Identification of heat tolerant lentil genotypes through stress tolerance indices
Rohit Sarkar, Gyan Prakash Mishra, Premakumar
et al.
Abstract With climate change projections indicating an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events and irregular rainfall patterns globally, the threat to global food security looms large. Terminal heat stress, which occurs during the critical reproductive stage, significantly limits lentil productivity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve lentil’s resilience to heat stress to sustain production. However, studies identifying heat-tolerant sources in lentils are limited. To address these issues, we assessed 158 lentil genotypes under normal and late-sown conditions over two consecutive seasons. We employed eleven heat stress indices to identify lines tolerant to heat stress. All genotypes exhibited a decrease in average grain yield when subjected to stress conditions as compared to non-stress conditions, indicating the impact of heat stress on crop yield. Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlation between yield in normal and late-sown conditions and the following heat stress indices: STI, MP, MRP, YI, GMP, and HM. In contrast, TOL, SSPI, and PYR showed negative associations with yield in late-sown conditions. Based on these indices, we identified the genotypes P13143, P13130, and P13135 as high-yielding in both stress and non-stress conditions. Cluster analysis and biplot display in PCA also confirmed that genotypes P13143, P13130, and P13135 exhibited suitability and high yield potential in both environments. These genotypes can be utilized as donors in future breeding programs to introduce genetic variations for improving heat stress tolerance in lentil.
Storage Properties of Double-Layer Films Enriched with <i>Phytolacca americana</i> L. Extract as Active Packaging for African Catfish, with a New Approach to Antioxidant Film Assay and Additional Analysis of <i>P. americana</i> Extract Toxicity on Human Cell Lines
Joanna Maria Jasińska, Klaudia Michalska, Joanna Tkaczewska
et al.
Novel double-layer films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of <i>Phytolacca americana</i> L. (PA) extract were used as active packaging for African catfish fillets. Films with PA extract have been shown to minimize the catfish spoilage effects, expressed as odor reduction compared to control samples; however, neither the films nor the PA extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested groups of microorganisms (fungi, lactic acid bacteria, <i>Enterobacterales</i> and psychrotrops) or specified microorganisms (<i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>S. cerevisiae</i>). The tested films demonstrated antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and Folin–Ciocâlteu methods. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that the PA extract affected tested cell lines (PNT2—prostate epithelial cells, HepG2—human liver cells, HaCaT—normal human keratinocytes and Nty-hori 3-1) only to a small extent—the calculated IC<sub>50</sub> values exceeded the maximal tested concentration of 500 µg/mL.
Methods for obtaining and using information from field experiment focused on organic / conservation agriculture
Minin Vladislav, Zakharov Anton, Murzaev Evgeniy
Crop Rotation Experiment was established on experimental facilities of the Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production – branch of Agro-Engineering Centre VIM, Saint-Petersburg. The objective of the study was to consider the requirements for growing organic potatoes. In an experiment with potatoes (Solánum tuberosum) variety Udacha, the influence of 3 factors was studied: the effect of organic fertilizers; action of bio-fungicide; row spacing depth. The compost studied was produced in the Institute from chicken manure using an aerobic fermentation unit. Doses of composts corresponded to 0; 80; 110, 160 kg N/ha. Potato tubers were treated with a bio-fungicide using a sprayer installed on a potato planter, and the leaves were treated during the growing season. Organic technology for cultivating potatoes was developed at the institute and used in experiment. The experiment has been equipped with automated tools for collecting information. Weather conditions differed from each other during the experiment. In 2021, conditions were dry during the potato development period. Weather conditions in 2020 and 2022 were similar. Monitoring shows that deep cultivation of row spacing contributed to better absorption of precipitation. This created more convenient conditions for potato development. Compost helped to increase the content of mineral forms of nitrogen in the soil. Due to high soil fertility, the yield of standard potato tubers in the variant without compost and bio-fungicide reached the level of 20.3 – 20.5 t ha-1 in 2020 and 2022 and 13.4 tha-1 in 2021, a dry year. Compost provided a significant increase in potato yield from 4 to 9 tha-1, depending on the dose of compost and year. The array of experimental data was generated for 2017-2022. After mathematical processing, the dependence of potato yield on the hydro-temperature coefficient in May and the dose of compost used was obtained.
Phylogenetic and pangenomic analyses of members of the family <i>Micrococcaceae</i> related to a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.)
S. Yu. Shchyogolev, G. L. Burygin, L. A. Dykman
et al.
We report the results of taxonomic studies on members of the family Micrococcaceae that, according to the 16S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and average amino acid identity (AAI) tests, are related to Kocuria rosea strain RCAM04488, a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) isolated from the rhizosphere of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In these studies, we used whole-genome phylogenetic tests and pangenomic analysis. According to the ANI > 95 % criterion, several known members of K. salina, K. polaris, and K. rosea (including K. rosea type strain ATCC 186T) that are related most closely to isolate RCAM04488 in the ITS1 test should be assigned to the same species with appropriate strain verification. However, these strains were isolated from strongly contrasting ecological and geographical habitats, which could not but affect their genotypes and phenotypes and which should be taken into account in evaluation of their systematic position. This contradiction was resolved by a pangenomic analysis, which showed that the strains differed strongly in the number of accessory and strain-specific genes determining their individuality and possibly their potential for adaptation to different ecological niches. Similar results were obtained in a full-scale AAI test against the UniProt database (about 250 million records), by using the AAI-profiler program and the proteome of K. rosea strain ATCC 186T as a query. According to the AAI > 65 % criterion, members of the genus Arthrobacter and several other genera belonging to the class Actinomycetes, with a very wide geographical and ecological range of sources of isolation, should be placed into the same genus as Kocuria. Within the paradigm with vertically inherited phylogenetic markers, this could be regarded as a signal for their following taxonomic reclassification. An important factor in this case may be the detailing of the gene composition of the strains and the taxonomic ratios resulting from analysis of the pangenomes of the corresponding clades.
Thoracic Vertebral Length-to-Height Ratio, a Promising Parameter to Predict the Vertebral Heart Score in Normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke Dogs
Theethad Tangpakornsak, Phasamon Saisawart, Somchin Sutthigran
et al.
The vertebral heart score (VHS) is the sum of the ratio of the cardiac dimensions to the number of thoracic vertebrae, starting from the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4) to the intervertebral disk space (IVS). Breed-specific VHSs, in most cases, were different from the original reference value. Characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae and IVS may influence this variation. This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of the T4 and IVS on the thoracic radiographs of Corgis in comparison with other small-to-medium breed dogs to evaluate the Corgi-specific VHSs in healthy dogs. The ratio of the T4’s length/height (T4L/H) was significantly different among dog breeds but not the IVS between the T4 and T5. The T4L/H was highest in the Shih Tzu and lowest in Beagle dogs. The Corgi-specific VHS obtained from the ventrodorsal radiograph was significantly higher than that from the dorsoventral radiograph, but a significant difference was not observed between the right and left lateral radiographs. In contrast, the Corgi-specific VHS derived from the right lateral thoracic radiograph was significantly lower than the reference value. This may be correlated with the characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae of Corgis, which were slightly higher than those of the other breeds.
One-Step In Vitro Generation of ETV2-Null Pig Embryos
Marta Moya-Jódar, Giulia Coppiello, Juan Roberto Rodríguez-Madoz
et al.
Each year, tens of thousands of people worldwide die of end-stage organ failure due to the limited availability of organs for use in transplantation. To meet this clinical demand, one of the last frontiers of regenerative medicine is the generation of humanized organs in pigs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) via blastocyst complementation. For this, organ-disabled pig models are needed. As endothelial cells (ECs) play a critical role in xenotransplantation rejection in every organ, we aimed to produce hematoendothelial-disabled pig embryos targeting the master transcription factor <i>ETV2</i> via CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome modification. In this study, we designed five different guide RNAs (gRNAs) against the DNA-binding domain of the porcine <i>ETV2</i> gene, which were tested on porcine fibroblasts in vitro. Four out of five guides showed cleavage capacity and, subsequently, these four guides were microinjected individually as ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) into one-cell-stage porcine embryos. Next, we combined the two gRNAs that showed the highest targeting efficiency and microinjected them at higher concentrations. Under these conditions, we significantly improved the rate of biallelic mutation. Hence, here, we describe an efficient one-step method for the generation of hematoendothelial-disabled pig embryos via CRISPR-Cas9 microinjection in zygotes. This model could be used in experimentation related to the in vivo generation of humanized organs.
Veterinary medicine, Zoology
Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Dominic Stanculescu, Lars Larsson, Jonas Bergquist
et al.
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a “reactivation” of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the “vicious circle” between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients—and the resulting positive metabolic effects—could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones—including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis—also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
Dopamine transporter binding in symptomatic controls and healthy volunteers: Considerations for neuroimaging trials
Emma A. Honkanen, Mikael Eklund, Simo Nuuttila
et al.
Objective: To evaluate possible differences between brain dopamine transporter (DAT) binding in a group of symptomatic parkinsonism patients without dopaminergic degeneration and healthy individuals. Background: Dopaminergic neuroimaging studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have often used control groups formed from symptomatic patients with apparently normal striatal dopamine function. We sought to investigate whether symptomatic patients can be used to represent dopaminergically normal healthy controls. Methods: Forty healthy elderly individuals were scanned with DAT [123I]FP-CIT SPECT and compared to 69 age- and sex-matched symptomatic patients with nondegenerative conditions (including essential tremor, drug-induced parkinsonism and vascular parkinsonism). An automated region-of-interest based analysis of the caudate nucleus and the anterior/posterior putamen was performed. Specific binding ratios (SBR = [ROI-occ]/occ) were compared between the groups. Results: DAT binding in symptomatic patients was 8.6% higher in the posterior putamen than in healthy controls (p = 0.03). Binding correlated negatively with age in both groups but not with motor symptom severity, cognitive function or depression ratings. Conclusions: Putaminal DAT binding, as measured with [123I]FP-CIT SPECT, was higher in symptomatic controls than in healthy individuals. The reason for the difference is unclear but can include selection bias when DAT binding is used to aid clinical diagnosis and possible self-selection bias in healthy volunteerism. This effect should be taken into consideration when designing and interpreting neuroimaging trials investigating the dopamine system with [123I]FP-CIT SPECT.
Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system
Generalizability of Deep Learning System for the Pathologic Diagnosis of Various Cancers
Hyun-Jong Jang, In Hye Song, Sung Hak Lee
The deep learning (DL)-based approaches in tumor pathology help to overcome the limitations of subjective visual examination from pathologists and improve diagnostic accuracy and objectivity. However, it is unclear how a DL system trained to discriminate normal/tumor tissues in a specific cancer could perform on other tumor types. Herein, we cross-validated the DL-based normal/tumor classifiers separately trained on the tissue slides of cancers from bladder, lung, colon and rectum, stomach, bile duct, and liver. Furthermore, we compared the differences between the classifiers trained on the frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. The Area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ranged from 0.982 to 0.999 when the tissues were analyzed by the classifiers trained on the same tissue preparation modalities and cancer types. However, the AUCs could drop to 0.476 and 0.439 when the classifiers trained for different tissue modalities and cancer types were applied. Overall, the optimal performance could be achieved only when the tissue slides were analyzed by the classifiers trained on the same preparation modalities and cancer types.
Technology, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Dehydrins in the adaptation of common pine and Siberian spruce to growing conditions during vegetation period
N. E. Korotaeva, M. V. Ivanova, G. G. Suvorova
et al.
The role of stress proteins in the formation of plant adaptability to environmental conditions has not yet been fully revealed. To identify the role of dehydrins (DH) in the strategy of biochemical adaptation in species occupying different ecological niches, we compared the amount and seasonal dynamics of DH in coniferous Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. and the Siberian spruce Picea obovata Ledeb. during the growing season. Weather conditions during the study period were favorable for photosynthetic activity of conifers. Based on the total monthly intensity of CO2 uptake, the physiological activity of both species did not differ from the average values of this indicator for these species. The quantitative ratio of the constitutive DH content of 72 and 55 kD, which varies depending on the season, as well as the accumulation of «unique» DH for each species, which were located in the high- and low-molecular area of pine and in the medium-molecular area of spruce, turned out to be different in pine and spruce conifers. The obtained results suggest that the occurrence of Scots pine in more arid vegetation conditions, and Siberian spruce in wetter but colder conditions may be associated with the accumulation of certain DH. The ability of Scots pine and Siberian spruce to occupy different habitats may be related to the increased accumulation of constitutive proteins DG 72 and 70 (in pine) and 55 kD (in spruce), but not differences in the composition of DH.
Impact of the contact time of different oak wood chips on red wine phenolic composition evolution after bottling
Jordão A.M., Costa F., Fontes L.
et al.
The main object of the present work was to evaluate the potential influence of the oak wood chips-wines contact time (30 and 60 days) on the evolution of the red wine phenolic composition during storage in bottle. Thus, global phenolic composition, color parameters, and individual anthocyanins of bottled red wines that had previously been in contact with oak wood chips during different times were analyzed. The results obtained demonstrates that in general, after 6 months of bottle storage, red wines with a previous oak wood chips contact time showed a more evident decrease on anthocyanin content, independently of the oak wood chips species used and toasting level. This tendency was also confirmed by the decrease in the values obtained for color intensity and a∗ (redness) CIELab coordinate value. However, a positive impact of oak wood chips contact time on wine hue color and b∗ (yellowness) CIELab coordinate values, was detected. Thus, after 6 months of bottle storage, red wines that were in a previous contact with oak wood chips (particularly during 60 aging days), exhibited lower color hue and b∗ values compared with control wine (without any oak wood chips contact).
Schwann cell durotaxis can be guided by physiologically relevant stiffness gradients
Elisabeth B. Evans, Samantha W. Brady, Anubhav Tripathi
et al.
Abstract Background Successful nerve regeneration depends upon directed migration of morphologically specialized repair state Schwann cells across a nerve defect. Although several groups have studied directed migration of Schwann cells in response to chemical or topographic cues, the current understanding of how the mechanical environment influences migration remains largely understudied and incomplete. Therefore, the focus of this study was to evaluate Schwann cell migration and morphodynamics in the presence of stiffness gradients, which revealed that Schwann cells can follow extracellular gradients of increasing stiffness, in a form of directed migration termed durotaxis. Methods Polyacrylamide substrates were fabricated to mimic the range of stiffness found in peripheral nerve tissue. We assessed Schwann cell response to substrates that were either mechanically uniform or embedded with a shallow or steep stiffness gradient, respectively corresponding to the mechanical niche present during either the fluid phase or subsequent matrix phase of the peripheral nerve regeneration process. We examined cell migration (velocity and directionality) and morphology (elongation, spread area, nuclear aspect ratio, and cell process dynamics). We also characterized the surface morphology of Schwann cells by scanning electron microscopy. Results On laminin-coated polyacrylamide substrates embedded with either a shallow (∼0.04 kPa/mm) or steep (∼0.95 kPa/mm) stiffness gradient, Schwann cells displayed durotaxis, increasing both their speed and directionality along the gradient materials, fabricated with elastic moduli in the range found in peripheral nerve tissue. Uniquely and unlike cell behavior reported in other cell types, the durotactic response of Schwann cells was not dependent upon the slope of the gradient. When we examined whether durotaxis behavior was accompanied by a pro-regenerative Schwann cell phenotype, we observed altered cell morphology, including increases in spread area and the number, elongation, and branching of the cellular processes, on the steep but not the shallow gradient materials. This phenotype emerged within hours of the cells adhering to the materials and was sustained throughout the 24 hour duration of the experiment. Control experiments also showed that unlike most adherent cells, Schwann cells did not alter their morphology in response to uniform substrates of different stiffnesses. Conclusion This study is notable in its report of durotaxis of cells in response to a stiffness gradient slope, which is greater than an order of magnitude less than reported elsewhere in the literature, suggesting Schwann cells are highly sensitive detectors of mechanical heterogeneity. Altogether, this work identifies durotaxis as a new migratory modality in Schwann cells, and further shows that the presence of a steep stiffness gradient can support a pro-regenerative cell morphology.
Cardio-metabolic disease genetic risk factors among Māori and Pacific Island people in Aotearoa New Zealand: current state of knowledge and future directions
Tony R. Merriman, Phillip L. Wilcox
Context: Cardio-metabolic conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Māori and non-indigenous Polynesian (Pacific) populations have been increasing in prevalence and severity, especially over the last two decades. Objectives: To assess knowledge on genetic and non-genetic risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease in the Māori and Pacific populations residing in Aotearoa NZ by a semi-systematic review of the PubMed database. To outline possible future directions in genetic epidemiological research with Māori and Pacific communities. Results: There have been few studies to confirm that risk factors in other populations also associate with cardio-metabolic conditions in Māori and Pacific populations. Such data are important when interventions are considered. Genetic studies have been sporadic, with no genome-wide association studies done. Conclusions: Biomedical research with Māori and Pacific communities is important to reduce the prevalence and impact of the cardio-metabolic diseases, as precision medicine is implemented in other Aotearoa NZ populations using overseas findings. Genuine engagement with Māori and Pacific communities is needed to ensure positive outcomes for genetic studies, from data collection through to analysis and dissemination. Important is building trust, understanding by researchers of fundamental cultural concepts and implementing protocols that minimise risks and maximise benefits. Approaches that utilise information such as genealogical information and whole genome sequencing technologies will provide new insights into cardio-metabolic conditions—and new interventions for affected individuals and families.
Biology (General), Human anatomy
The Inflammatory Response to Enterotoxigenic E. coli and Probiotic E. faecium in a Coculture Model of Porcine Intestinal Epithelial and Dendritic Cells
Henriette Loss, Jörg R. Aschenbach, Karsten Tedin
et al.
The gut epithelium constitutes an interface between the intestinal contents and the underlying gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) including dendritic cells (DC). Interactions of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and resident DC are characterized by bidirectional crosstalk mediated by various factors, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). In the present study, we aimed (1) to model the interplay of both cell types in a porcine in vitro coculture consisting of IEC (cell line IPEC-J2) and monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) and (2) to assess whether immune responses to bacteria are altered because of the interplay between IPEC-J2 cells and MoDC. With regard to the latter, we focused on the inflammasome pathway. Here, we propose caspase-13 as a promising candidate for the noncanonical inflammasome activation in pigs. We conducted challenge experiments with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and probiotic Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) NCIMB 10415. As potential mediators of IEC/DC interactions, TGF-β and TSLP were selected for analyses. Cocultured MoDC showed attenuated ETEC-induced inflammasome-related and proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-8 reactions compared with MoDC monocultures. Caspase-13 was more strongly expressed in IPEC-J2 cells cocultured with MoDC and upon ETEC incubation. We found that IPEC-J2 cells and MoDC were capable of releasing TSLP. The latter cells secreted greater amounts of TSLP when cocultured with IPEC-J2 cells. TGF-β was not modulated under the present experimental conditions in either cell types. We conclude that, in the presence of IPEC-J2 cells, porcine MoDC exhibited a more tolerogenic phenotype, which might be partially regulated by autocrine TSLP production. Noncanonical inflammasome signaling appeared to be modulated in IPEC-J2 cells. Our results indicate that the reciprocal interplay of the intestinal epithelium and GALT is essential for promoting balanced immune responses.
A SENSITIVE ANALYTICAL (RP-HPLC-PDA, UV/VIS) METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF NEWLY SYNTHESIZED N-ISONICOTINOYL-N´-(3-FLUOROBENZAL)HYDRAZONE (SH2) IN AQUEOUS PHASE
Zvezdelina YANEVA, Nedyalka GEORGIEVA
The purpose of the present study was to develop a simple, rapid and reproducible analytical method for the determination of N-isonicotynoyl-N´-(3-fluorobenzal)hydrazone (SH2) - a synthesized by us halogenated isoniazid derivative with high tuberculostatic activity, in aqueous phase, on the basis of RP-HPLC-PDA and UV/VIS spectrophotometric investigations. Despite of the high linearity (R2 0.9984) of the UV/VIS spectrophotometric method applied, the significantly higher LOQ and LOD values indicated its unsuitability for detection and quantification of low N-isonicotynoyl-N´-(3-fluorobenzal)hydrazone concentrations (< 10 µg/mL). The proposed RP-HPLC-PDA method with mobile phase ACN/phosphate buffer (60:40, v/v) offered short retention time (3.1 min), high precision (RSD 3.50 %) and linearity (R2 0.9898). It characterized with satisfactory LOD (0.346 µg/mL) and LOQ (1.05 µg/mL) values and allowed the qualitative detection of SH2 E/Z-isomer.
Sex-Related Differences in Hematological Parameters and Organosomatic Indices of Oreochromis niloticus Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 Diet
Esther Marijani, Johnson Nasimolo, Emmanuel Kigadye
et al.
A 24-week feeding experiment was conducted to assess whether males and females of Oreochromis niloticus exhibit differences in their hematological responses and organosomatic indices to dietary AFB1 contamination. Triplicate groups of O. niloticus (initial body weight: 24.1 ± 0.6 g) were fed with four diets (Diets 1 to 4) containing 0, 20, 200, and 2,000 μg AFB1 kg−1. A significant decrease (P<0.05) in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and hematocrit (Hct) was observed in AFB1 exposure groups, with the lowest levels recorded in the 2000 μg AFB1 kg−1 treatment. A significant increase in mean white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed in AFB1 exposure groups. No sex-related differences in RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils levels were observed. However, hemoglobin and hematocrit values for female O. niloticus were significantly lower than those for male O. niloticus. Organosomatic indices showed that the relative liver, kidney, and spleen weights were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the AFB1 supplemented group than in the control group. However, the effect of aflatoxin on organosomatic indices does not depend on sex but rather depends on the dose of aflatoxin in the diet. These results provide useful information for monitoring changes in the health status of male and female O. niloticus.
Phenolic contents in fruit juices of plums with different skin colors
Katharina Goldner, Sofie Vio Michaelis, Michael Neumüller
et al.
Polyphenols in fruits are of increasing interest for consumers and for plant scientists because of their health beneficial potential and their role in plant physiology and disease resistance. Anthocyanins contribute significantly to the attractive pigmentation of red and blue plums. Mirabelles and several reineclaudes do usually not accumulate anthocyanins in the skin. Is this linked to a general low phenolic level? Both the health aspect and the pigmentation are interesting traits for the breeder. For this purpose, rapid analytical methods are necessary. One time consuming step is the extraction of polyphenols. However, fruit juices are easily produced and are anyhow used for estimation of quality traits such as sugars and acidity. Here we show that HPLC analysis of plum juices represent the phenolic profiles of the whole fruits. We analysed the phenolic patterns of juices from 43 plum varieties with yellow, blue and dark blue fruit skins. In most cases, a weak red pigmentation co-occurs with a low total phenol level. However, there are exceptions that may help the breeder to combine yellow fruit skin with a high level of health beneficial phenolic compounds by using the appropriate donor genotypes. The method described here offers a valuable tool for selection.
Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera and Teucrium on serum glucose and lipid profile in streptozotocin diabetic male rats
Alireza Ayoubi, Arash Omidi, Reza Valizade
et al.
Background and Aim: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Teucrium (Teucrium polium) are used in traditional medicine as anti-diabetic herbs. The present study examined the effects of TP and aloe vera extracts on some metabolites like glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL and triglycerides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, forty rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. Trials in the study included the control group, diabetics (50 mg/kg STZ), diabetics+extract of Aloe vera (300mg/kg), diabetics+Teucrium (300mg/kg), and diabetics+glibenclamide (5mg/kg). All solutions were given orally for 14 days. Blood samples of the rats were derived from their hearts on the 15th day of the experiment and their serum was isolated.
Results: Blood glucose in diabetic rats significantly reduced by aloe vera and Teucrium extracts (P≤0.05). It was found that concentration of total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL and triglycerides in rats receiving Aloe vera and Teucrium extracts and glibenclamide was significantly lower than diabetic rats (P≤0.05). Aloe vera and Teucrium were more effective than glibenclamide in reducing blood cholesterol levels. Compared with Aloe vera and glibenclamidettreatment with Teucrium had less effect on serum triglycerides. Serum insulin levels in diabetic animals receiving the herbs extracts significantly increased in comparison with diabetic rats.
Conclusion: The use of Aloe vera and Teucrium extracts improve insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose and LDL
Medicine, Medicine (General)
Status of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after biliopancreatic diversion surgery
We examined 70 patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 before and within 5 years after BPD: these patients showed a significant improvement in the status of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism within 3 months after surgery. This improvement has remained stable along with the reduced body weight during the whole observation period of up to 5 years.
Effect of Methanol Extract of Althaea Root on Contractile Function of Rat’s Tracheal Smooth Muscle
M Mousavy - Lordjani, M Noureddini, B Alani
et al.
Background: The sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the air ways is a very common disease in human societies. Study on medical plant extracts to affect contractile activity of the tracheal smooth muscle can be useful manner in control of pulmonary obstructive sickness. Objectives: This research was designed to determine the effect of Althaeas’ root methanol extract on contractile function of rat tracheal smooth muscle. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 tracheas of a healthy and male of 18 Sprague Dawley rats were dissected in 6 groups. The effect of Althaeas’ root methanol extract concentrations (0.2, 0.6, 2.6, 6.6, 14.6, 140.6 μg/ml) and epinephrine (5 μm) in presence and absence of 1μM propranolol under one gram tension based on isometric method was assayed. This assay was recorded in an organ bath containing kerebs-hancelit solution on tracheal smooth muscle contractions by KCl (60 mM) induction. Results: Epinephrine (5 μm) alone and root methanol extract concentrations (0.6 - 140.6 μg/ml) reduced the tracheal smooth muscle contractions induced by KCl (60 mM) dose-dependently. Propranolol couldn’t reduce the antispasmodic effect of root methanol extract concentrations, but it could reduce the antispasmodic effect of Epinephrine on tracheal smooth muscle contractions. Conclusion: Althaeas’ root methanol extract inhibited the tracheal smooth muscle of rat contractions dose dependently, but it seems that β-Adrenergic receptors are not engage in this process. Realizing the mechanism of this process can be useful in treatment of pulmonary obstructive disease.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Toxicology. Poisons