Phytochemicals,Essential Oils Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Astragalus spp., Phlomis olivieri and Daphne mucronata in Habitats of Central Iran

This study evaluated several secondary metabolites, essential oils (EOs) compositions, and antioxidant activity in four medicinal plants that originated in Isfahan rangelands. The species were Astragalus verus, Astragalus adscendens, Daphne mucronata, and Phlomis olivieri. Thirty-two genotypes of these species were evaluated for different biochemical traits. Based on the evaluation of EOs compounds, GC/MS analysis revealed the total number of identified compounds. These compounds were 25, 22, 12, and 22 for A. adscendens, A. verus, D. mucronata, and P. olivieri, respectively. The dominant compounds were phthalate (59.88 %) in A. adscendens, phytol (38.02 %) in A. verus, hexanoic acid (32.05 %) in D. mucronata and β-cubebene (30.94 %) in P. olivieri. Phytochemical analysis showed that D. mucronata, A. adscendens, and P. olivieri had the highest total phenolics content (TPC) (18.24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), total flavonoids content (5.57 mg QE/g DW), and total anthocyanins content (0.23 mg/g DW), respectively. The highest total chlorophyll (0.27 mg/g DW), total carotenoids (0.03 mg/g DW), and antioxidant activity (71.36 %) were observed in A. adscendens, A. adscendens and A. verus, respectively. Among all genotypes, the highest TPC (20.1 mg GAE/g DW) was observed in genotype 5 of D. mucronata. This study provided new information on the chemical compounds within the distribution range of these ecologically dominant rangeland species in Isfahan province, Iran. The data revealed that superior genotypes from these species are rich in natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Thus, they can be used in ethno pharmacological fields, food, and industrial applications.     

Targeted co-delivery of paclitaxel and anti P-gp shRNA by low molecular weight PEI decorated with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine

Co-delivery of small chemotherapeutic molecules and nucleic acid materials via targeted carriers has attracted great attention for treatment of resistant tumors and reducing adverse effects. In this study, a targeted carrier for co-delivery was prepared based on low-molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW PEI). Paclitaxel (PTX) was covalently conjugated onto PEI via a succinate linker. The PEI conjugate was decorated with L-DOPA in order to target large neutral amino acid transporter-1 (LAT-1) that is over-expressed on various cancer cells. This PEI conjugate was complexed with human ABCB1 shRNA plasmid to down-regulate the expression of P-glycoprotein, as one of the major efflux pumps inducing resistance against chemotherapeutics. The formation of PEI conjugate enhanced the solubility of PTX and resulted in the condensation and protection of plasmid DNA in nanosized polyplexes. The results of targeted delivery into the cells demonstrated that PEI conjugate transferred the payloads to the cells over-expressing LAT-1 transporter, while the biological effects on the cells lacking the transporter was negligible. Also, shRNA-mediated down-regulation of P-gp led to the increase of toxic effects on the cells over-expressing P-gp. This study suggests a promising approach for co-delivery of small molecules and nucleic acid materials in a targeted manner for cancer therapy.     

Effect of oxygen on formation and structure of Azotobacter vinelandii alginate and its role in protecting nitrogenase

The activity of nitrogenase in the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii grown diazotrophically under aerobic conditions is generally considered to be protected against O(2) by a high respiration rate. In this work, we have shown that a high rate of respiration is not the prevailing mechanism for nitrogenase protection in A. vinelandii grown in phosphate-limited nitrogen-free chemostat culture. Instead, the formation of alginate appeared to play a decisive role in protecting the nitrogenase that is required for cell growth in this culture. Depending on the O(2) tension and cell growth rate, the formation rate and composition of alginate released into the culture broth varied significantly. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopic analysis of cell morphology and the cell surface revealed the existence of an alginate capsule on the surface of A. vinelandii. The composition, thickness, and compactness of this alginate capsule also varied significantly. In general, increasing O(2) tension led to the formation of alginate with a higher molecular weight and a greater L-guluronic acid content. The alginate capsule was accordingly thicker and more compact. In addition, the formation of the alginate capsule was found to be strongly affected by the shear rate in a bioreactor. Based on these experimental results, it is suggested that the production of alginate, especially the formation of an alginate capsule on the cell surface, forms an effective barrier for O(2) transfer into the cell. It is obviously the quality, not the quantity, of alginate that is decisive for the protection of nitrogenase.     

Micro-injection of Lygus salivary gland proteins to simulate feeding damage in alfalfa and cotton flowers

Alfalfa and cotton flowers were pierced with small glass capillaries of an overall size and shape similar to that of Lygus stylets, and injected with small quantities (6 to 100 nL) of solutions that contained Lygus salivary enzymes. Crude and partially purified protein solutions from Lygus heads and isolated salivary glands showed substantial polygalacturonase (PG) activity, as has been previously reported. Following injection with both crude and partially purified protein solutions, as well as with pure fungal and bacterial PGs, flowers of both alfalfa and cotton exhibited damage similar to that caused by Lygus feeding. Injection with the same volume of a buffer control as well as a buffer control containing BSA at a comparable protein concentration (approximately 6 microg/mL) showed no symptoms. These results are consistent with a previously suggested hypothesis that the extensive tissue damage caused by Lygus feeding is primarily due to the action of the PG enzyme on the host tissue, rather than to mechanical damage caused by the insect stylet. Substantial genotypic variation for a PG inhibiting protein (PGIP) exists in alfalfa and cotton. We, therefore, suggest that breeding and selection for increased native PGIP levels, or transformation with genes encoding PGIP from other plant species, may be of value in obtaining alfalfa and cotton varieties that are more resistant to Lygus feeding damage.     

Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of a Verticillium lecanii isolate in the control of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Thrips tabaci is a polyphagous pest that attacks many different crop and ornamental plant species. Recently, the need to reduce the use of insecticides in the control of thrips is more and more increasing. On that account, the possibility to make use of the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii (DAOM198499) was evaluated in laboratory conditions. Suspension of 10(3) to 10(7) conidia/ml grown in liquid culture medium with a control (distilled water) treated on second larval stage of T. tabaci in controlled condition (16L: 8D photoperiod, 25 +/- 1 degrees C temperature, 98% RH in first 48h and 70% RH in next days). Preliminary results showed that mortality in lethal suspension (10(7) conidia/ml) of V. lecanii after 24 hours and 2-7 days in lower suspension appears. This suggests that strine DAOM 198499 of V. lecanii has the ability to control T. tabaci in greenhouse conditions.     

Effect of TiO2 NPs on the growth,anatomic features and biochemistry parameters of Baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia)

Rapid commercialization, industrialization and the use of nanotechnology has led to an increase in the distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment. The most common metal oxide NPs which is present within products is Titanium dioxide (TiO₂). TiO₂ NPs have photocatalytic nature and can affect plant growth. The current study investigated the morphological, anatomical and biochemical features of Baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia) after exposure to different concentrations of TiO₂ nanoparticles (0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg L⁻¹). Treatment with TiO₂ NPs showed changes in the morphological features and increased photosynthetic pigmentation within the plant. An increase in the level of phenolics (12%) and flavonoid compounds (13%) was observed when plants were treated with moderate levels of TiO₂ NPs. A reduction in the diameter of the vascular bundles and increased thickening of the transverse wall were observed in several samples. The number of scattered vascular bundles in the stems increased. The morphological, biochemical, and anatomical responses of Baby sun rose indicates that plants can adapt to environments contaminated with up to 20 mg L⁻¹ TiO₂ NPs_. The cultivation of Baby sun rose plants in environments polluted with TiO₂ NPs is recommended. This study enhances the knowledge of the effect of TiO₂ NPs on the growth of Baby sun rose which is an ornamental plant, widely cultivated in different regions of Iran. The results of this study suggest that contaminated environments up to 20 mg L⁻¹ TiO₂ NPs can be managed by phytoremediation. Further studies are needed to investigate this plant''s tolerance strategies against stress caused by TiO₂ NPs and bulk TiO₂ as well as the effect of other nanoparticles on plant.     

Identification and quantification of the major endogenous cytokinins in pistachio seedlings

The major endogenous cytokinins, Z, ZR, DHZ, DHZR, iP and iPR in pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L. cv. Ohadi) were purified by HPLC and their identities confirmed using GC-MS. The aerial parts of two-year old pistachio seedlings including mature leaves, young leaves, lateral buds, debarked stems and bark were subjected to analysis. All of the above mentioned cytokinins were identified in the aerial parts except DHZ which was only present in mature leaves. Z-type cytokinins contributed almost 43% of the total cytokinins. ZR and DHZR were identified as the major ribosides and iP as the main base. The greatest concentration of ZR was detected in the bark, amounting to about 48%. DHZR and ZR constituted the major portion of the total cytokinins detected in both young and mature leaves while Z was detected as a minor cytokinin in leaves. The sharp increase of iP concentration during leaf maturation indicates that mature leaves are probably capable of de novo biosynthesis of cytokinins. The absence of DHZ (except in mature leaves) and the presence of considerable concentrations of DHZR in pistachio stems suggest that these tissues are able to metabolize DHZ to DHZR. The large amount of ZR in pistachio leaves suggests that root-derived ZR is transported into the leaves after loading into the xylem. The presence of high amounts of iP in pistachio lateral buds indicates that iP has been accumulated in these parts. The occurrence of a totally different cytokinin distribution pattern in buds, as compared with the other aerial parts, possibly results from their different metabolism.     

Evaluating the role of autologous mesenchymal stem cell seeded on decellularized pericardium in the treatment of myocardial infarction: an animal study

Inappropriate left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) can result in subsequent severe dysfunction. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decellularized pericardium (DP) or seeded pericardial patch with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) could be safely used in a MI scar and could improve heart function. Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. Four weeks after MI induction by ligation of the left anterior descending artery in 12 rabbits, animals of G1 (n = 4) received DP patch with labeled ADMSCs. DP patch was implanted in animals of G2 (n = 4). Rabbits of G3 (n = 4) remained without any intervention after MI induction (control group). Serial examinations including echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), scanning electron microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the implanted scaffolds on recovery of the infracted myocardium. The results demonstrated that left ventricular contractile function and myocardial pathological changes were significantly improved in rabbits implanted with either DP or ADMSC-seeded pericardium. However, the seeded pericardium was more effective in scar repairing 2 months after the operation, IHC staining with Desmin and CD34 and positive immunofluorescence staining verified the differentiation of ADMSCs to functional cardiomyocytes. This approach may involve the application of autologous ADMSCs seeded on pericardial patch in an attempt to regenerate a contractible myocardium in an animal model of MI.     

Upward Altitudinal Shifts in Habitat Suitability of Mountain Vipers since the Last Glacial Maximum

We determined the effects of past and future climate changes on the distribution of the Montivipera raddei species complex (MRC) that contains rare and endangered viper species limited to Iran, Turkey and Armenia. We also investigated the current distribution of MRC to locate unidentified isolated populations as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the current network of protected areas for their conservation. Present distribution of MRC was modeled based on ecological variables and model performance was evaluated by field visits. Some individuals at the newly identified populations showed uncommon morphological characteristics. The distribution map of MRC derived through modeling was then compared with the distribution of protected areas in the region. We estimated the effectiveness of the current protected area network to be 10%, which would be sufficient for conserving this group of species, provided adequate management policies and practices are employed. We further modeled the distribution of MRC in the past (21,000 years ago) and under two scenarios in the future (to 2070). These models indicated that climatic changes probably have been responsible for an upward shift in suitable habitats of MRC since the Last Glacial Maximum, leading to isolation of allopatric populations. Distribution will probably become much more restricted in the future as a result of the current rate of global warming. We conclude that climate change most likely played a major role in determining the distribution pattern of MRC, restricting allopatric populations to mountaintops due to habitat alterations. This long-term isolation has facilitated unique local adaptations among MRC populations, which requires further investigation. The suitable habitat patches identified through modeling constitute optimized solutions for inclusion in the network of protected areas in the region.