Advances in studies on ion transporters involved in salt tolerance and breeding crop cultivars with high salt tolerance / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Soil salinity is a global major abiotic stress threatening crop productivity. In salty conditions, plants may suffer from osmotic, ionic, and oxidative stresses, resulting in inhibition of growth and development. To deal with these stresses, plants have developed a series of tolerance mechanisms, including osmotic adjustment through accumulating compatible solutes in the cytoplasm, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging through enhancing the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, and Na/K homeostasis regulation through controlling Na uptake and transportation. In this review, recent advances in studies of the mechanisms of salt tolerance in plants are described in relation to the ionome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, and the main factor accounting for differences in salt tolerance among plant species or genotypes within a species is presented. We also discuss the application and roles of different breeding methodologies in developing salt-tolerant crop cultivars. In particular, we describe the advantages and perspectives of genome or gene editing in improving the salt tolerance of crops.

Effect of Saikosaponins-d on reversing malignant phenotype of HepG2 cells in vitro / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of SSd on reversing the malignant phenotype of HepG2 cells and to investigate its mechanism in order to prove that SSd is a new choice to prevent and treat HCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HepG2 cells were cultured and treated by different concentration (0 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, 10.0 mg/L and 20.0 mg/L) of SSd for 24 h, and treated by 10 mg/L of SSd for 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72h respectively. The cell inhibition rates were measured by MTT assay. Then cells were treated by 10 mg/L SSd for 48 hr in experimental group and treated by no SSd as a control, their morphological changes were observed by contrast phase microscope. The concentrations of ALB and AFP in clear supernatant liquid of cells were detected by radio-immunity and chemiluminescence. The cell migration rates were observed by transwell method, the relative expression levels of p27 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inhibitive effect of 10 mg/L SSd was the most significant among different concentrations ( F = 265.06, P less than 0.01). The shape of HepG2 from experimental group turned into small and round, and their volume ratios of nucleus to plasma decreased. ALB in supernatant liquid of HepG2 was higher ( t = 7.83, P less than 0.05, and its AFP was lower ( t = -10.72, P less than 0.01) as compared to control group. Cells migrated were fewer and p27 mRNA expression of HepG2 was higher in experimental group than that in control group (t = 22.00, P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SSd could reverse the malignant phenotype of HepG2 cells. It was suggested that the up-regulation of p27 mRNA expression play an important role in the differentiation of HepG2 cells treated by SSd.</p>

Cytotoxicity of dichloroacetic acid in lymphocyte and expression of chemokine receptor CXCR2 and chemokine receptor CXCR3 mRNA / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its by-products (trichloroacetic acid, TCA; dichloroacetic acid, DCA) on the normal human peripheral blood lymphocyte and the role of DCA in dermatitis medicamentosa- like induced by trichloroethylene (DMLT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Lymphocyte was isolated from peripheral venous blood, and cytotoxicity of human lymphocytes treated with different concentrations (0.02 approximately 30.00 mmol/L) of DCA was determined at indicated times (2 h and 4 h) based on the MTS assay. Action of DCA on cell viability, membrane integrity was assessed by neutral red uptake (NRU) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release test and measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) was employed for detection and quantization of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 and chemokine receptor CXCR3 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocyte treated with different concentrations of DCA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DCA had a more vital effect on peripheral blood lymphocyte than TCE and TCA. A concentration-dependent release of LDH was observed at 4 h after cells were exposed to different doses of DCA (0.88, 1.75, 3.50 and 7.00 mmol/L) (P < 0.05), and DCA also caused an inhibition of SOD activity in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The results of FQ- RT- PCR indicated that CXCR2 and CXCR3 mRNA were all over- expression. At 48 h after the DCA of 0.5 mmol/L and 10.00 mmol/L was used, CXCR2 and CXCR3 mRNA were 10.34, 5.66-fold and 19.43, 8.75-fold of those in the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DCA is of a great cytotoxicity and may be one of crucial evocators on DMLT.</p>

Relationship between p53 gene and chromosome 13q14 variations and prognosis in primary intestinal lymphoma / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Some research has shown that primary intestinal lymphoma with the same immunophenotype has different prognosis. It suggests that the prognosis of this disease is not determined by a single factor but may be related to genetic or chromosomal variations. The p53 gene is an important tumor suppressor gene, and 13q14 deletion is a common chromosomal abnormality of lymphocyte proliferation diseases. This study aimed to explore the role of the p53 gene and chromosome 13q14 variations in the assessment of prognosis in primary intestinal lymphoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>p53 gene and chromosome 13q14 expression in paraffin sections of 30 cases of primary intestinal lymphoma and 10 cases of lymph node reactive hyperplasia were ascertained using an improved FISH technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>p53 gene deletion was found in 22.7% of patients with primary intestinal lymphoma at stage I-II and in 75.0% of patients at stage III-IV (x2=6.903, p<0.01). The 30 patients with primary intestinal lymphoma were pathologically classified into-mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) (n=14) and non-MALT types (n=16). The MALT lymphoma group had significantly lower incidence of p53 gene deletion (14.3% vs 56.3%; x2=5.662, p<0.05). Average survival time in patients with p53 gene deletion was 13.41 months, being shorter than the patients with normal p53 gene (36.1 months) (t=2.637, p<0.05). 13q14 deletion was found in 40.0% of patients with primary intestinal lymphoma, but none of patients with lymph node reactive hyperplasia showed 13q14 deletion. 13q14 deletion was not significantly related to the pathological type and the clinical stage of primary intestinal lymphoma as well as the survival time. There was no significant correlation between p53 gene and 13q14 deletions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There was a high incidence of p53 gene deletion in patients with non-MALT lymphoma or at stage III-IV. p53 gene deletion is related to a high tumor malignant degree and a poor prognosis, while-chromosome 13q14 variation is not associated with the prognosis in patients with primary intestinal lymphoma.</p>

Characterization of high-yield performance as affected by genotype and environment in rice / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

We characterized yield-relevant characters and their variations over genotypes and environments (locations and years) by examining two rice varieties (9746 and Jinfeng) with high yield potential. 9746 and Jinfeng were planted in two locations of Shanghai, China, during 2005 and 2006. The results show that there was a large variation in grain yield between locations and years. The realization of high yield potential for the two types of rice was closely related to the improved sink size, such as more panicles per square meter or grains per panicle. Stem and leaf biomasses were mainly accumulated from tillering stage to heading stage, and showed slow decline during grain filling. Meanwhile, some photosynthetic characters including net photosynthesis rate (Pn), leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), fluorescence parameter (maximum quantum yield of PSII, Fv/Fm), chlorophyll content (expressed as SPAD value), as well as nutrient (N, P, K) uptake were also measured to determine their variations over genotypes and environments and their relationships with grain yield. Although there were significant differences between years or locations for most measurements, SLA at tillering and heading stages, Fv/Fm and LAI at heading stage, stem biomass at heading and maturity stages, and leaf nitrogen concentration at tillering and heading stages remained little changed, indicating their possible applications as selectable characters in breeding programs. It was also found that stem nitrogen accumulation at tillering stage is one of the most important and stable traits for high yield formation.

QTL analysis of flag leaf in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for morphological traits and chlorophyll content / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

To understand genetic patterns of the morphological and physiological traits in flag leaf of barley, a double haploid (DH) population derived from the parents Yerong and Franklin was used to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling length, width, length/width, and chlorophyll content of flag leaves. A total of 9 QTLs showing significantly additive effect were detected in 8 intervals on 5 chromosomes. The variation of individual QTL ranged from 1.9% to 20.2%. For chlorophyll content expressed as SPAD value, 4 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2H, 3H and 6H; for leaf length and width, 2 QTLs located on chromosomes 5H and 7H, and 2 QTLs located on chromosome 5H were detected; and for length/width, 1 QTL was detected on chromosome 7H. The identification of these QTLs associated with the properties of flag leaf is useful for barley improvement in breeding programs.

Roles of cyclooxygenase-2 in microvascular endothelial cell proliferation induced by basic fibroblast growth factor / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The level of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) increases rapidly after cerebral ischemia. However, the molecular mechanisms for the effects of bFGF on cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (cMVECs) have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, a murine cMVEC line, bEnd.3, was employed to study the effects of bFGF on cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and its downstream effects in cMVECs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After treatment with bFGF, RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were carried out to evaluate the changes in COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. MTT assays were performed to measure cell proliferation. The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions in bEnd.3 cells were induced by bFGF in time- and dose-dependent manners. The bFGF-induced COX-2 upregulation led to enhanced PGE2 production by bEnd.3 cells, and this effect was abolished by the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. bFGF also increased VEGF production by bEnd.3 cells, and this effect was blocked by NS-398 and the EP1/2 (PGE2 receptors) antagonist AH6809. Furthermore, exogenous PGE2 increased VEGF production in bEnd.3 cells, and AH6809 blocked this effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>bFGF increases VEGF production in an autocrine manner by increasing COX-2-generated PGE2 in cMVECs and subsequently stimulates MVEC proliferation and angiogenesis.</p>

Experimental study on treating hyperlipidemic fatty liver with Taizhi'an capsule / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Taizhi'an capsule in treatment of hyperlipidemic fatty liver.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The model rats were induced by feeding high caloric diet for 8 weeks, then fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups, and each group had ten rats, the Taizhi'an groups (high dose 1 000 mg x kg(-1), middle dose 500 mg x kg(-1), low dose 250 mg x kg(-1)), the Yishanfu group and the model group. Liver index (liver weight/body weight), liver function, blood lipid, liver lipid, the content of MDA and SOD in liver were assayed after therapy, and observe Pathologic changes in rats liver.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Liver index, blood lipid, liver lipid, liver function increased significantly (P < 0.001) in model rats, and the content of SOD in liver decreased significantly (P < 0.05), Liver histology expressed mild to moderate fat denaturation; After being treated with high and middle dose of Taizhi'an capsule for six weeks, blood lipid, liver function decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and liver lipid decreased significantly (P < 0.001, P <0.05), the content of SOD in liver increased significantly (P < 0.05), meanwhile liver histology was closed to normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Taizhian capsule is effective in the treatment of hyperlipidemic induced fatty liver.</p>

Interactions of cadmium and aluminum toxicity in their effect on growth and physiological parameters in soybean / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The effect of Al and Cd on the growth, photosynthesis, and accumulation of Al, Cd and plant nutrients in two soybean genotypes were determined using hydroponic culture. There were six treatments: pH 6.5; pH 4.0; pH 6.5+1.0 micromol/L Cd; pH 4.0+1.0 micromol/L Cd; pH 4.0+150 micromol/L Al; pH 4.0+1.0 micromol/L Cd+150 micromol/L Al. The low pH (4.0) and Al treatments caused marked reduction in root length, shoot height, dry weight, chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and photosynthetic rate. Al-sensitive cv. Zhechun 2 accumulated comparatively more Al and Cd in plants than Al-tolerant cv. Liao 1. Compared with pH 6.5, pH 4.0 resulted in significant increase in Cd and Al concentration in plants. Combined application of Cd and Al enhanced their accumulation in roots, but caused a reduction in shoots. The concentrations of all 10 nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B), except Mo were also increased when plants were exposed to pH lower than pH 6.5. Al addition caused a reduction in the concentration of most nutrients in plant roots and shoots; but K, Mn and Zn in roots were increased. Treatments with Cd alone or together with Al reduced the concentrations of all the plant nutrients in plants. Al-sensitive genotype Zhechun 2 has lower nutrient concentration than Al-tolerant genotype Liao 1. The current findings imply that Al and Cd are synergistic in their effect on plant growth, physiological traits and nutrient uptake.

Synergistic interaction of NaCl and Cd on growth and photosynthetic parameters in soybean genotypes differing in salinity tolerance / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The effects of salinity (50 mmol/L NaCl) and Cd (1 micromol/L CdCl(2)) as sole and combined on growth and photosynthetic parameters were studied using two soybean genotypes, Huachun 18 and NGB. The concentrations of Cd(2+), Zn(2+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+) and Na(+) were also determined in seeds and pods. Huachun 18 suffered a more serious decrease than NGB in net photosynthetic rate (P(n)) in the treatments of salinity stress alone and combined stress (NaCl+Cd), showing that it is relatively sensitive to salinity. The decrease in P(n) caused by salt stress in Huachun 18 was mainly due to the reduced total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency (the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximal fluorescence, F(v)/F(m)), whereas the decease in NGB was mainly related to reduced stomatal conductance (G(s)). The combined stress of both Na and Cd did not induce further decrease in photosynthesis and fluorescence in the two genotypes relative to salt or Cd stress alone. Greater change in the pod concentrations of Zn(2+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+) and Na(+) was detected under salt stress for Huachun 18 than for NGB. The results suggested that the interactive effect of NaCl-Cd on growth and nutrient uptake differs between the two soybean genotypes.

Interaction of salinity and cadmium stresses on mineral nutrients, sodium, and cadmium accumulation in four barley genotypes / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Interaction of salinity (NaCl) and cadmium (Cd) on growth, mineral nutrients, Na and Cd accumulation in four barley genotypes differing in salt tolerance was studied in a hydroponic experiment. Cd, NaCl and their combined stresses reduced Ca and Mg concentrations in roots and shoots, K concentration in shoots, increased K and Cu concentrations in roots relative to control, but had non-significant effect on micronutrients Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations in shoot. The three stresses reduced accumulation of most tested nutrients in both roots and shoots, except NaCl and NaCl+Cd stresses for root K and shoot Cu accumulation in salt tolerant genotypes. The salt tolerant genotypes did not have higher nutrient concentration and accumulation than the sensitive ones when exposed to Cd and NaCl stresses. In conclusion, the affecting mechanism of Cd stress on nutrients was to some extent different from salinity stress, and the NaCl+Cd stress was not equal to additional Cd and NaCl stresses, probably due to the different valence and competitive site of Na(+) and Cd(2+). NaCl addition in the Cd-containing medium caused remarkable reductions in both Cd concentration and accumulation, with the extent of reduction being also dependent on genotypes. The salt-tolerant genotypes had lower Na concentration than sensitive ones.

Dynamic changes in the expression of growth factor receptors in the myocardium microvascular endothelium after murine myocardial infarction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>After myocardial infarction, specific growth factors promote cardiac angiogenisis, leading to a therapeutic effect. Although this effect is mediated by specific receptors in the endothelium of the cardiac microvasculature, few studies have investigated dynamic changes in their expression. We explored this phenomenon in a murine model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We observed the mRNA expression of receptors by specific angiogenesis gene microarray at day 3 and day 7 after infarction. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor Flk-1 was observed at the protein level at day 3 and day 7 by immunohistochemistry. The dynamic expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) mRNA in the border zone and the noninfarcted zone at day 3, day 7, day 14, and day 42 was investigated by real-time PCR. Statistical significance was analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three days after infarction, 9 receptors in the border zone and 7 receptors in the noninfarcted zone were down-regulated. Two receptors in the infarct edge and 5 receptors in the distant myocardium were up-regulated. However, at day 7, 11 receptors in the border zone were up-regulated, and only one was down-regulated. In the border zone, Flk-1 levels decreased at day 3 but increased significantly at day 7. Real-time PCR showed that FGFR-1 mRNA decreased markedly in the border zone at day 3 but increased afterward for at least 6 weeks. In the early stage (3 days) after infarction, the expression of receptors had decreased to some extent. However, at day 7, receptor expression was active and had moved from the distant noninfarcted zone to the border zone as a part of the acute repair process.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Selecting the proper growth factors to target receptors with protective activity, and determining appropriate therapeutic timing may be important to the success of therapeutic angiogenesis.</p>

Experiment study of tongfu huoxue decoction in the treatment of intracelebral hemorrhage / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Tongfu Huoxue decoction on experimental intracelebral hemorrhage and the associated machenisms.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The cerebral hemorrhage model in rats was induced by local injection of type VII collagenase and they were randomly divided into four groups. The treated groups were treated with Naoxuekang and Tongfu Huoxue decoction. The control groups were only treated with water. The changes of neurological defect were observed. The content of brain water, MDA, NO and the activity of SOD were measured.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The cerebral hemorrhage rats showed hemiplegia, and the hemorrhage brains showed celebral edema, higher quotient of brain and content of brain water, suggesting the hemorrhage model was established successfully. After the treatment of Tongfu Huoxue decoction, the hemorrhage rats showed smaller hemorrhage volume, the brain tissue from the hemorrhage rats had lower MDA content and the quotient of brain, and also had higher activity of SOD and content of NO.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tongfu Huoxue decoction has treatment effects on cerebral hemorrhage.</p>

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on the expressions of angiogenic gene profile and cyclooxygenase-2 in brain microvascular endothelial cells / 生理学报

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the expressions of angioge-nesis-related genes in a mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line, namely bEnd.3, using cDNA microarray. The effects of bFGF (10 ng/ml) on mRNA and protein expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an angiogenesis bystander molecule, were further investigated. cDNA microarray was employed to study the effects of bFGF on the expressions of angiogenic genes in a high throughput pattern. RT-PCR was used to study the effect of bFGF on COX-2 mRNA expression. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were utilized to study the effect of bFGF on COX-2 protein expression. The results showed that, 2 h after bFGF treatment, pro-angiogenic genes (Adamts1, MMP-9, Ang-1, PDGF B, G-CSF, FGF16, IGF-1, etc.) were significantly upregulated, whereas anti-angiogenic genes (TIMP-2, TSP-3, etc.) were significantly downregulated. The bystander molecule in angiogenic pathway COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly upregulated after bFGF treatment. It is suggested that triggering angiogensis switch through upregulating pro-angiogenic gene and downregulating anti-angiogenic gene expression is one of the major mechanisms of bFGF-induced angiogenesis. The expression change of COX-2, as a bystander molecule, was observed after bFGF treatment in bEnd.3 cells and the significance was discussed.

Relationship between malt qualities and beta-amylase activity and protein content as affected by timing of nitrogen fertilizer application / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The effects of different timing of N fertilizer application at the same rate on grain beta-amylase activity, protein concentration, weight and malt quality of barley were studied. Grain beta-amylase activity and protein concentration were significantly higher in treatments where all top-dressed N fertilizer was applied at booting stage only or equally applied at two-leaf stage and booting stage than in the treatment where all top-dressed N fertilizer was applied at two-leaf age stage only. On the other hand, grain weight and malt extract decreased with increased N application at booting stage. There were obvious differences between barley varieties and experimental years in the grain and malt quality response to the timing of N fertilizer application. It was found that grain protein concentration was significantly and positively correlated with beta-amylase activity, but significantly and negatively correlated with malt extract and Kolbach index. The effect of grain protein concentration on malt quality was predominant over the effect of grain beta-amylase activity.

Genotypic and environmental variation in barley limit dextrinase activity and its relation to malt quality / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Variation in the limit dextrinase activity of barley malt, and the relationships between limit dextrinase activity and malt quality parameters were investigated using eight cultivars grown at seven diverse locations in China for two successive years. Limit dextrinase activity varied with genotype and location, with the levels ranging from 0.245 U/g to 0.980 U/g. The results showed that the variation in limit dextrinase activity was more attributable to the environment (location and year) than to the genotype. The response of limit dextrinase activity to the environment differed markedly among cultivars, and was reflected by large difference in coefficient of variation of cultivars across diverse locations. Regression analysis showed that limit dextrinase activity was negatively correlated with malt viscosity (r=-0.52, P<0.01), positively correlated with Kolbach index (r=0.38, P<0.01) and malt extract (r=0.30, P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with malt protein content and diastatic power.

Genotypic and environmental variation in cadmium, chromium, arsenic, nickel, and lead concentrations in rice grains / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Genotypic and environmental variation in Cd, Cr, As, Ni and Pb concentrations of grains, and the relationships between these heavy metals and Fe, Zn were investigated using 9 rice genotypes grown in 6 locations for two successive years. Significant genotypic variation was detected in the five heavy metal concentrations in grains, indicating the possibility to reduce the concentration of these heavy metals in grains through breeding approach. The environmental effect varied with metal, with Pb and Ni having greater variation than the other three metals. There was significant genotype-environment (location) interaction of the concentrations of all five heavy metals in grains, suggesting the importance of cultivar choice in producing rice with low heavy metal concentrations in grains for a given location. Correlation analysis showed that Cd and As, Cr and Ni, and As and Pb concentrations in rice grains were closely associated, and that Ni concentration in grains was negatively correlated with Zn concentration.

Aluminium tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): physiological mechanisms, genetics and screening methods / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is one of the major limiting factors for barley production on acid soils. It inhibits root cell division and elongation, thus reducing water and nutrient uptake, consequently resulting in poor plant growth and yield. Plants tolerate Al either through external resistance mechanisms, by which Al is excluded from plant tissues or internal tolerance mechanisms, conferring the ability of plants to tolerate Al ion in the plant symplasm where Al that has permeated the plasmalemma is sequestered or converted into an innocuous form. Barley is considered to be most sensitive to Al toxicity among cereal species. Al tolerance in barley has been assessed by several methods, such as nutrient solution culture, soil bioassay and field screening. Genetic and molecular mapping research has shown that Al tolerance in barley is controlled by a single locus which is located on chromosome 4H. Molecular markers linked with Al tolerance loci have been identified and validated in a range of diverse populations. This paper reviews the (1) screening methods for evaluating Al tolerance, (2) genetics and (3) mechanisms underlying Al tolerance in barley.

Inhibition of microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis by angiopoietin-1 and the involvement of cytochrome C / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is an endothelial-specific growth factor that can promote angiogenesis. Studies demonstrated that Ang-1 can inhibit apoptosis of umbilical endothelial cells, but so far little is known about its effects on apoptosis of microvascular endothelial cells. With the apoptotic model of murine-cerebral-derived microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) induced by serum-free culture, we attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism of bEnd.3 apoptosis, particularly its relation to cytochrome C (Cyt C).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cultured microvascular endothelial cell strain, bEnd.3 cell, was employed. An apoptotic model of bEnd.3 was established by serum-free culture. Flow cytometry after Annexin labeling and PI staining were used to assess the apoptotic effects of Ang-1 on bEnd.3, and the expression of Bax/Bcl-2, caspase 8, caspase 3, and Cyt C were detected with Western blotting and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The apoptotic rate of bEnd.3 cells after stimulation with Ang-1 (100 ng/L) in serum-free medium was significantly higher than that in control group. Ang-1 inhibited early-stage apoptosis more than late-stage apoptosis provided by propidium iodide (PI) and AnnexinV double staining. The inhibition of Ang-1 on bEnd.3 cell apoptosis was strengthened with the increase in concentration (0 - 400 ng/ml). Ang-1 could decrease the expression of Bax, caspase3 and 8, and increase that of Bcl-2. The results of ELISA indicated that Ang-1 significantly decreased CytC content in cytoplasm and increase that in mitochondria.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ang-1 could inhibit bEnd.3 apoptosis induced by serum-free medium culture. The apoptosis was associated with decreased Bax expression, increased Bcl-2 expression, which result in Cyt C transferring from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and then caspases activation are reduced and cell apoptosis is suppressed.</p>

Clinical study on Zhuyu Tongfu serial recipe combined with acupuncture and massotherapy in treating hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Zhuyu Tongfu (ZYTF) Serial Recipe combined with acupuncture and massotherapy in treating hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HCH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighteen patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, on the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, were randomly divided into ZYTF combined with acupuncture and massotherapy group (treated group) and simple Western medicine group (control group); the clinical efficacy, neurofunction deficit scoring (NDS) alterations and hematoma absorption rate of both groups were observed, and also the plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, plasma lipid peroxidase (LPO) content, erythrocyte glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, hematocrit (Ht) and the whole blood viscosity (Va) change were also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the treated group, the clinical efficacy, NDS improvement and hematoma absorption rate were superior to that of the control group; comparison between the two groups after treatment showed that plasma SOD activity and GSH-Px activity got more elevated and plasma LPO content, Ht and Va more lowered in the the treated group than those in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZYTF combined with acupuncture and massotherapy has better effect, its therapeutic mechanism was possibly correlated to the elevation of plasma SOD activity, GSH-Px activity and lowering of plasma LPO content, Ht and Va.</p>