[Identification of medicinal plants used as Tibetan traditional medicine Chuan-Bu based on nrDNA markers]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the common Tibetan herb Chuan-Bu.

METHOD

Local herbalists were visited to observe which plants were being used as Chuan-Bu. Samples of the indigenous plants were collected at the same time. Leaf materials were collected from field surveys. Total genomic DNA was extracted from silica gel-dried leaf samples. The PCR products were purified and directly sequenced.

RESULT

As the origin of Chuan-Bu in Tibet autonomous region was authenticated, two species were determined, i. e. Euphorbia stracheyiand E. wallichii. Also, based on our earlier research, the origin of Chuan-Bu in Gansu province, is from E. kansuensis. The sequences of ITS1 for E. stracheyi and E. wallichii were 261 bp in size, and 221 bp in ITS2, respectively. The size of the 5.8S coding region was 164 bp for all species examined in the genus. Especially, there was a heterozygous locus in ITS1 (C/G; position 72) for E. stracheyi. The nucleotide divergence between sequences of the 6 species in pairwise comparisons was calculated and the result showed that the variable site could be detected in each pairwise comparison of sequences. Also, there were 8 point mutations in the 5.8S coding region.

CONCLUSION

nrDNA ITS sequences can be used as the molecular markers to identify the Tibetan herb Chuan-Bu and such Traditional Chinese Medicines from the same genus Euphorbia as E. lathyris, E. humifusa and E. pekinensis.

Endoscope-assisted conservative condylectomy in the treatment of condylar osteochondroma through an intraoral approach

Mandibular condylar osteochondroma (OC) can result in morphological and functional disturbances, including facial asymmetry and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of endoscope-assisted tumour resection and conservative condylectomy via an intraoral approach. Seven patients with condylar OC were enrolled in this study. Endoscope-assisted tumour resection and conservative condylectomy were achieved intraorally, and no conventional extraoral incision was needed. Direct vision of the magnified and illuminated operative field was realized with the assistance of an endoscope. No facial nerve injury or salivary fistula occurred in any patient. Stable occlusion was realized through postoperative orthodontic treatment. The patients showed no signs of tumour recurrence or TMJ ankylosis during follow-up (range 18-43 months). Endoscope-assisted condylar OC resection and conservative condylectomy via intraoral approach offers great advantages with no significant complications compared with conventional extraoral incisions. The endoscope provides us with a valuable treatment option for this potentially complicated procedure.

Novel SNPs of the mannan-binding lectin 2 gene and their association with production traits in Chinese Holsteins

The mannan-binding lectin gene (MBL) participates as an opsonin in the innate immune system of mammals, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MBL cause various immune dysfunctions. In this study, we detected SNPs in MBL2 at exon 1 using polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing techniques in 825 Chinese Holstein cows. Four new SNPs with various allele frequencies were also found. The g.1164 G>A SNP was predicted to substitute arginine with glutamine at the N-terminus of the cysteine-rich domain. In the collagen-like domain, SNPs g.1197 C>A and g.1198 G>A changed proline to glutamine, whereas SNP g.1207 T>C was identified as a synonymous mutation. Correlation analysis showed that the g.1197 C>A marker was significantly correlated to somatic cell score (SCS), and the g.1164 G>A locus had significant effects on SCS, fat content, and protein content (P < 0.05), suggesting possible roles of these SNPs in the host response against mastitis. Nine haplotypes and nine haplotype pairs corresponding to the loci of the 4 novel SNPs were found in Chinese Holsteins. Haplotype pairs MM, MN, and BQ were correlated with the lowest SCS; MN with the highest protein yield; MM with the highest protein rate, and MN with the highest 305- day milk yield. Thus, MM, MN, and BQ are possible candidates for marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle breeding programs.

ηπ+ π- resonant structure around 1.8 GeV/c(2) and η(1405) in J/ψ → ωηπ+ π-

We present results of a study of the decay J/ψ → ωηπ+ π- using a sample of (225.2 ± 2.8) × 10(6) J/ψ events collected by the BESIII detector, and report the observation of a new process J/ψ → ωX(1870) with a statistical significance of 7.2σ, in which X(1870) decays to a(0)(±)(980)π±. Fitting to ηπ+ π- mass spectrum yields a mass M = 1877.3 ± 6.3(stat)(-7.4)(+3.4)(syst) MeV/c(2), a width Γ = 57 ± 12(stat)(-4)(+19)(syst) MeV/c(2), and a product branching fraction B(J/ψ → ωX) × B(X→a(0)(±)(980)π±) × B(a(0) (±)(980) → ηπ±) = [1.50 ± 0.26(stat)(-0.36)(+0.72) (syst)] × 10(-4). Signals for J/ψ → ωf(1)(1285) and J/ψ → ω η(1405) are also clearly observed and measured.

Observation of χ(c1) decays into vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ

Using (106±4)×10⁻⁶ ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e⁺e⁻ collider, we present the first measurement of decays of χ(c1) to vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ. The branching fractions are measured to be (4.4±0.3±0.5)×10⁻⁴, (6.0±0.3±0.7)×10⁻⁴, and (2.2±0.6±0.2)×10⁻⁵, for χ(c1)→φφ, ωω, and ωφ, respectively, which indicates that the hadron helicity selection rule is significantly violated in χ(cJ) decays. In addition, the measurement of χ(cJ)→ωφ provides the first indication of the rate of doubly OZI-suppressed χ(cJ) decay. Finally, we present improved measurements for the branching fractions of χ(c0) and χ(c2) to vector meson pairs.

Confirmation of the X(1835) and observation of the resonances X(2120) and X(2370) in J/ψ→γπ+π-η'

With a sample of (225.2±2.8)×10(6) J/ψ events registered in the BESIII detector, J/ψ→γπ(+)π(-)η(') is studied using two η(') decay modes: η(')→π(+)π(-)η and η(')→γρ(0). The X(1835), which was previously observed by BESII, is confirmed with a statistical significance that is larger than 20σ. In addition, in the π(+)π(-)η(') invariant-mass spectrum, the X(2120) and the X(2370), are observed with statistical significances larger than 7.2σ and 6.4σ, respectively. For the X(1835), the angular distribution of the radiative photon is consistent with expectations for a pseudoscalar.

Evidence for ψ' decays into γπ0 and γη

The decays ψ'→γπ(0), γη and γη' are studied using data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e(+)e(-) collider. The processes ψ'→γπ(0) and ψ'→γη are observed for the first time with signal significances of 4.6σ and 4.3σ, respectively. The branching fractions are determined to be B(ψ'→γπ(0))=(1.58±0.40±0.13)×10(-6), B(ψ'→γη)=(1.38±0.48±0.09)×10(-6), and B(ψ'→γη')=(126±3±8)×10(-6), where the first errors are statistical and the second ones systematic.

Identification of medicinal plants used as Tibetan Traditional Medicine jie-ji

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the authors' collection of specimens used as jie-ji in local Tibetan areas, China, and taxonomic determination, this paper aims to give a list of medicinal plants as jie-ji, formally identify the ones recognized as jie-ji ga-bao or jie-ji na-bao and to offer basic data for further studies on these Tibetan herbs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Local herbalists were visited in Tibetan areas, China to observe which plants were being used as jie-ji. Samples of the indigenous plants were collected at the same time. Also, the medicinal plants as jie-ji were taxonomically identified.

RESULTS

A list of medicinal plants including 10 species of jie-ji in local Tibetan areas is given, including their morphological pictures used for identification.

CONCLUSIONS

The origin of jie-ji is from 10 species of the Section Cruciata, Genus Gentiana (Gentianaceae). five species with dark blue flowers are used as jie-ji na-bao, the other five with white flowers are used as jie-ji ga-bao. Also, Gentiana macrophylla Pall. with dark blue flowers in the Section Cruciata, Genus Gentiana is not the original plant of jie-ji na-bao. The species endemic to the province are used as the original plants of jie-ji only in local Tibetan area of the province. Finally, the drug use of jie-ji in Traditional Tibetan Medicine is reasonable and it is efficacious.

[Migratory and chemoattractant responses of mesenchymal stem cells to oxidative stress injury of endothelial cell in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possibilities of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) migrating toward the oxidative stress injuries of endothelial cells.

METHODS

hMSCs were isolated and cultured from human marrow in vitro and the multipotential differentiation of P3 hMSCs identified by specific medium induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes and endothelial cells. And the marker antigen of P3 hMSCs was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry. Then a cellular model of hMSCs migrating toward the oxidative stress injuries of endothelial cells was created, i. e. 1 x 10(5) hMSCs were seeded in Transwell upper chamber, indirectly co-cultured with ECV-304 cells seeded in the Transwell inferior chamber and was injured by adding 3% H2O2 into the medium (final concentration of 0.01 ml/ml) for 1 h, the injured ECV-304 cells + hMSCs group (n = 8), as experimental group, and in the mean time, hMSCs indirectly co-cultured with uninjured ECV-304 cells in Transwell chamber, ECV-304 cells + hMSCs group (n = 8) and hMSCs monoculture group (n = 8) in Transwell chamber as control groups. After a 12-h culture in all groups, the migrating hMSCs in Transwell upper chamber were HE-stained and counted under an inverted phase contrast microscope. To understand the reason why hMSCs migrated to the oxidative stress injured endothelial cells, ELISA was employed to measure the concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) of cellular supernatant in ECV-304 cells with H2O2 1-h treating group (H2O2 treatment group) or without H2O2 treating group (control group).

RESULTS

The multipotential differentiation experiment demonstrated that the cultured P3 hMSCs can be induced to differentiate in vitro into osteoblasts, adipocytes and endothelial cells. And the expressions of CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD106 were positive in hMSCs while CD31, CD34, CD45 and CD49b negative by using FCM and immunohistochemistry. And the effects of hMSCs upon in vitro movement toward oxidative stress injuries of ECV-304 cells were averaged (8. 00 +/- 0.22) cells/HP in the injured ECV-304 cells + hMSCs group, significantly higher than those of the ECV-304 cells + hMSCs group [(0.20 +/- 0.05) cells/HP, P < 0.01] and the hMSCs monoculture group [(0.00 +/- 0.00) cells/HP, P < 0.01). The concentrations of MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in cellular supernatant of the H2O2 treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group [(69.2 +/- 3.5) ng/ml vs (62.5 +/- 3.6) ng/ml, P < 0.05; (114.0 +/- 7.5) ng/ml vs (97.2 +/- 5.0) ng/ml, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

The oxidative stress injuries of endothelial cells chemoattracted the hMSCs toward the injured site and its mechanism may be correlated with releasing a certain concentration of chemoattractant factor to result in the elevations of MCP-1 and VCAM-1 by oxidative stress injury.

Identification of Dryopteris crassirhizoma and the adulterant species based on cpDNA rbcL and translated amino acid sequences

Dry rhizome of Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai (Dryopteridaceae), also known as Guan Zhong, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used in the treatment of viral disease. But the dry rhizomes of Woodwardia JAPONICA (L. f.) Sm., OSMUNDA JAPONICA Thunb. and Cyrtomium fortunei J. Sm. are also used as Guan Zhong in local areas. The adulterants are similar to Dryopteris crassirhizoma. It is difficult to identify the botanical origin of these herbs. In our study, sequences of the cpDNA RBCL gene were determined and analyzed for Dryopteris crassirhizoma and adulterant species, where nineteen molecular markers had been determined. Also, amino acid sequences translated from the RBCL gene were analyzed and four important molecular markers were detected. Based on cpDNA RBCL and translated amino acid sequences, Dryopteris crassirhizoma can easily be distinguished from the other three fern species.

Independent maternal origin of Chinese swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

To obtain more knowledge on the origin and genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China, the complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences of 119 samples representing seven native types were compared. Two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages (lineages A and B) were determined for the Chinese swamp buffalo. Examination of the diversity patterns suggest that lineage A has undergone a population expansion event. Divergence of lineages A and B was estimated at 18,000 years ago. Combined analyses of mtDNA sequences from Chinese, Indian, Brazilian/Italian and Southeast Asian/Australian buffalo samples showed independent domestication events in the swamp buffalo from China and the river buffalo from the India subcontinent. The spread of swamp and river buffalo from China and India respectively to mainland Southeast Asia suggests that Southeast Asia is a hybrid zone for buffalo. Our data support the hypothesis of the evolution of domesticated swamp and river buffalo from ancestral swamp-like animals. These ancestral animals were extensively distributed across mainland Asia and most likely are represented today by the wild Asian buffalo (Bubalus arnee).

[Study on the location and the expression characteristics of epidermal stem cells in normal adult skin and scar tissue]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the different location and the expression characteristics of epidermal stem cells in normal adult skin and scar tissue.

METHODS

Skin tissue specimens were harvested from the corresponding sites from 6 healthy volunteers and from scar tissue of 6 patients 1 year after major deep burn. beta1 integrin and keratin 19 (K19) were employed as the biochemical markers for stem cells and transit amplifying cells identification and keratin 14 (K14) and keratin 10 (K10) as markers for post-mitotic cells and terminally differentiated cells respectively. Integrin and keratin were determined by Elivision two-step immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The expression of beta1 integrin and the K19 positive cell count in the epithelial basal layers of scar tissue were evidently decreased and weakened than those in normal adult healthy skin. Furthermore, the positive cells expressing K14 in epidermis of scar tissue were only located in 2 - 3 layers of basal epidermis, and their number was much less than that in normal adult skin. Whereas the cells positively expressing K10 were distributed wider in area than that in normal healthy skin. The epidermal stem cells and transit amplifying cells in scar epidermis were much less in number than that in normal skin. The differentiation process of scar epidermal stem cells was different from that of normal skin. And the proportions of post-mitotic cells and terminally differentiated cells were abnormal.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the self-renewal ability of the scar epidermis was decreased, and the differentiation process of it was in disorder, which may be a reason for the abnormality of structure and function of the epidermis in scar, and a reason for the decreased ability of wound healing of scar tissue.

Studies on the molecular markers of rhizomes of some Alpinia species

The rhizomes of Alpinia jianganfeng are used as a traditional Chinese medicine, Jian Gan Feng, to cure rheumatism in Guangdong, China. The rhizomes of some other species of the genus Alpinia such as A. japonica, A. suishaensis and A. nanchuanensis are also used as Jian Gan Feng in Southwest China. However, the identification of the original plants of the crude drugs is difficult. The internal transcribed spacers and the 5.8S coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA of the four species were sequenced and analyzed. The DNA markers have been determined and they can be used for the molecular identification of these medicinal plants.

[Study on the reaction between 3-amino-6-dimethylamino-2-methlphenazine hydrochloride and deoxyribonucleic acid]

The interaction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and 3-amino-6-dimethylamino-2-methlphenazine hydrochloride (ZR) was investigated by UV spectrophotometric method in solution (pH 7.4). When DNA was added into ZR solution, the red color was observed, which indicated formation of the DNA-ZR complex. The maximum absorption of the complex was 520 nm with the apparent molar absorptivity of epsilon = 1.5 x 10(6) mol-1.L.cm-1. The maximum absorption of the complex was shifted 70 nm than with ZR. The maximum binding number is n = 303. The basic reaction conditions were investigated. It is found that sodium chloride concentration of the solution has significant effect on the sensitivity of DNA-ZR complex. The Scatchard model is appropriate in the treatment of data obtained here.

Characters of nrDNA ITS region sequences of fruits of Alpinia galanga and their adulterants

The fruits of Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. are used as a traditional Chinese medicine; but the dry fruits of A. conchigera, A. suishaensis, A. maclurei and A. polyantha are also used as the medicine in local areas. Because dry fruits of these related plants are similar to those of Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. in odor, morphological characters and chemical components, and even anatomical characters, it is difficult to identify the medicine. Nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the five taxa were directly sequenced using an automated sequencer. Sequence analysis showed that the ITS 1 ranges from 177 to 178 base pairs (bp), and the ITS 2 from 225 to 234 bp. The size of the 5.8S coding region is 164 bp for all species. Also, the pairwise sequence divergence is higher and some molecular markers were determined. According to these molecular markers, Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. and the related species can easily be distinguished from each other. Therefore, evidence from nrDNA ITS sequence variation can identify the medicine at the DNA level.

Improved PCR-based subtractive hybridization strategy for cloning differentially expressed genes

An improved PCR-based subtractive hybridization strategy was used to clone apoptosis-related genes induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) from human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 cells. The protocol used the cap-finder method, long-distance PCR, streptavidin magnetic bead-mediated subtraction and spin column chromatography. Twenty-seven clones related to apoptosis were identified by reverse dot blot assay. Seventeen were known genes, of which seven have been reported to be apoptosis related. The remaining 10 were unknown genes, five of which were sequenced and named apr-1 to apr-5. apr-1, apr-2, apr-3 and TNF were reidentified by reverse dot blot, and it is suggested that they might be related to apoptosis. The results suggest that this strategy might be efficient for large-scale cloning of differentially expressed genes in target cells.

Polymorphism of ADH and ALDH genes among four ethnic groups in China and effects upon the risk for alcoholism

The alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) and aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) that metabolize ethanol are polymorphic. Different alleles encode subunits of the enzymes that differ in their rate of metabolizing ethanol. These polymorphisms are distributed differently among populations and have been shown to influence the risk for alcoholism in some Asian populations. We have examined the allele frequencies at the ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 loci in four populations from China (Han, Mongolian, Korean, and Elunchun) and in alcoholics within each population. The four populations differ in allele frequencies, with the Elunchun having a much lower frequency of ADH2*2 alleles, and the Mongolian and Elunchun having a much lower frequency of ALDH2*2 alleles. Within each population, alleles at one or more of these three loci are protective against alcoholism, although the populations differ in which loci play significant roles. The protective allele at each locus (ALDH2*2, ADH2*2, and ADH3*1) encodes a subunit that either metabolizes ethanol to acetaldehyde more rapidly or slows the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate. Taken as a whole, data demonstrate that genetic differences in the enzymes that metabolize alcohol can substantially affect the risk for alcoholism.

[Effects of sodium fluoride on the activity of Ca2+Mg(2+)-ATPase in synaptic membrane in rat brain]

Effects of sodium fluoride on Ca2+Mg(2+)-ATPase activity of synaptic membrane in rat brain were studied with in vitro or in vivo methods. Concentrations of sodium fluoride of 0.3, 1.6, 8.0, 20.0 and 40.0 mmol/L can significantly inhibit the activity of the enzyme with proportions of 6.6%, 18.0%, 41.0%, 55.5% and 63.1%, respectively, and with a half inhibitory concentration of 14.8 mmol/L reflecting an obvious dose-effect and time effect relationship. Analysis of enzyme substrate kinetics showed the effect that sodium fluoride had was a non competitive inhibition. Activity of Ca2+Mg(2+)-ATPase on synaptic membrane in female rat brain showed a decreasing tendency after feeding with water fluorinated with 5, 15 and 50 mg/L of fluoride during their gestation and lactation for 50 days, and that in their newborn offsprings with 5 and 50 mg/L of fluoride was inhibited by 11.3 and 32.1%, respectively.

[Different manifestation of DNA binding protein in healthy individuals and cancer patients]

By a modified serum 64-DP isolation method we successfully isolated alpha-DNA binding protein (alpha DBP) to electrophoretic purity. Analysis by SDS-PAGE revealed a molecular weight of 59,000. It suggested that alpha DBP is a glycoprotein. Goat anti-alpha DBP anti-serum was prepared and single radial immunodiffusion assay was used to screen 256 healthy individuals (teachers, students, workers and peasants) and serum samples from 969 patients with various kinds of cancers. Contrary to previous findings, we found that serum alpha DBP was abundant in healthy individuals with homogeneous precipitation rings, and was not significantly increased in the serum of cancer patients. However, it depicted a heterogeneous pattern with 1-4 rings of various thickness. This phenomenon was observed in 94.2% of patients with liver cancer regardless of the presence or absence of AFP. We would suggest that the change of alpha DBP band from homogeneity to heterogeneity may be a sign of carcinogenesis in the body.

Dehydroandrographolide succinic acid monoester as an inhibitor against the human immunodeficiency virus

Dehydroandrographolide succinic acid monoester (DASM) is the dehydroandrographolyl ester of succinic acid; and andrographolide, from which DASM is made, is the major diterpenoid lactone found in the Chinese medicinal herb, Andrographis paniculata. DASM has been found to be an inhibitor against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro. It was nontoxic to the H9 cell at the concentrations of 50-200 (average, 108) micrograms/ml and was inhibitory to the HIV-1 (IIIB) at the minimal concentration of 1.6-3.1 (average 2.0) micrograms/ml. It was also inhibitory to two other strains of HIV-1 and a strain of HIV-2. This inhibitory effect could also be demonstrated in cultures of activated human blood mononuclear cells; the 50% toxic dose and the 50% HIV inhibitory dose were about 200-greater than or equal to 400 and 0.8-2 micrograms/ml, respectively. At the subtoxic concentration, DASM partially interfered with HIV-induced cell fusion and with the binding of HIV to the H9 cell. Presumably, it also interfered with HIV replication at another unidentified step(s).