[The effect of locally injected betamethasone on collagen deposition in benign central airway stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of locally injected betamethasone on cicatricial tissue hyperplasia in patients with benign central airway stenosis.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted with 2 treatment modalities: conventional interventional(CI)therapy, and CI combined with local betamethasone injection(LBI). The average optical density value of TGF-β1 and collagen density in the local airway tissues were compared before therapy and 7 d after the CI treatment and the LBI treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

Six patients were recruited in this study from May 2013 to June 2015.The results showed significant statistical differences by paired t-test in TGF-β1: 92±38 vs 164±47(t=-7.984, P=0.000)before and after the CI treatment, respectively; 128±45 vs 78±40 (t=10.055, P=0.000)before and after the LBI treatment, respectively. The collagen density was 91 932±59 520 vs 150 252±76 673(t=-8.105, P=0.000) before and after the CI treatment, respectively; 107 024±54 880 vs 114 038±50 772(t=-0.621, P=0.54) before and after the LBI treatment, respectively.Trend comparisons made before and after the treatments showed significant statistical differences in TGF-β1(F=712.139, P=0.000) and in the collagen density (F=261.256, P=0.000)between the CI treatment and the LBI treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The CI treatment was shown to stimulate the production of TGF-β1 and the deposition of collagen, while the LBI treatment was shown to reduce the production of TGF-β1 and alleviate the deposition of collagen from the stimulation of the CI treatment.

[The progress in application of parathyroid hormone in craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration study]

Parathyroid hormone(PTH)is synthesized and secreted by chief cell of Gley's glands which possesses dual functions of catabolism and anabolism. It regulates the proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell lines including osteoblast, osteoclast and skeletal lining cells. Furthermore, PTH activates various signaling pathways which control calcium, phosphorous' metabolism and bone conversion, accelerating the bone regeneration and reconstruction. However, the study of PTH in craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration is relatively less and whether the role of parathyroid glands and the mechanism of ossification are consistent with the long bone or not needs further investigation. This review focuses on the progress of PTH in craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration in recent years.

Effect of ozone on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related inflammatory cytokines in rats with diabetic retinopathy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ozone on inflammatory cytokines in diabetic retinopathy (DR) rats. Male rats (40) weighing 300-360 g were included in this study. Thirty rats were randomly divided into the model and ozone groups after DR was induced by streptozotocin. Ten rats served as the blank group. After the diabetic models were established for one month, the rats in the ozone group were treated with 50 mg/kg ozone coloclysis for one month (three times a week). After the rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection, blood samples from the abdominal aorta were collected, and the supernatant was obtained by centrifugation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammatory cytokine content in the serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The values of VEGF, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-a, and IL-6 were significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.05). The cytokine levels in the model group were higher than those in the blank group (P < 0.05). The level of each cytokine in the ozone group was higher than that in the blank group. Compared with the model group, the cytokine levels in the ozone group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Ozone had no effect on the blood glucose of diabetic rats. Treatment with ozone coloclysis may effectively reduce the secretion of VEGF and inflammatory cytokines in diabetic retinopathy rats.

PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT levels in thin endometrium

The aim of this study was to explore the expression of PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT, and to investigate the role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in thin endometrium. We included 40 women treated in affiliated Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital of Guangdong Medical University for endometrial conditions between August 2013 and January 2015, 20 with a normal endometrium, and 20 with thin endometrium. The expression of PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT was evaluated by the immunohistochemical S-P method. The expression of PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT proteins was significantly lower in the thin endometrium group than in the normal endometrium group (P < 0.05). The expression of PI3K and AKT was positively correlated with the expression of P-AKT. The expression of PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT proteins in the thin endometrium decreases during the proliferative phase, and this process could be associated with PI3K/AKT signaling.

Application of the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 in long-term in vivo experiments

The aim of this study was to explore methods by which the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 (PD) could be used in long-term in vivo experiments. Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control, model control, PD low-dose, PD high-dose, PD blank, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, DMSO blank, and positive control groups. The corresponding treatments were administered to each experimental group over the course of four weeks, after which, total ERK1/2 and ERK5 protein levels, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression were measured in myocardial tissues. Treatment of rabbits with Adriamycin (doxorubicin) resulted in the significant overall differences in ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK5 were lowest in the PD high-dose group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in total protein and mRNA levels of myocardial ERK1/2 and ERK5 were detected between the groups after four weeks (P > 0.05). Continuous intravenous injection of PD98059 significantly reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that of ERK5. In conclusion, Adriamycin-induced myocardiopathy and abnormal ERK signaling might constitute a valuable model foruse in long-term experiments. These methods may provide a theoretical basis for related in vivo studies of long duration.

Effect of transcription factor ZBTB20 on mouse pituitary development

Pituitary, a critical component in the neuroendocrine system, plays an indispensable role in the regulation of body growth. The transcriptional factor ZBTB20 is widely expressed in brain tissues and participates in hippocampal development; however, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ZBTB20 on mouse pituitary development and related mechanisms in ZBTB20 gene knockout mice. The expressional profiles of ZBTB20 in various neuroendocrinal cells during the different developmental stages (from E10 to P0) were described by immunofluorescence staining. A ZBTB20 gene knockout mouse model was then generated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were used to detect the levels of five hormones: growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). ZBTB20 protein expression was identified from E14 until birth. A majority of the pituitary endocrinal cells were ZBTB20-positive. In ZBTB20 knockout mice, the level of GH decreased by half and PRL expression was eliminated. No significant change was observed in the other three hormones (LH, FSH, and TSH). ZBTB20, an important transcriptional factor in pituitary development, is mainly responsible for the terminal differentiation of prolactin-secreting cells, thereby regulating the secretion of the pituitary hormones.

The silkworm GSTe4 is sensitive to phoxim and protects HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are a family of super enzymes with multiple functions that play a major role in the detoxification of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. In our previous study, we have predicted 23 putative cytosolic GSTs in the silkworm genome using bioinformatic methods. In this study, we cloned and studied the insect-specific epsilon-class GST gene GSTe4 from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The recombinant BmGSTe4 (Bac-BmGSTe4) was overexpressed in SF-9 cell lines, and it was found to have effective GST activity. We also found that the expression of BmGSTe4 was especially down-regulated after the silkworms were fumigated with or ingested phoxim. Moreover, BmGSTe4 protected HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis. These results demonstrated that BmGSTe4 has GST activity, is sensitive to phoxim, and plays a role in inhibition of UV-induced cell apoptosis.

Inhibition of adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by erythropoietin via activating ERK and P38 MAPK

We examined whether erythropoietin (EPO) can inhibit adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the mouse bone marrow and its underlying mechanism. We separated and extracted mouse bone marrow MSCs and induced adipogenic differen-tiation using 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, insulin, and dexamethasone. Different concentrations of EPO were added to the cells and observed by Oil Red O staining on the 20th day to quantitatively analyze the degree of cell differentiation. mRNA expression levels of peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer binding protein α, and adiponectin were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the activity of PPARγ, extracellular sig-nal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) were determined by western blotting. EPO significantly inhibited adipogenic differentiation of MSCs after 20 days and reduced absorbance values by Oil Red O staining without affecting proliferation activity. EPO downregulated the mRNA expression of PPARγ, CCAAT enhancer binding protein α, fatty acid binding protein 4, and adiponec-tin during adipogenesis and increased protein phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and PPARγ during differentiation. EPO downregulated the mRNA expression of PPARγ, CCAAT enhancer binding protein α, fatty acid binding protein 4, and adiponectin by increasing protein phosphor-ylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and PPARγ during differentiation, which inhibited adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Effects of modified Shoutaiwai recipe on integrin β3 and leukemia-inhibitory factor in endometrium of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation mice during the implantation window

We investigated the effects of a modified Shoutaiwai recipe on integrin β3 and leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) in the endometrium of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) mice during the implantation window. Seventy non-pregnant mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a traditional medicine (TCM) treatment group (N = 30), an aspirin treatment (N = 30) group, and a control group (N = 10). After the model was successfully established, mice in the drug treatment groups and the control group were respectively treated with the modified Shoutaiwai recipe, aspirin, or 0.9% physiological saline. During the implantation window of mice, the middle segment of the mouse uterus was recovered, and integrin β3 and LIF expressions in the endometrium were respectively detected using an immunohistological two-step method and reverse transcription-PCR. Expressions of integrin β3 and LIF in the endometrium of mice in the TCM treatment group were significantly increased compared to aspirin-treated and control mice, and those of aspirin-treated mice were increased compared to the control group. Our modified Shoutaiwai recipe may improve the endometrial receptivity of COH mice by increasing the expression of integrin β3 and LIF in the endometrium during the implantation window.

Comparison of molar intrusion efficiency and bone density by CT in patients with different vertical facial morphology

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between molar intrusion efficiency and bone density in patients with different vertical facial morphology. Thirty-six female patients, with overerupted upper first molars, were divided into two groups according to mandiblular plane angle (FH-MP): hyperdivergent, FH-MP>30° (G1), hypodivergent, FH-MP<22° (G2). Mini-screw implants with elastic chains were used to intrude upper first molars. Spiral CT was used to measure the intrusion degree of upper first molar and bone density, and molar intrusion efficiency was calculated as amount/duration (mm month(-1) ). In addition, each tooth was divided into three portions (cervical, furcation and apical) to measure the bone density. It was found in this study that treatment duration was 3·13 and 4·71 months in G1 and G2 and that the intrusion efficiency was 1·57 and 0·81 in G1 and G2 with significant difference (P < 0·05). There were significant differences in cervical, furcation and apical bone density between two groups (P < 0·05). The bone density was significantly reduced after molar intrusion. In addition, the bone density change was greater in G1 than in G2 (P < 0·05). It was concluded that molars were more easily to be intruded in hyperdivergent than in hypodivergent patients. The difference of bone density and bone density changes during intrusion may account for the variation of molar intrusion efficiency.

Quantitative assessment of the effects of the EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism on lung and breast cancer

The association between the microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 gene (EPHX1) Tyr113His polymorphism and lung cancer and breast cancer risk has been reported in many recent studies, but there is no consensus among the results. Thus, we examined the association between the EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism and lung cancer through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Pubmed and Embase databases. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of associations. Our meta-analysis suggested that the Tyr113His polymorphism was associated with lung cancer risk in Asians under 3 genetic models, including a C vs T, CC vs TT, and recessive model. However, the risk was decreased in Caucasians under the genetic models, including a C vs T, CC vs TT, or CT vs TT, dominant, and recessive model. In contrast, there was no association with breast cancer risk for any of the genetic models. Our meta-analysis suggested that the EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism may be a risk factor for lung cancer in Asians, whereas it may be a decreased risk factor among Caucasians. However, this polymorphism was not found to be associated with breast cancer.

Detection, differentiation, and VP1 sequencing of duck hepatitis A virus type 1 and type 3 by a 1-step duplex reverse-transcription PCR assay

Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) is an infectious pathogen causing fatal duck viral hepatitis in ducklings. Although both the inactivated vaccines and live attenuated vaccines have been used to protect ducklings, DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 still cause significant serious damage to the duck industry in China and South Korea. For rapid detection, differentiation, and epidemic investigation of DHAV in China, a genotype-specific 1-step duplex reverse-transcription (RT) PCR assay was established in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed RT-PCR assay was evaluated with nucleic acids extracted from 2 DHAV reference strains, and 9 other infectious viruses and bacteria. The genotype-specific primers amplified different size DNA fragments encompassing the complete VP1 gene of the DHAV-1 or DHAV-3. The assay detected the liver samples collected from experimentally infected ducklings and dead ducklings collected from different regions of China. Sequence analysis of these DNA fragments indicated that VP1 sequences of DHAV-1 can be used to distinguish wild type and vaccine strains. The phylogenetic analysis of VP1 sequences indicated that the developed RT-PCR assay can be used for epidemic investigation of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3. The developed RT-PCR assay can be used as a specific molecular tool for simultaneous detection, differentiation, and sequencing the VP1 gene of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3, which can be used for understanding the epidemiology and evolution of DHAV.

First Report on the Occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus on Fragaria ananassa in China

More than 20 viruses are known to infect strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), and a substantial number of these include new viruses identified since 2000 that can contribute to disease complexes (2). The most serious virus related losses in commercial strawberries are caused by aphid transmitted viruses (3,4,5). A survey was undertaken from 2012 to 2013 to investigate virus prevalence in commercial strawberries in rural areas of Hebei Province around Beijing, China, that were exhibiting virus symptoms. Visual observations revealed that the incidence of virus-like symptoms ranged from 30 to 50% of the plants and these symptoms included yellowing, leaf malformation, sometimes combined with severe stunting and deformed flowers or fruits. Leaf samples were tested for Strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV), Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV), Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), and Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV), which are the four most prevalent aphid-transmitted viruses in single or mixed infections (2). Testing was conducted by RT-PCR using total RNA extracted from fresh symptomatic strawberry leaves (3). SVBV was detected in 58 of 190 samples, but all of the samples tested negative for SMoV, SMYEV, and SCV. Aphids were present on many of the plants, so the samples were tested for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) because CMV is prevalent in Beijing gardens and farms, and recently had been shown to infect maize in China (5). This RT-PCR was carried out with the CMV primer pair CM420-F (5'-TGATTCTACCGTGTGGGTGA-3') and CM420-R (5'-CCGTAAGCTGGATGGACAAC-3') to amplify a portion of the capsid protein coding region and the conserved 3'non-translated regions of the genomic RNAs. This test revealed the presence of 43 CMV-positives out of 190 samples, and only 16 of these samples were co-infected with both SVBV and CMV. Samples infected with CMV only had leaf malformations and yellowing, while no CMV was found in symptomless samples. One of the amplified, CMV-specific DNA fragments was sequenced directly from the PCR product and showed 93.8% nucleotide sequence identity and 100% amino acid sequence identity to the CMV subgroup I (GenBank Accession No. D10538) (1). Subsequent ELISA tests for the CMV presence verified the RT-PCR results (Agdia, Elkhart, IN), and transmission electron microscopy observations revealed 28 nm spherical particles characteristic of CMV in strawberry samples tested positive for CMV. However, we were unable to detect either CMV or SVBV in 89 of the 169 samples from symptomatic plants, which suggested possible presence of the other pathogen(s). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infections of CMV in strawberry plants. These data suggests that CMV is a potential threat to strawberry production. References: (1) M. Q. K. Andrew et al. Virus taxonomy: IXth Report of the ICTV, 970, Elsevier, 2012. (2) R. R. Martin and I. E. Tzanetakis. Plant Dis. 97:1358, 2013. (3) J. R. Thompson et al. J. Virol. Methods 111:85, 2003. (4) I. E. Tzanetakis et al. Plant Dis. 90:1343, 2006. (5) R. Wang et al. J. Phytopathol. 161: 880, 2013.

Detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA in various blood components after liver transplantation

The quantification of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV DNA) by real-time PCR is currently a primary option for laboratory diagnosis of HCMV infection. However, the optimal sample material remains controversial due to the use of different PCR assays. To explore the best blood component for HCMV DNA surveillance after liver transplantation, whole blood (WB), serum (SE), and plasma (PL) specimens were collected simultaneously from targeted patients and examined for HCMV DNA using one commercially available assay. The HCMV DNA-positive rate with WB (16.67%) was higher than that with either SE or PL (8.33%, both P<0.01). Quantitative DNA levels in WB were of greater magnitude than those in SE (WB-SE mean log-transformed difference, 0.99; 95%CI=0.74-1.25; P<0.0001) and PL (WB-PL mean log-transformed difference, 1.37; 95%CI=1.07-1.66; P<0.0001). Dynamic monitoring revealed that HCMV DNA in WB was positive sooner and had higher values for a longer period of time during therapy. With earlier positive detection, higher sensitivity, and yield of greater viral loads, WB compared favorably to SE or PL and hence is recommended as the superior material for HCMV DNA surveillance after liver transplantation. In addition, infant recipients require more intensive monitoring and prophylactic care because of their higher susceptibility to primary HCMV infection.

The safety and effectiveness of TM81, a Chinese herbal medicine, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

AIM

TM81 (or Tang-Min-Ling-Wan) is a Chinese medicine. Previous studies suggested that this medicine is effective for treating type 2 diabetes. This controlled trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TM81 in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

This study was a large-scale controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TM81 on type 2 diabetes. After a 2-week run-in period, 480 overweight type 2 early-stage diabetic patients [35-65 years old, HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 7.0-13.9 mM or 2 h plasma glucose (PG) > 11.1 mM, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m(2)] were enrolled. These patients were divided into a TM81 group and placebo group in a 3 : 1 ratio. The subjects received 6 g TM81 or placebo, three times daily for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

After treatment, the HbA1c decrease was 1.02% in the TM81 group versus 0.47% in the placebo group. The FPG decreased 0.8 ± 0.1 mM in the TM81 group versus an increase of 0.2 ± 0.2 mM in the placebo group. The PG decreased 2.7 ± 0.3 mM in the TM81 group versus a decrease of 0.9 ± 0.4 mM in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). The TM81 was more effective for patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels. The TM81 group also showed improved β-cell function and increased homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-β. In addition, body weight, BMI and waist circumference of subjects in the TM81 group were reduced, and the symptoms related to diabetes were improved. There were no significant differences in the types and frequency of adverse reactions between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The data showed that TM81 is effective in controlling blood glucose level and is safe to use in patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes.

Isolation and analysis of α-expansin genes in the tree Anthocephalus chinensis (Rubiaceae)

Expansins are cell wall-associated proteins that induce wall extension and relax stress by disrupting noncovalent bonds between cellulose microfibrils and cross-linking glycan chains, thereby promoting wall creep. Anthocephalus chinensis is a very fast-growing economically important tree found mainly in South Asia. Sixteen cDNAs, designated AcEXPA1 to AcEXPA16 (GenBank accession Nos. FJ417847, JF922686-JF922700) with corresponding genomic DNA sequences (GenBank accession Nos. GQ228823, JF922701-JF922715), were isolated by amplifying conserved domain binding with genomic walking and RACE techniques from four differential growth tissues in A. chinensis. These α-expansin homologues were highly conserved in size and sequence; they had the same sequence structures as an N-terminal signal peptide, three exons and two introns. Their amino acid alignment showed that A. chinensis expansin genes are divided into three subgroups: A, B and C. This study is the first report on expansin genes from A. chinensis. It will be used for a tissue-specific expression model and for studying the relationship between expansin genes, growth rate and wood quality of the xylem in this fast-growing tree.

Adhesion and invasion to duck embryo fibroblast cells by Riemerella anatipestifer

Here, we investigated adhesion and invasion of Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) to primary duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cells. The ability of RA to adhere to, and more importantly, to invade DEF cells was demonstrated by using a gentamicin invasion assay and was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Adhesion of RA could be found by TEM after 1 h of inoculation. Both apoptosis and necrocytosis of DEF were indicated by TEM after 10 h of incubation, which suggested a complex mechanism of DEF cell death induced by RA. Our results showed that internalized RA had the ability to leave the DEF cells. Inhibition studies indicated that RA proteins play a role in adhesion. Moreover, invasion of RA to DEF cells was shown to require rearrangement of actin microfilaments and microtubular cytoskeletal elements. Because the adhesion and invasion ability of RA to DEF cells could be demonstrated in vitro, similar processes might occur in vivo, where DEF cells play a crucial role in the diffusion of RA in ducks.

First Report of Curvularia Leaf Blight on Curcuma wenyujin Caused by Curvularia clavata in China

Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen & C. Ling is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb in the Zingiberaceae family. Commonly known as Wen yujin, the root is widely used for alleviating pain and protecting the liver. A severe leaf blight disease was observed in three C. wenyujin farms in Hainan Province of China in October 2010. The obvious symptoms of leaf blight, yellow to brown irregular lesions (1 to 20 cm) on C. wenyujin, usually began at the tips of leaves and the main veins. This disease, especially severe from August to October, caused heavy damage and 100% of mature plants (10 months old) in farms were infected. The disease was most severe when continuous cropping was performed and showed slight improvement when rotation was adopted. Farmers usually sprayed carbendazim (50% WP) and thiophanate-methyl (70% WP) to control this disease, but these treatments were not effective. To isolate the causal pathogen, diseased plants were collected in October 2010 from a field of the Hainan Branch Institute of Medicinal Plant Development in Hainan Province. Lesion tissue was removed from the border between symptomatic and healthy tissue, surface sterilized in 75% ethanol for 1 min, washed in three changes of sterile distilled water, transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates, and incubated at 28°C for 7 days. Single spore cultures of five isolates were obtained and identified as Curvularia clavata based on morphological characteristics (1). Conidia measured 20 to 29 × 7.5 to 10.5 μm (n = 100), were curved, 3-septate, and the third cell from the base was larger and darker than the others. Mycelia of single spore cultures growing on PDA for 5 days were used for DNA extraction using a plant genomic DNA kit (TIANGEN, Beijing). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA was amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4. The amplicons were 562 bp in length (GenBank Accession No. JQ730852) and had 99% nucleotide identity with the GenBank Accession No. JN021115 and AF071336 of C. clavata. Pathogenicity tests were conducted using fresh and healthy detached Curcuma wenyujin leaves. Mycelial discs (10 mm) removed from a 5-day-old colony on PDA were used for inoculation. Each isolate was inoculated on three distinct leaves (two distinct inoculations per leaf). Three additional leaves inoculated with sterile PDA discs were used as control. Inoculated leaves were covered with a polythene film to maintain high humidity. Leaves in trays were kept in a growth chamber at 28°C and observed for symptom appearance every day. Five days after inoculation, inoculated leaves developed blight symptoms similar to those observed on naturally infected leaves. No symptoms were observed on non-inoculated leaves. C. clavata was reisolated from the inoculated leaves, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. C. clavata has been previously reported to be economically important on a number of other hosts (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Curvularia leaf blight on Curcuma wenyujin caused by C. clavata in China. References: (1) A. M Mandokhot et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol.78:65, 1972. (2) T. Y. Zhang et al. Flora fungorum sinicorum: Beijing, China, 2010.