Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(wolfberry extract)slows N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced degradation of photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cell degeneration leads to blindness, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Our previous studies have shown that Lycium barbarum(L. barbarum) polysaccharide(LBP) protects degenerated photoreceptors in rd1, a transgenic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. L. barbarum glycopeptide(Lb GP) is an immunoreactive glycoprotein extracted from LBP. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of Lb GP on a chemically induced photoreceptor-degenerative mouse model. Wild-type mice received the following: oral administration of Lb GP as a protective pre-treatment on days 1–7;intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg N-methylN-nitrosourea to induce photoreceptor injury on day 7;and continuation of orally administered Lb GP on days 8–14. Treatment with Lb GP increased photoreceptor survival and improved the structure of photoreceptors, retinal photoresponse, and visual behaviors of mice with photoreceptor degeneration. Lb GP was also found to partially inhibit the activation of microglia in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured retinas and significantly decreased the expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Lb GP effectively slowed the rate of photoreceptor degeneration in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured mice, possibly through an anti-inflammatory mechanism, and has potential as a candidate drug for the clinical treatment of photoreceptor degeneration.

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury and pretreatment with Lycium barbarum glycopeptide

AIM:To investigate the antioxidant protective effect of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)pretreatment on retinal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury(RIRI)in rats.METHODS:RIRI was induced in Sprague Dawley rats through anterior chamber perfusion,and pretreatment involved administering LbGP via gavage for 7d.After 24h of reperfusion,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and creatinine(CREA)levels,retinal structure,expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the retina were measured.RESULTS:The pretreatment with LbGP effectively protected the retina and retinal tissue from edema and inflammation in the ganglion cell layer(GCL)and nerve fiber layer(NFL)of rats subjected to RIRI,as shown by light microscopy and optical coherence tomography(OCT).Serum AST was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.042),but no difference was found in ALT,AST,and CREA across the LbGP groups and model group.Caspase-3 expression was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.006),but no difference was found among LbGP groups and the model group.Caspase-8 expression was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.000),and lower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.016).SOD activity was lower in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.001),and the decrease was slower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.003).MDA content was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.001),and lower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.016).The pretreatment with LbGP did not result in any observed liver or renal toxicity in the model.CONCLUSION:LbGP pretreatment exhibits dosedependent anti-inflammatory,and antioxidative effects by reducing Caspase-8 expression,preventing declines of SOD activity,and decreasing MDA content in the RIRI rat model.

Supplementation of Lycium barbarum residue increases the growth rate of Tan sheep by enhancing their feed intake and regulating their rumen microbiome and metabolome

Lycium barbarum residue(LBR),a by-product of L.barbarum processing,is packed with bioactive components and can be potentially utilized as a feed additive in animal husbandry.However,the fundamental understanding of its effectiveness on livestock animals is still lacking,particularly in ruminants.To explore the effects of LBR on the growth performance,rumen fermentation parameters,ruminal microbes and metabolites of Tan sheep,sixteen fattening rams(aged 4 mon)were fed a basal diet(CON,n=8)or a basal diet supplemented with 5%LBR(LBR,n=8).The experiment lasted for 70 d,with 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period.The results showed that the LBR enhanced the average daily feed intake,average daily gain(P<0.05),and ruminal total volatile fatty acids(P<0.01)while decreasing ammonia-nitrogen concentration and rumen pH value(P<0.05).Additionally,the LBR improved the relative abundances of Prevotella,Succiniclasticum,Ruminococcus,Coprococcus,Selenomonas,and Butyrivibrio(P<0.05)and reduced the relative abundances of Oscillospira and Succinivibrio(P<0.05).The LBR altered the ruminal metabolome(P<0.01)by increasing the abundances of ruminal metabolites involved in amino acids(e.g.,L-proline,L-phenylalanine,L-lysine,and L-tyrosine),pyrimidine metabolism(e.g.,uridine,uracil,and thymidine),and microbial protein synthesis(e.g.,xanthine and hypoxanthine).In conclusion,LBR had positive effects on the growth rate of Tan sheep as well as on rumen fermentation parameters,rumen microbiome and rumen metabolome.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cytokines in adolescents with subthreshold depression:a randomized controlled study

Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.

药用植物宁夏枸杞(Lycium barbarum L.)土壤细菌群落演替特征

【目的】研究土层、季节和树龄对宁夏枸杞土壤细菌群落结构的影响,对揭示枸杞种植区域土壤质量变化规律具有重要意义。【方法】以宁夏枸杞之乡—宁夏回族自治区中宁县为研究区,采用高通量测序分析了不同土层、季节和树龄条件下枸杞土壤细菌生物量及细菌群落结构和丰度的变化趋势。【结果】随着枸杞树龄增加,与幼龄(种植当年,<1年)枸杞土壤相比,春季和夏季0—20 cm中龄(6年)和老龄(12年)土壤总有机碳(total organic carbon,TOC)及0—40 cm土壤总有机氮(total organic nitrogen,TON)含量先增加后减少;春季不同树龄0—20 cm土壤微生物生物量碳(microbial biomass carbon,MBC)和微生物生物量氮(microbial biomass nitrogen,MBN)一直增加,但春季和秋季20—40 cm则呈相反趋势。夏季中龄植株表层土壤MBC最高,但MBN却最低。随着树龄增加,枸杞表层土壤细菌多样性普遍呈先增加后减小的趋势。枸杞土壤变形菌门Proteobacteria、放线菌门Actinobacteria、拟杆菌门Bacteroidete在细菌群落中占绝对优势。相同季节老龄土壤Proteobacteria相对丰度普遍高于幼龄和中龄,幼龄土壤Planctomycetes和绿弯菌门Chloroflexi丰度高于中龄和老龄。变形杆菌中黄色单胞菌Xanthomonadales、红杆菌Rhodobacterales和根瘤菌Rhizobiales占主导地位,尤其是在秋季中龄和3个季节的老龄枸杞土壤。土层、季节和树龄对土壤微生物数量影响不同。【结论】随着树龄增加,宁夏枸杞表层土壤微生物生物量和细菌多样性呈先增加后降低的趋势。老龄植株土壤Xanthomonadales数量相对最多。土层对枸杞土壤碳分布有极显著影响,树龄主要显著影响土壤氮源和细菌群落多样性,季节对枸杞土壤碳源、微生物量碳氮均有极显著影响。

Study on the Relationship between the Main Secondary Metabolites and Polysaccharide in Fruits of Lycium barbarum at Different Application Amounts of Nitrogen

[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the optimum application amount of nitrogen in Lycium barbarum based on considering the relationship between main secondary metabolites and polysaccharide.[Method]Under field conditions,the effects of different application amounts of nitrogen on main secondary metabolites of betaine,carotenoid and flavone of Lycium barbarum and the relationship between main secondary metabolites and polysaccharide.[Result] The main secondary metabolites of betaine,carotenoid and flavone of Lycium barbarum varied under different application amounts of nitrogen.The proper application amount of nitrogen(600-900 kg/hm2)was beneficial to the formation and accumulation of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids.Correlation analysis results showed that polysaccharide were negatively correlated with betaine,carotenoid and flavone at significant probability level.[Conclusion]Considering the relationship between the output and quality of the fruits of Lycium barbarum,the optimum nitrogen application amount should be 600-900 kg/hm2.

Effects of Different Culture Conditions on Vitrification of Lycium barbarum L. Plantlets in Tissue Culture

The tender stems from new Lycium barbarum L. cultivar ＂Ningqi 3＂ released by Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences were regarded as explants to investigate the vitrification of Lycium barbarum plantlets in tissue culture under different concentrations of 6-BA, sucrose, agrose, culture temperature, and illumination duration with MS as basic medium. The results show that the conditions for maximal proliferation coefficient and min- imal vitrification are as following： the basic medium with 0.2 mg/L 6-BA, 3% sucrose and 0.65% agarose; culture at 25℃; 12 h/d（ daylight lamp, 2 000 lx） illumination.

中宁枸杞(Lycium barbarum L.)的核型分析

报道了中宁枸杞( Lycium barbarum L.)的核型.核型公式为K(2n)=2 X=24=2 2 m(4 SAT)+2 sm.核型类型为1A，为较原始的对称核型，并与前人的报道结果进行了对比分 析.

Effects of Different Vibration Intensities Harvesting on Photosynthesis System Parameters of Lycium barbarum L. Trees with Harvest Machine

The effects of different vibration intensities harvesting on photosynthesis system parameters of Lycium barbarum L. tree with harvest machine were researched. The result showed that the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomata conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration of L. barbarum tree＇s leaves under different treatment during different periods have no significant difference compared with contrast. It indicates that there is no significant effect on photosynthesis system parameters of L. barbarum tree＇s leaves with harvest machine.

The Relation between Anther's Nutrient Metabolism and Pollen Abortion of Male Sterile Lines in Lycium barbarum L.

[ Objective] This study deals with the relation between anther nutrient metabolism and pollen abortion of male sterile lines in Lycium barbarum L., and provides some theoretical references for the pollen abortion mechanism of male sterile lines in Lyciurn barbarurn L.. [Method] By using semi-thin section and cytochemistry technology, the accumulation and distribution of anther nutrient of male sterile and fertile lines in Lycium barbarum L. were observed and compared. [ Result] The result showed that after meiosis, starch grains in the connective parenchyma of anther decreased sharply, and starch grains in epidermis and endothecium were also greatly decreased, while nearly no lipid accumulated in tapetal cells in male sterile lines compared with the fertile lines. The tapetal cells and tetraspore had vacuoles appear successively, and then entered the degenerate process. During the degeneration stage of tapetal cells and tetraspore, starch grains in epidermis and endothecium were still in a smell number and in the connective parenchyme as well. [ Conclusion] The decrease of polysaccharide supplying in anther vascular leads to the disorder of mechanism of glycelipid transforming in tapetal ceils, which triggers the tapetal cells degenerating ahead of time, and the latter gives rise to callus wall failing to degenerate in time. Therefore, the tetrads disintegrate and disappear ultimately due to lack of nutrition.

Pollination Compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L.Varieties

[Objective] The aim was to research pol ination compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Method] Self-fertilization and reciprocal cross fertilization tests were conducted among the Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Result] Ningqi No.3 was of self-incompatibility and the self-fertilization fruit set ratio was only 1.33%; the self-compatibility of Ningqi No.2 was only 31.74%; the rest kept self-compatibility higher than 50%. The six varieties al showed better compatibility in general, espe-cial y for Ningqi No.3, whose fruit set ratio and weight of single fruit can be im-proved once a suitable pol inizer is found. [Conclusion] The research providers refer-ences for pol inizer-trees in production.

Preliminary Study on the Anther Culture in Lycium barbarum L.

To investigate the culture technique in anther of Chinese wolfberry,we optimized the culture medium(including hormone combination)and culture conditions.The results showed that calluses were induced from all the six tested Chinese wolfberry materials,but the induction rate of callus varied toward the materials with different genotypes.When the experimental materials were cultured on medium appended with 2,4-D 1.0 mg/L and KT 1.0 mg/L under dark,the callus induction rate reached 20.0 % in this study,and this hormone combination should be the optimum for anther culture of Chinese wolfberry.With MS appended with 6-BA 0.5 mg/L and NAA 0.1 mg/L as differentiation medium and that appended with NAA 0.1 mg/L,the plants could be yielded in 20 days.

Effects of Different Mulching Methods on Primary Substances and Secondary Substances of Lycium barbarum L.

[Objective] The aim was to provide certain theoretical basis for stuides on the high yield and high quality cultivation of Lycium barbarum L..[Method] Under yield conditions,the accumulation of primary substances and secondary substances of Lycium barbarum L.was studied under different mulching treatments.[Result] Different mulching methods all had a certain effects on the contents of main primary substances and main secondary substances in Lycium barbarum L.fruit.Among them,carbohydrates and flavonoids contents in Lycium barbarum L.were both obviously increased under straw-film mulching;carotenoid content was decreased relatively;hundred leaf weight,1 000-grain weight and yield of Lycium barbarum L.were increased to a certain extent,but there was no obvious effect on the shape of fruit.Besides,the yield of Lycium barbarum L.had no significant positive correlation with total carbohydrate and polysaccharide,almost had no correlation with flavonoids,and had no significant negative correlation with carotenoid.[Conclusion] The reasonable mulching could improve the yield and quality of Lycium barbarum L..

宁夏枸杞(Lycium barbarum)花器官形态多样性与品系间识别研究

该研究以42份宁夏枸杞(Lycium barbarum)为材料,对其中5个品系来自3个不同采集日期样品的花部性状进行了观察,同时对宁夏枸杞42个品系的16项花器官形态学指标进行了测定,并采用组间单因素方差分析法、主成分分析法和聚类分析法对宁夏枸杞种内的花部形态差异进行了研究。结果表明:宁夏枸杞花器官性状差异较大且多样性丰富,组间单因素方差分析表明宁夏枸杞花部性状在不同时间内采集无显著差异,即宁夏枸杞的花器官形态具有一定稳定性,因此可选用花器官形态作为区分宁夏枸杞种内不同品系的鉴别指标;主成分分析表明有关花瓣外缘色泽、花瓣正-背面脉络、花瓣形状、花瓣背部色泽、花喉色泽、雌雄蕊位置6个花部性状的累积贡献率达到84.791%,在宁夏枸杞品系的分类中起到了主要作用;聚类分析表明在欧式距离为7.5处可将枸杞的42个品系分成五类,能够将宁夏枸杞进行区分。该研究筛选出了能反映宁夏枸杞花器官形态差异的6个主要指标,并将42份宁夏枸杞分为五类,初步建立了宁夏枸杞种内品系间的形态学鉴别方法,可为宁夏枸杞的形态学研究及品系鉴定等提供依据。

Antioxidative mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides promotes repair and regeneration following cavernous nerve injury

Polysaccharides extracted from Lycium barbarum exhibit antioxidant properties.We hypothesized that these polysaccharides resist oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage following cavernous nerve injury.In this study,rat models were intragastrically administered Lycium barbarum polysaccharides for 2 weeks at 1,7,and 14 days after cavernous nerve injury.Serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased at 1 and 2 weeks post-injury.Serum malondialdehyde levels decreased at 2 and 4 weeks.At 12 weeks,peak intracavernous pressure,the number of myelinated axons and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers,levels of phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein and 3-nitrotyrosine were higher in rats administered at 1 day post-injury compared with rats administered at 7 and 14 days post-injury.These findings suggest that application of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides following cavernous nerve crush injury effectively promotes nerve regeneration and erectile functional recovery.This neuroregenerative effect was most effective in rats orally administered Lycium barbarum polysaccharides at 1 day after cavernous nerve crush injury.

Inhibiting Effects of Achyranthes Bidentata Polysaccharide and Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide on Nonenzyme Glycation in D-galactose Induced Mouse Aging Model

Objective To investigate the inhibiting effects and mechanism of achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABP) and lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on nonenzyme glycation in D-galactose induced mouse aging model. Methods Serum AGE levels were determined by AGE-ELISA, MTT method was used to determine lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 activity was determined by a bioassay method. Spontaneous motor activity was used to detect mouse's neuromuscular movement, latency of step-through method was used to examine learning and memory abilities of mouse, colormetric assay was used to determine hydroxyproline concentration in mouse skin, pyrogallol autoxidation method was used to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of erythrocytes. Results Decreased levels of serum AGE, hydroxyproline concentration in mouse skin and spontaneous motor activity in D-galactose mouse aging model were detected after treated with ABP or LBP, while lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 activity, learning and memory abilities, SOD activity of erythrocytes, were enhanced. Conclusions ABP and LBP could inhibit nonenzyme glycation in D-galactose induced mouse aging model in vivo and ABP has a better inhibiting effect than LBP.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protects retinal ganglion cells against oxidative stress injury

The accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species can exacerbate any injury of retinal tissue because free radicals can trigger lipid peroxidation,protein damage and DNA fragmentation.Increased oxidative stress is associated with the common pathological process of many eye diseases,such as glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy and ischemic optic neuropathy.Many studies have demonstrated that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)protects against oxidative injury in numerous cells and tissues.For the model of hypoxia we used cultured retinal ganglion cells and induced hypoxia by incubating with 200μM cobalt chloride(CoCl2)for 24 hours.To investigate the protective effect of LBP and its mechanism of action against oxidative stress injury,the retinal tissue was pretreated with 0.5 mg/mL LBP for 24 hours.The results of flow cytometric analysis showed LBP could effectively reduce the CoCl2-induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis,inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential.These findings suggested that LBP could protect retinal ganglion cells from CoCl2-induced apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species.

Changes of the Main Carotenoid Pigment Contents During the Drying Processes of the Different Harvest Stage Fruits of Lycium barbarum L.

The test analyzed the regularity of biosynthesis and degradation of the main functional components, such as zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and esterified carotenoids in the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. in order to provide theoretical basis for improvement of processing condition, appearance quality, and preservation of carotenoids. RP-HPLC was adapted to assay the changes of the main carotenoids of the different harvested stage fruit during the drying processing. Quantification was realized using external standard with gradient elution. The results showed that zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents in fruits increased dramatically, 2-22 times that of fresh fruits at the beginning of the drying period. In the middle of drying period, degradation occurred to a some extent, and the fall fruit degraded to a large extent. At the end of drying period, zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents increased to a little extent until a balanced state is obtained. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate content had a total degradation to more than 40% at the beginning of the drying period, and increased a little at the middle period, then reached a balanced state finally. The total carotenoid content analysis showed that the summer fruit had higher carotenoid content than the fall fruit. The experiments demonstrated zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents in fruits increased and zeaxanthin dipalmitate decreased during the drying process, which had an effect on the production appearance.

Effect of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides on the expression of endothelin-1 and its receptors in an ocular hypertension model of rat glaucoma

Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese anti-aging herb, has been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells （RGCs） in a rat chronic ocular hypertension （COH） model. Here, we investigated the expression of endothelin-1 （ET-1）, a strong vasoconstrictor, and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in the COH model and assessed the effects of Lycium barbarum on the ET-1 axis. Elevated intraocular pressure （IOP） was induced in the right eye of SD rats using argon laser photocoagulation. （1） The expression of ET-1, ETA and ETB in normal and COH retinas was studied. （2） Some COH rats were fed daily with Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides （LBP） using 1 mg/kg or phosphate-buffered saline （PBS） for 3 weeks （started 1 week before photocoagulation）. The effects of LBP on the expression of ET-1 and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in COH retina were evaluated. A semi-quantitative analysis of staining intensity was used to evaluate the expression levels of ET-1, ETA and ETB in retinal vasculature. We found that （1） Under COH condition, the immunoreactivity of ET-1 was increased in retina associated with an increase of ETB receptor immunoreactivity and a decrease of ETA receptor immunoreactivity. （2） After feeding COH rats with LBP, the expression of ET-1 was decreased with an increase of ETA expression and a decrease of ETB expression in the retina, especially in RGCs. （3） By comparing the staining intensity in the vasculature of COH retina in LBP-fed group with PBS-fed group, there was a decrease in the expression of ET-1 and ETA and an increase in ETB. In summary, ET-1 expression was up-regulated in the retina in COH model. LBP could decrease the expression of ET-1 and modulate the expression of its receptors, ETA and ETB, under the condition of COH. The neuroprotective effect of LBP on RGCs might be related to its ability to regulate the ET-1-mediated biological effects on RGCs and retinal vasculature.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides promotes in vivo proliferation of adult rat retinal progenitor cells

Lycium barbarum is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine prescription for protection of optic nerve.However,it remains unclear regarding the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides,the main component of Lycium barbarum,on in vivo proliferation of adult ciliary body cells.In this study,adult rats were intragastrically administered low-and high-dose Lycium barbarum polysaccharides（1 and 10 mg/kg）for 35 days and those intragastrically administered phosphate buffered saline served as controls.The number of Ki-67-positive cells in rat ciliary body in the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides groups,in particular low-dose Lycium barbarum polysaccharides group,was significantly greater than that in the phosphate buffered saline group.Ki-67-positive rat ciliary body cells expressed nestin but they did not express glial fibrillary acidic protein.These findings suggest that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can promote the proliferation of adult rat retinal progenitor cells and the proliferated cells present with neuronal phenotype.