Gut microbiota affects the estrus return of sows by regulating the metabolism of sex steroid hormones

Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.

Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, Insulin Sensitivity and Islet β-Cell Secretory Function in Diabetic Patients from South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The role of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa has not been adequately assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function among Congolese type 2 diabetics. Methodology: Fasting glycaemia, fasting insulin, 25OH D3 and human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) were measured in one hundred and eighty-four type 2 diabetic patients followed as outpatients in South Kivu. Levels of 25OH D3 65 pg/ml defined low vitamin D and elevated parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. The HOMA model was used to measure insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function. Results: Medians (IQR) were 25.3 (20.4 - 32.4) ng/ml for 25OH D3 and 53.7 (38.4 - 115.7) pg/ml for hPTH. 58.7% of diabetics had insulin resistance, 126 (68.5%) had low vitamin D and 80 (43.5%) had hyperparathyroidism. In multivariate analysis, hPTH (partial r = −0.28;p = 0.0002) and 25OH D3 (partial r = 0.16;p = 0.03) showed an independent association with insulin sensitivity after adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference. Finally, hPTH (partial r = 0.27;p = 0.0002) was the sole determinant of β-cell secretory function. Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin resistance and impaired islet β-cell secretory function among Congolese with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be envisaged for cases of deficiency in this region.

Simultaneous determination of five plant hormones in cotton leaves using QuEChERS combined with HPLC‒MS/MS

Background Plant hormones profoundly influence cotton growth,development,and responses to various stresses.Therefore,there is a pressing need for an efficient assay to quantify these hormones in cotton.In this groundbreaking study,we have established QuEChERS-HPLC‒MS/MS method,for the simultaneous detection of multiple plant hormones in cotton leaves,allowing the analysis and quantification of five key plant hormones.Results Sample extraction and purification employed 0.1%acetic acid in methanol and C18 for optimal recovery of plant hormones.The method applied to cotton demonstrated excellent linearity across a concentration range of 0.05–1 mg・L−1,with linear regression coefficients exceeding 0.99.The limits of quantification(LOQs)were 20μg・kg−1 for GA3 and 5μg・kg−1 for the other four plant hormones.Recovery rates for the five plant hormones matrix spiked at levels of 5,10,100,and 1000μg・kg−1 were in the range of 79.07%to 98.97%,with intraday relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranging from 2.11%to 8.47%.The method was successfully employed to analyze and quantify the five analytes in cotton leaves treated with plant growth regulators.Conclusion The study demonstrates that the method is well-suited for the determination of five plant hormones in cotton.It exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity in detecting field samples,thus serving as a robust tool for indepth research into cotton physiology.

Hormonal Status Assessment of Infertile Congolese Men

Background: The pathologies causing male infertility are various (congenital or acquired) and concern several hormone-producing organs: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testes and adrenals. The hormonal dosage includes systematically testosterone, FSH and LH. These analyses often highlight hypogonadism hypogonadotropic or hypergonadotropic. They can sometimes be normal. The present study aimed to establish the hormonal profile of infertile men residing in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study during five years (from 2018 to 2023). It concerned 344 infertilemen with an abnormal spermogram and spermocytogram. The method was performed from the blood dosage of testosterone, FSH, and LH using the Elisa technique. Results: The hormonal assessment was not normal in 48.83% (168/344) of cases. Increased values of testosterone were noted in 6.10% of cases and decreased in 12.20%. Abnormal high values of FSH were observed in 14.24% of cases and decreased values in 8.13%. LH was elevated, i.e. 2.03% of cases and decreased in 6.10% of subjects. Conclusions: A hormonal disturbance was observed in almost half of the infertile men. It concerned the hypothalamus-pituitary and the testes axis and indicated mainly a state of hypogonadism with high FSH and low LH.

The Effects of Age and Ejaculatory Abstinence on Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormones in Africa and the Middle East

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.

Iodine Nutrition, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China: A Cross-sectional Survey

Objective Studies on the relationship between iodine,vitamin A(VA),and vitamin D(VD)and thyroid function are limited.This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)status and their possible relationships with VA,VD,and other factors in postpartum women.Methods A total of 1,311 mothers(896 lactating and 415 non-lactating)from Hebei,Zhejiang,and Guangxi provinces were included in this study.The urinary iodine concentration(UIC),TSH,VA,and VD were measured.Results The median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00µg/L and 139.95µg/L,respectively.The median TSH,VA,and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L,0.44μg/mL,and 24.04 ng/mL,respectively.No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers.UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces.The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC.Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH.Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group.After adjustment,no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD.No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels.Conclusion The mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency.Region,area type,BMI,and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Differences between two wheat genotypes in the development of floret primordia and contents of pigments and hormones

Promoting more floret primordia within a spike to acquire fertile potential during the differentiation and pre-dimorphism phases is critical for increasing the number of fertile florets per spike(NFFs).However,it is yet unknown the physiological mechanism regulating the complex and dynamic process.This study aimed to clarify how intra-spike hormones,pigments,and assimilates coordinate with each other to regulate spike morphology and then floret primordia development.A two-year field experiment was conducted with two winter wheat genotypes:N50(big-spike with greater NFFs)and SM22(mediumspike with fewer NFFs).We monitored high temporal and spatial-resolution changes in the number and morphology of floret primordia within a spike,as well as in intra-spike hormones,pigments,and assimilates.Our results revealed that the big-spike genotype had more NFFs than the medium-spike genotype,not only because they had more spikelets,but also because they had greater NFFs mainly at central spikelets.More floret primordia at central spikelets had sufficient time to develop and acquire fertile potential during the differentiation phase(167-176 d after sowing,DAS)and the pre-dimorphism phase(179 DAS)for the big-spike genotype than the medium-spike genotype.Floret primordia with fertile morphology during the pre-dimorphism phase always developed into fertile florets during the dimorphism phase.Those early-developed floret primordia most proximal and intermediate to the rachis in the big-spike genotype developed faster than the medium-spike genotype.Correspondingly,the spike dry matter and pigments(chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,carotene,and carotenoids)content during 170-182 DAS,auxin(IAA)and cytokinin(CTK)content on 167 DAS were significantly higher in the big-spike genotype than in the medium-spike genotype,while jasmonic acid(JA)content was significantly lower in the big-spike genotype compared to the medium-spike genotype during 167-182 DAS.Since the significant differences in intra-spike hormone content of the two genotypes appear earlier than those in dry matter and pigments,we propose a possible model that helped the N50 genotype(big-spike)to form more fertile florets,taking the intra-spike hormone content as a signaling molecule induced assimilates and pigments synthesis,which accelerated the development of more floret primordia during the differentiation phase and then acquired fertile potential during the pre-dimorphism phase,finally improved the NFFs.Our high temporal and spatial-resolution analysis provides an accurate time window for precision cultivation and effective physiological breeding to improve the number of fertile florets in wheat.

Metformin:A promising clinical therapeutical approach for BPH treatment via inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormones-induced prostatic epithelial cells proliferation

The occurrence of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH)was related to disrupted sex steroid hormones,and metformin(Met)had a clinical response to sex steroid hormone-related gynaecological disease.However,whether Met exerts an antiproliferative effect on BPH via sex steroid hormones remains unclear.Here,our clinical study showed that along with prostatic epithelial cell(PEC)proliferation,sex steroid hormones were dysregulated in the serum and prostate of BPH patients.As the major contributor to dysregulated sex steroid hormones,elevated dihydrotestosterone(DHT)had a significant positive relationship with the clinical characteristics of BPH patients.Activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)by Met restored dysregulated sex steroid hormone homeostasis and exerted antiproliferative effects against DHT-induced proliferation by inhibiting the formation of androgen receptor(AR)-mediated Yes-associated protein(YAP1)-TEA domain transcription factor(TEAD4)heterodimers.Met’s anti-proliferative effects were blocked by AMPK inhibitor or YAP1 overexpression in DHT-cultured BPH-1 cells.Our findings indicated that Met would be a promising clinical therapeutic approach for BPH by inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormone-induced PEC proliferation.

The biosynthesis of alarm pheromone in the wheat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi is regulated by hormones via fatty acid metabolism

Aphids are major insect pests in agriculture and forestry worldwide.Following attacks by natural enemies,many aphids release an alarm pheromone to protect their population.In most aphids,the main component of the aphid alarm pheromone(AAP)is the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon(E)-β-farnesene(EβF).However,the mechanisms behind its biosynthesis and regulation remain poorly understood.In this study,we used the bird cherry–oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi,which is an important wheat aphid,to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of EβF biosynthesis.Our results showed that EβF biosynthesis occurs during the mature embryo period and the molting period of the 1st-and 2nd-instar nymphs.Triglycerides provide the prerequisite material for EβF production and release.Based on transcriptome sequencing,RNAi analysis,hormone treatments,and quantitative measurements,we found that the biosynthesis of EβF utilizes acetyl coenzyme A produced from fatty acid degradation,which can be suppressed by juvenile hormone but it is promoted by 20-hydroxyecdysone through the modulation of fatty acid metabolism.This is the first systemic study on the modulation of EβF production in aphids.The results of our study provide insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of AAP biosynthesis,as well as valuable information for designing potential aphid control strategies.

Effects of Polygonatum odoratum Polysaccharide on Reproductive Hormones in Male Rats Fed a High-fat Diet

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)on organ relative weights and reproductive hormone levels in male rats fed a high-fat diet.[Methods]Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into two groups according to their body weight:10 in normal control group(Group NC,n=10)and 20 in experimental group(n=20).The rats in experimental group were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks before they were further randomly divided into two groups:high fat group(Group HF)and high fat+400 mg/(kg·d)POP group(Group HF+POP).In Group HF+POP,the rats were administered with POP for another six weeks,before their blood plasma was collected,and the relative weights of their testis and epididymis were calculated.The plasma levels of testosterone(T),estrogen(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),cortisol(C)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured by radioimmunoassay,and the plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.[Results]Compared with Group HF,POP could effectively inhibit rat obesity caused by high-fat diets,increase the relative weights of their testis and epididymis,plasma levels of LH,E2,FSH,T,SHBG and IGF-1,and reduce the plasma level of E2.[Conclusions]Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)is able to effectively regulate the level of reproductive hormones in high-fat diet fed rats,and helps to protect their reproductive function.

工程教育中心何以推动科教融合——荷兰4TU工程教育中心的探索性单案例研究

工程教育中心作为建立在大学或研究机构中的跨学科交叉合作平台,是连接科学研究与教育实践的纽带,在高质量工程人才培养中发挥着重要作用。荷兰4TU工程教育中心利用4所顶尖理工大学在工程学科和教育领域的独特优势,积极与研发单位、教育单位、企业部门合作,通过将前沿科学研究彻底融入工程课程设计、教学模式等多个方面,形成了独具一格的科教融合工程人才培养模式。文章从战略目标、组织架构、运行机制、质量保障4个维度详实分析了4TU工程教育中心推动科教融合的内在机制,总结归纳其在主题项目设置、教育共同体形成、课程体系迭代、创新网络构建、内外部质量保障等方面的核心特征,期望对我国科教融合的工程教育改革与建设有所启示。

Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

TURP和选择性绿激光汽化术治疗良性前列腺增生对性激素及勃起功能的影响

目的:探讨经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)和选择性绿激光汽化术(PVP)治疗良性前列腺增生(BPH)对患者性激素水平及勃起功能的影响。方法:选取203例BPH患者为研究对象,根据手术方式不同分为TURP组(n=98)和PVP组(n=105)。比较两组患者手术一般情况(手术时间、术中失血量、留置尿管时间和住院时间)、手术前后性激素[雌二醇(E_(2))、睾酮(T)水平和雌雄激素比例(E_(2)/T)]、勃起功能[国际勃起功能指数(IIEF-5)评分和勃起硬度分级(EHS)评分]、生活质量[(QOL)评分]及并发症发生情况。结果:与TURP组相比,PVP组尿管留置时间及住院时间较短,术中失血量较少(P<0.05);术后1周,两组患者E_(2)、T水平、E_(2)/T及QOL评分均降低,且PVP组低于TURP组(P<0.05);IIEF-5评分及EHS评分均升高,且PVP高于TURP组(P<0.05)。PVP组术后并发症总发生率低于TURP组(6.67%vs.15.31%,P<0.05)。结论:相比于TURP,PVP治疗BPH更能能有效改善患者性激素水平、勃起功能及生活质量,且具有创伤小、术后并发症少等优势,值得临床推广。

Defensive Role of Plant Hormones in Advancing Abiotic Stress-Resistant Rice Plants

Consistent climatic perturbations have increased global environmental concerns, especially the impacts of abiotic stresses on crop productivity. Rice is a staple food crop for the majority of the world’s population. Abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, heat, cold and heavy metals, are potential inhibitors of rice growth and yield. Abiotic stresses elicit various acclimation responses that facilitate in stress mitigation. Plant hormones play an important role in mediating the growth and development of rice plants under optimal and stressful environments by activating a multitude of signalling cascades to elicit the rice plant’s adaptive responses. The current review describes the role of plant hormone-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in rice, potential crosstalk between plant hormones involved in rice abiotic stress tolerance and significant advancements in biotechnological initiatives including genetic engineering approach to provide a step forward in making rice resistance to abiotic stress.

异氟烷麻醉对小鼠自发肌电及TUS/TMAS诱发肌电的影响

经颅超声刺激(TUS)和经颅磁声耦合刺激(TMAS)调控运动皮层效果明显,但受限于清醒状态动物难以束缚,已有研究大多在麻醉状态下进行,对麻醉减弱调控效果的分析集中于中枢神经系统。本研究记录了异氟烷麻醉下24只小鼠的肢体自发肌电和TUS/TMAS诱发肌电,定量分析了麻醉对自发肌电和诱发肌电发放率、潜伏期、时长和幅值的影响。结果显示,随着异氟烷输出浓度从0.40%增加至0.75%,每周期内小鼠自发肌电频次减少约50%,肌电发放时长变短,呈抑制状态;TUS/TMAS诱发肌电的成功率分别降低约50%和70%、潜伏期均延长约0.1 s、时长分别缩短约0.3和0.5 s,表明TUS/TMAS对运动皮层的调控效果随麻醉程度的加深而减弱。肢体自发和诱发肌电在发放率和时长上存在关联性特征,提示麻醉状态下小鼠自发肌电抑制状态可能是刺激效果减弱的影响因素之一。

Effect of exogenous GA3 on flowering quality, endogenous hormones, and hormone-and flowering-associated gene expression in forcing-cultured tree peony（Paeonia suffruticosa）

Gibberellins(GAs)promote flowering in the forcing-cultured tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa),however,the mechanism of regulating flowering is not fully understood.In this study,exogenous GA3 was applied to five-year-old Luoyang Hong plants to explore responses in terms of endogenous hormones,flowering quality,and the hormone-and flowering-associated gene expression.Exogenous GA3 application significantly promoted flower bud development and new branch growth,as well as improved flowering quality.Exogenous GA3 application also stimulated the synthesis of endogenous GA3 and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)but reduced abscisic acid(ABA)levels.To further elucidate the regulatory mechanism,eight genes for GA biosynthesis and signaling,including PsCPS,PsKS,PsGA3ox,PsGA2ox,PsGID1b,PsGID1c,PsDELLA,and PsGID2 were cloned for the first time,and sequence analysis was also performed.The results suggested that all the cloned genes have conserved structure as each homologous gene reported in the other species.Phylogenetic trees constructed by the each cloned gene showed that the phylogenetic evolutionary relationship of P.suffruticosa was closely related to Vitis vinifera.The expression patterns of the above genes,and genes for ABA and IAA biosynthetic and signaling,and the flowering time were also investigated.Most of the above genes showed higher expression in the control buds than those in the GA3 treated buds at six developmental stages,whereas the expression levels of PsSOC1 and PsSPL9 were up-regulated by GA3 treatment.The results also showed that the GA-biosynthetic and signaling pathways are conserved in tree peony,and the PsCPS,PsGA3ox,PsGA2ox,PsGID1,PsDELLA,and PsGID2 genes are necessary for feedback regulation of GAs.Furthermore,hormone changes promoted PsSOC1 and PsSPL9 expression,and repressed PsSVP expression,which contributed to the improvement flowering quality in tree peony of forcing culture.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the effects of alkali stress on root system architecture and endogenous hormones in apple rootstocks

Soil alkalinity is a major factor that restricts the growth of apple roots.To analyze the response of apple roots to alkali stress, the root structure and endogenous hormones of two apple rootstocks, Malus prunifolia (alkali-tolerant) and Malus hupehensis (alkali-sensitive), were compared. To understand alkali tolerance of M. prunifolia at the molecular level, transcriptome analysis was performed. When plants were cultured in alkaline conditions for 15 d, the root growth of M. hupehensis with weak alkali tolerance decreased significantly. Analysis of endogenous hormone levels showed that the concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) in M. hupehensis under alkali stress were lower than those in the control. However, the trend for IAA and ZR in M. prunifolia was the opposite. The concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) in the roots of the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress increased, but the concentration of ABA in the roots of M. prunifolia was higher than that in M. hupehensis. The expression of IAA-related genes ARF5, GH3.6, SAUR36, and SAUR32 and the Cytokinin (CTK)-related gene IPT5 in M. prunifolia was higher than those in the control, but the expression of these genes in M. hupehensis was lower than those in the control. The expression of ABA-related genes CIPK1 and AHK1 increased in the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress, but the expression of CIPK1 and AHK1 in M. prunifolia was higher than in M. hupehensis. These results demonstrated that under alkali stress, the increase of IAA, ZR, and ABA in roots and the increase of the expression of related genes promoted the growth of roots and improved the alkali tolerance of apple rootstocks.

Stimulating effect of thyroid hormones in peripheral nerve regeneration:research history and future direction toward clinical therapy

Injury to peripheral nerves is often observed in the clinic and severe injuries may cause loss of motor and sensory functions.Despite extensive investigation,testing various surgical repair techniques and neurotrophic molecules,at present,a satisfactory method to ensuring successful recovery does not exist.For successful molecular therapy in nerve regeneration,it is essential to improve the intrinsic ability of neurons to survive and to increase the speed of axonal outgrowth.Also to induce Schwann cell phenotypical changes to prepare the local environment favorable for axonal regeneration and myelination.Therefore,any molecule that regulates gene expression of both neurons and Schwann cells could play a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration.Clinical and experimental studies have reported that thyroid hormones are essential for the normal development and function of the nervous system,so they could be candidates for nervous system regeneration.This review provides an overview of studies devoted to testing the effect of thyroid hormones on peripheral nerve regeneration.Also it emphasizes the importance of combining biodegradable tubes with local administration of triiodothyronine for future clinical therapy of human severe injured nerves.We highlight that the local and single administration of triiodothyronine within biodegradable nerve guide improves significantly the regeneration of severed peripheral nerves,and accelerates functional recovering.This technique provides a serious step towards future clinical application of triiodothyronine in human severe injured nerves.The possible regulatory mechanism by which triiodothyronine stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration is a rapid action on both axotomized neurons and Schwann cells.

沉默TUFM通过AMPK/mTOR信号通路调控线粒体自噬对肺源性心脏病模型大鼠肺动脉高压的影响

目的探讨线粒体翻译延伸因子Tu(TUFM)通过线粒体自噬促进肺动脉高压(PAH)血管重塑的作用机制。方法2022年1月—2023年6月于辽宁省人民医院中心实验室进行实验。将36只健康雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为空白对照(Ctrl)组、模型(PAH)组、TUFM过表达(OE)组、OE阴性对照(OE-NC)组、短发夹RNA(Sh)敲除TUFM(Sh)组和Sh-NC阴性对照(Sh-NC)组,每组6只。除Ctrl组外,其余大鼠均一次性腹腔注射1%野百合碱(60 mg/kg)诱导心源性肺水肿PAH大鼠模型;大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMC)在低氧(3%O 2)条件下培养24 h模拟体内肺动脉高压微环境,分为常氧(Norm)组、低氧(Hyp)组、小干扰RNA(SiRNA)-1组、SiRNA-2组、Si-NC组、OE-NC组和OE组。右心导管插管和脉冲多普勒超声检测大鼠肺血流动力学;苏木素-伊红染色检测肺小动脉病理结构;免疫荧光共染检测TUFM组织定位;细胞计数法检测细胞增殖;透射电镜观察线粒体结构和自噬小体;蛋白免疫印迹检测TUFM、自噬、凋亡和磷酸腺苷活化蛋白激酶(AMPK)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)通路相关蛋白表达。结果与Ctrl组比较,PAH组大鼠TUFM蛋白表达升高,且主要与PASMC标志物α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)在肺小动脉内膜存在共定位,而与内皮细胞标志物CD31无共定位,肺动脉收缩压(PASP)升高,肺动脉血流加速时间(PAAT)缩短,远端肺小动脉管壁呈向心性增厚,管腔狭窄几乎堵塞,TUFM、苄氯素1重组蛋白(BECN1)、人微管相关蛋白轻链3(LC3)II/I和B淋巴细胞瘤2(Bcl2)蛋白表达升高,P62、Bcl2相关X蛋白(Bax)和凋亡酶激活因子(Apaf)蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);与PAH组比较,OE组PASP升高,PAAT缩短,肺小动脉管壁厚度升高,肺动脉TUFM、BECN1、LC3II/I和Bcl2表达升高,P62、Bax和Apaf表达降低(P<0.05);与PAH组比较,Sh组PASP降低,PAAT延长,肺小动脉管壁厚度和管腔狭窄度有所改善,TUFM、BECN1、LC3II/I和Bcl2表达降低,P62、Bax和Apaf表达升高(P<0.05)。与Norm组比较,Hyp组PASMC细胞TUFM蛋白表达升高;与Si-NC组细胞相比,SiRNA-1和SiRNA-2组P62、Bax蛋白表达升高,BECN1、LC3II/I、Bcl2、TUFM表达降低,线粒体结构完整,PASMC细胞增殖活性降低,细胞p-AMPK表达降低,p-mTOR表达升高(P<0.05);与OE-NC组比较,OE组细胞P62和Bax蛋白表达降低,BECN1、LC3II/I、Bcl2和TUFM表达升高,部分线粒体损伤崩解,嵴断裂消失,PASMC细胞增殖活性明显升高,细胞p-AMPK表达升高,p-mTOR表达降低(P<0.05)。结论沉默TUFM可通过激活AMPK/mTOR信号通路促进线粒体自噬加速PAH肺动脉平滑肌细胞凋亡。