in vitro Anti-Proliferative Effect of Adiponectin on Human Endometriotic Stromal Cells through AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 Gene Receptor Expression

Background:

Endometriosis is a complex disorder in reproductive age women which consist of stromal and epithelial cells implantation outside the uterine cavity. Adiponectin is a member of cytokine family with various metabolic roles and proliferation inhibition of many cancer cells. The aim of the present research was to determine adiponectin effect on human endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) proliferation and their expression of adiponectin receptors.

Methods:

In this experimental study, endometrial biopsies (n=7) were taken. ESCs isolation was done by enzymatic digestion and cell filtrations. ESCs of each biopsy were divided into four groups: 0 (control), 10, 100, and 200 ng/ml adiponectin concentrations in three different times (24, 48, or 72 h). The effect of adiponectin on ESC viability and expression of mRNA Adipo receptor1 (R1) and Adipo receptor2 (R2) was determined by Trypan blue staining and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and unpaired student’s t-test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Adiponectin inhibited human endometriotic stromal cell proliferation in time- and dose-dependent manners significantly (P=0.001). Expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 gene receptors was increased in human ESCs significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Adiponectin can suppress endometriosis by inhibiting ESC proliferation and increased AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression.Key Words: Adiponectin, Adiponectin receptors, Endometriosis, Stromal cells     

Protective Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans regia</Emphasis> L. Walnut Extract Against Oxidative DNA Damage

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are relevant components of the Mediterranean diet providing important macronutrients, micronutrients and other bioactive constituents including unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and polyphenols. Although the walnut beneficial effects in human health are widely recognized by a lot of epidemiologic studies very little is known regarding its effect on damaged DNA. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Juglans regia L. ethanolic extract from kernel on the induction of DNA strand breaks by thiol/Fe³⁺/O₂ mixed function oxidase, tert-butyl hydroperoxide or UVC radiations in acellular and cellular models. Plasmid DNA cleavage and fast Halo assay were used to monitor oxidative damage to DNA. Both approaches showed protection of oxidatively injured DNA. These results agree with a lot of scientific proofs which recommend walnut as dietary adjunct in health promotion and prevention as well as in treatment of lifestyle-related oxidative diseases.     

The Protective Effect of Whole Honey and Phenolic Extract on Oxidative DNA Damage in Mice Lymphocytes Using Comet Assay

In this study, the antioxidant activity and the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage were assessed for five honeys of different botanical origin. Seven phenolic acids were detected in the honey samples. Ferulic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid detected in longan honey, jujube honey and buckwheat honey. Ellagic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocatechuic acid were the main phenolic acids detected in vitex honey. Of all honey samples tested, the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in buckwheat honey, whereas the lowest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in locust honey. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide induced a 62% increase in tail DNA in mice lymphocytes, and all studied honeys significantly inhibited this effect (P < 0.05). The buckwheat honey with higher antioxidant capability also exhibited super protective effect than others. Phenolic extracts of honey displayed greater protective effects than whole honey in comet assay. The hydrogen peroxide-generated increase in 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was effectively inhibited by the honeys studied (P < 0.05). Moreover, a dose-effect relationship between honey concentration and its protective effect was clearly observed in this study. It can be deduced that phenolic acids of honey can penetrate into lymphocytes and protect DNA from oxidative damage by scavenging hydrogen peroxide and/or chelating ferrous ions.     

60Co-γ Radiation Alters Developmental Stages of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) Through Apoptosis Pathways Gene Expression

Radiation is considered as a promising insect pest control strategy for minimizing postharvest yield losses. Among various techniques, irradiation is a method of choice as it induces lethal biochemical or molecular changes that cause a downstream cascade of abrupt physiological abnormalities at the cellular level. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ⁶⁰Co-γ radiation on various developmental stages of Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett and subsequent carry-over effects on the progeny. For this purpose, we treated eggs with 30- and 50-Gy radiation doses of ⁶⁰Co-γ. We found that radiation significantly affected cellular antioxidants, insect morphology, and gene expression profiles. Our results indicate that in response to various doses of irradiation reactive oxygen species, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities were increased along with a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content. We observed higher mortality rates during the pupal stage of the insects that hatched from irradiated eggs (50 Gy). Furthermore, the life span of the adults was reduced in response to 50 Gy radiation. The negative effects carried over to the next generation were marked by significantly lower fecundity in the F₁ generation of the irradiation groups as compared to control. The radiation induced morphological abnormalities at the pupal, as well as the adult, stages. Furthermore, variations in the gene expression following irradiation are discussed. Taken together, our results signify the utility of ⁶⁰Co-γ radiation for fruit fly postharvest management.     

Effects of passages through a suitable host of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae,on the virulence of acaricide- susceptible and resistant strains of the tick,Rhipicephalus microplus

The aim of this work was to assess the virulence of strain M379 of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) after different passages through a suitable host and at different concentrations for the control of both acaricide-susceptible and resistant strains of the tick, Rhipicephalus (formerly Boophilus) microplus Canestrini (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in vitro. The highest value of LC₅₀ for the susceptible strain corresponded to zero passage with 7.68 × 10⁷ conidia/ml followed by the fourth passage with 2.68 × 10⁷, which reduced 2.87-fold the lethal concentration. When comparing LC50 values of the fourth vs. the seventh passage (2.59 × 10⁵ conidia/ml), the lethal concentration was reduced 103.47-fold by the seventh passage. In addition, in the resistant strain the LC₅₀ highest value corresponded to zero passage with 4.95 × 10⁷ conidia/ml followed by the fourth passage with 7.86 × 10⁶, which reduced 6.30-fold the lethal concentration. When comparing LC₅₀ values of the fourth vs. the seventh passage (1.04 × 10⁵ conidia/ml) in the resistant strain, the lethal concentration was reduced 75.58-fold by the seventh passage. These results suggest that the number of passages on M. anisopliae through a suitable host increased its virulence on both R microplus strains. When comparing LC₅₀ of the zero passage through a suitable host of both acaricide-susceptible and resistant strains, the highest LC₅₀ values corresponded to the susceptible strain with 7.68 × 10⁷ conidia/ml followed by the resistant one with 4.95 × 10⁷, showing that on the resistant strain the lethal concentration is reduced by 1.55-fold. When comparing the fourth passage, the highest values of LC₅₀ corresponded to the susceptible strain with 2.68 × 10⁷ conidia/ml followed by the resistant one with 7.86 × 10⁶ conidia/ml, showing for the resistant strain a 3.41-fold reduced lethal concentration. Moreover, when comparing the seventh passages, the highest values of LC₅₀ corresponded to the susceptible strain with 2.59 × 10⁵ followed by the resistant with 1.04 × 10⁵ conidia/ml, revealing for the resistant strain a 2.49-fold reduced lethal concentration. These results suggest that the resistant strain needs a lower concentration of conidia than the susceptible strain. In this case, the acaricide-resistant strain is more susceptible to M. anisopliae of zero- and seven-passage strains.     

小麦硝酸盐转运蛋白基因 TaNRT1.1的鉴定及其等位变异分析

为解析小麦硝酸盐转运蛋白基因 TaNRT1.1的生物学功能,本研究通过同源克隆的方法从普通小麦中克隆了小麦硝酸盐转运蛋白基因 TaNRT1.1(TaNRT1.1-1A、 TaNRT1.1-1B和 TaNRT1.1-1D)。生物信息学分析表明,这三个同源基因编码的蛋白均为疏水蛋白,含有丰富的α-螺旋和无未见则卷曲,主要定位于质膜上。小麦不同组织qRT-PCR分析表明, TaNRT1.1-1A和 TaNRT1.1-1B基因在根中表达量最高,其次是叶和茎, TaNRT1.1-1D基因在茎中表达量最高,其次是叶和根。因此,推测 TaNRT1.1-1A和 TaNRT1.1-1B基因在硝酸盐吸收过程中发挥了重要作用, TaNRT1.1-1D基因在硝酸盐转运过程中发挥了重要作用。通过对小麦 TaNRT1.1基因多态性筛选发现,在 TaNRT1.1-1A基因启动子上游1 120 bp的位置有一个8 bp(TGCATGCA)的插入位点,该位点可能与小麦氮利用效率相关。不同氮利用效率小麦品种qRT-PCR分析结果表明,氮高效小麦品种（基因型为 TaNRT1.1-1A-b）苗期根中 TaNRT1.1-1A基因的相对表达量显著高于氮低效小麦品种（基因型为 TaNRT1.1-1A-a）。     

Trophic ecology of the armadillo ant,Tatuidris tatusia, assessed by stable isotopes and behavioral observations

Ants of the genus Tatuidris Brown and Kempf (Formicidae: Agroecomyrmecinae) generally occur at low abundances in forests of Central and South America. Their morphological peculiarities, such as mandibular brushes, are presumably linked with specialized predatory habits. Our aims were to (1) assess the Tatuidris abundance in an evergreen premontane forest of Ecuador; (2) detail morphological characteristics and feeding behavior of Tatuidris; and (3) define the position of Tatuidris in the food web. A total of 465 litter samples were collected. For the first time, live Tatuidris individuals were observed. Various potential food sources were offered to them. A nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis (¹⁵N/¹⁴N) was conducted on Tatuidris tatusia, other ants, and common organisms from the leaf-litter mesofauna. We found a relatively high abundance of T. tatusia in the site. Live individuals did not feed on any of the food sources offered, as usually observed with diet specialist ants. The isotope analysis revealed that T. tatusia is one of the top predators of the leaf-litter food web.     

橡胶树HbPIP1;1基因的克隆及蛋白的亚细胞定位与多聚化分析

水通道蛋白（aquaporin）是一类广泛存在生物体中高效转运水分子的膜内在蛋白,其在生物膜上以同源或异源四聚体的形式起作用。根据序列相似性及亚细胞定位,植物水通道蛋白可分为PIP （plasma membrane intrinsic protein）、TIP（tonoplast intrinsic protein）、NIP（NOD26-like intrinsic protein）、SIP（small basic intrinsic protein）和XIP（X intrinsic protein）等5大类,其中,PIP定位在细胞膜,是介导细胞间水分跨膜运输的主要通道。橡胶树最早起源于南美亚马逊河流域,是目前天然橡胶的主要商业来源。与其他植物相比,橡胶树除蒸腾耗水外,周期性的割胶活动也会造成水分的大量流失,因此,水分平衡对于橡胶树尤为重要。为揭示橡胶树水分平衡的分子机制,采用RT-PCR技术对1个PIP类水通道蛋白基因HbPIP1;1进行克隆,并在此基础上对其编码蛋白的亚细胞定位和多聚化特征进行分析。结果显示：该基因的编码区长864 bp,预测编码287 aa,其理论分子量为30.80 kDa、等电点8.59、不稳定系数49.27、脂肪族指数22.34、总平均疏水指数为0.639,属于不稳定的疏水型碱性蛋白;蛋白含有水通道蛋白家族特有的MIP（major intrinsic protein）结构域及6个典型的跨膜螺旋,每个螺旋的残基数介于20~23之间。研究构建了基因的亚细胞定位分析载体,并采用农杆菌介导法对烟草叶片进行了瞬时转化。荧光共聚焦显微镜观察显示,HbPIP1;1蛋白定位在细胞膜,与用生物信息学手段预测的结果一致。在烟草叶片中的双分子荧光互补实验显示,HbPIP1;1蛋白自身不能互作,这进一步得到了点对点的酵母双杂交实验的证实。以上结果表明HbPIP1;1蛋白可能通过异源互作的方式参与橡胶树水分的平衡。     

艾纳香油对晒伤小鼠皮肤氧化应激及DNA损伤的影响

观察艾纳香油对UVB照射后Blab/C小鼠晒伤皮肤氧化应激及DNA损伤的影响。通过建立4组小鼠晒伤模型,在5个不同时间相点测定小鼠皮肤晒伤组织厚度和含水量,利用可见光分光光度法测各组皮肤组织中超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)和8-羟基脱氧鸟苷(8-OHdG)的含量。结果表明：艾纳香油可明显加快晒伤创面处结痂脱落,抑制晒伤皮肤组织增厚(P＜0.05),减少晒伤组织皮肤含水量的丧失(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);在整个治疗过程,能明显提高小鼠血清SOD活性(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),降低皮肤MDA含量(P＜0.05),升高皮肤GSH的水平(P＜0.05),降低皮肤8-OHdG含量(P＜0.01)。艾纳香油可抵抗UVB晒伤后小鼠表皮增厚,减少光产物表达,并通过清除氧自由基,提高抗氧化酶活性而发挥抗氧化作用。     

1RS·1BL易位染色体对小麦品质特性及其地域稳定性的影响

为了探索1RS·1BL易位染色体对小麦品质特性的影响及其在不同生态地域的稳定性效应,将由含新1RS·1BL易位染色体的小麦新品种川农17和不含1RS·1BL易位染色体的绵阳11杂交后选育的一套高代自交系(RILs)同时种植于南方麦区的四川邛崃和北方麦区的河南新乡,分析各株系组在不同地域的品质特性。结果表明,1RS·1BL易位染色体的存在对面团形成时间、稳定时间和粉质质量指数均有显著的负效应,在北方麦区的负效应比南方麦区更大,达到了5%的显著性水平;降落值在不同的小麦生态区对1RS·1BL的存在显示了不同的反应,导致RILs群体中不同株系的品质特性在不同小麦生态区之间的稳定性降低。降落值在南方麦区的表现显著地低于北方麦区,部分地掩盖了1RS·1BL在南方麦区的品质效应。稳定时间在不同地域间显示了不稳定,表明稳定时间的选择存在更多的变数。但是,这些品质特性在不同株系组中的分布趋势是一致的,表明无论在哪个株系组,都有比较优质的株系存在,表明在不同的生态地域选育含1RS·1BL易位染色体的高产、抗病、优质新品种是可能的。     

一个水稻黄绿叶突变体ygl10的遗传分析和基因定位

以籼稻93-11为背景的水稻突变体中发现一个黄绿叶突变体(yellow-green leaf,ygl10)。形态分析表明,与野生型93-11相比,ygl10突变体株高、穗长降低,结实率下降。叶绿素含量测定表明,ygl10突变体中叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量均极显著降低,其中叶绿素b降幅最大,只有野生型的2%。叶绿体超微结构观察表明,突变体中类囊体和基粒片层数量明显减少。遗传分析结果表明,该黄绿叶突变体由一隐性核基因控制。进一步利用分子标记将ygl10定位在水稻第10染色体约380kb的区段内。对该区段内存在的ORF进行序列分析,发现编码叶绿素a氧化酶(chlorophyll a oxygenase)基因(OsCAO1)的第9个外显子存在5个碱基缺失,从而导致提前出现终止密码子,推测CAO1即为ygl10的候选基因。     

水稻茉莉素受体基因OsCOI1a的克隆与功能研究

将拟南芥茉莉素受体基因COI1在水稻中的同源基因OsCOI1a构建到植物双元表达载体pMYC2,导入拟南芥茉莉素受体突变体coi1-1中,采用Western blot检测OsCOI1a基因的蛋白表达水平,通过观察突变体花粉的活性和果荚的育性,检测OsCOI1a对coi1-1突变体的互补情况,研究OsCOI1a基因的功能。结果表明,OsCOI1a基因能够在拟南芥coi1-1突变体中正确表达,并能部分互补雄性不育的表型,表明OsCOI1a基因在水稻茉莉素信号通路中可能起茉莉素受体作用。     

水稻短根突变体ksr1的遗传分析和基因定位

从甲基磺酸乙酯诱变的Kasalath突变体库中,在苗期筛选到一个水稻短根突变体 ksr1,6 d苗龄时该突变体的根长只有野生型的20%左右,遗传分析表明该突变性状由一对隐性核基因控制.利用突变体与粳稻日本晴杂交发展的F2群体对突变基因进行了定位分析,初步定位结果显示目的基因 KSR1 与第4染色体上SSR标记RM1223连锁.在该标记附近进一步发展了8对SSR标记和2对InDel标记,将突变基因定位于InDel标记4-24725K和SSR标记RM17182之间,该区段物理距离为155 kb.     

水稻半显性矮秆基因Si-dd1的表型分析和精细定位

以粳稻品种日本晴在组织培养过程中分离出来的一个半显性矮秆突变体Si-dd1为研究对象,通过形态学分析,发现与野生型日本晴相比,矮秆Si-dd1(AA)和半矮秆Si-dd1(Aa)植株的株高降低。结实率下降,生育期延长,一次枝梗和二次枝梗增加。激素处理结果表明突变体Si-dd1(AA)与野生型对油菜素内酯反应基本相同,而在高浓度赤霉素处理下,突变体Si-dd1(AA)表现为一定程度上的钝感。Western blot对GID2表达量分析也确定这一结果。组织切片实验表明,突变体Si-dd1(AA)相对于野生型叶片主脉气孔变小,叶肉细胞增多,茎维管束数目增加。遗传分析结果表明该突变体基因受一对核基因控制。进一步利用分子标记将该基因定位在水稻第6染色体约244 kb区间内,目前该区段并未发现已报道的矮秆相关基因。     

水稻短根突变体ksr1的遗传分析和基因定位

 从甲基磺酸乙酯诱变的Kasalath突变体库中,在苗期筛选到一个水稻短根突变体 ksr1, 6 d苗龄时该突变体的根长只有野生型的20%左右,遗传分析表明该突变性状由一对隐性核基因控制。利用突变体与粳稻日本晴杂交发展的F2群体对突变基因进行了定位分析,初步定位结果显示目的基因 KSR1 与第4染色体上SSR标记RM1223连锁。在该标记附近进一步发展了8对SSR标记和2对InDel标记,将突变基因定位于InDel标记4 24725K和SSR标记RM17182之间,该区段物理距离为155 kb。     

转小萝卜γ-硫堇蛋白基因RsAFP1水稻的获得及其稻瘟病抗性初步鉴定

将从小萝卜中分离的硫堇蛋白类基因RsAFP1通过基因工程的方法导入带有泛素Ubiquitin启动子及抗除草剂Bar基因的植物双元表达载体pCAMBIA1300中,经农杆菌介导对圣稻13进行遗传转化。对获得的阳性转基因植株进行稻瘟病菌体外及室内苗期稻瘟病菌接种抗性鉴定,结合田间自然发病情况,对转基因植株的抗稻瘟病性进行综合评价。初步结果表明,外源RsAFP1基因的导入可在一定程度上提高水稻对稻瘟病的抗性。     

水稻白化转绿和穗顶端退化突变体vpa1的遗传分析和基因定位

目的 通过对水稻转绿和穗顶端退化等突变体的研究,可以鉴定更多与叶绿体发育和穗发育相关的基因。方法 在常规种植条件下比较突变体vpa1（virescent and panicle abortion 1)表型及主要农艺性状差异,利用分离群体分析和图位克隆法进行相关基因定位。结果 突变体vpa1表现苗期白化,并逐渐转绿恢复成正常叶色,抽穗后可明显观查到穗顶端退化表型。vpa1的主要农艺性状除了结实率以外,株高、穗长、每穗实粒数等均较野生型显著下降。遗传分析表明白化转绿和穗顶端退化表型受独立的两个隐性基因控制。控制白化转绿叶性状的Osv16定位于第3染色体RM3441和RM3029之间约125kb物理区间内,区间内未见白化转绿性状相关基因的报道。控制穗顶端退化性状的Ospaa10定位于第1染色体RM11157和RM5972之间,区间内物理距离约190kb,区间内未见穗顶端退化相关基因的报道。结论 Osv16和Ospaa10两个基因的突变导致vpa1的叶色和穗型同时出现变异,为白化转绿基因Osv16和穗顶端退化基因Ospaa10的克隆和功能研究打下了基础。