.The different strategies among provenances may be related to the long-term domestication of the geographical environments.Therefore,our results underline the importance of provenance-specific responses to drought stress.It is highly significant to accelerate the selection of drought-resistant germplasms and to cultivate high-yield plantations in the future.展开更多
文摘The possible physiological mechanism of enhancement of cold tolerance by salicylic acid (SA) in banana seedlings ( Musa acuminata cv. Williams 8188) was explored. Measurements of leakage electrolyte after 2 d of recovery at 30/22 ℃ (day/night) following 3 d of cold stress at 7 ℃ showed that pretreatment with hydroponic solution containing SA 0.3-0.9 mmol/L as foliar spray under normal growth conditions (30/22 ℃) could significantly enhance cold tolerance of banana plants. The highest enhancing effect of SA occurred at 0.5 mmol/L and it showed the lowest leakage rate of electrolyte or smaller leaf wilting area after 2 d of recovery at normal temperature from 3 d of 7 ℃ or 5 ℃ cold stress. Higher concentrations (≥2.5 mmol/L) of SA, however, caused more electrolyte leakage, indicating that they aggravated chilling damage. Enhanced cold tolerance by SA could be related to H 2O 2 metabolism. Compared with water_treated seedlings (control), SA 0.5 mmol/L treatment inhibited activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), increased peroxidase (POX) activity, but did not affect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) under normal growth conditions, and these changes might lead to an accumulation of H 2O 2, whereas SA pretreatment enhanced the activities of CAT and APX, and reduced the increase in productions of H 2O 2 and thiobarbituric acid_reaction substances (TBARS) during subsequent 7 ℃ cold stress and recovery periods. Exogenous H 2O 2 treatments (1.5 -2.5 mmol/L) also increased cold tolerance of banana seedlings. Furthermore, pretreatment of banana seedlings with dimethylthiourea (a trap for H 2O 2) significantly inhibited cold tolerance induced by SA. These results suggested that endogenous H 2O 2 may be required for SA_enhanced cold tolerance. The significance of the interaction of SA, H 2O 2 and H 2O 2_metabolizing enzymes during cold stress has been discussed.
基金Supported by National Key Technology R&D Program During the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2006BAD08A04)Innovation Project(20076020)~~
文摘[Objective] This study was to understand the effects of β-Amino butyric acid(abbreviated as BABA) induced rice blast resistance on reactive oxygen metabolism. [Method] Using the cultivar Chaochan 2 that is highly susceptible to disease as experimental material, the changes of catalase(CAT), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) and MDA activities in rice treated by BABA were investigated. [Result] In rice plants treated by BABA, the activities of CAT and SOD increased, meanwhile the MDA content also rose to some extent, resulting in the disease resistance to rice blast. [Conclusion] By influencing reactive oxygen metabolism, BABA endows rice plants with resistance to rice blast. BABA is safe to environment and has highly resistance-inducing capacity, it could be generalized in production.
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of glycine betaine（GB） on oxidation metabolism in cucumbers under low-temperature stress and to investigate the possible mechanism of low-temperature resistance in cucumber during low-temperature storage. [Method] Cucumber cultivar Zhongnong No.8 was treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mmol/L GB solutions for 15 min and stored at 4 ℃. Changes in oxidative metabolism-related parameters were observed. [Result] Increasing exogenous GB concentration could enhance GB content in cucumbers, decline lipoxygenase（LOX） activity, improve peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT） activities, remove effectively hydrogen peroxide（H2O2） and reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）. [Conclusion] Treating cucumbers with10 mmol/L GB exhibited the most remarkable effect.
文摘Objective: To purify and identify the osteoclasts from the tissue of humangiant cell tumor of bone. Methods: We have developed a new method that allows the purification oflarge numbers of authentic osteoclasts (OCs). The OCs were isolated from tissue of human giant celltumor of bone by 0.25% trypsin and collagenase. We characterized OCs in terms of the expression ofdifferent phenotypic markers of OCs. The phenotypic markers of OC included Tartrate-resistant acidphosphatase staining (TRAP). The expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR), cathepsin K and receptoractivator of necrosis factor κB (RANK) mRNA were examined by RT-PCR. Results: The OC cell purifiedby above method functioned normally in vitro. The purity was about 79.7%. They showed the normalosteoclast phenotypes markers of OC. Conclusion: The method provides a system for performingbiochemical and molecular studies of OCs. The study indicates that the method of purifying theosteoclasts from human GCT cell can be used for research of bone metabolism.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21376215)the National Science and Technology Major Project of New Drug,China(2012ZX09103101-075)+2 种基金the Innovative Research Platform co-constructed by Zhejiang University and Taizhou City,and the Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province(2014C33174)the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(2011CB710803)the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China(2012AA022302)
文摘Bacillus subtilis produces many chemlcally-dwerse seconaary metaDolltes or interest to chemists ano biologlsts. Based on this, this review gives a detailed overview of the natural components produced by B. subtilis including cyclic lipopeptides, polypeptides, proteins （enzymes）, and non-peptide products. Their structures, bioactive ac- tivities and the relevant variants as novel lead structures for drug discovery are also described. The challenging effects of fermentation metabolites, isolation and purification, as well as the overproduction of bioactive com- pounds from B. subtilis by metabolic engineering, ＇~ere also highlighted. Systematically exploring biosynthetic routes and the functions of secondary metabolites from 13. subtilis may not only be beneficial in improving yields of the products, but also in helping them to be used in food industry and public medical service on a large-scale.
基金National Key Research and Development Program(2021YFD1300201 and 2021YFD1301004)Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(2020RC2063)+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2022JJ40532)Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region,Chinese Academy of Sciences(ISA2021103)the cooperation between research institutes and enterprises(E0490205 and E0490207).
文摘Objective The experiment was conducted to explore the effects of silymarin on reproductive and lactation performance,serum antioxidants,and body metabolism of sows.Methods Sixty pregnant sows(85 d,Large×Landrace)with similar genetic background,body condition,and parity were randomly divided into three groups,and each group has 20 individually housed sows.The sows in the control group(CG)were fed with basal diet,and those in the experimental group A(EGA)and B(EGB)were fed with basal diet containing 250 and 500 mg/kg silymarin,respectively.The experiment lasted 46 days from day 85 of gestation to the end of lactation(weaning on day 17).The milk composition and serum biochemical para-meters were determined by a milk composition analyzer and a blood biochemical analyzer,respectively.Serum antioxidant indexes and plasma hormone levels were measured using the biochemical kits.The gas chromatograph was applied to detect the fecal short chain fatty acids.Results Compared with the CG,the total feed intake(TFI)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the urea content in regular milk tended to increase(P=0.095)in the EG.The serum malondialdehyde(MDA)contents were decreased on day 90 of gestation and the day of farrowing(P<0.01),and the serum contents of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)tended to increase on day 17 of lactation(P=0.099)compared with the CG.Compared with the CG,the serum triglyceride(TG)concentrations in the EG tended to increase on day 90 of gestation(P=0.062),and the content of serum total protein(TP)and albumin(ALB)reduced on day 17 of lactation(P<0.01).Compared with the CG,plasm D-lactic acid content was decreased(P<0.05),and the plasma prostaglandin(PG)level tended to increase(P=0.088)in the EG on the day of farrowing and day 17 of lactation.Compared with the CG,fecal isobutyric acid concentration in the EG significantly decreased on the day of farrowing(P<0.05).Conclusion Adding 250-500 mg/kg silymarin to diets from the late gestation to the end of lactation could improve reproductive and lactation performance of sows via the regulation of nutrient metabolism and serum antioxidant.
文摘The incidence of obesity has dramatically increased in recent years.Consequently,obesity and associated disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease constitute a serious problem.Therefore,the contribution of adipose tissue to metabolic homeostasis has become a focus of interest.In this review,we discuss the latest discoveries that support the role of lipids in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.We describe the common mechanisms(cJun aminoterminal kinases,endoplasmic reticulum stress,unfolded protein response,ceramide,lowgrade chronic inflammation)by which lipids and their derivatives impair insulin responsiveness and contribute to inflammatory liver and promote plaque instability in the arterial wall.Presenting the molecular mechanism of lipid activation of proinflammatory pathways,we attempt to find a link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.Describing the common mechanisms by which lipid derivatives,through modulation of macrophage function,promote plaque instability in the arterial wall,impair insulin responsiveness and contribute to inflammatory liver and discussing the molecular mechanism of lipid activation of proinflammatory pathways,the key roles played by the proliferatoractivated receptor and liver X receptorα,nuclear receptorslipid sensors that link lipid metabolism and inflammation,should be emphasized.Further studies are warranted of antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin,antiinterleukin6 receptors,immunemodulators(calcineurin inhibitors),substances enhancing the expression of heat shock proteins(which protect cells from endoplasmic reticulum stressinduced apoptosis),and anticJun aminoterminal kinases in welldesigned trials to try to minimize the high impact of these illnesses,and the different expressions of the diseases,on the whole population.
基金Supported by A Grant from the Romanian National Authority for Scientifical Research
文摘AIM： TO evaluate insulin resistance, cytolysis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH） score （NAS） using the Kleiner and Brunt criteria in 54 patients with NASH and mild-to-moderate hypertension, treated with telmisartan vs valsartan for 20 mo. METHODS： All patients met the NCEP-ATP Ⅲ criteria for metabolic syndrome. Histology confirmed steatohepatitis, defined as a NAS greater than five up to 3 wk prior inclusion, using the current criteria. Patients with viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol intake, drug abuse or other significant immune or metabolic hepatic pathology were excluded. Subjects were randomly assigned either to the valsartan （V） group （standard dose 80 mg o.d., n = 26）, or to the telmisartan （T） group （standard dose 20 mg o.d., n = 28）. Treatment had to be taken daily at the same hour with no concomitant medication or alcohol consumption allowed. Neither the patient nor the medical staff was aware of treatment group allocation. Paired liver biopsies obtained at inclusion （visit 1） and end of treatment （EOT） were assessed by a single blinded pathologist, not aware of patient or treatment group. Blood pressure, BMI, ALT, AST, HOMA-IR, plasma triglycerides （TG） and total cholesterol （TC） were evaluated at inclusion and every 4 mo until EOT （visit 6）. RESULTS： At EOT we noticed a significant decrease in ALT levels vs inclusion in all patients and this decrease did not differ significantly in group T vs group V. HOMA-IR significantly decreased at EOT vs inclusion in all patients but in group T, the mean HOMA-IR decrease per month was higher than in group V. NAS significantly diminished at EOT in all patients with a higher decrease in group T vs group V. CONCLUSION： Angiotensin receptor blockers seem to be efficient in hypertension-associated NASH. Telmisartan showed a higher efficacy regarding insulin resistance and histology, perhaps because of its specific PPAR-gamma ligand effect.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41106102)Shandong Science Foundation of China (No. ZR2009CZ008)the 100 Talents Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the Bohai Sea; however, little attention has been paid to potential biological differences between these two pedigrees. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of both pedigrees to marine metal (cadmium and zinc) pollution biomonitoring and marine environmental toxicology. Results demonstrate significant biological differences in gills of white and zebra clams based on metabolic profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, we found that hypotaurine, malonate and homarine were relatively high in white clam gills, while alanine, arginine, glutamate, succinate, 4-aminobutyrate, taurine and betaine were high in zebra clam gills. Zebra clam gills were also more sensitive to a mixture of Cd and Zn, as shown by antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic profiles, but white clam gills could accumulate more Zn. Therefore, we suggest that the white pedigree can be used as a biomonitor to marine Zn pollution, whereas the zebra pedigree can be used for toxicology studies on Cd and Zn mixed pollution.
文摘Predators induce plastic responses in multiple prey taxa, ranging from morphological to behavioral or physiological changes. In amphibians, tadpoles activate plastic responses to reduce predation risk by reducing their activity rate and altering their morphology, specifically tail depth and pigmentation. Furthermore, there is now evidence that tadpoles＇ defenses are modi- fied when predators combine with other stressful factors such as pollutants or competitors, but our knowledge on the physiologi- cal responses underlying these responses is still scarce. Here we study physiological responses in Pelobates cultripes tadpoles exposed to a natural predator （larvae of the aquatic beetle Dytiscus circumflexus）, non-lethal concentrations of herbicide （gly- phosate, 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L） or both factors combined. We measured corticosterone levels, standard metabolic rate, oxidative damage （TBARS） and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and immune response （via leukocyte count）. Tadpoles reduced their corti- costerone concentration by ca. 24% in the presence of predator cues, whereas corticosterone did not change in the presence of glyphosate. Two enzymes involved in antioxidant response also decreased in the presence of predators （14.7% and 13.2% respec- tively） but not to glyphosate. Herbicide, however, increased the number of neutrophils and reduced that of lymphocytes, and had an interaction effect with predator presence. Standard metabolic rate did not vary across treatments in our experiment. Thus we show a marked physiological response to the presence of predators but little evidence for interaction between predators and low levels of herbicide. Multiple assessment of the physiological state of animals is important to understand the basis and conse- quences ofphenotypic plasticity
基金This work was supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2019QZKK0404)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20020401)+1 种基金the State Key Research Development Program of China(2016YFD0600302-5)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities。
文摘Aims Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the most important coniferous species in southern China,but its high sensitivity to drought restricts its expansion.Understanding the intraspecific variation of physiological responses to drought can help us manage this plantation better.Methods We selected 3-year-old seedlings of C.lanceolata,which originated from the low precipitation(LP),middle precipitation(MP)and high precipitation(HP)habitats,respectively.Seedlings were grown under drought stress(20%of soil volumetric water content)for 40 days.The ecophysiological responses and adaptive strategies with different drought tolerance were investigated.Important Findings LP provenance possessed the best tolerance to drought stress,suggesting that considerably increased carbohydrates and nitrogen-containing compounds as osmotic protective materials,which were driven by fast carbon and nitrogen metabolisms.In addition,the highest peroxidase activity could effectively eliminate hydrogen peroxide in drought-stressed LP provenance.The MP provenance reserved a large amount of non-structural carbohydrates,which may act as a certain buffer for encountering drought stress.Importantly,timely closure of stomata to reduce needle transpiration when encountering a water deficiency would help them adapt to long-term drought.MP provenance adopted a conservative water-saving strategy.However,HP provenance regulated root growth(increased root/shoot ratio)and reduced penetration potential to help them absorb water.The different strategies among provenances may be related to the long-term domestication of the geographical environments.Therefore,our results underline the importance of provenance-specific responses to drought stress.It is highly significant to accelerate the selection of drought-resistant germplasms and to cultivate high-yield plantations in the future.
