Analysis of the age of Panax ginseng based on telomere length and telomerase activity

A novel method for age identification of mountain-cultivated ginseng

Panax ginseng, a slow-growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4-6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the "annual growth rings" of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established. The age of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques. MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics.

Telomerase activity, relative telomere length, and longevity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Background

Medicago sativa L. ‘Qingshui’ is a valuable rhizomatous forage germplasm resource. We previously crossed Qingshui with the high-yielding Medicago sativa L. ‘WL168’ and obtained novel rhizomatous hybrid strains (RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03). Telomere dynamics are more accurate predictors of survival and mortality than chronological age. Based on telomere analyses, we aimed to identify alfalfa varieties with increased stamina and longevity for the establishment of artificial grazing grasslands.

Methods

In this study, we performed longitudinal analysis of telomerase activity and relative telomere length in five alfalfa varieties (Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03) at the age of 1 year and 5 years to examine the relationship among telomerase activity, rate of change in relative telomere length, and longevity. We further aimed to evaluate the longevity of the examined varieties. Telomerase activity and relative telomere length were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results

We observed significant differences in telomerase activity between plants aged 1 year and those aged 5 years in all varieties except WL168, and the rate of change in telomerase activity does not differ reliably with age. As telomerase activity and relative telomere length are complex phenomena, further studies examining the molecular mechanisms of telomere-related proteins are needed. Relative telomere lengths of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 in plants aged 5 years were higher than those aged 1 year by 11.41, 11.24, 9.21, 10.23, and 11.41, respectively. Relative telomere length of alfalfa tended to increase with age. Accordingly, alfalfa varieties can be classified according to rate of change in relative telomere length as long-lived (Qingshui, WL168, and RSA-03), medium-lived (RSA-02) and short-lived (RSA-01). The differences in relative telomere length distances of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 between plants aged 1 and 5 years were 10.40, 13.02, 12.22, 11.22, and 13.25, respectively. The largest difference in relative telomere length was found between Qingshui and RSA-02 at 2.20. Our findings demonstrated that relative telomere length in alfalfa is influenced by genetic variation and age, with age exerting a greater effect.

Hyperspectral Identification of Ginseng Growth Years and Spectral Importance Analysis Based on Random Forest

The growth year of ginseng is very important as it affects its economic value and even defines if ginseng can be used as medicine or food. In the case of large-scale developments in the ginseng industry, a set of non-destructive, fast, and nonprofessional operations related to the growth year identification method is needed. The characteristics of ginseng reflectance spectral data were analyzed, and the growth year recognition model was constructed by a decision-tree-based random forest machine learning method. After independent verification, the accuracy of distinguishing ginseng food and medicine can reach 92.9%, with 6-year growth as the boundary, and 100%, with 5-year growth as the boundary. The research results show that the spectral change of ginseng is the most obvious in the fifth year, which provides a reference for the key research years based on chemical analyses and other methods. For the application of growth year recognition, the NIR band (1000–2500 nm) had little contribution to the recognition of ginseng growth years, and the band with the largest contribution was 400–650 nm. The recognition model based on machine learning provides a non-destructive, fast, and simple scheme with high accuracy for ginseng year recognition, and the spectral importance analysis conclusion of ginseng growth years provides a design reference for the development of special lightweight spectral equipment for year recognition.

BaZiBuShen alleviates cognitive deficits and regulates Sirt6/NRF2/HO-1 and Sirt6/P53-PGC-1α-TERT signaling pathways in aging mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

BaZiBuShen formula (BZBS) is clinically used to counteract mental fatigue and to retard the aging process. Brain aging echoes in major risks of human sufferings and has become one of the main challenges to our societies and the health-care systems.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect and mode of action of BZBS on aging-associated cognitive impairments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BZBS was orally administered to D-galactose and NaNO2-induced aging mice. Premature senescence was assessed using the Morris water maze, step-down type passive avoidance, and pole-climbing tests. Telomere length was examined by qPCR analysis. Telomerase activity was assessed using PCR ELISA assay. Mitochondrial complex IV activity was examined by biochemical test. The levels of redox and immune status were determined by ELISA or biochemical assay. The expressions of sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), P53, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), phospho(p)-nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2), caspase-3, Bcl-2 associated x (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the cerebral cortex were examined by Western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

BZBS intervention ameliorated reduced brain performances in aging mice, including memory, cognitive, and motor functions. In addition, BZBS administration to aging mice preserved redox homeostasis, attenuated immunosenescence, and maintained telomerase activity and telomere length. Moreover, BZBS treatment were associated with a declines in P53, caspase-3, Bax expressions and an increase in Sirt6, p-HO-1, p-NRF2, PGC-1α, and Bcl-2 expressions in the brains of this rapid aging mouse.

CONCLUSIONS

BZBS attenuates premature senescence possibly via the preservation of redox homeostasis and telomere integrity, and inhibition of apoptosis in rapid aging mouse. The mechanism governing the alterations may be associated with through the activation of Sirt6/NRF2/HO-1 and Sirt6/P53-PGC-1α-TERT signaling pathways. The results suggest that BZBS may provide a novel strategy for confronting aging and age-associated diseases.

Real-time monitoring of the column chromatographic process of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex part II: multivariate statistical process control based on near-infrared spectroscopy

Multivariate statistical process control has been successfully used for the real-time monitoring of the column chromatographic process of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex.

Relative Telomere Length and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) Expression Are Associated with Age in Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb)

While all organisms age, our understanding of how aging occurs varies among species. The aging process in perennial plants is not well-defined, yet can have implications on production and yield of valuable fruit and nut crops. Almond exhibits an age-related disorder known as non-infectious bud failure (BF) that affects vegetative bud development, indirectly affecting kernel yield. This species and disorder present an opportunity to address aging in a commercially relevant and vegetatively propagated perennial crop. The hypothesis tested in this study was that relative telomere length and/or telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression can serve as biomarkers of aging in almond. Relative telomere lengths and expression of TERT, a subunit of the enzyme telomerase, were measured via qPCR methods using bud and leaf samples collected from distinct age cohorts over a two-year period. Results from this work show a marginal but significant association between both relative telomere length and TERT expression, and age, suggesting that as almonds age, telomeres shorten and TERT expression decreases. This work provides information on potential biomarkers of perennial plant aging, contributing to our knowledge of this process. In addition, these results provide opportunities to address BF in almond breeding and nursery propagation.

Folic Acid Decreases Astrocyte Apoptosis by Preventing Oxidative Stress-Induced Telomere Attrition

Astrocytes are the most widely distributed cells in the brain, and astrocyte apoptosis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Folate is required for the normal development of the nervous system, but its effect on astrocyte apoptosis is unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that folic acid (the therapeutic form of folate) decreases astrocyte apoptosis by preventing oxidative stress-induced telomere attrition. Primary cultures of astrocytes were incubated for 12 days with various concentrations of folic acid (0-40 μmol/L), then cell proliferation, apoptosis, intracellular folate concentration, intracellular homocysteine (Hcy) concentration, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, telomeric DNA oxidative damage, and telomere length were determined. The results showed that folic acid deficiency decreased intracellular folate, cell proliferation, and telomere length, whereas it increased Hcy concentration, ROS levels, telomeric DNA oxidative damage, and apoptosis. In contrast, folic acid dose-dependently increased intracellular folate, cell proliferation, and telomere length but it decreased Hcy concentration, ROS levels, telomeric DNA oxidative damage, and apoptosis. In conclusion, folic acid inhibited apoptosis in astrocytes. The underlying mechanism for this protective effect may be that folic acid decreased oxidative stress and thereby prevented telomeric DNA oxidative damage and telomere attrition.

Discovery of markers for discriminating the age of cultivated ginseng by using UHPLC-QTOF/MS coupled with OPLS-DA

BACKGROUND

Ginseng (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is gaining more publicity in modern society due to its health benefit and huge value in market. In the practice of grading and pricing of ginseng, the age is one of the major factor influencing the price and grade of ginseng. Therefore, the age discrimination is an important task for the quality control of ginseng. However, the traditional morphological methods are too subjective to be reproductive in discrimination.

PURPOSE

To establish a method that can discriminate the ginseng samples with different cultivation years.

STUDY DESIGN

To analyze the correlation between chemical compositions and cultivation years of cultivated ginseng samples of different age and thus discover potential quality marker (Q-marker) for discriminating the age of cultivated ginseng.

METHODS

In the present study, the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with the quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) were utilized for the age discrimination and marker discovery. A statistical data processing procedure was established to screen markers and reduce the false positive rate.

RESULTS

The results showed that the ginseng samples from 2- to 6-year-old could be well separated in the orthogonal projections on the latent structure - discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) using the markers screened by the established statistical procedure, which could reduce approximately 20% of the insignificant markers and false positive discoveries. Ultimately, more than 50 compounds contributing to the age discrimination were identified including one new compound (malonylginsenoside). One negative marker (1038.4825@8.98) was discovered for the 2-year-old ginseng, and an equation was established to effectively predict the age of 3- to 6-year-old of ginseng.

CONCLUSION

The constructed method can discriminate the ginseng samples with different cultivation years and is a complement to the traditional discrimination method of ginseng age.

Integration of multi-omics techniques and physiological phenotyping within a holistic phenomics approach to study senescence in model and crop plants

The study of senescence in plants is complicated by diverse levels of temporal and spatial dynamics as well as the impact of external biotic and abiotic factors and crop plant management. Whereas the molecular mechanisms involved in developmentally regulated leaf senescence are very well understood, in particular in the annual model plant species Arabidopsis, senescence of other organs such as the flower, fruit, and root is much less studied as well as senescence in perennials such as trees. This review addresses the need for the integration of multi-omics techniques and physiological phenotyping into holistic phenomics approaches to dissect the complex phenomenon of senescence. That became feasible through major advances in the establishment of various, complementary 'omics' technologies. Such an interdisciplinary approach will also need to consider knowledge from the animal field, in particular in relation to novel regulators such as small, non-coding RNAs, epigenetic control and telomere length. Such a characterization of phenotypes via the acquisition of high-dimensional datasets within a systems biology approach will allow us to systematically characterize the various programmes governing senescence beyond leaf senescence in Arabidopsis and to elucidate the underlying molecular processes. Such a multi-omics approach is expected to also spur the application of results from model plants to agriculture and their verification for sustainable and environmentally friendly improvement of crop plant stress resilience and productivity and contribute to improvements based on postharvest physiology for the food industry and the benefit of its customers.

Study on the Correlation between Gene Expression and Enzyme Activity of Seven Key Enzymes and Ginsenoside Content in Ginseng in Over Time in Ji'an, China

Panax ginseng is a traditional medicine. Fresh ginseng is one of the most important industries related to ginseng development, and fresh ginseng of varying ages has different medicinal properties. Previous research has not systematically reported the correlation between changes in key enzyme activity with changes in ginsenoside content in fresh ginseng over time. In this study, for the first time, we use ginseng samples of varying ages in Ji'an and systematically reported the changes in the activity of seven key enzymes (HMGR, FPS, SS, SE, DS, CYP450, and GT). We investigated the content of ginsenoside and gene expression of these key enzymes. Ginsenoside content was measured using HPLC. HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS were combined to measure the enzyme activity of the key enzymes. Quantitative PCR was used in the investigation of gene expression. By analyzing the correlation between the enzyme activity and the transcription level of the key enzymes with ginsenoside content, we found that DS and GT enzyme activities are significantly correlated with the ginsenoside content in different ages of ginseng. Our findings might provide a new strategy to discriminate between ginseng of different years. Meanwhile, this research provides important information for the in-depth study of ginsenoside biosynthesis.