Determination of Isoflavone from Soybean Lines Cultivated in Jilin Province and Correlation Analysis between Isoflavone Content and Soybean Quality

[Objective]The aim of this study was to set up a high performance liquid chromatography for rapid determination of isoflavones from soybean and analyze the correlation between isofalvone content and protein or fat content. [Method]The isoflavones were firstly extracted by 80% methanol and then hydrolyzed at 100 ℃. The chromatographic separation adopted a reversed-phase C18 analytical column with binary high-pressure gradient elution,while its analysis time was 25 min and column temperature was 40 ℃. The diode array detector was used for monitoring with wavelength of 260 nm. The correlation between isofalvone content and protein or fat content was analyzed by data processing system Origin 6.0. [Result]The high performance liquid chromatograph for determination of isoflavones from soybean was verified to be accurate and reliable by methodology. The isoflavones of 85 soybean lines cultivated in Jilin Province were determined,and the results primarily showed the characters and ranges of isoflavones from soybean lines cultivated in Jilin Province,while the isoflavone content of soybeans ranged from 2.29 to 4.89 mg/g,and the average content was 3.36 mg/g. The isoflavone content of 5 soybean lines exceeded 4 mg/g,while there was a remarkably negative correlation between isoflavone content and protein content,and there was no significant positive correlation between isoflavone content and fat content. [Conclusion]The isoflavone content of soybean lines cultivated in Jilin Province is higher,so it is feasible for breeding the soybean lines with high isoflavone content and fat contetnt.

A Review on the Biological Characteristics and Secretory Functions of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells （ADSCs） can be largely and easily obtained from a wide range of sources. Moreover, they have self-renewal ability, multi-differentiation potential, and an important role in immune regulation. They can secrete a variety of cytokines to regulate the in vivo micro-environment. Therefore, ADSCs are the ideal seed ceils for stem ceils application. This paper reviews the location, isolation, surface markers, proliferation, differentiation and other biological characteristics of ADSCs, as well as their secretory function and relative researches. ADSCs are expected to become excellent seed cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering through in-depth studies.

Correlation analysis between major nutritional components and resistant starch content in wheat

With 94 spring wheat cultivars as experimental materials, the correlations between the content of resistant starch （RS） in uncooked flour and cooked flour, and the apparent amylose content （AAC）, protein, lipid were investigated. The results showed that RS contents in both the uncooked flour and cooked flour assumed significantly positive correlation with AAC, and significantly negative cor- relation with protein content; and they were proved to be not significantly correlated with lipid content. RS content in uncooked flour was significantly correlated with that in cooked flour. These results provided references for the genetic improvement of wheat cultivars.

Periodic Analysis on Nutrients in Chinese Residents and Their Sources

The nutritional status of Chinese residents has been greatly improved during the past 50 years.Compared with Japanese people to whom our food consumption habit is similar,the calorie nutrient intake and fat nutrient intake per capita of Chinese residents has exceeded the intake of the Japanese residents,but the protein nutrient intake is still lower.Among the composition of the calorie nutrient,the proportion of fat is higher,but the proportion of protein is lower,and both the animal protein and the vegetable fat are small.Therefore,we should guide the poor to the rational consumption such as soybean which contains quality protein but is a kind of inexpensive food.With the increase of population eating out,residents＇ nutrients awareness as well as the public service institutions knowledge of nutrition should be enhanced.

Sequence Analysis of Polymorphic Fragments in the Third Intron of Porcine H-FABP Gene

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the major genes affecting intramuscular fat （IMF） deposition. [Method] Taking 383 pigs from five breeds including Mashen Pig, Large White Pig, Landrace, Duroc and Shanxi White Pig as the experimental animals, polymorphisms of partial fragments in the third intron of porcine H-FABP gene were detected by PCR-SSCP method, and then the polymorphic fragments were sequenced. [ Result] Two alleles, designated as A and B, were found at the locus 346 in the third intron of porcine H-FABP gene, and the mutation was caused by a A→G substitution. [ Conclusion] A polymorphic locus was discovered in the third intron of porcine H-FABP gene in this experiment, laying a foundation for the further study on the relationship between H-FABP gene and IMF content.

Assimilating efficiency of soil nutrition of Phalaris arundinacea L.

Phalaris arundinacea L. is fine perennial herbage of Gramineae. Eight treatments including N, P, K, NP, NK, NPK, PK and controls were done for studying its absorbing efficiency of soil nutrition. At tillering stage, the coefficient of absorbing and utilizing of N, P, and K from soil and fertilizer were analyzed according to M.K. Kaeomobk抯 formula and the contents of crude protein and fat were also measured. The yields of fresh crop, hay and seed were measured at ripening stage. For N absorbing coefficient of Ph. arundinacea from soil (Kn%), the composition PK treatment is best (12.36%) and K treatment is worse, while for N absorbing coefficient from fertilizer (Ky%), all the treatments are higher than control but the composition NPK treatment presented the highest (14.78%). For the absorbing coefficient of P from soil (Kn%), composition NK treatment is highest (19.30%), but K treatment was lower than control, while for that of P from fertilizer (Ky%), all the treatment were higher than control but the composition NP treatment showed the highest (19.52%). As to K absorbing coefficient from soil (Kn%), NP treatment is the best (19.2%) and single P treatment is worst, while for that (Ky%) of K from fertilizer the composition NPK treatment was best (28.44%). As concerns treatments for the outputs of fresh and dry crop, the composition NP treatment was best and all the treatment were higher than control. The composition NK treatment produced highest yield of seed and highest content of crude protein as compared to other treatments. For content of crude fat, the compositions NK and N treatments are best. The experiment indicates that application of fertilizer at proper proportions could increase the yield of Ph. Arundinacea and raise the utilizing efficiency of nourishment element from soil and fertilizer.

Apoptosis and Lipolysis of White Adipocytes Induced by Neuropeptide Y- Y5 Receptor Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides

Objective: To investigate the influence of central administration ofneuropeptide Y-Y5 receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on body weight, fat pads of SDrats, and the effects of white adipocytes lipolysis and apoptosis. Methods: Y5 receptor antisense,sense, mismatched ODNs or vehicle was intracerebroventricularly (i. c. v.) injected. Averageadipocyte area was calculated. DNA ladders were measured to evaluate adipocyte apoptosis, and RT-PCRwas used to analyse the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax gene. Results: Central administration of Y5antisense ODNs significantly decreased body weight, and average adipocyte area. DNA fragmentationwas present after electrophoresis at epididymal adipose tissue. The expression of Bcl-2 gene wasdownregulated, while the expression of Bax upregulated. Conclusion: Lipolysis and adipocyteapoptosis may be important mechanisms far 75 antisense therapy.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation on Phosphorus Uptake,Yield and Quality of Soybean Plants

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation with various rhizobium strains on growth status, phosphorus uptake, yield and quality of soybean plants. [Method] Using Dongnong 42 and Dongnong 46 as experimental soybeans, four treatments were designed, including non-inoculated CK group and three treatment groups inoculated respectively with rhizobium strains R2, R, and Rs, to analysis the effects of rhizobium inoculation on growth status, phosphorus uptake, yield and quality of soybean plants. [Result] Inoculation with different rhizobium strains could significantly increase the biomass and phosphorus content of the roots and shoots of Dongnong 42, to be specific, rhizobium strain R2 showed the best ef- fect, followed by Rs, and those of roots were improved greater than the shoots; in- oculation with rhizobium could significantly increase the yield of Dongnong 42, and R5 showed the best effect, but the yield of Dongnong 46 was decreased; after in- oculated with rhizobium, the protein content and fat content of soybean were signifi- cantly increased, and R2 showed the best effect, but the effects on different varieties varied, to be specific, the protein content of Dongnong 42 was significantly in- creased, while the fat content of Dongnong 46 was significantly increased; different rhizobium strains inoculated to different soybean varieties showed different effects. Inoculation with suitable rhizobium can improve plant growth characteristics, promote phosphorus uptake of plants, increase soybean yield, and effectively improve soy- bean quality. [Conclusion] This study provides theoretical basis for solving the prob- lem of soil phosphorus deficiency, increasing soybean yield and improving soybean quality in the future.

Relationship between adipose tissue dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency and the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide.Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood.Over the years many studies have proposed various pathophysiological hypotheses,among which the currently most widely accepted is the"multiple parallel hits"theory.According to this model,lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and insulin resistance increase the vulnerability of the liver to many factors that act in a coordinated and cooperative manner to promote hepatic injury,inflammation and fibrosis.Among these factors,adipose tissue dysfunction and subsequent chronic low grade inflammation play a crucial role.Recent studies have shown that vitamin D exerts an immune-regulating action on adipose tissue,and the growing wealth of epidemiological data is demonstrating that hypovitaminosis D is associated with both obesity and NAFLD.Furthermore,given the strong association between these conditions,current findings suggest that vitamin D may be involved in the relationship between adipose tissue dysfunction and NAFLD.The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent advances in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in relation to adipose tissue dysfunction,and in the pathophysiology linking vitamin D deficiency with NAFLD and adiposity,together with an overview of the evidence available on the clinical utility of vitamin D supplementation in cases of NAFLD.

Adipose-derived stromal cells resemble bone marrow stromal cells in hepatocyte differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo

AIM To investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) from adipose-derived stromal cells(ADSCs) and bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs) have similar hepatic differentiation potential.METHODS Mouse ADSCs and BMSCs were isolated and cultured. Their morphological and phenotypic characteristics, as well as their multiple differentiation capacity were compared. A new culture system was established to induce ADSCs and BMSCs into functional hepatocytes. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to identify the induced hepatocytelike cells. CM-Dil-labeled ADSCs and BMSCs were then transplanted into a mouse model of CCl4-induced acute liver failure. fluorescence microscopy was used to track the transplanted MSCs. Liver function was tested by an automatic biochemistry analyzer, and liver tissue histology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining.RESULTS ADSCs and BMSCs shared a similar morphology and multiple differentiation capacity, as well as a similar phenotype(with expression of CD29 and CD90 and no expression of CD11 b or CD45). Morphologically, ADSCs and BMSCs became round and epithelioid following hepatic induction. These two cell types differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with similar expression of albumin, cytokeratin 18, cytokeratin 19, alpha fetoprotein, and cytochrome P450. fluorescence microscopy revealed that both ADSCs and BMSCs were observed in the mouse liver at different time points. Compared to the control group, both the function of the injured livers and HE staining showed significant improvement in the ADSC-and BMSC-transplanted mice. There was no significant difference between the two MSC groups.CONCLUSION ADSCs share a similar hepatic differentiation capacity and therapeutic effect with BMSCs in an acute liver failure model. ADSCs may represent an ideal seed cell type for cell transplantation or a bio-artificial liver support system.

Role of tissue microenvironment resident adipocytes in colon cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a multifactorial disease characterized by several genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring in epithelial cells. It is increasingly recognized that tumour progression is also regulated by tumour microenvironment(TME). The bidirectional cross-talk between tumour resident adipocytes and cancer cells within TME has been proposed as active contributor to carcinogenesis. Tumour resident adipocytes exhibit an activated phenotype characterized by increased secretion of pro-tumorigenic factors(angiogenic/inflammatory/immune) which contribute to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, neoangiogenesis, evasion of immune surveillance and therapy resistance. Furthermore, adipocytes represent a fuel rich source for increasing energy demand of rapidly proliferating tumour cells. Interestingly, a relationship between obesity and molecular variants in CRC has recently been identified. Whether adipose tissue promotes cancer progression in subsets of molecular phenotypes or whether local tissue adipocytes are involved in inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and/or activation of oncogenes still needs to be explored. This editorial highlights the major findings related to crosstalk between adipocytes and colon cancer cells and how local paracrine interactions may promote cancer progression. Furthermore, we provide future strategies in studying colonic TME which could provide insights in bidirectional cross-talk mechanisms between adipocytes and colonic epithelial cells. This could enable to decipher critical signalling pathways of both early colonic carcinogenesis and cancer progression.

Influence of increased epicardial adipose tissue volume on 1-year in-stent restenosis in patients who received coronary stent implantation

Background Epicardial adipose tissue （EAT） is significantly associated with the formation and composition of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, cardiac events and the clinical prognosis of coronary heart disease. But, whether increased EAT deposition may affect the incidence of in-stent restenosis （ISR） is currently unclear. This study used coronary computed tomography angiography （CCTA） as a mean to investigate whether increased EAT volume was associated with ISR. Methods A total of 364 patients who underwent 64-slice CCTA examination for the evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease, and subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for the first time, and then accepted coronary angiography （CA） follow-up for ISR examination in one year, were retrospectively included in this study. EAT volume was measured by CCTA examination. CA follow-up was obtained between 9 and 15 months. ISR was defined as 〉 50% kuninal diameter narrowing of the stent segment or peri-stent segment. EAT volume was compared between patients with and without ISR and additional well-known predictors of ISR were compared. Results EAT volume was significantly increased in patients with ISR compared with those without ISR （154.5 ± 74.6 mL vs. 131.0 ± 52.2 mL, P 〈 0.001）. The relation between ISR and EAT volume remained significant after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and angiographic parameters. Conclusions EAT volume was related with ISR and may provide additional information for future ISR.

Monounsaturated fat decreases hepatic lipid content in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

AIM： To evaluate the effects of different types of dietary fats on the hepatic lipid content and oxidative stress parameters in rat liver with experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS： A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The rats in the control group （n = 8） were on chow diet （Group 1）, rats （n = 6） on methionine choline-deficient diet （MCDD） （Group 2）, rats （n = 6） on MCDD enriched with olive oil （Group 3）, rats （n = 6） on MCDD with fish oil （Group 4） and rats （n = 6） on MCDD with butter fat （Group 5）. After 2 mo, blood and liver sections were examined for lipids composition and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS： The liver weight/rat weight ratio increased in all treatment groups as compared with the control group. Severe fatty liver was seen in MCDD ＋ fish oil and in MCDD ＋ butter fat groups, but not in MCDD and MCDD ＋ olive oil groups. The increase in hepatic triglycerides （TG） levels was blunted by 30% in MCDD ＋ olive oil group （0.59 ±0.09） compared with MCDD group （0.85 ±0.04, P 〈 0.004）, by 37% compared with MCDD ＋ fish oil group （0.95 ±0.07, P 〈 0.001）, and by 33% compared with MCDD ＋ butter group （0.09 ±0.1, P 〈 0.01）. The increase in serum TG was lowered by 10% in MCDD ＋ olive oil group （0.9 ±0.07） compared with MCDD group （1.05 ±0.06）. Hepatic cholesterol increased by 15-fold in MCDD group [（0.08 ±0.02, this increment was blunted by 21% in MCDD ＋ fish oil group （0.09 ±0.02）]. In comparison with the control group, ratio of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6/omega-3 increased in MCDD ＋ olive oil, MCDD ＋ fish oil and MCDD ＋ butter fat groups by 345-, 30- and 397-fold, respectively. In comparison to MCDD group （1.58 ±0.08）, hepatic MDA contents in MCDD ＋ olive oil （3.3 ±0.6）, MCDD ＋ fish oil （3.0 ±0.4）, and MCDD ＋ butter group （2.9 ±0.36） were increased by 108%, 91% and 87%, respectively （P 〈 0.004）. Hepatic paraoxonase activity decreased significantly in all treatment groups, mostly with MCDD ＋ olive oil group （-68%）.CONCLUSION： Olive oil decreases the accumulation of triglyceride in the liver of rats with NAFLD, but does not provide the greatest antioxidant activity.

Cloning and functional characterization of two cDNAs encoding NADPH-dependent 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductased from developing cotton fibers

Genes encoding enzymes involved in biosynthesis of very long chain fatty acids were significantly up-regulatedduring early cotton fiber development. Two cDNAs, GhKCR1 and GhKCR2 encoding putative cotton 3-ketoacyl-CoAreductases that catalyze the second step in fatty acid elongation, were isolated from developing cotton fibers. GhKCR1and 2 contain open reading frames of 963 bp and 924 bp encoding proteins of 320 and 307 amino acid residues,respectively. Quantatitive RT-PCR analysis showed that both these genes were highly preferentially expressed duringthe cotton fiber elongation period with much lower levels recovered from roots, stems and leaves. GhKCR1 and 2showed 30%-32% identity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ybr159p at the deduced amino acid level. These cotton cDNAswere cloned and expressed in yeast haploid ybr159w? mutant that was deficient in 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductase activity.Wild-type growth rate was restored in ybr159w? cells that expressed either GhKCR1 or 2. Further analysis showed thatGhKCR1 and 2 were co-sedimented within the membranous pellet fraction after high-speed centrifugation, similar to theyeast endoplasmic reticulum marker ScKar2p. Both GhKCR(s) showed NADPH-dependent 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductaseactivity in an in vitro assay system using palmitoyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA as substrates. Our results suggest thatGhKCR1 and 2 are functional orthologues of ScYbr159p.

Platycodon grandiflorum extract represses up-regulated adipocyte fatty acid binding protein triggered by a high fat feeding in obese rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of Platycodon grandi- florum extract (PGE) on lipid metabolism and FABP mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of high fat diet-induced obese rats. METHODS: PGE was treated to investigate the inhibitory effect on the pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 differentiation and pancreatic lipase activity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 439.03 ± 7.61 g were divided into four groups: the control groups that fed an experimental diet alone (C and H group) and PGE treatment groups that administered PGE along with a control diet or HFD at a concentration of 150 mg/kg body weight (C + PGE and H + PGE group, respectively) for 7 wk. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerol (TG) concentrations were measured from the tail vein of rats. Adipocyte cell area was measured from subcutaneous adipose tissue and the fatty acid binding protein (FABP) mRNA expression was analyzed by northern blot analysis. RESULTS: PGE treatment inhibited 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation, and also decreased pancreatic lipase activity. In this experiment, PGE signifi cantly reduced plasma TC and TG concentrations as well as body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight. PGE also significantly decreased the size of subcutaneous adipocytes. Furthermore, it significantly repressed the up-regulation of FABP mRNA expression induced by a high-fat feeding in subcutaneous adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: PGE has a plasma lipid lowering-effect and anti-obesity effect in obese rats fed a high fat diet.From these results, we can suggest the possibility that PGE can be used as a food ingredient or drug component to therapeutically control obesity.

Human fetal mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into brown and white adipocytes： a role for ERRα in human UCP1 expression

We investigated the ability of fetal mesenchymal stem cells （fMSCs） to differentiate into brown and white adi- pocytes and compared the expression of a number of marker genes and key regulatory factors. We showed that the expression of key adipocyte regulators and markers during differentiation is similar to that in other human and mu- rine adipocyte models, including induction of PPARy2 and FABP4. Notably, we found that the preadipocyte marker, Pref-1, is induced early in differentiation and then declines markedly as the process continues, suggesting that fMSCs first acquire preadipocyte characteristics as they commit to the adipogenic lineage, prior to their differentiation into mature adipocytes. After adipogenic induction, some stem cell isolates differentiated into cells resembling brown adi- pocytes and others into white adipocytes. Detailed investigation of one isolate showed that the novel brown fat-deter- mining factor PRDM16 is expressed both before and after differentiation. Importantly, these cells exhibited elevated basal UCP-1 expression, which was dependent on the activity of the orphan nuclear receptor ERRa, highlighting a novel role for ERRa in human brown fat. Thus fMSCs represent a useful in vitro model for human adipogenesis, and provide opportunities to study the stages prior to commitment to the adipocyte lineage. They also offer invaluable in- sights into the characteristics of human brown fat.

ATF4 regulates lipid metabolism and thermogenesis

Activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4） has been shown to play key roles in many physiological processes. There are no reports, however, demonstrating a direct link between ATF4 and lipid metabolism. We noticed that Atf4- deficient mice are lean, suggesting a possible role for ATF4 in regulating lipid metabolism. The goal of our current study is to investigate the involvement of ATF4 in lipid metabolism and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Studies using Atf4-deficient mice revealed increased energy expenditure, as measured by oxygen consumption. These mice also showed increases in lipolysis, expression of uncoupling protein 2 （UCP2） and p-oxidation genes and decreases in expression of lipogenic genes in white adipose tissue （WAT）, suggesting increased utilization and decreased synthesis of fatty acids, respectively. Expression of UCP1, 2 and 3 was also increased in brown adipose tissue （BAT）, suggesting increased thermogenesis. The effect of ATF4 deletion on expression of UCPs in BAT suggests that increased thermogenesis may underlie increased energy expenditure. Thus, our study identifies a possible new function for ATF4 in regulating lipid metabolism and thermogenesis.

PHYSIOLOGICAL INHIBITORY EFFECT OF OCS IN ARACHIDONIC ACID-RICH PARIETOCHLORIS INCISA (TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA)

Parietochloris incisa is an arachidonic acid rich snow green alga. The main physiological profiles, such as ash free dry weight (AFDW), chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein and total fatty acids (TFA), in this alga exposed to old culture supernatant (OCS) at the decline phase or its crude ethyl acetate extracts (CEAE) were investigated by using tubular photobioreactors of different diameters. Results showed that both OCS and CEAE had strong inhibitory effect on the above physiological parameters. The longer the culture was exposed to OCS and the more CEAE were added into the algal culture, the more the above physiological properties were inhibited. Arachidonic acid (AA), the dominant component of fatty acids in this alga, was also seriously inhibited with respect to total TFA, AFDW of cell mass, or culture volume, due to a probable reduction of enzymes activities catalyzing chain elongation from C18:1ω9 to AA. These results incontestably evidenced that some CEAE dissolving substances existing in OCS, like auto inhibitors, inhibited P. incisa growth through feedback. Hence, any efficient removal of auto inhibitors from algal culture to decrease their bioactivity could be good for maximal production of desired products like AA.

Comparison Between MIR and NIR Spectroscopic Techniques for the Determination of Fat and Protein Contents in Milk

To compare mid-infrared(MIR)and near-infrared(NIR)spectroscopies for the determination of the fat and protein contents in milk,the same sample sets with varying concentrations of fat and protein were measured in the MIR range of 3 200-700 cm-1 and NIR range of 9 000-4 000 cm-1.The spectral features in the two regions were analyzed.The MIR spectra of milk were characteristic due to the MIR inherent molecular specificity,whereas the NIR spectra were relatively characterless due to the NIR low selectivity.Partial least squares(PLS)regression models for fat and protein were developed by using both MIR and NIR spectra.MIR data with no pretreatment gave better results than NIR data.The square correlation coefficient(R2)and the root mean square error of prediction(RMSEP)were 0.98 and 0.10 g/dL for fat and 0.97 and 0.11 g/dL for protein.With NIR techniques,satisfactory results were not obtained with raw data.However,NIR data after pretreatment gave similarly good results to the ones using MIR method.This paper indicates that either of the MIR and NIR spectral methods is reliable for the determination of the fat and protein contents.