[Correlation analysis of serum secreted frizzled-related protein 5 levels with airway inflammation and insulin resistance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum secreted frizzled-related protein 5(sfrp5) levels, insulin resistance, and airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Method: A total of 178 COPD patients visiting our respiratory outpatient clinic from February 2015 to January 2017 were enrolled, and 99 healthy control subjects from the same time period were selected. Serum sfrp5 levels were compared between the 2 groups. Serum sfrp5 and inflammatory cytokines in induced sputum were observed in the 4 subgroups: insulin resistant COPD group [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)≥2.29], non-insulin resistant COPD group, non-COPD insulin resistant group, and healthy control group. Results: Serum sfrp5 levels were found to be significantly higher in the COPD group as compared to the healthy control group (t=-14.29, P<0.001). Serum sfrp5 levels in the insulin resistant COPD group [(8±3)ng/ml] were significantly lower than that of the non-insulin resistant COPD group [(10±5)ng/ml], non-COPD insulin resistant group [(13±3)ng/ml], and normal control group [(14±4)ng/ml, F=35.85, P<0.01]. The insulin resistant COPD group had higher levels of In(Homa-IR), as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in induced sputum as compared to the non-insulin resistant COPD group, non-COPD insulin resistant group, and healthy control group (F values were 64.968, 41.40, 64.15, respectively, P value <0.01 for all items). The non-insulin resistant COPD group had higher levels of In(HOMA-IR) as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in induced sputum as compared to the non-COPD insulin resistant group and healthy control group. FEV(1)/FVC and FEV(1)% predicted were significantly lower in the insulin resistant COPD group as compared to those of non-insulin resistant COPD group and non-COPD insulin resistant group, and healthy control group (F values were 2.481 and 8.37, respectively, P value<0.05 for all items). FEV(1)/FVC and FEV(1)% predicted were significantly lower in the non-insulin resistant COPD group as compared to those of the healthy control group and non-COPD insulin-resistant group. Serum sfrp5 levels were positively correlated to FEV(1)/FVC and FEV(1) predicted (r values were 0.466 and 0.412, respectively; P values were <0.001 and 0.007, respectively) and inversely correlated to In(HOMA-IR) and TNF-α and IL-6 in induced sputum (r values were -0.304, -0.459, -0.517, respectively; P values were <0.001, 0.002, <0.001, respectively). BMI, ln(HOMA-IR), and IL-6 in induced sputum were independent related factors (r(2) values were 0.286, 0.176, 14.69, respectively; P values were <0.01 for all items) Conclusion: Sfrp5 may be concurrently associated with COPD and insulin resistance; insulin resistance may be associated with airway inflammation and airflow limitation. Sfrp5 may be involved in the development of COPD and may be the key link by which insulin resistance exerts its effects on airway inflammation.

Isolation, identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio harveyi, the causal agent of skin ulcer disease in juvenile hybrid groupers Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus

The hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (♀) × Epinephelus lanceolatus (♂), is a newly bred cultivated marine fish species of high economic value. However, a skin ulcer disease with high mortality has occurred, and the responsible pathogen remains unknown. In this study, we summarized the epidemic status and external signs of this disease. We screened potential pathogens and finally isolated one bacterial strain ML01 from affected fish. We subjected healthy juvenile hybrid groupers to bacterial challenge tests with the isolate by immersion, immersion after dermal abrasion and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Within 14 days post-infection, the isolate ML01 caused mass mortality of juveniles infected via immersion after dermal abrasion or intraperitoneal injection. Diseased juveniles displayed obvious signs of skin ulcers. The median lethal dose of ML01 by intraperitoneal injection was 1.10 × 10⁵ colony-forming units. ML01 was identified as Vibrio harveyi by bacterial morphology, analytical profile index identification, 16S rDNA sequencing and multilocus sequence analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that ML01 was sensitive to ceftriaxone, doxycycline and minocycline. The results of this study suggest that V. harveyi is the causal agent of skin ulcer disease in juvenile hybrid groupers, thus providing a basis for effective control and prevention of this disease.

[Discussion on medicinal history and germplasm resource of Clinopodium Herba]

By sorting out the literature on materiamedica, it is found that medicinal history of ClinopodiumHerba is rather long which can be traced back to caoxuejiein Lüchan yan ben cao (Mountainous Materia Medica) with definite efficacy and usage; it is generally believed that the original plant of ClinopodiumHerba is Clinopodiumpolycephalum (Vaniot) C. Y. Wu et Hsuan and C. chinensis (Benth.) O. Kuntze are two separate species, also some scholarsclaim that C. polycephalum and C. chinensisare the same plant. But I think C. polycephalum is the main origin of ClinopodiumHerba, and the relationship of C. polycephalum and C. chinensis maybe a species and its variety.

HCV-induced miR146a controls SOCS1/STAT3 and cytokine expression in monocytes to promote regulatory T-cell development

Host innate and adaptive immune responses must be tightly regulated by an intricate balance between positive and negative signals to ensure their appropriate onset and termination while fighting pathogens and avoiding autoimmunity; persistent pathogens may usurp these regulatory machineries to dampen host immune responses for their persistence in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that miR146a is up-regulated in monocytes from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals compared to control subjects. Interestingly, miR146a expression in monocytes without HCV infection increased, whereas its level in monocytes with HCV infection decreased, following Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. This miR146a induction by HCV infection and differential response to TLR stimulation were recapitulated in vitro in monocytes co-cultured with hepatocytes with or without HCV infection. Importantly, inhibition of miR146a in monocytes from HCV-infected patients led to a decrease in IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-β expressions through the induction of suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) and the inhibition of signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3), and this subsequently resulted in a decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) accumulated during HCV infection. These results suggest that miR146a may regulate SOCS1/STAT3 and cytokine signalling in monocytes, directing T-cell differentiation and balancing immune clearance and immune injury during chronic viral infection.

Bioinformatic analyses of GRAS genes in Betula kirghisorum based on transcriptome data

The transcriptomes of salt-stressed and unstressed Betula kirghisorum plants were analyzed using high throughput sequencing technology. A total of 52,239,804 and 51,772,998 clean reads were obtained from the two libraries, respectively, and de novo assembled into 60,545 all-unigenes. A total of 39,997 unigenes were annotated using public databases. Overall, 7206 genes were differentially expressed in unigenes and were involved in 127 pathways. Thirteen transcription factor families were identified in B. kirghisorum, including GRAS proteins, which are plant-specific transcription factors. By using bioinformatic methods to predict and analyze physicochemical properties, structural data were obtained on the 19 potential GRAS proteins. The results revealed that these proteins are hydrophilic, with significant differences in their length and molecular weight. The main secondary structures were alpha helices and random coils. BkGRAS proteins possess typical GRAS domains: LHR I; VHIID motif; LHR II; PFYRE motif; and SAW motif. In the majority of BkGRAS proteins, AGG, AGA, UCU, GCU, GGG, CCA, GUU, GUG, AUU, GAU, and AAG codons were used preferentially. Aside from the BkGRAS17 gene (relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) = 1.20), usage of the UUA codon by other BkGRAS genes was low (RSCU < 1.0). The effective number of codons showed that BkGRAS genes have low codon bias. Subcellular localization analysis that predicted these proteins are found in the nucleus, cytoplasm, or chloroplast. BkGRAS proteins were divided into six subfamilies: SCR, LISCL, SCL3, DELLA, HAM, and PAT1. These results provide important information for the further functional study of GRAS genes in B. kirghisorum.

[Evolution of the Origin of Herba Schizonepetae]

Herba Schizonepetae was firstly recorded in the Sheng nong ben caojing (Shennong's Materia Medica) with the title Jiasu. It could be sure that the original plant of Jiasu is Ocimumbasilicum L. ofLabiatae based on the record of Jiasu's name, morphology, edible property before the Song Dynasty. Beginning from the Ben cao tu jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) in the Song Dynasty, the source of this drug evolved as SchizonepetatenuisfoliaBriq. ofLabiatae, and it has been in use until now. Hence, the sources of Jiasu should be both O. basilicum L. and the co-existence of S. tenuisfolia Briq in the Qing Dynasty. It is claimed that the hometowns of those herb writers who considered the source ofOcimumbasilicum L. to be the producing areas of cultivation of the edible Ocimumbasilicum L. It was found that the source of Jiasu recorded in the Sheng nong ben cao jing should be O. basilicum L. , hence, it is suggested the title Jiasu should be recorded for the source of O. basilicum L, and the original plant of Herba Schizonepetae was Schizonepetatenuisfolia Briq. of Labiatae, and this medicine should be separately recorded. In fact, Jiasu and Herba Schizonepetae were two different kinds of medicines.

Cloning and expression pattern analysis of BkGRAS2 from Betula kirghisorum

GRAS proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of root and shoot growth. Here, we cloned BkGRAS2 from Betula kirghisorum (abbreviated to Bk) and analyzed the physicochemical properties and expression pattern of the encoded protein. BkGRAS2 had an open reading frame of 1614 bp encoding 537 amino acid residues. The deduced BkGRAS2 protein was hydrophilic, and it contained highly conserved VHIID and SAW motifs. BkGRAS1 and BkGRAS2 showed considerable sequence similarities. An expression analysis indicated that BkGRAS2 was expressed in root, stem, and leaf, with the highest level in the leaf. Expression of BkGRAS2 was increased following stress treatment with 0.6% NaHCO3. Transient expression analysis of GFP-BkGRAS2 in onion epidermal cells revealed that the BkGRAS2 protein was localized in the cytoplasm, but could also be detected in the nucleus. Our study provides the basis for future research on the role of the GRAS gene family in B. kirghisorum.

Effect of supplementation of organic manganese on reproductive performance of female Ussuri raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) during the breeding season

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary manganese (Mn) on reproductive performance of female Ussuri raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) during the breeding season. Healthy female Ussuri raccoon dogs (n=72) were randomly divided into six groups of twelve each. The six experimental diets were formulated to contain graded amounts of Mn (0, 40, 80, 120, 200 and 400mg/kg of diet; Groups A through F, respectively). Litter size of Group D was greater than that of Groups A, B, C and E (P<0.05), with Group E having the smallest litter size. Values of number born alive were affected by different amounts of organic Mn. Number of pups born alive in Group D was greater than that of Groups B, C, E and F (P<0.05). Number of pups weaned alive for Group D was greater than that of Groups A, B, C and E (P<0.05). Mn supplementation of the control diet (containing 24.32 mg/kg from raw materials) with 120 mg/kg of Mn was adequate for female Ussuri raccoon dogs during the breeding season, based on positive effects of reproduction performance.

Effects of different dietary manganese levels on growth performance and N balance of growing mink (Neovision vision)

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary manganese levels on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and N balance of minks during growing period. In experiment 1, 75 healthy male minks (60 days old) were selected and randomly divided into five groups with different types of diet. The diet was supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, 300, and 600 ppm of manganese as MnSO4 of dry matter (DM) in basic diet, respectively. From early July to middle September, the results showed that the final body weights of minks were significantly affected by diets (P < 0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) were significantly higher in the 300-ppm manganese group than those in other groups. The ratio of feed to body weight gain (F/G) was significantly affected by manganese level (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, 45 male minks (75 days old) with the same body weight were selected from each group of experiment 1 to carry out the nutrient digestion and N-balance tests which lasted for 4 days for the collection of the feces and urine, and the diets and treatment codes were same as in experiment 1. The results showed that no significant differences were found in DM, crude protein (CP), and crude carbohydrate (CC) digestibility among all groups (P > 0.05), but ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE) digestibility were all the highest in the 300-ppm group. N intake and fecal N were similar among all groups (P > 0.05). Urinary N was lower in the 300-ppm group; in contrast, N retention was higher in this group (P < 0.05). In conclusion of experiment 1 and experiment 2, the diet supplemented with 300 ppm of manganese (as manganese sulfate) could improve the growth performance and increase the EE and GE digestibility of mink during the growing period and moreover reduce the nitrogen emissions to the environment, and the optimal total manganese level in mink's diet was 409.16 in DM during the growing period.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria alternata on Chinese Dwarf Banana in China

The Chinese dwarf banana (Ensete lasiocarpum) is one of the ornamental bananas that belongs to Musaceae family. The plant is native to the southwestern China, where it grows semi-wild in the mountains between 1,500 and 2,500 m above sea level. During July 2011, a leaf spot disease on this plant was observed in the campus and parks in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The incidence level was about 22%, mainly on the old leaves. The leaf symptoms were irregular spots with gray to off-white centers surrounded by dark brown margins, and usually also surrounded by chlorotic halos. Leaf tissues (3 × 5 mm), cut from the margins of lesions, were surface-disinfected (95% ethanol for 3 min, 0.1% HgCl₂ for 2 min, rinsed three times with sterile water), plated on potato sucrose agar (PSA), and incubated at 26°C under natural lights. The same fungus was consistently isolated from the diseased leaves. Colonies of white-to-dark gray mycelia formed on PSA that were black on the underside. The colonies were further identified as Alternaria sp. based on the dark brown, obclavate to obpyriform catenulate conidia with longitudinal and transverse septa tapering to a prominent beak attached in chains on a simple and short conidiophore (2). Conidia were 5.26 to 30.26 μm long and 3.95 to 15.79 μm wide, averaging 10.21 (±3.17) × 20.02 (±5.75) μm (n = 50), with a beak length of 0 to 7.89 μm, and had 3 to 8 transverse and 0 to 3 longitudinal septa. PCR amplification was carried out by utilizing universal rDNA-ITS primer pair ITS4/ITS5 (1). The ITS region of isolate DY1 (GenBank Accession No. KF516556) was 572 bp in length. BLAST search revealed 99% identity with two Alternaria alternata isolates (JF440581.1 and GQ121322.2). Phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 5.1) using the neighbor-joining algorithm placed the isolate in a well-supported cluster with other A. alternata isolates. The pathogen was identified as A. alternate (Fr.:Fr.) Keissler based on the morphological characteristics and rDNA-ITS sequence analysis. To confirm pathogenicity, Koch's postulates were performed on detached leaves of E. lasiocarpum inoculated with mycelial plugs with ddH₂O and agar plugs as a control. Leaf spots identical to those observed in the field developed in 9 days on the inoculated leaves but not on the control. The inoculation assay used three leaves, totaling 72 spots for control and 36 spots for inoculation. The experiments were repeated once. A. alternata was consistently re-isolated from the inoculated leaves. The symptom developed easier with wounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. lasiocarpum leaf spot disease caused by A. alternata in China and the world. References: (1) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990. (2) T. Y. Zhang. Flora Fungorum Sinicorum, Vol. 16: Alternaria. Science Press, Beijing, China, 2003.

In silico analysis and experimental validation of molecular mechanisms of salvianolic acid A-inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammation, in RAW264.7 macrophages

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore mechanisms by which salvianolic acid A (SAA) revealed its anti-inflammatory activity, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined by the Griess reaction and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Interleukin-6, TNFα and interleukin-1β were determined by ELISA. The RAW264.7 cells were transfected with siRNA against p38 or HO-1. Expressions of COX-2, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF-κB, HO-1, p-p38 and phosphorylation of IκB kinase α/β were detected by western blotting. Potential targets of SAA were analysed by homology modelling, target prediction, protein-protein interaction prediction and docking studies.

RESULTS

Salvianolic acid A suppressed LPS-triggered production of NO, TNFα and Interleukin-6. It also reduced protein expression of inducible NO synthase and COX-2, and reduced translocation of NF-κB to nuclei. Moreover, SAA promoted expression of phosphorylated p38, and downstream HO-1. Zn (II) protoporphyrin IX, a specific inhibitor of HO-1, or siRNA against HO-1 could effectively increase transfer of NF-κB. SAA was predicted to target amyloid-beta protein-like protein and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase, that could regulate p38 and HO-1.

CONCLUSIONS

In silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that SAA exhibited its anti-inflammatory effect via the p38-HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, reduced transfer of NF-κB to the nuclei and thus reduced production of inflammatory mediators.

First Report of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Chinese Bean Tree in China

Chinese bean tree, Catalpa fargesii f. duciouxii (Dode) Gilmour, is an ornamental arbor plant. Its roots, leaves, and flowers have long been used for medicinal purposes in China. During July 2010, severe outbreaks of leaf spot disease on this plant occurred in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The disease incidence was greater than 90%. The symptoms on leaves began as dark brown lesions surrounded by chlorotic halos, and later became larger, round or irregular spots with gray to off-white centers surrounded by dark brown margins. Leaf tissues (3 × 3 mm), cut from the margins of lesions, were surface disinfected in 0.1% HgCl₂ solution for 3 min, rinsed three times in sterile water, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 28°C. The same fungus was consistently isolated from the diseased leaves. Colonies of white-to-dark gray mycelia formed on PDA, and were slightly brown on the underside of the colony. The hyphae were achromatic, branching, septate, and 4.59 (±1.38) μm in diameter on average. Perithecia were brown to black, globose in shape, and 275.9 to 379.3 × 245.3 to 344.8 μm. Asci that formed after 3 to 4 weeks in culture were eight-spored, clavate to cylindrical. The ascospores were fusiform, slightly curved, unicellular and hyaline, and 13.05 to 24.03 × 10.68 to 16.02 μm. PCR amplification was carried out by utilizing universal rDNA-ITS primer pair ITS4/ITS5 (2). Sequencing of the PCR products of DQ1 (GenBank Accession No. JN165746) revealed 99% similarity (100% coverage) with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates (GenBank Accession No. FJ456938.1, No. EU326190.1, No. DQ682572.1, and No. AY423474.1). Phylogenetic analyses (MEGA 4.1) using the neighbor-joining (NJ) algorithm placed the isolate in a well-supported cluster (>90% bootstrap value based on 1,000 replicates) with other C. gloeosporioides isolates. The pathogen was identified as C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. (teleomorph Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spauld & H. Schrenk) based on the morphological characteristics and rDNA-ITS sequence analysis (1). To confirm pathogenicity, Koch's postulates were performed on detached leaves of C. fargesii f. duciouxii, inoculated with a solution of 1.0 × 10⁶ conidia per ml. Symptoms similar to the original ones started to appear after 10 days, while untreated leaves remained healthy. The inoculation assay used three leaves for untreated and six leaves for treated. The experiments were repeated once. C. gloeosporioides was consistently reisolated from the diseased tissue. C. gloeosporioides is distributed worldwide causing anthracnose on a wide variety of plants (3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. gloeosporioides causing leaf spots on C. fargesii f. duciouxii in China. References: (1) B. C. Sutton. Page 1 in: Colletotrichum: Biology, Pathology and Control. CAB International. Wallingford, UK, 1992. (2) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990. (3) J. Yan et al. Plant Dis. 95:880, 2011.

Comparative study of the physiological properties of collagen, gelatin and collagen hydrolysate as cosmetic materials

The cell biological properties of collagen, gelatin and collagen hydrolysate (<15 000 Da) were studied using murine keratinocytes. Keratinocyte culture experiments demonstrated that only collagen had significant effects on cell attachment and proliferation, but the results of cells cultured on gelatin and collagen hydrolysate showed the rates of adhesion and proliferation were similar to those of cells cultured on plastic as a control. It is concluded that collagen has better physiological effects than those of gelatin and collagen hydrolysate as skin-care cosmetic materials.

Effects of Rosuvastatin versus Atorvastatin on Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase Activity and Endothelial Function in Patients with Atherosclerosis

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-design study compared the short-term effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin on serum lipids and markers of inflammation and endothelial function in patients with stable atherosclerosis. Patients received either 10 mg/day rosuvastatin ( n = 18) or 20 mg/day atorvastatin ( n = 18), orally, for 4 weeks. Serum lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) activity and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery were assessed before and after therapy. Both statins produced significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride and hsCRP levels, and significant increases in FMD. Both statins significantly reduced ROCK activity and inhibition was significantly greater with rosuvastatin. There was no correlation between ROCK activity and LDL-C level in either group. There was a significant correlation between ROCK activity and FMD for both statins, but no correlations between FMD and LDL-C or hsCRP levels. Short-term treatment with either rosuvastatin or atorvastatin inhibits ROCK activity independent of cholesterol reduction, and improves endothelium dysfunction in patients with atherosclerosis.

Detection of type III secretion gene as an indicator for pathogenic Edwardsiella tarda

AIMS

To differentiate pathogenic and nonpathogenic Edwardsiella tarda strains based on the detection of type III secretion system (T3SS) gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primers were designed to amplify Edw. tarda T3SS component gene esaV, catalase gene katB, haemolysin gene hlyA and 16S rRNA gene as an internal positive control. Genomic DNAs were extracted using a commercial isolation kit from 36 Edw. tarda strains consisting of 18 pathogenic and 18 nonpathogenic strains, and 50 ng of each DNA was used as the template for PCR amplification. PCR was performed with a thermocycler (TaKaRa TP600) in a 25-μl volume. Products of esaV were detected in all pathogenic strains, but not in nonpathogenic strains; katB was detected in all pathogenic strains and one of nonpathogenic strains; hlyA was not detected in any strains.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of esaV gene can be used for the assessment of pathogenic Edw. tarda strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The strategy using T3SS gene as the virulence indicator provides a useful tool for the clinical assessment of pathogenic Edw. tarda strains and prediction of edwardsiellosis risk in fish culture environments.

A novel nonionic surfactant- and solvent-stable alkaline serine protease from Serratia sp. SYBC H with duckweed as nitrogen source: production, purification, characteristics and application

A novel nonionic surfactant- and hydrophilic solvent-stable alkaline serine protease was purified from the culture supernatant of Serratia sp. SYBC H with duckweed as nitrogen source. The molecular mass of the purified protease is about 59 kDa as assayed via SDS-PAGE. The protease is highly active over the pH range between 5.0 and 11.0, with the maximum activity at pH 8.0. It is also fairly active over the temperature range between 30 and 80°C, with the maximum activity at 40°C. The protease activity was substantially stimulated by Mn(2+) and Na(+) (5 mM), up to 837.9 and 134.5% at 40°C, respectively. In addition, Mn(2+) enhanced the thermostability of the protease significantly at 60°C. Over 90% of its initial activity remained even after incubating for 60 min at 40°C in 50% (v/v) hydrophilic organic solvents such as DMF, DMSO, acetone and MeOH. The protease retained 81.7, 83.6 and 76.2% of its initial activity in the presence of nonionic surfactants 20% (v/v) Tween 80, 25% (v/v) glycerol and Triton X-100, respectively. The protease is strongly inhibited by PMSF, suggesting that it is a serine protease. Washing experiments revealed that the protease has an excellent ability to remove blood stains.

[Effects of Yikunning on the apoptotic rate and expression of caspase-3 in rat ovaries during perimenopausal period]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Yikunning (compound of Chinese traditional Medicine, YKN) on the apoptotic rate and expression of caspase-3 in rat ovaries during perimenopausal period.

METHODS

Thirty female Wistar rats during perimenopausal period were selected by unforced aging. Then the rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: YKN group, livial control group and aged control group. Ten young female rats were selected as young control group. Intragastric administrations were conducted for 4 weeks once daily continuously. The apoptotic rate in rat ovaries were detected by TUNEL. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA and protein in rat ovaries were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

The apoptotic rate in rat ovaries in YKN group was lower than that in aged control group, which showed difference between them (P < 0.01). The levels of caspase-3 mRNA and protein in rat ovaries in YKN group were lower than those in aged control group, which showed differences among them (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

YKN can decrease the apoptotic rate and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 mRNA and protein in rat ovaries of during perimenopausal period. It may be one of the molecular mechanisms of YKN postponed the ovarian failure and cured perimenopausal syndrome.

First Report of Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora sansomeana on Soybean in China

Phytophthora sansomeana E.M. Hansen & Reeser is a newly described species and infects Douglas-fir, alfalfa, and soybean (1). Soybean production is an important part of the local economy in Yili State in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. Unfortunately since 2005, root and stem rot disease has emerged on a number of farms. To identify the causal agent, plant samples with symptoms, including whole plant wilting or yellowing and stunting, were collected from fields during 2005 and 2008. Tissue from the edges of stem lesions was placed on selective lima bean agar (LBA) at 20°C for 3 to 4 days (2,3). Four single zoospore isolates of Phytophthora were obtained and maintained on LBA or 10% V8 juice liquid medium for examination of morphological and physiological characteristics. The colonies on LBA were aerial and rosaceous. The isolates were homothallic, and oogonia and oospores were readily produced in culture after 7 days on LBA plates. Oogonia averaged 38 μm and oospore width ranged from 23 to 48 μm and averaged 31 μm. Antheridia were approximately 15 × 12 μm and predominantly amphigynous in V8 juice. Sporangia were terminal or paragynous on persistent sporangiophores, nonpapillate, ovoid to obpyriform, and measured 52 × 35 μm with an average length/breadth ratio of 1.5. Hyphal swellings were produced in V8 juice 2 days after inoculation. The optimum temperature for growth was approximately 25°C and none occurred at 0 or 35°C. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of this Phytophthora species (GenBank FJ966880) agreed 100% with sequences of P. sansomeana isolates deposited in GenBank (GQ853880 and EU925375). Pathogenicity tests were performed by hypocotyl inoculation method (2) using isolate Yili71 and potted soybean cv. Williams. Plants were grown in a growth chamber for 10 days before inoculation in 16-cm-diameter pots (2). Plants were inoculated with 2- × 2-mm plugs of mycelium grown for 4 days on LBA at 25°C, the plugs were adhered to the sides of wounded lower hypocotyls. As controls, plants were inoculated with LBA agar plugs without mycelium (2). Inoculated plants were maintained in a growth chamber at approximately 25°C with a 10-h dark/14-h light cycle and 50% relative humidity and symptom development was monitored daily for 1 week. Wounded stems inoculated with mycelium developed water-soaked lesions, which were similar to those seen on naturally infected plants. A Phytophthora sp. was reisolated from the margins of expanding lesions on wounded stems. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. sansomeana infection of soybean in China and the threat it may pose to soybean production is unclear. References: (1) E. M. Hansen et al. Mycologia 101:129. 2009. (2) Z. Y. Wang et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 43:826, 2006. (3) X. B. Zheng. Methods in Phytophthora. Chinese Agriculture Press. Beijing, China, 1995.

First Report of Verticillium Wilt of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Caused by Verticillium dahliae in China

Verticillium dahliae Kleb. causes Verticillium wilt in large numbers of crops all over the world. Common symptoms caused by the pathogen include yellowing, wilting of leaves, and discoloration in vascular tissue of the stem. In June 2007, symptoms of Verticillium wilt were observed in a grapevine (Vitis vinifera) field in the Shihezi Region of Xinjiang. To isolate the pathogen, stem segments (0.5 cm long) were surface sterilized with 1% HgCl₂ for 1 min and then dipped in 70% ethanol for 10 s. The sterilized tissues were rinsed with sterile water and incubated in the dark for 7 days at 25°C on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The fungus growing from the diseased tissue showed dark colonies that produced verticillate conidiophores with two to three layers with colorless, ovoid, unicellular conidia and small, black microsclerotia, which are characteristics of V. dahliae (3). To confirm its identity, ribosomal DNA fragments (regions ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, and ITS4) were PCR amplified with primer pair ITS1/ITS4 (4) and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. FJ475122). Sequential analysis revealed that the rDNA region of the fungus isolated from grapevine was identical to that of a Greek strain of V. dahliae (GenBank Accession No. AF104926). Furthermore, the specific fragment (1,500 bp) of nondefoliating pathotype of V. dahliae (1) was PCR amplified from 24 grapevine isolates of V. dahliae collected in Xinjiang, indicating that the V. dahliae pathogen from Xinjiang is a nondefoliating pathotype. To verify the causal role of the isolated fungus, pathogenicity assays were conducted on 1-year-old seedlings of the Centennial seedless cultivar. Trimmed roots were submerged in a conidial suspension (1 × 10⁶ conidia/ml) for 30 min and sterile tap water was used as a control. The seedlings were transplanted into a pot containing 2:1 sterile mixture of peat/perlite (vol/vol). Plants were grown in a greenhouse at 25°C. Six Verticillium isolates were found to cause the same symptoms as in fields 50 days after inoculation. V. dahliae was successfully reisolated from the stems of inoculated plants. Control seedlings inoculated in sterile tap water remained healthy. Because grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is an economically important crop for fruit and winemaking material in Xinjiang, Verticillium wilt poses a threat. The disease has been previously reported in the United States (2), but to our knowledge, this is the first report from China. References: (1) E. Pérez Artés et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 106:507, 2000. (2) W. C. Schnathorst and A. C. Goheen. Plant Dis. Rep. 61:909, 1977. (3) H. C. Smith. N. Z. J. Agric. Res. 8:450, 1965. (4) T. J. White et al. PCR Protocols. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1990.