Insight into strigolactone hormone functions in plant parasitic weeds: a regulatory perspective

The strigolactones (SLs) are plants hormones that have multiple functions in architecture and development. The roles of SLs in shoot branching and stem secondary growth of autotrophic plants are established. SL is also involved in the interaction between root parasitic plants and their host plants. SLs are exudates by the root of the host plant in search of a fungal partner for symbiotic association, while parasitic plants utilize this facility to detect the host root. The first formed tubercle of Philapanhche, whose germinations are driven by host-derived SLs, exudates parasitic derived SLs (PSLs) and could encourages germination of the adjacent parasitic seeds, resulting in parasite cluster formation. The existence of aboveground spikes in clusters suggests an intriguing approach for increasing parasite population by amplifying PSLs, which result in massive parasitic seed germination. PSLs probably have a role in the increased branching of Broomrapes opposing the host plant, resulting in the parasites' clustered appearance aboveground. This review highlights the distinct roles of SLs and PSLs, and their potential role in host-parasitic interaction.

Genome-wide identification of CsCCD gene family in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and expression analysis of the oolong tea processing with supplementary LED light / 生物工程学报

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) family is important for production of volatile aromatic compounds and synthesis of plant hormones. To explore the biological functions and gene expression patterns of CsCCD gene family in tea plant, genome-wide identification of CsCCD gene family was performed. The gene structures, conserved motifs, chromosome locations, protein physicochemical properties, evolutionary characteristics, interaction network and cis-acting regulatory elements were predicted and analyzed. Real time-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the relative expression level of CsCCD gene family members under different leaf positions and light treatments during processing. A total of 11 CsCCD gene family members, each containing exons ranging from 1 to 11 and introns ranging from 0 to 10, were identified. The average number of amino acids and molecular weight were 519 aa and 57 643.35 Da, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed the CsCCD gene family was clustered into 5 major groups (CCD1, CCD4, CCD7, CCD8 and NCED). The CsCCD gene family mainly contained stress response elements, hormone response elements, light response elements and multi-factor response elements, and light response elements was the most abundant (142 elements). Expression analysis showed that the expression levels of CsCCD1 and CsCCD4 in elder leaves were higher than those in younger leaves and stems. With the increase of turning over times, the expression levels of CsCCD1 and CsCCD4 decreased, while supplementary LED light strongly promoted their expression levels in the early stage. The expression level of NCED in younger leaves was higher than that in elder leaves and stems on average, and the expression trend varied in the process of turning over. NCED3 first increased and then decreased, with an expression level 15 times higher than that in fresh leaves. In the late stage of turning over, supplementary LED light significantly promoted its gene expression. In conclusion, CsCCD gene family member expressions were regulated by mechanical force and light. These understandings may help to optimize tea processing techniques and improve tea quality.

Establishment of carotenoid fingerprint in Lycium barbarum and study on its antioxidant activity spectrum- effect relationship / 中国药房

OBJECTI VE To establish the high performan ce liquid c hromatography（HPLC）fingerprint of carotenoid in Lycium barbarum，and to investigate the spectrum-effect relationship between its common peak and antioxidant activity. METHODS HPLC method was adopted. The fingerprints of carotenoid in 34 batches of L. barbarum from different producing areas were established by Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Fingerprint （2012 edition），and similarity evaluation and common peak identification were carried out. Taking scavenging rate of DPPH free radical as index ，in vitro antioxidant activity of carotenoid in L. barbarum was investigated. The spectrum-effect relationship between the common peaks of carotenoids in L. barbarum and antioxidant activity was analyzed by grey correlation method. RESULTS There were 4 common peaks in the fingerprints of carotenoids in 34 batches of L. barbarum ，and the similarity was not less than 0.903. Peak 1 was identified as zeaxanthin ，and peak 4 as zeaxanthin dipalmitate. The scavenging rates of them to DPPH free radical were 1.792％-3.160％. The common peaks of carotenoids in L. barbarum were positively correlated with scavenging rate of DPPH free radical ，and the correlation degree was greater than 0.6；the correlation degree of peak 2 and peak 4（zeaxanthin dipalmitate ）with scavenging rate of DPPH free radical was greater than 0.8. According to the correlation degree ，the contribution of each common peak to scavenging rate of DPPH free radical was determined as peak 2＞ peak 4（zeaxanthin dipalmitate ）＞peak 1（zeaxanthin）＞peak 3. CONCLUSIONS In this study ，HPLC fingerprint of carotenoid in L. barbarum is successfully established ，and two common peaks are identified. The chemical components represented by peak 2 and zeaxanthin palmitate may be the material basis of antioxidant activity of carotenoid in L. barbarum .

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of scavenger receptor class B from black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

BACKGROUND: Scavenger receptor class B (SRB) is a multifunctional protein in animals that participates in physiological processes, including recognition of a wide range of ligands. Astaxanthin is a major carotenoid found in shrimp. However, the molecular mechanism of astaxanthin and SRB protein binding has not been reported. RESULTS: In the present study, a member of the SRB subfamily, named PmSRB, was identified from the transcriptome of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The open reading frame of PmSRB was 1557 bp in length and encoded 518 amino acids. The structure of PmSRB included a putative transmembrane structure at the N-terminal region and a CD36 domain. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that the CD36 domain were conserved. Phylogenetic analysis showed four separate branches (SRA, SRB, SRC, and croquemort) in the phylogenetic tree and that PmSRB was clustered with SRB of Eriocheir sinensis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the PmSRB gene was widely expressed in all tissues tested, with the highest expression level observed in the lymphoid organ and brain. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that PmSRB-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion proteins were predominantly localized in the cell membrane. The recombinant proteins of PmSRB showed binding activities against astaxanthin in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: PmSRB was identified and characterized in this study. It is firstly reported that PmSRB may take as an important mediator of astaxanthin uptake in shrimp.

The results of Hippophae Rhamnoides L fruit processing technology / Монголын эм зүй, эм судлал

Introduction@#Sea buckthorn (<i>Hippophae rhamnoides</i> L.) is a hardy deciduous shrub of family <i>Elaeagnaceae.</i> In traditional medicine, “Sea buckthorn-5” powder medicine and sea buckthorn extract for the treatment of lung diseases,“Sea buckthorn-11” and “Sea buckthorn-17”prsecriptions are used to treat gynecological diseases. Sea buckthorn fruit takes a lot of time to dry and prepare in the traditional way, and a small amount of raw material is obtained. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve and standardize technology.@*Material and method@#The study used “Sea buckthorn fruit” raw material harvested in September 2020 from the Botanical garden of medicinal plants of the Drug research institute and sea buckthorn dry extract purchased from China.Four types of samples were used as Dry fruit of sea buck- thorn (Sample 1), Sea buckthorn seeds (Sample 2), Natural dried sea buckthorn fruit (Sample 3), and sea buckthorn dry extract purchased from China (Sample 4).In each of these four samples, the total carotenoid was measured at 450 nm, the flavonoid at 500 nm, and the phenolic compound at 750 nm using a spectrophotometer.@*Result@#The results show that Sample 1 contains the highest amount of carotenoids 56.29 ± 0.05%, Sample 2 contains the highest amount of flavonoids 32.19 ± 0.05%, and total phenolic compounds 41.67 ± 0.02%.@*Conclusion@#Dry fruit of sea buckthorn (Sample 1) has the highest content of carotenoids, sea buckthorn seeds (Sample 2)have the highest total flavonoids and total phenolic compounds, which is approximately to the content of natural sea buckthorn fruit.

Advances in the biosynthesis and application of bixin / 生物工程学报

Since synthetic pigments are potentially harmful to human health, natural ones such as bixin, one of the carotenoids, are favored. As the second widely used natural pigment in the world, there is significant interest in the biosynthetic pathway of bixin which has not been fully elucidated. This review summarizes the chemical properties, extraction methods, biosynthetic pathway and application of bixin. In addition, we compared the difference between traditional extraction methods and new extraction techniques. Moreover, we described the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of bixin and the effects of abiotic stress on the biosynthesis of bixin, and discussed the application of bixin in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. However, the researches on bixin biosynthesis pathway are mostly carried out at the transcriptome level and most of the gene functions have not been elucidated. Therefore, we propose to characterize the entire bixin biosynthetic pathway using techniques of genomics, bioinformatics, and phytochemistry. This will help facilitate the synthetic biology research of bixin and development of bixin into new drugs.

Dynamics of change of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments in leaves of Chrozophora tinctoria species spread in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Azerbaijan Republic)

Background:The pigment composition and the dynamics of pigment accumulation were investigated to determine the degree of adaptation of Chrozophora tinctoria to the environmental conditions in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (AR) of Azerbaijan Republic.Methods:The leaves were collected (transects size 5×5 m, in triplicate) and dried with 15-20 pieces, pigments were separated by solvent. The pigment density was determined by the absorption peak on a spectrophotometer, and then the pigment density was calculated.Results:The chlorophyll pigments in the dry weight of leaves varied between 2-6 mg and carotenoids0.8-1.2 mg/g were found. Also, chlorophyll (a-b) pigments increased in 1.2 times, and carotenoids decreased in 3.6 times depending on environmental conditions.Conclusions:Photosynthetic apparatus of the species actives in all cenosis with response adaptive to changing of environmental conditions depends from the time of leaf collection for the Chrozophora tinctoria species as shown results of researches

Nutrients and bioactive compounds of pulp, peel and seed from umbu fruit / Nutrientes e compostos bioativos de polpa, casca e semente de umbu

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of whole umbu fruit, including pulp, seed and peel, and also of a commercial umbu pulp. Samples of the fractions and of commercial pulp were analyzed for determination of minerals and proximate composition, total phenolic and antioxidant activity. Pulps and peel were also analyzed for vitamin C and carotenoids contents. Commercial pulp presented better nutritional composition than fresh pulp (P<0.05) and the peel presented higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than seed. Peel also stood out by its vitamin C (79 mg.100 g-1) and total carotenoids (2,751 µg.100 g-1) contents, showing that, as the main barrier of the fruit for its protection, it is a fraction rich in bioactive compounds. The highest dietary fiber and iron contents were observed in umbu seed (P<0.05). Therefore, umbu by-products may be ingredients proper for development of food richer in nutrients and bioactive compounds.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional e compostos bioativos do umbu, incluindo polpa, semente, casca e uma polpa comercial do fruto. Amostras das frações e da polpa comercial foram analisadas para determinação da composição centesimal e mineral, compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. As polpas e casca também foram analisadas quanto aos teores de vitamina C e carotenoides. A polpa comercial apresentou melhor composição nutricional em comparação com a polpa fresca (P<0,05). A casca do fruto apresentou maior teor de compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante que a semente. A casca também se destacou pelos seus teores de vitamina C (79 mg.100 g-1) e carotenoides totais (2.751 µg.100 g-1), mostrando que, como principal barreira do fruto para sua proteção, é uma fração rica em compostos bioativos. Os maiores teores de fibras e ferro foram observados na semente de umbu (P<0,05). Portanto, os subprodutos do despolpamento do fruto podem ser ingredientes adequados para o desenvolvimento de alimentos mais ricos em nutrientes e compostos bioativos.

13C NMR Analysis: Terpenoids, Steroids and Carotenoid from Diospyros soubreana (Ebenaceae)

Phytochemical investigations on bark of trunks and leaves of Diospyros soubreana (Ebenaceae) led to the isolation and characterisation of nine molecules: one monocyclic sesquiterpenoid lactone (1), five pentacyclic triterpenes (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), two sterols (7 and 8) and one carotenoid alcohol (9), all isolated for the first time from this species. The structural elucidation of these compounds was carried out by 13C NMR spectroscopy.

Fermentation of Cassava Leaves Improves Provitamin A Carotenoid Bioefficacy in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguculatus)

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented cassava leaves used as diet on provitamin A carotenoid bioefficacy. Study Design: Carotenoid analysis of fermented (F) and non-fermented (NF) cassava leaves, feeding Mongolian gerbils with F and NF leaves and β-carotene bioconversion evaluation. Place and Duration of Study: Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan (March to August 2015) and University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (March to June 2016). Methodology: Fermented cassava leaves were fed to Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguculatus) and compared with non-fermented leaves and controls. Gerbils (32 days old, n = 46) were vitamin A (VA)-depleted for 3 weeks. After depletion, baseline gerbils (n = 6) were killed and remaining gerbils (n = 40) were weight-matched to 4 groups (n = 10/group) in the following treatments: VA-free feed (VA-); non-fermented leaves (NF); fermented leaves (F); and VA-free feed with daily oral doses of retinyl acetate dissolved in oil (VA+). The feeds were prepared using F and NF leaves at 3.53 and 4.27%, respectively, to equalise daily theoretical VA intake at 35 nmol β-carotene/g feed. Serum and livers were analysed using UPLC®. Results: The daily feed intake from the F and NF groups did not differ (4.38 ± 0.40 g). Serum retinol concentrations did not differ among groups, but the VA+ group had higher liver retinol (1.39 ± 0.32 μmol/liver) than the F and NF groups (P < 0.05). The calculated bioconversion factors were 13 and 37 µg β-carotene equivalents to 1 µg retinol for the F and NF groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that the provitamin A carotenoids from small quantities of F and NF leaves were effective at maintaining VA status of gerbils when assessed by liver stores.

Zeaxanthin from Porphyridium purpureum induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells expressing the oncogenic BRAF V600E mutation and sensitizes them to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib

Abstract Zeaxanthin, an abundant carotenoid present in fruits, vegetables and algae was reported to exert antiproliferative activity and induce apoptosis in human uveal melanoma cells. It also inhibited uveal melanoma tumor growth and cell migration in nude mice xenograft models. Here we report that zeaxanthin purified from the rhodophyte Porphyridium purpureum (Bory) K.M.Drew & R.Ross, Porphyridiaceae, promotes apoptosis in the A2058 human melanoma cell line expressing the oncogenic BRAF V600E mutation. Zeaxanthin 40 µM (IC50) induced chromatin condensation, nuclear blebbing, hypodiploidy, accumulation of cells in sub-G1 phase, DNA internucleosomal fragmentation and activation of caspase-3. Western blot analysis revealed that zeaxanthin induced up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic factors Bim and Bid and inhibition of NF-κB transactivation. Additionally, zeaxanthin sensitized A2058 melanoma cells in vitro to the cytotoxic activity of vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor widely used for the clinical management of melanoma, suggesting its potential interest as dietary adjuvant increasing melanoma cells sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Hydrolytic efficiency and isomerization during de-esterification of natural astaxanthin esters by saponification and enzymolysis

Background: Astaxanthin from natural sources is typically esterified with fatty acids; hence, it must be hydrolyzed to remove esters before identification and quantification by conventional HPLC. Alkaline-catalyzed saponification and enzyme-catalyzed enzymolysis are the most commonly used de-esterification methods. However, information on the efficiency and isomerization during de-esterification of natural astaxanthin esters by these two methods remains scarce. Therefore, we conducted two HPLC-based experiments to determine which method is better for hydrolyzing astaxanthin esters. Results: To assess the effect of enzymolysis (0.67 U/mL cholesterol esterase, at 37°C) and saponification (0.021 M NaOH, at 5°C) conditions on free astaxanthin recovery and destruction or structural transformation of astaxanthin, we varied the total treatment time across a range of 195 min. The results showed that enzymolysis and saponification were complete in 60 min and 90 min, respectively. After complete hydrolysis, the maximum free astaxanthin recovery obtained by enzymolysis was 42.6% more than that obtained by saponification. The identification of by-products, semi-astacene and astacene, during the process of saponification also indicated that a more severe degradation of astaxanthin occurred during saponification. Moreover, the composition of astaxanthin isomers during saponification was similar to that of the isomers during enzymolysis between 30 min and 75 min (all-trans:9-cis:13-cis = 21:3:1, approximately) but dramatically changed after 90 min, whereas the composition in the enzymolysis treatment remained relatively stable throughout. Conclusion: Compared with saponification, enzymolysis with cholesterol esterase was recommended as a more accurate method for de-esterification of natural astaxanthin esters for further qualitative and quantitative HPLC analysis.

Determination of chemical consituents in Lycii Fructus from Qaidam Basin / 中成药

AIM To determine the contents of chemical consituents in Lycii Fructus from Qaidam Basin.METHODS Spectrophotometry was adopted in the content determination of polysaccharides,total flavonoids and carotenoid.HPLC was applied to the content determination of betaine and scopoletin.Kjeldahl method was used for the content determination of protein.Then principal component analysis was performed.RESULTS The contents of carotenoid,betaine and scopoletin in samples from six growing areas showed obvious differences (P ＜ 0.05),while those of polysaccharides,total flavonoids and protein exhibited no obvious differences (P ＞ 0.05).The contents of various constituents in samples at three picking time also had no obvious differences (P ＞ 0.05).The comprehensive score of principal components of samples from Delingha City was the highest,followed by that from Ulan County.CONCLUSION The quality of Lycii Fructus from Qaidam Basin from Delingha City is the best.

Proventive effects of astaxanthin on metabolic cataract and its mechanism in type 1 diabetic rats / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The pathogenesis mechanism of diabetic cataract has not been fully elucidated.Researches showed that multiple biological pathways participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract,including oxidative stress.Astaxanthin can inhibit oxidative stress-mediated injury and lipid peroxidation.However,whether astaxanthin has the preventive effects on diabetic cataract is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the preventive effects of astaxanthin on metabolic cataract in type 1 diabetic rats.Methods Thirty-eight 6-week-old SPF male SD rats were used in this study,and 1％ streptozocin was intraperitoneally injected to establish type 1 diabetic models in 30 rats,and 24 successful models were assigned to diabetic model group,low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group.Equal volume of normal saline solution was injected in the same way in 8 rats as the normal control group.Mixture foods containing 50 mg/(kg · day) or 100 mg/(kg · day) astaxanthin with olive oil and fodder were used continuously for 3 months in the rats of low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group,respectively,and mixture food of olive oil with fodder was used in the diabetic model group.Only fodder was used in the same way in the rats of the normal control group.The opacification of lens was examined by slit lamp section radiography system and graded on a scale of 1-5.The specimen of lens were prepared for the hematoxylin & eosin stain.The expression and lation of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in the lens was examined using immunochemistry.The contents of oxidative stress-related indicators in the lens,such as AGEs,malonydialdehyde (MDA),catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mass fraction of glutathione (GSH),were assayed by ELISA.The experimental process complied with the national standard (Laboratory Animal Requirements of Environment and Housing Facilities [GB14925-2001]).Results The blood glucose levels of the rats were significantly higher in the diabetic model group,low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group than those in the normal control group at 2,4,6,8,10 and 12 weeks after modeling (all at P＜0.05),while the blood glucose levels of rats were not evidently different between low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group at various time points(all at P＞0.05).The rat lenses were transparent in the normal control group with scale of grade 1,and serious lens opacification was seen in the rats of the diabatic model group,with the scale of grade 5,while the rat lenses in the low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group were in grade 3-4.The contents of AGEs in the lenses were (7.23 ±0.50) μg/ml and (7.01 ±0.37) μg/ml,and M DA contents were (1.43 ± 0.22) mmol/L and (1.35±0.16)mmol/L in the low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group respectively,which were significantly lower than (7.61± 0.45) μg/ml and (1.62 ±0.42) mmol/L in the normal control group (all at P＜0.05).GSH contents in rat lenes were (272.70±12.53) ng/L and (283.52±16.17) ng/L,and SOD coneents were (55.45± 6.47) μmol/(min · L) and (56.73±5.12) μmol/(min · L),and CAT concents were (2.91 ±0.41) μmol/(min · L)and (3.02±0.13)μmol/ (min · L) in the low-dose astaxanthin group and high-dose astaxanthin group respectively,which were significantly higher than (241.52 ± 15.13) ng/L,(51.67 ± 5.45) μmol/(min · L) and (2.72 ± 0.27)μmol/(min · L) in the normal control group (all at P＜0.05).The GSH concent and SOD concent in rat lens were lower in the low-dose astaxanthin group than that in the high-dose astaxanthin group (both at P＜0.05).Conclusions Astaxanthin can postpone the pathogenesis and development of diabetic cataract in type 1 diabetic rats by antioxydative stress.

SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACTS FROM THE RHODODENDRON ADAMSII REHD / Монголын эм зүй, эм судлал

Introduction: In recent years, due to the increase in population density, noisiness and air pollution, people’s life rhythm has been changing dramatically and it is creating stress both mentally and physically for human beings. Therefore, this research is to extract a pill from an adaptogenic domestic herb Rhododendron Adamsi Rehd using its parts on the earth surface. Materials and methods: Analysis of determination biologically active substances in the ethanol extracts from the Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd. The main material for the research is the aerial parts of Rhododendron Adamsi Rehd which grows on the earth surface during the blooming period of the herb in the area of Ulaan-Uul soum in Khuvsgul province. Also following materials were used in the research: Spectrophotometer (UV/VIS 1700), electric measurement, soxhlet extractor, ethanol, aluminum chloride, Sodium nitrite, sodium hydroxide solution. Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd extracting in 40% and 70% ethyl alcohol 60, 120 and 180 minutes (reflux) are extracted and spectrometric survey found the total flavonoid content, the most sensitive to wavelengths that extra cts from each method. Results: Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd are proven to be 60 minutes for 40% of ethanol extraction is suitable for the determination of total flavonoids. We are researching of this extract most sensitive wavelength between 190-500 nm. This research result shown that total flavonoid 0,648-0,67 light absorption at a wavelength of 255-257 nm; 258-259 nm wavelength light absorption 0,673; 260-262 nm were 0,66-0,67 light absorption. The fact proven to be most sensitive wavelength of 40% ethanol extract is 258-259 nm. Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd were suitable for extraction of 70% ethanol during 60-120 minutes. Total flavonoid of this extract absorption 1,478-1,757 at a wavelength 250-254 nm 255-256 nm wavelength light absorption 1,764-1,788; 1,731 at a wavelength 260 nm light absorption. This shows that proven to be most sensitive to wavelength of 70% ethanol extract is 255- 256 nm. Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd water extraction agent 30 ± 0.01% (p <0.001) and total flavonoids 40% of ethanol extract content: 1.77-2,6 ± 0.03% (p <0.0001); 70% of ethanol extract content: 2,4-7.46 ± 0.01% (p <0.0001). Сonclusion: The study results were total carotenoid 0.278 ± 0.03% of 40% ethanol extract (p <0.005) and total carotenoid 1,263± 0.05% (p <0.001) of 70% ethanol extract. Key words: Rhododendron Adamsii Rehd, total flavonoid, total carotenoid

Differential expression of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway genes in two contrasting tomato genotypes for lycopene content.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the model plant to study carotenoid biosynthesis. In the present study, the fruit carotenoid content were quantified at different developmental stages for two contrasting genotypes, viz. IIHR- 249-1 and IIHR-2866 by UPLC. Lycopene content was high in IIHR-249-1 (19.45 mg/100 g fresh weight) compared to IIHR-2866 (1.88 mg/100 g fresh weight) at the ripe stage. qPCR was performed for genes that are involved in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway to study the difference in lycopene content in fruits of both the genotypes. The expression of Phytoene synthase (PSY) increased by 36-fold and Phytoene desaturase (PDS) increased by 14-fold from immature green stage to ripe stage in IIHR-249-1. The expression of Chloroplast lycopene β-cyclase (LCY-B) and Chromoplast lycopene β cyclase (CYC-B) decreased gradually from the initial stage to the ripe stage in IIHR-249- 1. IIHR 249-1 showed 3- and 1.8-fold decrease in gene expression for Chloroplast lycopene β-cyclase (LCY-B) and Chromoplast lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) .The F2 hybrids derived from IIHR-249-1 and IIHR-2866 were analysed at the ripe stage for lycopene content. The gene expression of Chloroplast lycopene β-cyclase (LCY-B) and Chromoplast lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) in high and low lycopene lines from F2 progenies also showed the decrease in transcript levels of both the genes in high lycopene F2 lines. We wish to suggest that the differential expression of lycopene β- cyclases can be used in marker-assisted breeding.

Quality and stability of eggs from laying hens fed with organic minerals and lycopene / Qualidade e estabilidade dos ovos de poedeiras alimentadas com licopeno e minerais orgânicos

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using lycopene and organic minerals in diets for laying hens on the egg quality and stability of eggs stored for 30 days under different storage environments. An entirely randomized design was adopted in 2x3x3 factorial scheme (mineral sources x lycopene levels x storage periods) with six replicates of eight hens per experimental unit. The experimental diets were: feed containing inorganic minerals (IM) without added lycopene; IM with added lycopene (400mg kg-1); IM with added lycopene (800mg kg-1); organic minerals (OM) without added lycopene; OM with added lycopene (400mg kg-1); OM with added lycopene (800mg kg-1). After 112 days of feeding experimental diets, it was selected 60 eggs treatment-1, which were later labeled, stored in room and refrigerated temperature, and subjected to different storage periods (0, 15 and 30 days). Variables analyzed were: Haugh unit, yolk index, yolk color, albumen and yolk pH, and lipid oxidation (TBARS). Stability of eggs is not altered as a function of mineral sources and levels of lycopene studied. However, increasing storage time affects the quality of the eggs of laying hens at both storage conditions.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da utilização do licopeno e de minerais orgânicos em rações para poedeiras sobre a qualidade e estabilidade dos ovos armazenados por até 30 dias, em diferentes ambientes de conservação. Adotou-se um DIC em esquema fatorial 2x3x3 (fontes de minerais x níveis de licopeno x períodos de armazenamento) com seis repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. As rações experimentais foram: ração contendo minerais inorgânicos (MI) sem a adição de licopeno; MI com a adição de licopeno (400mg kg-1); MI com a adição de licopeno (800mg kg-1); minerais orgânicos (MO) sem a adição de licopeno; MO com a adição de licopeno (400mg kg-1); MO com a adição de licopeno (800mg kg-1). Após 112 dias de fornecimento das rações experimentais, foram selecionados 60 ovos tratamento-1 que, posteriormente, foram identificados, acondicionados em temperatura ambiente e refrigerado, e submetidos a diferentes períodos de armazenamento (0, 15 e 30 dias). As variáveis analisadas foram: unidade Haugh, índice de gema, coloração de gema, pH de albúmen e gema e oxidação lipídica (TBARS). A estabilidade dos ovos não é alterada em função das fontes minerais e dos níveis de licopeno estudados. No entanto, o aumento do período de estocagem prejudica a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras semipesadas, em ambas as condições de armazenamento.

Cloning and expression analysis of four carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases genes from Pseudostellaria heterophylla / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the molecular mechanism of quality formation of Pseudostellaria heterophylla, the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) genes were cloned from the transcriptome database of P. heterophylla, and analyzed them with bioinformatics analysis and expression analysis. The sequence length of four new gene were 1 617, 1 461, 1 746, 1 875 bp, and subsequently, named as PhCCD1,PhNCED2,PhNCED3 and PhCCD4 according to its genetic relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana. The sequence analysis showed that four new gene were all containing REP65 domains and binding sites of ferrous ion, such as histidine, glutamates and aspartates. Analysis phylogeny showed that PhNCED2 and PhNCED3 were the cluster of NCEDs, PhCCD1 and PhCCD4 were the cluster of CCDs. In addition, PhCCD1 and AtCDD1 of Arabidopsis thaliana, PhCCD4 and AtCCD4 of A. thaliana,PhNCED2, PhNCED3 and AtNCED3 of A. thaliana have high similarities. Analysis of real-time fluorescence quantitative showed that PhNCED2 and PhNCED3 were expressed mainly in underground part, the expression quantity of PhNCED2 reached the highest in fibrous root, PhNCED3 keeps higher in phloem and xylem, it may be the key enzymes of ABA biosynthesis genes. Moreover,PhCCD1 and PhCCD4 were expressed mainly in aerial part,the expression quantity of PhCCD1 reached the highest in leaf,PhCCD4 keeps higher in stem and leaf.It may be involved in the biosynthesis of carotenoids for P. heterophylla. The study obtained CDDs gene of P. heterophylla for the first time,this would lay the foundation of developing the response mechanism of P. heterophylla about external stress further,and then exploring the biological approach of quality formation in P. heterophylla.

Sesquiterpene glycosides from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula

Three new sesquiterpene glycosides, named codonopsesquilosides A-C (1-3), were isolated from an aqueous extract of the dried roots of Codonopsis pilosula. Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These glycosides are categorized as C15 carotenoid (1), gymnomitrane (2), and eudesmane (3) types of sesquiterpenoids, respectively. Compound 1 is the first diglycoside of C15 carotenoids to be reported. Compound 2 represents the second reported example of gymnomitrane-type sesquiterpenoids from higher plants. The absolute configurations were supported by comparison of the experimental circular dichroism (CD) spectra with the calculated electronic CD (ECD) spectra of 1-3, their aglycones, and model compounds based on quantum-mechanical time-dependent density functional theory. The influences of the glycosyls on the calculated ECD spectra of the glycosidic sesquiterpenoids, as well as some nomenclature and descriptive problems with gymnomitrane-type sesquiterpenoids are discussed.

Minerais orgânicos e licopeno na alimentação de poedeiras: desempenho zootécnico e qualidade dos ovos / Organic minerals and lycopene in the diet of laying hens: production performance and egg quality

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da utilização de minerais orgânicos e do licopeno em rações para poedeiras sobre o desempenho zootécnico e a qualidade dos ovos. Utilizaram-se 288 poedeiras, distribuídas em DIC em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (fontes de minerais x níveis de licopeno), com seis tratamentos, seis repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. As rações experimentais foram: minerais inorgânicos (MI) sem a adição de licopeno; MI com a adição de licopeno (400mg/kg); MI com a adição de licopeno (800mg/kg); minerais orgânicos (MOR) sem a adição de licopeno; MOR com a adição de licopeno (400mg/kg); MOR com a adição de licopeno (800mg/kg). Foram avaliados: consumo de ração, porcentagem de postura, massa dos ovos, conversão alimentar (kg/kg e kg/dz), peso do ovo, porcentagens de casca, albúmen e gema, espessura da casca, gravidade específica, unidade Haugh, índice e coloração de gema, pH do albúmen e da gema. Os minerais orgânicos aumentam o consumo de ração quando associados a níveis de 0 e 800mg de licopeno. A associação de 400mg de licopeno com minerais inorgânicos aumenta o consumo de ração. A adição de minerais orgânicos ou de 400mg de licopeno às rações melhora a porcentagem de postura e massa dos ovos de poedeiras com 58 semanas de idade. A coloração de gema é mais acentuada para as fontes inorgânicas em relação às orgânicas e mais acentuada em rações com 800mg de licopeno. A unidade Haugh é maior em rações sem licopeno e com minerais inorgânicos e em rações com 400mg de licopeno e com minerais orgânicos. Rações com fonte orgânica associada a 800mg de licopeno proporcionam maior unidade Haugh em relação a fonte orgânica sem licopeno.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the use of organic minerals and lycopene in the diet of laying hens on performance and egg quality. 288 hens were used, distributed in DIC in a factorial 2 x 3 (mineral sources x lycopene levels) with six treatments and six replicates of eight birds per experimental unit. The experimental diets were: inorganic minerals (MI) without the addition of lycopene; MI with the addition of lycopene (400mg/kg); MI with the addition of lycopene (800mg/kg); minerals organic (MOR) without addition lycopene; MOR with the addition of lycopene (400mg/kg); MOR with the addition of lycopene (800mg/kg). The following parameters were evaluated: feed intake, egg production, egg mass, feed conversion (kg/kg and kg/dz), egg weight, percentage shell, albumen and yolk, shell thickness specific gravity, unit Haugh, index and yolk color, pH of albumen and yolk. The organic minerals increase the feed intake when combined at levels of 0 and 800mg of lycopene. The combination of 400mg of lycopene with inorganic minerals increases feed intake. The addition of organic or mineral 400mg lycopene in diets improves egg production and egg weight of hens at 58 weeks of age. The yolk color is more pronounced for inorganic sources in relation to organic and more pronounced in diets with 800mg of lycopene. The Haugh unit is higher in lycopene free diets and diets with inorganic mineral and 400mg of lycopene and organic minerals. Diets with organic source associated with 800mg of lycopene provide higher Haugh units for organic source without lycopene.