Response of Invasive Plant Alligatorweed to Salt Stress at Early Growth Stage

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the early growth stage＇s response of invasive plant alligatorweed（Alternanthera philoxeroides） under salt stress.[Method] The alligatorweed was cultivated with four different NaCl concentrations 0（control）, 100, 200, 300 mmol/L diluted in 1/2 Hoagland＇s solution at early stage.During the period, we measured the number of nodes and leaves, length, fresh weight, dry weight and water content of stems to determine the effect of salt on alligatorweed growth. [Result] Compared with control, the node number, leaf number,length, fresh weight and dry weight of the stems significantly changed in NaCl solution, and the difference was positively related to NaCl concentration. We concluded that middle and high concentrations of NaCl significantly inhibited the growth of alligatorweed, by suppressing the node number, leaf number, length, fresh weight and dry weight of the stems. Among them, the stem length and fresh weight were more sensitive to NaCl stress. [Conclusion] The present result is helpful to understand the alligatorweed＇s adaptability to saline environment, and also helpful to prevent its invasion in such environment.

STUDY ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY GROWTH OF TRIPLOID AND GYNOGENETIC DIPLOID LEFT-EYED FLOUNDER, PARALICHTHYS OLIVACEUS (T. et S.)

The early effects of chromosomal manipulation of eggs and sperm on the yields of triploid and gynogenetic diploid larvae of Paralichthys olivaceus were investigated. Triploidy was achieved by cold shocking fertilized eggs at 0-2℃ for 45 minutes duration 5 minutes after fertilization, and the induced triploidy rates were 31.2%-50% and the relative hatching rates were 53.3%-99%. Gynogenetic diploids were obtained when eggs were inseminated with irradiated sperm and cold shocked at 0-2℃ for 45 minutes duration 5 minutes after fertilization. The induced gynogenetic diploid rates and the relative hatching rates were 94%-96% and 48.5%-68.5% respectively. The embryonic development of the triploid experimental group and of the gynogenetic diploid experimental group was delayed at first compared with the control group. But from the gastrula stage, it was not delayed anymore. There were no significant differences in the growth of the triploid experimental group larvae and the control group larvae, and in the growth of the gynogenetic diploid experimental group larvae and the control group larvae according to Student’s t test (α=0.05). The relationship between the early growth of the triploid experimental group larvae and that of gynogenetic diploid experimental group larvae was also studied.

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Air Plasma Pretreatment on the Seed Germination and Early Growth of Andrographis paniculata

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate whether air plasma can change the seed germination characteristics, seedling emergence, as well as biochemical reactivity, in Andrographis paniculata （A. paniculata） seedlings by modifying the seed coat and finding a beneficial treatment dose. Eight treatment doses and one control were used to conduct electrical conductivity determination, a germination test, a seedling emergence test and a biochemical assay. The results showed that after being treated with air plasma excited at 5950 V for 10 s, the perme- ability of the seeds was improved significantly, resulting in the acceleration of seed germination and seedling emergence. In the meantime, the catalase activity and catalase isoenzyme expression were also improved, while the malondialdehyde content in the seedlings was decreased （which means greater counteraction with environmental stress）. After being treated with 4250 V for 10 s and 5950 V for 20 s, the seed germination was enhanced, but without an obvious change in seedUng emergence. However, after treatment with 3400 V for 20 s and 5100 V for 10 s, the permeability of the seeds was decreased, resulting in a delay in seedling emergence. These results indicate that air plasma can change the physiological and biochemical characteristics of Andrographis paniculata seeds by modifying the seed coat, combined with the effects of the active plasma species, and that different treating doses have different effects.

Effect of Different Ca and P Level on Early Growth of Fast-growth Lines of Wulong Goose

Two hundred and eighty-eight Wulong geese of fast-growth lines were selected to be fattened respectively in netting bed, then divided into eight groups with three replications in each group. The diets contained different contents of Ca and P to determine the best level for the early growth of Wulong goose. The result suggested that, during the early period, the proportion of Ca and NPP (non-Phytate Phosnhorus) had significant influence on its growth (P < 0.05), when the dietary level of Ca was 0.65% and NPP was 0.30% (the proportion of Ca and NPP was 2.17:1), the liveweight gain was higher, so were the eviscerated ratio and eviscerated weight with giblet ratio, feed/gain(F/G) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity at four weeks were lower. The Wulong goose grew well at the proportion between 1.88 : 1 and 2.50 : 1, and grew worst at 1.38 : 1.

Allelopathic Effects of Cedrus deodara Needle Extracts on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Three Turfgrasses

[Objectives]This study was conducted to provide reference for plant landscaping,optimization of planting structure and rational allocation of species in Cedrus deodara gardens.[Methods]With three common garden plants in northern China,Trifolium repens L.,Poa pratensis L.and Trifolium pratense L.,as receptors,the effects of four concentrations(0.025,0.05,0.075 and 0.10 g/ml)of C.deodara needle extract on seed germination and early seedling growth of the three turfgrasses were studied by the Petri dish filter paper method,using a clear water treatment(0 g/ml)as control check(CK).Data were subjected to analysis of variance(ANOVA)and multiple comparisons(Duncan)using SPSS16.0.[Results]Different concentrations of C.deodara needle extract had significant inhibitory effects on seed germination,radicle and seedling height growth of T.repens,T.pratense and P.pratensis(P<0.05),and the inhibitory effects increased with the increase of concentration.When the concentration reached 0.075 g/ml,seed germination and seedling growth of T.repens stopped,and radicle and seedling growth of T.pratense and P.pratensis also stopped.When the concentration was equal to 0.10 g/ml,germination of T.pratense and P.pratensis seeds was inhibited,and the absolute values of allelopathic index was the largest,that is,the inhibitory effects were the largest.And with the increase of concentration,the absolute value of synthetical allelopathic index also increased.The extract of C.deodara needles contained main allelochemicals leading to the scarcity of understory vegetation.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for reasonable garden plant configuration during C.deodara greening and garden landscaping.

Early Growth and Development of Boer Goats from Embryo Transplant

[ Objective] To study the growth-development of Boer goats from embryo transplant. [ Method] With Boer goats from embryo transplant as the tested animals and natural breeding Boer goats born in the same period as CK, the weight of Boer goats at birth and at the age of 1,3 and 6 months as well as the body size at the age of 3 and 6 months were investigated in this study, while their health conditions were also observed and recorded. [ Result] Under the normal feeding conditions, Boer goats from embryo transplant developed well at early stage, and their meat-using body type were also obvious. The average birth weight of bucks was （4.25±0.95） kg, and that of does was （3.74±0.10） kg. The average weight of bucks at the age of 6 months was （31.90 ±0.74） kg and that of was （25.90 ±0.67） kg. The daily gains of bucks and ewes from birth to 6 months of age were 153.64 and 123.11 g respectively, while their body length, body height and chest circumference increased obviously, and there was no significant difference in body weight or body size between them and natural breeding goats. [ Condusioa] The study lays a foundation for further studies on the breedinq and utilization of Boer noats from embryo transplant at early staae.

Early Growth Response Gene-1 Deficiency Interrupts TGFβ1 Signaling Activation and Aggravates Neurodegeneration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice

Early growth response protein 1(Egr-1)triggers the transcription of many genes involved in cell growth,differentiation,synaptic plasticity,and neurogenesis.However,its mechanism in neuronal survival and degeneration is still poorly understood.This study demonstrated that Egr-1 was down-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in the central nervous system(CNS)of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)mice.Egr-1 knockout exacerbated EAE progression in mice,as shown by increased disease severity and incidence;it also aggravated neuronal apoptosis,which was associated with weakened activation of the BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling pathways in the CNS of EAE mice.Consistently,Egr-1 siRNA promoted apoptosis but mitigated the activation of BDNF/TGFβ1/MAPK/Akt signaling in SH-SY5Y cells.Our results revealed that Egr-1 is a crucial regulator of neuronal survival in EAE by regulating TGFβ1-mediated signaling activation,implicating the important role of Egr-1 in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis as a potential novel therapy target.

MiR-551b-5p Contributes to Pathogenesis of Vein Graft Failure via Upregulating Early Growth Response-1 Expression

Background： Vein graft failure （VGF） is a serious complication of coronary artery bypass graft, although the mechanism remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNAs （miRNAs） on the endothelial dysfunction involved in VGF. Methods： Human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） were subjected to mechanical stretch stimulation to induce endothelial dysfunction. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling was performed using the Human miRNA OneArray＂ V4 （PhalanxBio Inc., San Diego, USA）. The miRNA-messenger RNA （mRNA） network was investigated using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The miR-55 1b-5p mimic and inhibitor were applied to regulate miR-55 lb-5p expression in the HUVECs. The 5-ethynyl-2＇-deoxyuridine assay, polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, and Western blotting （WB） were used to assess HUVECs proliferation, mRNA expression, and protein expression, respectively. The vein graft model was established in early growth response （Egr）-I knockout （KO） mice and wide-type （WT） C57BL/6J mice for pathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Endothelial cells isolated from the veins of WT and Egr-1 KO mice were subjected to mechanical stretch stimulation; PCR and WB were conducted to confirm the regulatory effect of Egr- 1 on Intercellular adhesion molecule （loam-1）. One-way analysis of variance and independent t-test were performed for data analysis. Results： Thirty-eight rniRNAs were differentially expressed in HUVECs after mechanical stretch stimulation. The bioinforrnatics analysis revealed that Egr-1 might be involved in VGF and was a potential target gene of miR-551b-5p. The mechanical stretch stimulation increased miR-55 1b-5p expression by 2.93 ± 0.08 told （t= 3.07, P 〈 0.05）, compared with the normal HUVECs. Transfection with the miR-551b-5p mimic or inhibitor increased expression of miR-551b-5p by 793.1 ± 171.6 fold （t = 13.84, P 〈 0.001） or decreased by 26.3% ± 2.4% （t= 26.39, P 〈 0.05） in the HUVECs, respectively. HUVECs proliferation and EGR-I mRNA expression were significantly suppressed by inhibiting miR-551b-5p expression （P 〈 0.05）. The lumens of the vein grafts in the Egr-1 KO mice were wider than that in the WT mice. lcam-I expression was suppressed significantly in the Egr-1 KO vein grafts （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： Increased miR-55 1b-5p expression leads to endothelial dysfunction by upregulating Egr-1 expression. EGR-1 KO can improve the function of a grafted vein through suppressing loam-1.

Lipocalin-2-Mediated Insufficient Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Remyelination for White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via SCL22A17 Receptor/Early Growth Response Protein 1 Signaling

Insufficient remyelination due to impaired oligodendrocyte precursor cell(OPC)differentiation and maturation is strongly associated with irreversible white matter injury(WMI)and neurological deficits.We analyzed whole transcriptome expression to elucidate the potential role and underlying mechanism of action of lipocalin-2(LCN2)in OPC differentiation and WMI and identified the receptor SCL22A17 and downstream transcription factor early growth response protein 1(EGR1)as the key signals contributing to LCN2-mediated insufficient OPC remyelination.In LCN-knockdown and OPC EGR1 conditional-knockout mice,we discovered enhanced OPC differentiation in developing and injured white matter(WM);consistent with this,the specific inactivation of LCN2/SCl22A17/EGR1 signaling promoted remyelination and neurological recovery in both atypical,acute WMI due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and typical,chronic WMI due to multiple sclerosis.This potentially represents a novel strategy to enhance differentiation and remyelination in patients with white matter injury.

Differentiation of Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Ten Provenances of Eucalyptus Microtheca

An investigation of seed germination and early seedling growth of Eucalyptus microtheca was based onseed collection from 10 widely,separated provenanes in Australia. Genetic variation of seed germination and carly seedling growth was observed among a series of provcnances whose natural habitats range from different climatic condition Inthe ten provenances, both the model of seed relative germination percentage and the model of seed total germination percentage fitted Logistic regression [y=a/(1+exp(-cx+b))]. In comparison with provenanccs from four high temperature (meanannual maximum temperature >30.0 ℃: mean annual minimum temperature > 17.0 ℃) areas, six low temperature (meanannual maximum temperature <30℃, mean annual minimum temperature <17.0 ℃) areas showed the thst genninationrate and the high total germination percentage, For each provenance we have 45 seedlings equally divided into three watering levels (100%, 50%. and 25% of field capacity), and studies on relationship between early seedling growth and climaticfactors of the natural habitat of provenance. In control treatment. height growth of the seedling has beeb associated with intrinsically the driest quarter precipitation in the seed collection areas of provenance. In all the treatments, length growth ofthe biggest Ieaf of the seedling was related to mean annual maximum temperature and mean annual minimum temperaturein origin of provenance. In contrast, basal diameter growth of the seedling was related to mean annual minimum temperature of the seed collection areas in water stress treatment. From an ecological viewpint, the fast germination rate and thehigh total germination perecntage of the seed and rapid early grouth of the seedling appear to bc favourable adaptations tothe climatic conditions prevailing in the natural habitat of provenance.

Transcription factor EGR-1 inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma cell lines

AIM: The transcription factor EGR-1 (early growth response gene-1) plays an important role in cell growth, differentiation and development. It has identified that EGR-1 has significant transformation suppression activity in some neoplasms, such as fibrosarcoma, breast carcinoma. This experiment was designed to investigate the role of egr-1 in the cancerous process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and esophageal carcinoma (EC), and then to appraise the effects of EGR-1 on the growth of these tumor cells. METHODS: Firstly, the transcription and expression of egr-1 in HCC and EC, paracancerous tissues and their normal counterpart parts were detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, with normal human breast and mouse brain tissues as positive controls. Egr-1 gene was then transfected into HCC (HHCC, SMMC7721) and EC (ECa109) cell lines in which no egr-1 transcription and expression were present. The cell growth speed, FCM cell cycle, plate clone formation and tumorigenicity in nude mice were observed and the controls were the cell lines transfected with vector only. RESULTS: Little or no egr-1 transcription and expression were detected in HCC, EC and normal liver tissues. The expression of egr-1 were found higher in hepatocellular paracancerous tissue (transcription level P=0.000; expression level P=0.143, probably because fewer in number of cases) and dysplastic tissue of esophageal cancer (transcription level P=0.000; expression level P=0.001). The growth rate of egr-1-transfected HHCC (HCC cell line) cells and ECa109 (EC cell line) cells was much slower than that of the controls. The proportion of S phase cell, clone formation and tumorigenicity were significantly lower than these of the controls' (decreased 45.5% in HHCC cells and 34.1% in ECa109 cells; 46.6% and 41.8%; 80.4% and 72.6% respectively). There were no obvious differences between SMMC7721 (HCC) egr-1-transfected cells and the controls with regard to the above items. CONCLUSION: The decreased expression of egr-1 might play a role in the dysregulation of normal growth in the cancerous process of HCC and EC. Egr-1 gene of transfected HHCC and ECa109 cells showed obvious suppression of the cell growth and malignant phenotypes, but no suppression in SMMC7721 (HCC cell line) cells.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 inhibits IGF-1-induced proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE Basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)produced by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells are responsible for the cell growth.Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)suppresses HCC cell proliferation in both IGF-dependent and independent manners.The present study is to investigate whether treatment with exogenous IGFBP-3 inhibits bF GF and PDGF production and the cell proliferation of HCC cells.METHODS Cell Counting Kit 8 assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,transcription factor early growth response-1(EGR1)involving in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assays.Western blot assay was adopted to detect the IGFBP-3 regulating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS The present study demonstrates that IGFBP-3 suppressed IGF-1-induced b FGF and PDGF expression while it does not affect their expression in the absence of IGF-1.To delineate the underlying mechanism,Western-blot and RT-PCR assays confirmed that the transcription factor early growth response protein 1(EGR1)is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF.IGFBP-3 inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor(IGF1R),ERK and AKT activation is IGF-1-dependent.Furthermore,transient transfection with constitutively activated AKT or MEK partially blocks the IGFBP-3 inhibition of EGR1,b FGF and PDGF expression.CONCLUSION In conclusion,these findings suggest that IGFBP-3suppresses transcription of EGR1 and its target genes b FGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation.It demonstrates the importance of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation,suggesting that IGFBP-3 could be a target for the treatment of HCC.

Transactivation of the TIEG1 confers growth inhibition of transforming growth factor-β-susceptible hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM:To investigate the role of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β-inducible early gene 1(TIEG1) in TGF-β-induced growth inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS:Human hepatocyte and HCC cell lines with varied susceptibilities to TGF-β1 were tested by methylthiazoletetrazolium(MTT) assay.The expression changes of Smad2,Smad3,Smad4,Smad7,TIEG1 and TIEG2 gene following treatment with TGF-β1 in a TGF-β-sensitive hepatocyte cell line(MIHA),a TGF-β-sensitive hepatoma cell line(Hep3B) and two TGF-β-insensitive hepatoma cell lines(HepG2 and Bel7404) were examined.SiRNA targeting TIEG1 was transfected into Hep3B cells and the sensitivity of cells to TGF-β1 was examined.Overexpression of TIEG1 was induced by lentiviral-mediated transduction in TGF-β1-resistant hepatoma cell lines(Bel7404 and HepG2).MTT assay and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole staining were used to identify cell viability and apoptosis,respectively.The expression level of stathmin was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western-blotting analysis,and stathmin promoter activity by TIEG1 was monitored by a luciferase reporter gene system.RESULTS:TIEG1 was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in the TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cell line,Hep3B,but not in the resistant cell lines.The suppression of TIEG1 by siRNAs decreased the sensitivity of Hep3B cells to TGF-β1,whereas the overexpression of TIEG1 mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in TGF-β1-resistant HCC cell lines,which resembled those of TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cells treated with TGF-β1.Our data further suggested that stathmin was a direct target of TIEG1,as stathmin was signif icantly downregulated by TIEG1 overexpression,and stathmin promoter activity was inhibited by TIEG1 in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that transactivation of TIEG1 conferred growth inhibition of TGF-β-susceptible human HCC cells.

Pre-sowing treatments for improved germination and growth of two rare native species of Bangladesh

Pre-sowing treatments are expected to increase seed germination.This evaluates response to pre-sowing treatments and the growth performance of two native and rare tree species,Garuga pinnata Roxb.and Vitex glabrata R.Br.The hard seed coats were treated by rubbing with sand paper,nail clipping,and immersion in water and acid（H_2SO_4）.Results indicate that G.pinnata showed a 90% germination rate and 30% germination energy when seed coats were nicked with a nail clipper.Rubbing with sand paper was the best pre-sowing treatment for V.glabrata,resulting a 80% germination rate and 30% germination energy.G.pinnata and V.glabrata seedlings from seeds soaked 24h in water resulted in maximum heights and collar diameters.These were significantly higher（at p〈0.05） than those of other treatments.The results indicate that scarification or nicking of seeds may have some negative impacts on seedling growth.Therefore,it is difficult to recommend a pre-sowing treatment of seeds for achieving both maximum germination and good early seedling growth.

Control of tendon cell fate in the embryonic limb: A molecular perspective

The molecular cascade underlying tendon formation starts when progenitor cells begin to express the Scleraxis(Scx)gene.Scx knockout mice develop some but not all tendons,suggesting that additional factors are necessary for tendon commitment,maintenance,and differentiation.Other transcription factors,such as Mohawk(Mkx)or early growth response(Egr),maintain Scx expression and extracellular matrix formation during fibrillogenesis.The inhibition of wingless and int-related protein signaling is necessary and sufficient to induce the expression of Scx.Once the commitment of tenogenic lineage occurs,transforming growth factor-beta(TGFβ)induces the Scx gene expression,becoming involved in the maintenance of tendon cell fate.From this point of view,we discussed two phases of the tenogenic process during limb development:dependent and independent of mechanical forces.Finally,we highlight the importance of understanding embryonic tendon development to improve therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicines for tendons.

Effect of adrenomedullin on neuron apoptosis, infarction volume and expression of Egr-1 mRNA after focal ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To observe the influence of adrenomedullin （ADM） on neuron apoptosis, infarction volume of brain, and the expression of early growth response 1 （Egr-1） mRNA in ischemia-reperfusion rats. Methods The arteria cerebri media was tied for 2 h to construct the ischemia model. Infarction volume was detected by triphenltetrazolium chloride （T＇I＇C） staining, neuronal apoptosis and necrosis was detected with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick labeling （TUNEL） method, and the Egr-1 mRNA expression was examined by in situ hybridization （ISH）. Results Infarction volume after ischemia-reperfusion is （269 ± 20） mm^3. Infarction volume after injection of ADM through different ways are femoral vein （239 ± 17） mm^3 （decreased by 11.2%）, arteria carotis （214 ± 14） mm^3 （by 20.4%） and lateral cerebral ventricle （209 ± 13） mm^3 （by 22.3%）, respectively. The results indicate that injecting ADM through arteria carotis and lateral cerebral ventricle is much more effective than it through femoral vein （P 〈 0.05）. The TUNEL-positive cells in cerebral cortex or hippocampus are few in the sham operation group, but much more in the ischemia-reperfusion group. After being supplied with ADM, especially through arteria carotis interna or lateral cerebral ventricle way, the TUNEL-positive cells decreased obviously. Expression of Egr- 1 mRNA was low in the cerebral cortex of the sham operation group rats, enhanced in the ischemia and reperfusion group rats, and enhanced markedly after treatment with ADM, especially through arteria carotis interna or lateral cerebral ventricle way （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion Injection of ADM through different ways could alleviate neural dysfunction, decrease neuron apoptosis and brain infarction volume, and increase the expression of Egr- 1 mRNA.

Involvement of MAPK/ERK kinase-ERK pathway in exogenous bFGF-induced Egr-1 binding activity enhancement in anoxia-reoxygenation injured astrocytes

Objective Intravenous administration of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） is effective to reduce the volume of cerebral infract due to ischemia. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism, especially the signal transduction pathways, involved in this protective role of bFGF. Methods Anoxia-reoxygenation treated atrocytes were used to study the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase （MAPK/ERK kinase, MEK）-ERK signaling pathway after exogenous bFGF administration by Western blot. Electrophoretic mobile shift assay was used to detect the binding activity of early growth response factor-1 （Egr-1）, an important transcription factor for endogenous bFGF. Results bFGF could protect some signal transduction proteins from the oxygen-derived free radicals induced degradation. ERK1/2 was activated and involved in Egr-1 binding activity enhancement induced by exogenous bFGF. Conclusion MEK-ERK MAPK cascade may be an important signal transduction pathway contributed to bFGF induced enhancement of Egr-1 binding activity in anoxia-reoxygenation injured astrocytes.

Alcohol-induced steatosis in liver cells

Alcohol-induced fatty liver (steatosis) was believed to result from excessive generation of reducing equivalents from ethanol metabolism, thereby enhancing fat accumulation. Recent findings have revealed a more complex picture in which ethanol oxidation is still required, but specific transcription as well as humoral factors also have important roles. Transcription factors involved include the sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) which is activated to induce genes that regulate lipid biosynthesis. Conversely, ethanol consumption causes a general down-regulation of lipid (fatty acid) oxidation, a reflection of inactivation of the peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) that regulates genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. A third transcription factor is the early growth response-1 (Egr-1), which is strongly induced prior to the onset of steatosis. The activities of all these factors are governed by that of the principal regulatory enzyme, AMP kinase. Important humoral factors, including adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), also regulate alcohol-induced steatosis. Their levels are affected by alcohol consumption and by each other. This review will summarize the actions of these proteins in ethanol-elicited fatty liver. Because steatosis is now regarded as a significant risk factor for advanced liver pathology, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms in its etiology is essential for development of effective therapies.

Experimental and clinic-opathologic study on the relationship between transcription factor Egr-1 and esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To observe the growth suppression effect of exogenous introduction of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1 gene) on esophageal carcinoma tissue as well as on esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 and to explore the potential application of Egr-1 gene in gene therapy of tumor. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid was introduced into Eca109 cell line which expressed no Egr-1 protein originally with lipofectamine transfection method. The introduction and expression of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid into Eca109 cell line was confirmed by G418 selection culture, PCR amplification of neogene contained in the vector, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical analysis. The cell growth curve, soft agar colony formation rate and tumorigenicity in SCID mice were examined to demonstrate the growth suppression effect of exogenous Egr-1 gene on Eca109 cell line. The Egr-1 mRNA and Egr-1 protein were also detected in 50 surgical specimens of esophageal carcinoma by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Exogenous Egr-1 gene was introduced successfully into Eca109 cell line and expressed Egr-1 protein stably. The transfected Eca109 cell line grew more slowly than control Eca109 as shown by cell growth curves, the soft agar colony formation rate (4.0% vs 6.9%, P 【 0.01) and the average growth rate of tumor in SCID mice (35.5 +/- 7.6 vs 65.8 +/- 7.6, P 【 0.05). The expression level of Egr-1 mRNA and protein significantly increased in dysplastic epithelia adjacent to cancer rather than in cancer tissues (65.8% vs 20.0% by ISH and 57.9% vs 0.01). CONCLUSION: Exogenous Egr-1 gene shows the strong effect of growth inhibition in Eca109 cell line. Egr-1 in the cancer tissue shows down-regulated expression that supports the inhibited function of Egr-1 in cancer growth and suggests Egr-1 may have an important role in gene therapy of esophageal carcinoma.

Germination of Chenopodium Album in Response to Microwave Plasma Treatment

The seeds of Lamb＇s Quarters （Chenopodium album agg.） were stimulated by low- pressure discharge. The tested seeds were exposed to plasma discharge for different time durations （from 6 minutes to 48 minutes）. Germination tests were performed under specified laboratory conditions during seven days in five identical and completely independent experiments. Significant differences between the control and plasma-treated seeds were observed. The treated seeds showed structural changes on the surface of the seat coat. They germinated faster and their sprout accretion on the first day of seed germination was longer. Germination rate for the untreated seeds was 15% while it increased approximately three times （max 55%） for seeds treated by plasma from 12 minutes to 48 minutes.