Transposable elements in Phyllostachys pubescens (Poaceae) genome survey sequences and the full-length cDNA sequences, and their association with simple-sequence repeats

Phyllostachys pubescens is a woody bamboo with the highest ecological, economic, and cultural values of all bamboos in Asia. There is more genomic data available for P. pubescens than for any other bamboo species, including 2.12-Mb genome survey sequences (GSS) and 11.4-Mb full-length cDNA sequences (FL-cDNAs) currently deposited in GenBank. Analysis of these sequences revealed that transposable elements (TEs) are abundant, diverse and polyphyletic in the P. pubescens genome, of which Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia are the two most abundant families. Phylogenic analysis showed that both elements probably arose before the Bambusoideae separated from the other Poaceae subfamilies. We found evidence that the distribution of some intragenic TEs correlated with transcript profiles, of which Mutator elements preferred to insert in the transcripts of transcription factors. Additionally, we found that the abundance of SSRs in TEs (4.56%) was significantly higher than in GSS (0.098%) and in FL-cDNAs (2.60%) in P. pubescens genome, and TA/AT and CT/AG repeats were found to be intimately associated with En/Spm and Mutator elements, respectively. Our data provide a glimpse of the structure and evolution of P. pubescens genome, although large-scale sequencing of the genome would be required to fully understand the architecture of the P. pubescens genome.

Simultaneous chemical fingerprint and quantitative analysis of Ginkgo biloba extract by HPLC-DAD

A reverse-phase liquid chromatography method with diode array detection was developed to evaluate the quality of Ginkgo biloba extract through establishing chromatographic fingerprint and simultaneous determination of eight flavonoid compounds, namely rutin, myricetin, quercitrin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, and isorhamnetin. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent SB-C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5.0 microm) with a gradient elution program using a mixture of methanol and 0.1% formic acid (v/v) as mobile phase within 55 min at 360-nm wavelength. The correlation coefficients of similarity for different batches of G. biloba extract from the same manufacturer and G. biloba extract from different manufacturers were determined from the LC fingerprints, and they shared a close similarity. The eight flavonoid compounds showed good regression (R(2) > 0.9995) within test ranges, and the recovery of the method was in the range of 94.1-101.4%. In addition, the content of those eight flavonoid compounds in G. biloba extract prepared by different manufacturers of China was determined to establish the effectiveness of the method. The results indicated that the developed method by having a combination of chromatographic fingerprint and quantification analysis could be readily utilized as a quality control method for G. biloba extract and its related traditional Chinese medicinal preparations.

Protective effects of serum containing Ginkgo biloba extract on glomerulosclerosis in rat mesangial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an ancient Chinese phytomedicine which was used to treat various ailments including circulatory and demential disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study GBE's protective effects on the glomerulosclerosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rat mesangial cells by serum pharmacological methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cultured mesangial cells were divided into seven groups: normal, solvent control, high glucose, low dose of GBE serum, moderate dose of GBE serum, high dose of GBE serum, and GBE. The activities of cell antioxidases, type IV collagen and laminin, Smad2/3 and Smad7, and TGF-beta(1) mRNA were measured by methods of spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassay, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

The intensity of oxidative stress decreased in the GBE serum-treated groups in comparison with the high glucose group. In addition, the expression of Smad2/3 was greatly reduced, whereas Smad7 expression increased; type IV collagen, laminin and TGF-beta(1) mRNA levels were also diminished.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that GBE is protective agent against glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy of mesangial cells.

Ginkgo biloba extract suppresses hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation in rat mesangial cells

AIM

To observe the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) on the hypertrophy of mesangial cells and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in mesangial cells.

METHODS

Cultured mesangial cells were allotted into 7 groups: normal group, solvent control group, high glucose group, low dose of EGb group, moderate dose of EGb group, high dose of EGb group, and captopril group. Activities of cell antioxidases, S phase percentage and G(0)/G(1) phase percentage, collagen IV and laminin, Smad2/3 and Smad7, TGF-beta(1) mRNA were measured by different methods.

RESULTS

For EGb-treated groups, when compared with high glucose group, the cell percentage of S phase was raised and the percentage of G(0)/G(1) was lowered. The intensity of oxidative stress was weakened. The expression of Smad2/3 was greatly decreased and Smad7 was increased. Collagen IV, laminin and TGF- beta(1)mRNA were also reduced.

CONCLUSION

EGb can suppress cell hypertrophy and the accumulation of ECM in rat mesangial cells, which means it could play a vital role in the delay of glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy.

[Study on prescriptions of gutianquan capsule by orthogonal experiment]

OBJECTIVE

To study optimum ingredient of prescriptions of Gutianquan capsule.

METHODS

The study was carried out with orthogonal design. The optimum ingredient were studied by anti-diuretic action on rats and sedative-hypnosis action on mice.

RESULTS

The composition of Gutianquan capsules should be the best one of the original prescription of Sangpiaoxiao Pulvis.

CONCLUSION

Orthogonal design can be used to study prescription of the traditional Chinese medicine.