Herbal Science Research aggregator

PubMed - Fulltext: The growth and recovery of an exopolysaccharide-producing Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture on growth media containing apple juice or molasses.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

The growth and recovery of an exopolysaccharide-producing Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture on growth media containing apple juice or molasses.

J Gen Appl Microbiol. 2008 Aug;54(4):237-41

Authors: Champagne CP, Gardner NJ

PMID: 18802323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Microbial community in the rhizosphere of young maize seedlings is susceptible to the impact of introduced pseudomonads as indicated by FAME analysis.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Microbial community in the rhizosphere of young maize seedlings is susceptible to the impact of introduced pseudomonads as indicated by FAME analysis.

J Gen Appl Microbiol. 2008 Aug;54(4):205-10

Authors: Kozdrój J

Two species of Pseudomonas (i.e. P. chlororaphis or P. putida) derived from a maize rhizosphere were studied for their impact on the structure of the microbial community in the rhizosphere of young maize seedlings after inoculation. The culturable bacteria and total microbial communities were analyzed based on profiles of whole-cell fatty acid methyl esters (MIDI-FAME). The introduction of Pseudomonas species resulted in the shift from the Gram-positive dominated culturable community in the rhizosphere of uninoculated maize to more Gram-negative populations in the rhizospheres of the inoculated plants. For the total rhizosphere communities, 43, 47 and 42 FAMEs were detected in the uninoculated maize and the samples inoculated with P. chlororaphis or P. putida, respectively. In contrast to the culturable communities, low concentrations of marker FAMEs for Gram-positives (i15:0, a15:0, i16:0) were found in the profiles of the total rhizosphere communities. The maize inoculations resulted in an enrichment of some Gram-negative isolates; however, Gram-positive bacteria, Cytophaga/Flavobacterium and saprophytic fungi were found in the uninoculated rhizosphere.

PMID: 18802319 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Proxy-based reconstructions of hemispheric and global surface temperature variations over the past two millennia.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Proxy-based reconstructions of hemispheric and global surface temperature variations over the past two millennia.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 9;105(36):13252-7

Authors: Mann ME, Zhang Z, Hughes MK, Bradley RS, Miller SK, Rutherford S, Ni F

Following the suggestions of a recent National Research Council report [NRC (National Research Council) (2006) Surface Temperature Reconstructions for the Last 2,000 Years (Natl Acad Press, Washington, DC).], we reconstruct surface temperature at hemispheric and global scale for much of the last 2,000 years using a greatly expanded set of proxy data for decadal-to-centennial climate changes, recently updated instrumental data, and complementary methods that have been thoroughly tested and validated with model simulation experiments. Our results extend previous conclusions that recent Northern Hemisphere surface temperature increases are likely anomalous in a long-term context. Recent warmth appears anomalous for at least the past 1,300 years whether or not tree-ring data are used. If tree-ring data are used, the conclusion can be extended to at least the past 1,700 years, but with additional strong caveats. The reconstructed amplitude of change over past centuries is greater than hitherto reported, with somewhat greater Medieval warmth in the Northern Hemisphere, albeit still not reaching recent levels.

PMID: 18765811 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Cloning and characterization of a flowering time gene from Thellungiella halophila.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Cloning and characterization of a flowering time gene from Thellungiella halophila.

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2008 Aug;40(8):747-53

Authors: Fang Q, Liu J, Xu Z, Song R

Thellungiella halophila (T. halophila) (salt cress) is a close relative of Arabidopsis and a model plant for salt tolerance research. However, the nature of its later flowering causes some difficulties in genetic analysis. The FRIGIDA (FRI) gene plays a key role in the Arabidopsis vernalization flowering pathway, whose homolog in T. halophila may also be a key factor in controlling flowering time. In order to study the molecular mechanism of vernalization responses in T. halophila, a full length cDNA named ThFRI (Thellungiella halophila FRIGIDA) was isolated from the young seedlings of T. halophila by RT-PCR and RACE. The ThFRI cDNA was 2017 bp in length and contained an open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 605 amino acids. The ThFRI showed significant homology to AtFRI (74.5% at the nucleotide level and 63.9% at the amino acid level). To study its function, ThFRI cDNA was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana, driven by CaMV 35S promoter. Transgenic plants expressing ThFRI exhibited late-flowering phenotype, which suggests that ThFRI is the funtional FRI homolog in T. halophila. The cloning and funtional characterization of the FRI homolog of T. halophila will faciliate further study of flowering time control in T. halophila.

PMID: 18685791 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Inhibitory effect of the compounds isolated from Rhus verniciflua on aldose reductase and advanced glycation endproducts.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Inhibitory effect of the compounds isolated from Rhus verniciflua on aldose reductase and advanced glycation endproducts.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1626-30

Authors: Lee EH, Song DG, Lee JY, Pan CH, Um BH, Jung SH

The aim of this paper was to evaluate active principles for diabetic complications from Rhus verniciflua. Nine compounds were isolated via bioactivity guided fractionation and isolation and tested for their effects on recombinant human aldose reductase and advanced glycation endproducts. Butein and sulfuretin isolated from ethyl acetate fraction were found to possess strongly both forms of aldose reductase and advanced glycation endproducts inhibition. The inhibitory activity of butein against a recombinant human aldose reductase (IC(50) value: 0.5 microM) was 2.6 times more potent that of epalrestat as a positive control (IC(50) value: 1.3 microM). The inhibitory potency of sulfuretin (IC(50) value: 124.7 microM) on advanced glycation end-products was about 10 times more potent that of aminoguanidine as a positive control (IC(50) value: 1231.0 microM). These compounds all displayed antioxidative activity which was measured by Photochem apparatus. It was concluded, therefore, butein and sulfuretin have antioxidative as well as aldose reductase and advanced glycation endproducts inhibitory effects. As a result, these compounds could be proposed as a leading compound for further study as a new natural products drug that could be used for diabetic complications.

PMID: 18670102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: The combination effect of Korean red ginseng saponins with kanamycin and cefotaxime against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

The combination effect of Korean red ginseng saponins with kanamycin and cefotaxime against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1614-7

Authors: Sung WS, Lee DG

Korean red ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) have been reported as having various biological properties, but the combinational effects with commercial antibiotics and the mode of action of ginsenosides remain mostly unknown. In this study, saponins were isolated from Korean red ginseng, and the antibacterial effects of ginsenosides were investigated. Ginsenosides showed antibacterial activities toward pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To elucidate the antibacterial mode of action of ginsenosides, we measured the release of the fluorescent marker calcein from negatively charged PC/PG (1 : 1, w/w) liposomes, which mimic bacterial membranes. The results suggest that ginsenosides may exert antibacterial activity by disrupting the cell membrane. To estimate the general combination effects of ginsenosides and commercial antibiotics, such as kanamycin and cefotaxime, on antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains that were clinically isolated from an infected patient, the fraction inhibitory concentration (FIC) indexes were determined by a checkerboard study. The FIC indexes showed synergistic or additive effects between the ginsenosides and antibiotics tested.

PMID: 18670099 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Antinociceptive effect of amygdalin isolated from Prunus armeniaca on formalin-induced pain in rats.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Antinociceptive effect of amygdalin isolated from Prunus armeniaca on formalin-induced pain in rats.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1559-64

Authors: Hwang HJ, Kim P, Kim CJ, Lee HJ, Shim I, Yin CS, Yang Y, Hahm DH

Amygdalin is a plant glucoside isolated from the stones of rosaceous fruits, such as apricots, peaches, almond, cherries, and plums. To investigate the pain-relieving activity of amygdalin, we induced pain in rats through intraplantar injection of formalin, and evaluated the antinociceptive effect of amygdalin at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg-body weight by observing nociceptive behavior such as licking, biting and shaking, the number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the spinal cord, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in the plantar skin. The intramuscular injection of amygdalin significantly reduced the formalin-induced tonic pain in both early (the initial 10 min after formalin injection) and late phases (10-30 min following the initial formalin injection). During the late phase, amygdalin did reduce the formalin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner in a dose range less than 1 mg/kg. Molecular analysis targeting c-Fos and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) also showed a significant effect of amygdalin, which matched the results of the behavioral pain analysis. These results suggest that amygdalin is effective at alleviating inflammatory pain and that it can be used as an analgesic with anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

PMID: 18670089 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Total ginsenosides inhibit the right ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Total ginsenosides inhibit the right ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1530-5

Authors: Qin N, Gong QH, Wei LW, Wu Q, Huang XN

Ginsenosides have been reported to release nitric oxide (NO) and decrease intracellular free Ca(2+) in cardiovascular system, which play important roles in antihypertrophic effect. This study investigated the potential inhibitory effect of total ginsenosides (TG) on right ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg/d) and examined the possible antihypertrophic mechanism in male Sprague Dawley rats. MCT-intoxicated animals were treated with TG (20, 40, 60 mg/kg/d) for 18 d. TG treatment ameliorated MCT-induced elevations in right ventricular peak systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide; N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, had no influence on these inhibitory effects of TG 40 mg/kg/d, and TG at this dose had no any effect on the eNOS mRNA expression, suggesting the limited rule of NO in TG's effects. To further examine the mechanisms of the protection, the expression of calcineurin and its catalytic subunit CnA, as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) was examined. TG treatment significantly suppressed MCT-induced elevations of these signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, TG is effective in protecting against MCT-induced right ventricle hypertrophy, possibly through lowering pulmonary hypertension. Multiple molecular mechanisms appeared to be involved in this protection, such as the suppression of MCT-activated calcineurin and ERK signaling pathways.

PMID: 18670084 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Protective effects of salidroside against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in mice.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Protective effects of salidroside against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in mice.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1523-9

Authors: Wu YL, Piao DM, Han XH, Nan JX

The protective effect of salidroside (SDS) isolated from Rhodiola sachalinensis A. BOR. (Crassulaceae), was investigated in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic toxicity mouse model in comparison to N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Drug-induced hepatotoxicity was induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 300 mg/kg (sub-lethal dose) of APAP. SDS was given orally to mice at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg 2 h before the APAP administration in parallel with NAC. Mice were sacrificed 12 h after the APAP injection to determine aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in serum and glutathione (GSH) depletion, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and caspase-3 expression in liver tissues. SDS significantly protected APAP-induced hepatotoxicity for SDS improved mouse survival rates better than NAC against a lethal dose of APAP and significantly blocked not only APAP-induced increases of AST, ALT, and TNF-alpha but also APAP-induced GSH depletion and MDA accumulation. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses also demonstrated that SDS could reduce the appearance of necrosis regions as well as caspase-3 and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression in liver tissue. Our results indicated that SDS protected liver tissue from the APAP-induced oxidative damage via preventing or alleviating intracellular GSH depletion and oxidation damage, which suggested that SDS would be a potential antidote against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

PMID: 18670083 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Topically applied diterpenoids from Egletes viscosa (Asteraceae) attenuate the dermal inflammation in mouse ear induced by tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate- and oxazolone.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Topically applied diterpenoids from Egletes viscosa (Asteraceae) attenuate the dermal inflammation in mouse ear induced by tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate- and oxazolone.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1511-6

Authors: Calou IB, Sousa DI, Cunha GM, Brito GA, Silveira ER, Rao VS, Santos FA

The diterpene compounds, centipedic acid (CA) and 12-acetoxyhawtriwaic acid lactone (AHAL, tanabalin) isolated from the flower buds of Egletes viscosa LESS. (Asteraceae) were evaluated on acute and chronic models of mouse ear dermatitis. A single topical application of CA (0.125; 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ear) or AHAL (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/ear) immediately before 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 2.5 mug/ear) caused a dose-related significant inhibition of ear inflammatory edema and influx of polymorphonuclear cells, as evidenced by a decrease in ear thickness and reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in ear tissue homogenates. The maximal obtained inhibition for both ear edema and neutrophil influx were almost similar to that of topically applied dexamethasone (0.05 mg/ear). The extent of inhibitions for the respective treatments of CA (0.5 mg/ear), AHAL (0.5 mg/ear), or dexamethasone (0.05 mg/ear) were in the order of 63%, 61% and 81% for the ear edema, and 90%, 95% and 95% for the neutrophil influx. Also, at similar doses, both diterpenes and dexamethasone effectively inhibited the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by repeated topical application of 1% oxazolone (OXA, 20 microl/ear), as evidenced by significant decreases in ear thickness and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) levels in ear tissue. Histopathological analysis revealed a marked decrease in epidermal hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration in animals pretreated with CA or AHAL, in a manner similar to dexamethasone. These data provide evidence for the anti-dermatitis effect of Egletes viscosa diterpenes, by mechanisms that involve a reduced neutrophil influx and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.

PMID: 18670081 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Protective activity of geranium oil and its component, geraniol, in combination with vaginal washing against vaginal candidiasis in mice.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Protective activity of geranium oil and its component, geraniol, in combination with vaginal washing against vaginal candidiasis in mice.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1501-6

Authors: Maruyama N, Takizawa T, Ishibashi H, Hisajima T, Inouye S, Yamaguchi H, Abe S

In order to evaluate an effective administration method of essential oils for vaginal candidiasis, efficacy of vaginal application of essential oils against murine experimental candidiasis was investigated. The effect on vaginal inflammation and Candida growth form was also studied. Vaginal candidiasis was established by intravaginal infection of C. albicans to estradiol-treated mice. These mice intravaginally received essential oils such as geranium and tea tree singly or in combination with vaginal washing. Vaginal administration of clotrimazole significantly decreased the number of viable C. albicans cells in the vaginal cavity by itself. In contrast, these essential oils did not lower the cell number. When application of geranium oil or geraniol was combined with vaginal washing, the cell number was decreased significantly. The myeloperoxidase activity assay exhibited the possibility that essential oils worked not only to reduce the viable cell number of C. albicans, but also to improve vaginal inflammation. The smear of vaginal washing suspension suggested that more yeast-form cells appeared in vaginal smears of these oil-treated mice than in control mice. In vitro study showed that a very low concentration (25 microg/ml) of geranium oil and geraniol inhibited mycelial growth, but not yeast growth. Based on these findings, it is estimated that vaginal application of geranium oil or its main component, geraniol, suppressed Candida cell growth in the vagina and its local inflammation when combined with vaginal washing.

PMID: 18670079 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Pharmacokinetic interaction between tanshinones and polyphenolic extracts of salvia miltinorrhiza BUNGE after intravenous administration in rats.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Pharmacokinetic interaction between tanshinones and polyphenolic extracts of salvia miltinorrhiza BUNGE after intravenous administration in rats.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Aug;31(8):1469-74

Authors: Guo ZJ, Zhang Y, Tang X, Li H, Sun QS

The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between tanshinones and polyphenolic extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza BUNGE in rats. The rats in the medium dose groups were given an intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg tanshinones extract-loaded emulsion (equivalent to 4.0 mg/kg tanshinone IIA (TSIIA)), 100 mg/kg polyphenolic extract solution (equivalent to 61.2 mg/kg salvianolic acid B (Sal B)) or mixed extracts-loaded emulsion (equivalent to 4.0 mg/kg TSIIA and 61.2 mg/kg Sal B). The dosage given to the low dose groups was half that of the medium dose groups, while the high dose groups received twice the dosage of the medium dose groups. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of TSIIA and Sal B were considerably increased (about 2-14 fold) after intravenous administration of mixed extracts-loaded emulsion in comparison with the equivalent dose of the corresponding extract administration. An increase of about 2-fold was observed in both the low and medium dose groups for TSIIA and Sal B, while there was at least a 14- and 5-fold significant increase (p<0.01) for TSIIA and Sal B in the high dose groups, respectively which was due to a significant (p<0.01) reduction in total plasma clearance (CL(t)). The peak plasma concentrations (C(0.083 h)) of TSIIA and Sal B were also both significantly increased (p<0.01). However, no significant differences in the terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of TSIIA and Sal B in the mixed extracts-loaded emulsion groups were found compared with that of the corresponding extract groups except for the high dose groups of TSIIA (p<0.05). Therefore, a pharmacokinetic interaction occurs between tanshinones and polyphenolic extracts of Salvia miltinorrhiza BUNGE after intravenous administration in rats, which affects the pharmacokinetic process of TSIIA and Sal B in vivo.

PMID: 18670074 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Pycnogenol, a procyanidin-rich extract from French maritime pine, inhibits intracellular replication of HIV-1 as well as its binding to host cells.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Pycnogenol, a procyanidin-rich extract from French maritime pine, inhibits intracellular replication of HIV-1 as well as its binding to host cells.

Jpn J Infect Dis. 2008 Jul;61(4):279-85

Authors: Feng WY, Tanaka R, Inagaki Y, Saitoh Y, Chang MO, Amet T, Yamamoto N, Yamaoka S, Yoshinaka Y

A procyanidin-rich extract from French maritime pine, Pycnogenol(R) (PYC), is known as an antioxidant that exerts a variety of physiological activities and is widely used in human beings. We report here that PYC inhibits not only human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) binding to host cells, but also its replication after entry in susceptible cells in vitro. Prominent biochemical alterations induced by PYC were the elevated expression of an intracellular antioxidant protein, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), and the inhibition of phosphorylation of the ribosomal S6 protein. Interestingly, ectopic expression of Mn-SOD inhibited HIV-1 replication as well. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication associated with induced expression of Mn-SOD in cells treated with PYC suggests the potential of this natural antioxidant inducer as a new anti-HIV-1 agent.

PMID: 18653969 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Short-term effect of soy consumption on thyroid hormone levels and correlation with phytoestrogen level in healthy subjects.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Short-term effect of soy consumption on thyroid hormone levels and correlation with phytoestrogen level in healthy subjects.

Endocr Regul. 2008 Jun;42(2-3):53-61

Authors: Hampl R, Ostatnikova D, Celec P, Putz Z, Lapcík O, Matucha P

OBJECTIVE: Since soy isoflavones may influence the thyroid hormone feedback system by interference with their biosynthesis, secretion and metabolism, we tested whether their controlled shortterm consumption affects thyroid function. METHODS: Eighty six volunteers--university students (32 males and 54 females) were eating unprocessed boiled natural soybeans (2 g/kg body weight/day) for 7 consecutive days. Thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and to thyroglobulin, and actual levels of unconjugated major soy phytoestrogens, daidzein and genistein, were measured in sera collected before, at the end and one week after finishing soy meal consumption. RESULTS: Both phytoestrogens increased significantly (p<0.0001) at the end of soy-diet and fell down after its termination nearly back to the initial values. No significant changes were found in female group, while in males a significant transitory increase of thyrotropin (p<0.0001) was recorded. When actual levels of phytoestrogens were related to thyroid parameters, the only significant correlations were found between basal levels of daidzein and thyrotropin, daidzein and antithyroglobulin at the end of soy consumption in males, and between daidzein and free thyroxine at the end of the soy ingestion in females. CONCLUSION: Though only modest and transitory effects on thyroid parameters occurred after controlled short-term soy consumption, some actual thyroid hormone parameters do correlate with actual isoflavone levels.

PMID: 18624607 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: The genetic architecture of susceptibility to parasites.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

The genetic architecture of susceptibility to parasites.

BMC Evol Biol. 2008;8:187

Authors: Wilfert L, Schmid-Hempel P

BACKGROUND: The antagonistic co-evolution of hosts and their parasites is considered to be a potential driving force in maintaining host genetic variation including sexual reproduction and recombination. The examination of this hypothesis calls for information about the genetic basis of host-parasite interactions - such as how many genes are involved, how big an effect these genes have and whether there is epistasis between loci. We here examine the genetic architecture of quantitative resistance in animal and plant hosts by concatenating published studies that have identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for host resistance in animals and plants. RESULTS: Collectively, these studies show that host resistance is affected by few loci. We particularly show that additional epistatic interactions, especially between loci on different chromosomes, explain a majority of the effects. Furthermore, we find that when experiments are repeated using different host or parasite genotypes under otherwise identical conditions, the underlying genetic architecture of host resistance can vary dramatically - that is, involves different QTLs and epistatic interactions. QTLs and epistatic loci vary much less when host and parasite types remain the same but experiments are repeated in different environments. CONCLUSION: This pattern of variability of the genetic architecture is predicted by strong interactions between genotypes and corroborates the prevalence of varying host-parasite combinations over varying environmental conditions. Moreover, epistasis is a major determinant of phenotypic variance for host resistance. Because epistasis seems to occur predominantly between, rather than within, chromosomes, segregation and chromosome number rather than recombination via cross-over should be the major elements affecting adaptive change in host resistance.

PMID: 18590517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Validation of internal control for gene expression study in soybean by quantitative real-time PCR.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Validation of internal control for gene expression study in soybean by quantitative real-time PCR.

BMC Mol Biol. 2008;9:59

Authors: Jian B, Liu B, Bi Y, Hou W, Wu C, Han T

BACKGROUND: Normalizing to housekeeping gene (HKG) can make results from quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) more reliable. Recent studies have shown that no single HKG is universal for all experiments. Thus, a suitable HKG should be selected before its use. Only a few studies on HKGs have been done in plants, and none in soybean, an economically important crop. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify suitable HKG(s) for normalization of gene expression in soybean. RESULTS: All ten HKGs displayed a wide range of Ct values in 21 sample pools, confirming that they were variably expressed. GeNorm was used to determine the expression stability of the HGKs in seven series sets. For all the sample pools analyzed, the stability rank was ELF1B, CYP2 > ACT11 > TUA > ELF1A > UBC2 > ACT2/7 > TUB > G6PD > UBQ10. For different tissues under the same developmental stage, the rank was ELF1B, CYP2 > ACT2/7 > UBC2 > TUA > ELF1A > ACT11 > TUB > G6PD > UBQ10. For the developmental stage series, the stability rank was ACT2/7, TUA > ELF1A > UBC2 > ELF1B > TUB > CYP2 > ACT11 > G6PD > UBQ10. For photoperiodic treatments, the rank was ACT11, ELF1B > CYP2 > TUA > ELF1A > UBC2 > ACT2/7 > TUB > G6PD > UBQ10. For different times of the day, the rank was ELF1A, TUA > ELF1B > G6PD > CYP2 > ACT11 > ACT2/7 > TUB > UBC2 > UBQ10. For different cultivars and leaves on different nodes of the main stem, the ten HKGs' stability did not differ significantly. Delta Ct approach and 'Stability index' were also used to analyze the expression stability in all 21 sample pools. Results from Delta Ct approach and geNorm indicated that ELF1B and CYP2 were the most stable HKGs, and UBQ10 and G6PD the most variable ones. Results from 'Stability index' analysis were different, with ACT11 and CYP2 being the most stable HKGs, and ELF1A and TUA the most variable ones. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that HKGs are expressed variably in soybean. Based on the results from geNorm and Delta Ct analysis, ELF1B and CYP2 could be used as internal controls to normalize gene expression in soybean, while UBQ10 and G6PD should be avoided. To achieve accurate results, some conditions may require more than one HKG to be used for normalization.

PMID: 18573215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: In vitro alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

In vitro alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide.

Acta Biochim Pol. 2008;55(2):391-8

Authors: Subramanian R, Asmawi MZ, Sadikun A

There has been an enormous interest in the development of alternative medicines for type 2 diabetes, specifically screening for phytochemicals with the ability to delay or prevent glucose absorption. The goal of the present study was to provide in vitro evidence for potential inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, followed by a confirmatory in vivo study on rats to generate a stronger biochemical rationale for further studies on the ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata and andrographolide. The extract showed appreciable alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effect in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50)=17.2+/-0.15 mg/ml) and a weak alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC(50)=50.9+/-0.17 mg/ml). Andrographolide demonstrated a similar (IC(50)=11.0+/-0.28 mg/ml) alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC(50)=11.3+/-0.29 mg/ml). The positive in vitro enzyme inhibition tests paved way for confirmatory in vivo studies. The in vivo studies demonstrated that A. paniculata extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced peak blood glucose and area under curve in diabetic rats when challenged with oral administration of starch and sucrose. Further, andrographolide also caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in peak blood glucose and area under the curve in diabetic rats. Hence alpha-glucosidase inhibition may possibly be one of the mechanisms for the A. paniculata extract to exert antidiabetic activity and indicates that AP extract can be considered as a potential candidate for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID: 18511986 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Polyphenol oxidase from wheat bran is a serpin.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Polyphenol oxidase from wheat bran is a serpin.

Acta Biochim Pol. 2008;55(2):325-8

Authors: Yamasaki Y, Konno H, Noda K

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.10.3.2) was isolated from wheat bran by a procedure that included ammonium sulfate fractionation, batch adsorption by DEAE-cellulofine, CM-cellulofine column chromatography, DEAE-cellulofine column chromatography, preparative isoelectric focusing, adsorption on the membrane of a Vivapure Q Maxi H spin column, and heat treatment. These procedures led to 150-fold purification with 4.2% recovery. The PPO was homogeneous by SDS/PAGE. The relative molecular weight of the PPO was estimated to be 37,000 based on its mobility in SDS/PAGE. The isoelectric point of the PPO was 4.4. The K(m) values of the PPO for caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, pyrocatechol, 4-methyl catechol and l-DOPA as substrates were 0.077, 0.198, 1.176, 1.667 and 4.545 mM. The PPO was strongly inhibited by tropolone. The K(i) value for tropolone is 2.2 x 10(-7) M. The sequence of the 15 N-terminal amino-acid residues was determined to be ATDVRLSIAHQTRFA, which was identical to those of serpin from Triticum aestivum and protein Z from Hordeum vulgare. The PPO strongly inhibited the activity of trypsin, which is an enzyme of serine proteases; 50% inhibition was observed with 1.5 x 10(-7) M PPO. The K(i) value for PPO is 2.3 x 10(-8) M. The wheat bran PPO should be a very important protein for protecting wheat against disease, virus, insect and herbivore damages by both the activities of PPO and protease inhibitor.

PMID: 18506224 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Oil pulling therapy.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Oil pulling therapy.

Indian J Dent Res. 2008 Apr-Jun;19(2):169

Authors: Asokan S

PMID: 18445939 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Estimation of nicotine content in popular Indian brands of smoking and chewing tobacco products.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:29 -0700

Estimation of nicotine content in popular Indian brands of smoking and chewing tobacco products.

Indian J Dent Res. 2008 Apr-Jun;19(2):88-91

Authors: Reddy SS, Shaik HA

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the nicotine content of some popular Indian brands of smoking tobacco (cigarettes and bidis) and pan masalas (chewable tobacco). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially available cigarettes, bidis, and pan masalas (chewable tobacco) were obtained from local retail outlets for the study. Nicotine was estimated using gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The analyses showed relatively higher levels of nicotine in tobacco from bidis (26.9 mg gm) as compared to cigarettes(15 mg/gm); the difference is statistically significant ( P P > 0.01). Nicotine concentration in chewing tobacco was 3.4 mg/gm. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the nicotine content of Indian brands of smoking tobacco was slightly high compared to other international brands. Higher concentration of nicotine was found in bidis compared to cigarettes. The nicotine content in commercially available chewing tobacco products was found to be much lower than in the smoking form of tobacco, but the average daily consumption made it comparable to the smoking form.

PMID: 18445921 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Overcoming several neurodegenerative diseases by traditional medicines: the development of therapeutic medicines and unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:21:17 -0700

Overcoming several neurodegenerative diseases by traditional medicines: the development of therapeutic medicines and unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms.

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Aug;128(8):1159-67

Authors: Tohda C

Ashwagandha (root of Withania somnifera) has been used for many purposes, it is mainly considered a tonic in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This review focuses on the effects of compounds isolated from Ashwagandha on dementia models and on the spinal cord injury model. Our study demonstrated that the active constituents, withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI, restored presynapses and postsynapses, in addition to both axons and dendrites in cortical neurons after Abeta(25-35)-induced injury. In vivo, oral withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI (10 micromol/kg/day for 12 days) improved Abeta(25-35)-induced memory impairment, neurite atrophy, and synaptic loss in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in mice. Since spinal cord injury (SCI) is also difficult to treat, and therefore practical and curable strategies for SCI are desired. Oral treatment with withanoside IV improved locomotor functions in mice with SCI. In mice treated with withanoside IV (10 micromol/kg/day for 21 days), the axonal density and peripheral nervous system myelin level increased. The loss of CNS myelin and increase in reactive gliosis were not affected by withanoside IV. Additionally, sominone, an aglycone of withanoside IV, was identified as the main metabolite after oral administration of withanoside IV in mice. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI are therefore important candidates for the therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, withanoside IV was shown to control neurons as well as glial cells for reconstruction neuronal networks. To clarify key events in overcoming neurodegeneration, we are now studying the molecular targets and signal cascades of sominone.

PMID: 18670181 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Chemical studies on plant polyphenols and formation of black tea polyphenols.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:21:17 -0700

Chemical studies on plant polyphenols and formation of black tea polyphenols.

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Aug;128(8):1119-31

Authors: Tanaka T

Recent biological and pharmacological studies strongly suggested that plant polyphenols in foods, beverages and crude drugs have various health benefits. However, still there are chemically uncharacterized polyphenols, especially those with large molecular weights. The typical example is black tea polyphenols. Four tea catechins of fresh tea leaves are enzymatically oxidized in tea fermentation process of black tea manufacture to give a complex mixture of the oxidation products. Despite many efforts since 1950's, major part of the black tea polyphenols has not been clarified yet. We have investigated the oxidation mechanism of each catechin by employing a newly developed in vitro model fermentation system. The oxidation was initiated by enzymatic dehydrogenation of catechins, and subsequent intermolecular quinone-phenol coupling reactions followed by cascade-type degradation of the unstable products resulted in the formation of complex black tea polyphenols. Besides black tea polyphenols, this review introduces the chemistry of insolubilization of persimmon proanthocyanidins, wood polyphenols in connection with whisky polyphenols, and co-polymerization of cinnamaldehyde and proanthocyanidins in cinnamon bark.

PMID: 18670177 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Engineering of squalene cyclizing enzymes.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:21:17 -0700

Engineering of squalene cyclizing enzymes.

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Aug;128(8):1109-18

Authors: Abe I

The broad substrate tolerance and catalytic potential of squalene cyclizing enzymes of bacterial and plant origin are remarkable; the enzymes readily accept variety of non-physiological substrate analogues and efficiently perform sequential ring-forming reactions to produce a series of unnatural cyclic triterpenes. By utilizing the catalytic plasticity of the enzymes, it is possible to generate unnatural novel cyclic polyprenoids by enzymatic conversion of chemically synthesized substrate analogues. Here we present recent examples including (a) enzymatic formation of a "supra-natural" hexacyclic polyprenoid as well as heteroaromatic ring containing cyclic polyprenoids by bacterial squalene: hopene cyclase from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, and (b) enzymatic cyclization of 22,23-dihydro-2,3-oxidosqualene and 24,30-bisnor-2,3-oxidosqualene by plant oxidosqualene: beta-amyrin cyclase from Pisum sativum.

PMID: 18670176 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: [Inhibitory effects of "Goishi-tea" as a post-fermented-tea on dietary-induced hypercholesteremia and atherosclerosis in rabbits]

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:21:17 -0700

[Inhibitory effects of "Goishi-tea" as a post-fermented-tea on dietary-induced hypercholesteremia and atherosclerosis in rabbits]

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Jul;128(7):1037-44

Authors: Miyamura M, Moriyama H, Murata S, Yokota J, Yoshioka S, Takuma D, Hamada A, Nishioka Y

Since lipid oxidation is involved in the deterioration of hypercholesterolemia-related atherosclerosis, ingestion of drinks and foods with antioxidant actions is useful for preventing lipid oxidation. Goishi-tea is a post-fermented-tea manufactured by a unique method in Japan, and may be useful for preventing various disorders. However, there is no scientific evidence. In this study, we compared the radical scavenging activity of goishi-tea with that of other teas, and administered this tea to a rabbit model of hypercholesteremia to evaluate its usefulness in the inhibition of hypercholesteremia and atherosclerosis. The radical scavenging activity of goishi-tea was similar to that of green-tea, and was higher than that of other types of fermented-teas. On the other hand, some difference of components was found between goishi-tea and green-tea. In cholesterol-fed rabbits, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level in the goishi-tea-group was lower than that in the green-tea-group. Plasma lipidperoxide value was also lower in the goishi-tea-group than in the green-tea and tap-water-groups. On aortic endothelial staining, fat area in the goishi-tea-group was lower than that in the tap-water-group. Furthermore, fat accumulation in the aortic intima in the goishi-tea-group was very low. Goishi-tea has higher antioxidant activities than the other fermented-teas tested, which were generally low, and decreased serum lipid levels, suggesting that goishitea is a very peculiar fermented-tea with usefulness in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

PMID: 18591872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Gene amplification from cryopreserved Arabidopsis thaliana shoot tips.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:21:17 -0700

Gene amplification from cryopreserved Arabidopsis thaliana shoot tips.

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2008;10(1-2):55-60

Authors: Basu C

Cryopreservation is a way to store elite quality plant germplasms. The exact mechanism of stress tolerance during cryopreservation is unknown. Unavavailability of a detailed protocol for understanding the molecular genetics of plant cryostress is a major obstacle in plant cryobiology research. This paper describes the methods of extraction of total RNA from cryogenically stored plant tissues accompanied by successful amplication of cDNAs by reverse transcriptase PCR. The whole process can be completed in two to three days. Through this protocol, several genes were identified which were differentially expressed during cryostress. This protocol will help researchers to pursue further research in the field of molecular genetics of plant cryostress. Interesting genes identified via these processes can be cloned and plants can be transformed for the purpose of trait enhancement and modification.

PMID: 18525106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Analysis of anti-platelet aggregation components of Rhizoma Zingiberis using chicken thrombocyte extract and high performance liquid chromatography.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:57 -0700

Analysis of anti-platelet aggregation components of Rhizoma Zingiberis using chicken thrombocyte extract and high performance liquid chromatography.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Jul 5;121(13):1226-9

Authors: Nie H, Meng LZ, Zhang H, Zhang JY, Yin Z, Huang XS

BACKGROUND: The conventional procedure for screening bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicine is time-consuming, expensive and low efficient. Therefore, some alternative strategies are needed urgently. A novel method for screening anti-platelet aggregation components from oleoresins was developed using chicken thrombocyte extract and high performance liquid chromatography. METHODS: The anti-platelet aggregation components of oleoresins were combined with receptors, channels and enzymes of chicken thrombocytes under physiological environment. Unbound substances were washed away and bound compounds were eluted using specific phosphate buffered solution (PBS). Compounds released from target sites were collected and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and LC-MS. The activity of three compounds which were screened from this model was confirmed using platelet aggregation pharmacology in vivo. RESULTS: There were four typical compounds that bound to the thrombocytes: 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol and 10-gingerol, and all had shown anti-platelet aggregation activities. Eight-gingerol displayed the best anti-platelet aggregation effect. CONCLUSIONS: Chicken thrombocyte extract can be used to isolate chemicals that are ligands of the receptor or other bio-targets on the platelet. This may therefore be a simple and efficient method to screen for anti-platelet aggregation compounds from traditional Chinese medicine.

PMID: 18710644 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: New trends for clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine in China.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:57 -0700

New trends for clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine in China.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Jun 5;121(11):1050-1

Authors: Shang HC, Li YP, Chen J, Zhang JH, Zhang BL

PMID: 18706258 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Protective effects of emodin and astragalus polysaccharides on chronic hepatic injury in rats.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:57 -0700

Protective effects of emodin and astragalus polysaccharides on chronic hepatic injury in rats.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Jun 5;121(11):1010-4

Authors: Dang SS, Zhang X, Jia XL, Cheng YA, Song P, Liu EQ, He Q, Li ZF

BACKGROUND: Chinese medicine plays an important role in hepatoprotective treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of emodin and astragalus polysaccharides (APS) in a rat model of chronic hepatic injury. METHODS: Chronic hepatic injury was induced by hypodermic injection of an olive oil solution containing 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) twice a week, in addition to a diet of 79.5% maizena, 20% fat, 0.5% cholesterol, and 10% alcohol in the drinking water ad libitum for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the rats were exposed to different concentrations of emodin (40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), APS (200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), combination drug (emodin 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) combined with APS 200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and colchicine (0.1 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) in parallel by oral gavage (once a day for 12 weeks). At the end of 12 weeks, blood serum and liver tissue were taken. Serum was collected to determine the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminose (AST), and albumin (ALB). Liver and spleen indexes were assayed, followed by the measurements of the liver associated enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological changes were studied using optical microscopy. RESULTS: Splenohepatomegalia was alleviated and serum levels of TBIL and ALT were reduced in the groups treated with emodin and APS when compared to the control group. In addition, the ALB level in the APS and combination groups was higher. Similarly, the SOD activity of liver homogenates was significantly higher in the groups treated with emodin and APS, while administration of the herbal derivatives prevented the elevation in MDA levels. Histological analysis showed that the APS and combination groups significantly ameliorated the hepatic injury. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of emodin and APS demonstrated a synergistic action in reducing ALT and restoring ALB in the serum from a rat model of chronic hepatic injury. Emodin and APS may ameliorate the CCl(4)-induced hepatic injury in rats by elevating antioxidant-enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation.

PMID: 18706249 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Perceived accessibility as a predictor of youth smoking.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:57 -0700

Perceived accessibility as a predictor of youth smoking.

Ann Fam Med. 2008 Jul-Aug;6(4):323-30

Authors: Doubeni CA, Li W, Fouayzi H, Difranza JR

PURPOSE: Youths who smoke are more likely to perceive that cigarettes are easily accessible, but the relationship between perceived accessibility of cigarettes and the risk of smoking is not clear. The objective of this study was to determine whether perceived accessibility predicted future smoking among youths. METHODS: This study used data from the second Development and Assessment of Nicotine Dependence in Youth (DANDY-2) study, a 4-year (2002-2006) cohort study that began with 1,246 sixth-grade students in 6 Massachusetts communities. DANDY-2 comprised 11 waves of in-person interviews. A total of 1,195 students who were aged 11 to 14 years at the baseline interview in 2002 were eligible for inclusion in this report. The outcomes for this study were the onset of smoking initiation and regular tobacco use. RESULTS: At baseline 1,027 students had never smoked cigarettes, and 168 had previously initiated smoking. During the 4 years of the study, 177 students newly initiated smoking, and 109 became regular smokers. In unadjusted city-stratified Cox proportional hazard models, perceived accessibility increased the risk for smoking initiation among nonsmokers and regular smoking among all participants in a dose-response fashion. Perceived accessibility also increased the risk for smoking progression among initiators in a dose-response fashion. The associations between perceived accessibility and smoking were robust to adjustment for peer and parental smoking. Youths with both perceived accessibility and peer-smokers had a higher risk of regular smoking and progression after initiation than either factor alone. These associations were stable to adjustment for potential confounders other than peer smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived accessibility increases the risk for smoking among youths and has a stronger effect among those with peer smokers. There may be a role for identifying this group of youths for targeted interventions in child health care settings. Perceived accessibility should be carefully considered and measured in smoking intervention programs for teens.

PMID: 18626032 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PubMed - Fulltext: Enhanced secretory activity of Atropa belladonna hairy root culture over-expressing ADP-ribosylation factor gene.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:59:57 -0700

Enhanced secretory activity of Atropa belladonna hairy root culture over-expressing ADP-ribosylation factor gene.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Jul;31(7):1465-8

Authors: Asakura Y, Seki H, Muranaka T, Yamamura Y, Kurosaki F

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of leaf tissues of Atropa belladonna with an adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation factor gene of carrot, arf-001, was performed employing pBCR82 as an expression vector. This vector co-expresses rol gene cluster together with arf-001, and thus, the transformed host cells were obtained as hairy roots. Two cell lines of the transformed belladonna were established as the liquid cultures of hairy root tissues, and expression of arf-001 and accumulation of its product in the cells were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. A marked increase in extracellular protein concentrations was observed in the transformed belladonna root cultures as compared with the controls transformed with an empty vector. However, the secretion of the proteins of the transformants was markedly reduced in the presence of a physiological concentration of monensin. These results suggest that over-expression of arf-001 in belladonna results in the enhancement of secretory activity in the transformed cells.

PMID: 18591794 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]