Cryptotanshinone regulates gut microbiota and PI3K-AKT pathway in rats to alleviate CUMS induced depressive symptoms.

Cryptotanshinone (CPT), a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, exhibits promising antidepressant properties. Employing a rat model subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS), behavioral analyses (open field experiment, elevated cross maze experiment, sugar water preference experiment, forced swimming experiment) and inflammatory factor assessments were conducted to assess the efficacy of CPT in alleviating depressive symptoms and inflammatory responses induced by CUMS. Moreover, 16 S rDNA analysis revealed alterations in the gut microbiota of rats exposed to both CUMS and CPT administration. Notably, CPT administration was found to mitigate harmful bacterial shifts associated with depression. Preliminary exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying CPT's antidepressant effects via transcriptomics analysis and molecular docking indicated that CPT might exert its influence by regulating the PI3K-AKT pathway. This study sheds light on the potential therapeutic role of CPT in managing depressive disorders, offering a comprehensive understanding of its impact on behavior, inflammation, gut microbiota, and molecular pathways.

Stress can affect mitochondrial energy metabolism and AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway in rats.

OBJECTION: To investigate the potential link between aberrant mitochondrial energy metabolism mediated by the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway and the etiology of anxiety disorders. METHODS: The anxiety rat model was established by uncertain empty water bottle（UEWB）stress. Rats were submitted behavioral tests on the seventh, fourteenth, and twenty-first days and had the prefrontal cortex and amygdala removed for biochemical tests. The morphological alterations of the mitochondria in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala were examined by using a transmission electron microscope. Expression levels of AMPK, SIRT1, PGC-1, NRF-1 and NRF-2 were tested by western-blot analysis. ATP, respiratory chain complex and caspase enzyme expressions were tested by neurochemical and biochemical assays. RESULTS: Rats showed anxiety-like behavior after being exposed to the uncertain empty water bottle (UEWB) stress model. In model rats, mitochondrial structure is damaged, mitochondrial energy metabolism is decreased, and the expression of proteins associated with AMPK/SIRT1 pathway is significantly reduced in the brain. CONCLUSION: The level of mitochondrial energy metabolism correlates with anxiety-like behavior. The main mechanism of anxiety disorder is a disturbance of mitochondrial energy metabolism, which might be related to AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.

Nardosinone regulates the slc38a2 gene to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms in rats through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

In a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model, behavioral investigation, pathological examination, inflammatory factor analysis, and mitochondrial structure and function investigation verified the anti-PD efficacy of nardosinone. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis proposed that the anti-PD target of nardosinone is the slc38a2 gene and may involve the GABAergic synaptic pathway and cAMP-signaling pathway. Analysis of targeted slc38a2 knockout cells and expression of key enzyme-encoding genes in both pathways verified the target and pathways proposed by the 'omics analysis. This further confirms that nardosinone can regulate the slc38a2 gene, a potential new target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and plays an anti-PD role through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

[Spectrum-effect relationship of the blood-activating efficacy of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma].

This study aims to establish the high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, determine their pharmacodynamic indexes of promoting blood circulation, and explore the spectrum-effect relationship between the chemical components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the efficacy of promoting blood circulation. Firstly, the HPLC fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were established. Then, the pharmacodynamic indexes were determined after the capillary coagulation experiment and the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats, including capillary coagulation time, percentage of cerebral ischemic area, cerebral water loss rate, and brain-body index. Afterward, the partial least-squares method was used to explore the spectrum-effect relationship between the chemical components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the pharmacodynamic indexes. The results showed that this study successfully established the HPLC fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, found 23 common peaks, and identified 12 of them, all of which were saponins. The method was proved stable and reliable. Both the capillary coagulation experiment and the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia-reperfusion experiment on rats revealed that there were obvious differences in the pharmacodynamic indexes of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The relationships between 23 common components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in different batches and the pharmacodynamic indexes were discussed by means of spectrum-effect correlation analysis, of which 17 components had positive effects while 6 components had negative effects on the pharmacodynamic indexes. This study provides a certain reference basis for the clinical rational use and quality control of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

[Spectrum-effect relationship of hemostatic effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma with different commodity specifications].

This article aims to establish the fingerprints, determine the hemostatic pharmacodynamic indicators, and explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in 12 different specifications. Firstly, HPLC and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) were employed to establish the fingerprints of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The rat plasma recalcification experiment and the rat gastric bleeding experiment were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic indicators, including plasma recalcification time(PRT), thrombin time(TT), prothrombin time(PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT). Afterwards, the partial least squares method was employed to explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in different specifications. Twenty-six common peaks were detected in the HPLC fingerprints of different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 out of the 26 common peaks represented saponins. The content of dencichine was determined by LC-MS. The rat experiments showed that the pharmacodynamic indicators were significantly different among different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The spectrum-effect relationship was explored between 27 common components and pharmacodynamic indicators. Among them, 16 components had positive effects on the pharmacodynamic indicators of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 exerted negative effects. This study provides a basis for the precision medication and quality control of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray reduce nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety and craving in mice.

Lycium ruthenicum Murray is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue effects. Anthocyanins are considered to be one of the main active components. The previous work by our research team found that the anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum extract (ALRM) produce a stable anti-anxiety effect. The mechanisms of action include reducing the level of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) as well as regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activation, protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathways, and others, all of which are related to the mechanisms of nicotine addiction. To investigate the effects of ALRM on anxiety and craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal, the components of ALRM were analyzed using the UPLC-Orbitrap MS method. The effects of ALRM on anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal were investigated in mice using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark box (LDB) tests. The effects of ALRM on craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal were further investigated using the conditional place preference (CPP) test. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated that ALRM could alleviate the anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal and reduce nicotine craving in mice. Based on the identified ALRM components, the network pharmacology method was used to predict the mechanism of ALRM alleviating anxiety after nicotine withdrawal in mice. It was speculated that ALRM was involved in the production and transmission of dopamine, choline, and other nervous system functions and exhibited a potential role in treating nicotine addiction.

Nardosinone Alleviates Parkinson's Disease Symptoms in Mice by Regulating Dopamine D2 Receptor.

Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma (nardostachys) is the root and rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Recent studies have shown that nardostachys may exert an anti-PD effect. In this study, the UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS method was used to analyze the brain components of nardostachys in rats. Based on the results of UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS analysis, nardosinone was identified to be the most effective anti-PD compound in nardostachys. To further verify this inference, a mouse PD model was established and the effect of nardosinone on PD mice was determined using classic behavioral tests. The results showed that nardosinone was indeed effective for relieving PD symptoms in mice. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate the mechanism underlying the anti-PD effect of nardosinone. Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) was identified as the key target of nardosinone-PD interaction network, which was further verified by molecular docking and Western blotting. The results demonstrated that nardosinone and DRD2 could interact with each other. Furthermore, the expression level of DRD2 was decreased in the brain tissue of PD mice, and nardosinone could restore its expression to a certain extent. In conclusion, our findings suggest that nardosinone may reduce the motor and cognitive symptoms in the animal PD model by regulating DRD2 expression.

Discovery and proteomics analysis of effective compounds in Valeriana jatamansi jones for the treatment of anxiety.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zhizhu Xiang (ZZX for short) is the root and rhizome of Valeriana jatamansi Jones, which is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat various mood disorders for more than 2000 years, especially anxiety. However, there have been few investigations to clarify the compounds in ZZX for the treatment of anxiety. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our previous study has identified five anti-anxiety components, including hesperidin, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B and isochlorogenic acid C and chlorogenic acid, from extract of ZZX. In order to find the optimal combination and the underlying mechanism of these five components in the treatment of anxiety disorder, researches were designed based on uniform design method and proteomic technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples with different proportion and content of the five active components were arranged by uniform design method. Then a mathematical model was formulated using partial least square method and stepwise regression analysis. Moreover, the empty bottle stress-induced anxiety rat model was established, and the anti-anxiety effect was recorded by the unconditioned reflex elevated maze test and the open field test. In addition, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique, along with the multidimensional liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry were applied in proteomic study. At last, the result of proteomic analysis was further confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: The optimal combination of the components from the extract of ZZX was 1.153 mg/kg hesperidin, 2.197 mg/kg Isochlorogenic acid A, 0.699 mg/kg Isochlorogenic acid B and 1.249 mg/kg Chlorogenic acid. Total 6818 proteins were identified using proteomic analysis and 80 differentially expressed proteins were used for further bioinformatic analysis. These proteins were involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism, Chagas disease, and AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The composition and proportion of anti-anxiety components in extract of ZZX was disclosed, and there was an anti-anxiety effect for the combined components of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Through proteomic analysis and Western blot, it was found that the effective components of extract of ZZX can exert synergistic anti-anxiety effects via the regulation of multi-signaling pathways. These findings could provide a preliminary research basis for the development of new low-toxic, efficient, stable and controllable anti-anxiety drugs.

Anxiolytic Effect of Alcohol-Water Extracted Suanzaoren-Wuweizi Herb-Pair by Regulating ECS-BDNF-ERK Signaling Pathway Expression in Acute Restraint Stress Male Rats.

Herb-pairs are the basic units of composition in Chinese herbal formulae, where the bridge linking Chinese medicine and prescription consists of two Chinese medicine herbs. The Suanzaoren-Wuweizi herb-pair (SWHP) is commonly used as a sedative or tranquilizer. SWHP has been demonstrated to exert an antianxiety effect in animal models of anxiety. However, little information about its mechanism is available and the effects of SWHP have not been investigated. This study examined the effects of SWHP on ameliorating anxiety-like behaviors by regulating endocannabinoids system (ECS)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway expression, induced by restraint stress (RS) procedures. The antianxiety effects of SWHP on RS rats were then examined through the open-field test (OF) and the elevated plus maze test (EPM). The concentration of BNDF, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and p-CREB expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the rats was then measured by western blot. The number of positive cells of CB1 and CB2 in the rats' hippocampus CA1 region was measured by immunohistochemistry. These results gave compelling evidence that SWHP could modify anxiety-like behaviors of RS rats through regulation of the ECS-BDNF-ERK signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated that SWHP improved anxiety-like behaviors in RS rat models by regulating the ECS-BDNF-ERK signaling pathway. The findings indicate that SWHP may have a therapeutic application in the RS model of anxiety disorder, which proposes a potential new direction for research into anxiety disorders regarding mechanisms and the development of novel antianxiety drugs.

Comparison of integrated PET/MRI with PET/CT in evaluation of endometrial cancer: a retrospective analysis of 81 cases.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of integrated PET/MRI with PET/CT for assessment of regional lymph node metastasis and deep myometrial invasion detection of endometrial cancer. METHODS: Eighty-one patients with biopsy-proven endometrial cancer underwent preoperative PET/CT (n = 37) and integrated PET/MRI (n = 44) for initial staging. The diagnostic performance of PET/CT and integrated PET/MRI for assessing the extent of the primary tumor and metastasis to the regional lymph nodes was evaluated by two experienced readers. Histopathological and follow-up imaging results were used as the gold standard. McNemar's test was employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Integrated PET/MRI and PET/CT both detected 100% of the primary tumors. Integrated PET/MRI proved significantly more sensitivity and specificity than PET/CT in regional lymph node metastasis detection (P = 0.015 and P < 0.001, respectively). The overall accuracy of myometrial invasion detection for PET/CT and Integrated PET/MRI was 45.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Integrated PET/MRI proved significantly more accurate than PET/CT (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Integrated PET/MRI, which complements the individual advantages of MRI and PET, is a valuable technique for the assessment of the lymph node metastasis and myometrial invasion in patients with endometrial cancer.

[Effect of Lanthanum on accumulation of active constituent and key enzymes expression of Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root].

The effect of Lanthanum on the accumulation of active constituent and key enzymes expression of Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root were studied and furthermore signaling molecules mediating the synthesis of secondary metabolism was also defined in order to provide references for the reveal of synthesis mechanism of active constituent of S. miltiorrhiza hairy root inducing by Lanthanum. The content of active constituents were detected by HPLC. RNA was extracted with RNA prep Pure RNA purification kit (Tiangen). The results shows that LaCl3 processing promoted the accumulation of tanshinones and phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza hairy root. The accumulation of phenolic acids reached the highest at 9 d after treatment, and tanshinones accumulation continued to increase in 15 days. Accumulation of active substance in S. miltiorrhiza may relate with FPPS, TAT, HPPR several key enzyme activation.

[Comparative Analysis of Different Strains of Lonicera japonica on Appearance and Internal Quality].

Objective: To provide the reference for germplasm identification and breeding of Lonicera japonica. Methods: Morphological taxonomy was used to observe, describe and preliminary classify different strains of Lonicera japonica. HPLC was used to determine the content of 5-caffeoylquinic acid,chlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,luteolin,3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in the buds and leaves; SPSS 17. 0 was used to analyze the data. Results: The differences between different strains of Lonicera japonica were on four aspects( leaf color, leaf shape,bud size and color). The buds of strain YTQL-01 and ITA-01 contained higher content of 5-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. There was no significant correlation between appearance and internal quality of different Lonicera japonica strains. Conclusions: Genetic diversity exists between different strains of Lonicera japonica according to appearance and internal quality.

[Study on Commercial Specification of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the basis data for the institute of commercial specification standard of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. METHODS: 39 samples of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos commercial of different grades in market were collected, and vernier caliper and electronic balance were used to measure the numbers of flower bud and blooming rate per 0. 5 g, contamination content, browning degree, milden and rot, length, upside diameter, middle diameter and bottom diameter of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. The content of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, rutin, galuteolin,3,5-icaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were detected by HPLC. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used by SPSS to analyze all index data,and the correlation of appearance characteristics and intrinsic active constituents was discussed. RESULTS: The numbers of flower bud and blooming rate per 0. 5 g, contamination content and browning degree were principal component indexes. The length of flower bud showed a significant correlation with galuteolin content, and the browning degree and upside diameter showed a significant correlation with chlorogenic acid content. CONCLUSION: Lonicerae Japonicae Flos commercial should be divided into four specification grades by sieved indexes.

[Effect of smoke water and distillation liquid on the seed germination and seedling growth of Trichosathes kirilowii].

Smoke water and distillation liquid were used to treat the seeds of Trichosathes kirilowii and to study the effects of smoke water and distillation liquid on the seed germination and seedling growth of T. kirilowii. The results showed that germination rate, germination index and germination vigor of T. kirilowii all were significantly improved with the treatment of SW and DL treatment. The activity of α-amylase were significantly increased with the treatment of SW and DL at 1:2,000. SW and DL treatment showed no significant effects on the activity of SOD. The activity of POD were markedly enhanced under the treatment of SW (1:000) and DL (1:2,000). CAT activity were increased with the treatment of SW and DL at 1:2,000 while were inhibited by SW and DL at 1:500. Seedling height and root length were increased with the treatment of SW and DL (1:1,000, 1:2,000). SW and DL treaments improved the content of chlorophyll, and moreover with the concentration of SW and DL, the stimulatory were also increased. This work demonstrated that smoke water and diatillation liquid at 1:2,000 could stimulate the seed germination and seedling growth of T. kirilowii, and it provided the references for the study of seed germination technology.

[Comparison on surface ultrastructure characteristic and drought resistance of different Trichosanthes kirilowii strains].

Trichosanthes kirilowii has been widely cultivated as its medicinal use, health care and food value. Drought resistance of seedlings is an important feature in breeding. Seeds of two T. kirilowii strains were used to research the difference of surface ultrastructure characteristic and drought resistance. Scanning electron microscope was used to identify the surface ultrastructure characteristic of seeds and PEG was used to simulate drought stress. The seeds germination rate, MDA content, chlorophyll content and the antioxidant enzymes activity were measured under the drought stress. The results showed that the seed surface colour of KXY-001 was lighter than that of KXY-005. The testa cobwebbing of KXY-001 was more intensive than that of KXY-005. The germination rate of KXY-001 was higher than that of KXY-005 under drought stress. The MDA content was increased and the chlorophyll content was decreased with the increasing of drought degree. The SOD activity of KXY-001 was higher than that of KXY-005, while the activity of POD and CAT was also increased firstly and decreased later. Surface reticulate of seeds and hilar traits can be used as identification points to identify the investigated strains. SOD and POD are activated to resist drought in T. kirilowii seedlings and the drought resistance of KXY-001 is superior than that of KXY-005.

[Study for association between high risk human papillomavirus and cervical lesions in the samples from opportunistic screening].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between HPV genotypes and cervical lesion in Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) HPV test positive samples. METHODS: 602 cervical samples randomly obtained detected as HPV positive by the HC2 high-risk probe cocktail were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse dot blot (RDB), among them 344 participated Thinprep Cytology test. RESULTS: 569 (94.5%) samples were successfully amplified. The most common HPV genotypes were HPV16 (31.6%), 52 (16.7%), 58 (15.1%), 56 (8.1%), 39 (7.9%); HPV16 or HPV16/18 infection was significantly related to ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL; 24 samples suggested single HPV infection with the genotypes not available for HC2. CONCLUSION: The most common HPV genotypes in random screening were HPV16, 52 and HPV58; Our data demonstrated the pseudo-positivity of HC2 test was 4.0%; HPV16 was a index for progression of HSIL.

[Study of human papillomavirus in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the infection of the high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in the specimen of the small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (SCNEC). METHODS: We extracted the nucleic acids in the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimen from a 33-year-old patient diagnosed as small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of uterine cervix and detected the HPV genotype with the nested PCR. RESULTS: We identified HPV18, a high-risk genotype, in the specimen. CONCLUSION: The HPV detection with the nested PCR was available for identification of the HPV genotype(s) in the paraffin-embedded specimens of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix with a high accuracy and sensitivity.

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer by surface imprinting technique and its performance for adsorption of dibenzothiophene.

The novel surface imprinted polymer composites (MIP/K(2)Ti(4)O(9)) were prepared using dibenzothiophene (DBT) as the template, 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer and potassium tetratitanate whisker (K(2)Ti(4)O(9)) as the carrier. The synthetic product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Parameters influencing DBT adsorption such as contact time, temperature and DBT initial concentration were investigated. The adsorption kinetics were evaluated with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, and the adsorption isotherms were fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Selectivity experiments showed that MIP/K(2)Ti(4)O(9) exhibited excellent recognition capacity and binding affinity to DBT compared with the comparative substrates. MIP/K(2)Ti(4)O(9) could also be easily regenerated and reused ten times with only about 20% loss of adsorption capacity.

Comparison of ileal digested production of parental rice and rice genetically modified with cowpeas trypsin inhibitor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in parental rice and rice genetically modified with sck gene. METHODS: Six experimental swines were surgically fixed with a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum and fed with parental rice and rice genetically modified with sck gene alternately. The ileum digesta were collected and analyzed for determination of apparent and true digestibility of protein and amino acids. RESULTS: The apparent and true digestibility of protein was similar in these two types of rice. Except for the apparent digestibility of lysine, there was no difference in the apparent and true digestibility of the other 17 amino acids. CONCLUSION: The digestibility of protein and amino acids is not changed by the insertion of foreign gene, so it can meet the request of "substantial equivalence" in digestibility of protein and amino acids.

Effects of yogurt supplementation on the growth of preschool children in Beijing suburbs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of yogurt supplementation on the growth of preschool children in Beijing suburbs. METHODS: Four hundred and two preschool children (217 males, 185 females), aged 3-5 years, whose height for age and/or weight for age were less than the reference level, were selected as subjects from 7 kindergartens in Beijing Fangshan District. The subjects were divided randomly into control group (CG, 201) and yogurt supplemented group (YG, 201). Each subject in YG was given one serving of yogurt (125 g) for 5 days a week from March to December in 2001, while nothing additional was provided to CG. All subjects kept their usual diet during the study. Anthropometry (body height and weight and upper-arm circumference) and the bone mineral density (BMD) of forearm were measured every 3 months. Disease status and dietary intake were also recorded and assessed. RESULTS: The intake of calcium, zinc, and vitamin B2 in YG was significantly higher than that in CG. The incidence and duration of upper-respiratory infection and diarrhea of children in YG were significantly less than those in CG. The height gain of children in YG was significantly higher than that in CG after yogurt was supplemented for 3, 6, and 9 months (P<0.05) (1.90+/-0.49 cm vs 1.77+/-0.54 cm, 3.83+/-0.57 cm vs 3.64+/-0.66 cm and 5.43+/-0.69 cm vs 5.24+/-0.76 cm, respectively). The weight gain of children in YG was significantly higher than that in CG after yogurt was supplemented for 3, 6, and 9 months (P<0.05) (0.70+/-0.43 kg vs 0.49+/-0.35 kg, 0.98+/-0.62 kg vs 0.80+/-0.60 kg and 1.42+/-0.76 kg vs 1.20+/-0.67 kg, respectively). The BMD of children in YG was significantly higher than that in CG after yogurt was supplemented for 9 months (P<0.05) (0.415+/-0.058 g/cm2 vs 0.400+/-0.065 g/cm2). CONCLUSION: Yogurt is beneficial to the improvement of calcium, zinc, and vitamin B2 intake, the decreasing of the incidence and duration of upper-respiratory infection and diarrhea, and the promotion of the health and the growth and development of preschool children.