Protective effect of acteoside on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

This study investigated the protective effects of acteoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity as well as the possible mechanisms involved in this protection in mice. Pretreatment with acteoside prior to the administration of carbon tetrachloride significantly prevented the increased serum enzymatic activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, pretreatment with acteoside significantly prevented the increase in hepatic malondialdehyde formation and the depletion of the reduced glutathione content in the liver of carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated mice. Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity was also essentially prevented, as indicated by a liver histopathologic study. The effects of acteoside on cytochrome P450 (P450) 2E1, the major isozyme involved in carbon tetrachloride bioactivation were also investigated. Treatment of the mice with acteoside resulted in a significant decrease in the P450 2E1-dependent pnitrophenol and aniline hydroxylation in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these observations, the P450 2El protein levels were also lower. Acteoside exhibited anti-oxidant effects on FeCl2-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in a mouse liver homogenate, and on superoxide radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that the protective effects of acteoside against the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity possibly involve mechanisms related to its ability to block the P450-mediated carbon tetrachloride bioactivation and free radical scavenging effects.     

An L-arabino-D-galactan and an L-arabino-D-galactan-containing proteoglycan from radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds

An l-arabino-d-galactan and an l-arabino-d-galactan-containing proteoglycan were isolated from hot phosphate-buffered saline extracts of radish seeds by ethanol fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration, and found homogeneous by ultracentrifuge analysis and high-voltage electrophoresis. The proteoglycan consisted of 86% of a polysacchraide component containing β-l-arabinose and d-galactose as major sugar constituents, together with small proportions of d-xylose, d-glucose, and uronic acids, and 9% of a hydroxyproline-containing protein. Methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and enzymic degradations indicated a backbone chain of (1å3)-linked β-dgalactosyl residues with side chains at O-6 of (1å6)-linked β-d-galactosyl residues and uronosyl groups. The α-l-arabinofuranosyl residues were located mainly in the outer regions as nonreducing groups, as well as O-2- or -5-linked inner chain residues, and O-2,5- or -3,5-linked branching residues. Reductive, alkaline degradation of the proteoglycan indicated that the polysaccharide chains were partly linked through O-glycosyl linkages to the threonine residues of the polypeptide chains. The proteoglycans from radish leaves and seeds appeared to share common antigenic determinant(s). The radish-seed arabinogalactan had a high content (81%) of l-arabinose and its basic structure seemed to be similar to that of the polysaccharide component of the proteoglycan.     

Interrelationship between chromocentres and chiasmata in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

A comparative study of the number and distribution of chromocentres in interphase nuclei and mean chiasma frequency at diakinesis has been made in three varietal populations of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), Scarlet Globe, Japanese White and Chinese White. The study showed a significant difference between the varietal populations in mean chiasma frequency and number of chromocentres (P<0.001), indicating that these nuclear characters are genotypically controlled. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between chromocentres and chiasma frequency (r= -0.87). It was concluded that an increase in the amount of constitutive heterochromatin, as inferred by chromocentre counts, adversely affects the chiasma frequency and, consequently, genetic recombination in radish.     

Effects of ethylene on tuberization in radish (Raphanus sativus)

The effects of ethylene on the elongation of radish hypocotyls and on dry matter partitioning between tubers and shoots were analysed in order to gain insight into the possible role of ethylene in the regulation of tuberization. Treatment of very young seedlings with ethylene results in heavier tubers (Vreugdenhil et al. 1984). Here we report that addition of ethylene or ethephon two days after germination inhibited the elongation of the hypocotyl; trapping of endogenously produced ethylene had a stimulative effect on elongation. Ethephon, sprayed at a later stage, changed the partitioning of assimilates between tubers and shoots, resulting in lower tuber weights. It is concluded that ethylene had a dual effect on tuberization in radish: at a very early stage of development it inhibited elongation of the hypocotyl, resulting in earlier tuber formation and heavier tubers. At a later stage, it had a negative effect on tuber weight by changing dry matter partitioning.     

Responses of radish (Raphanus sativus) to drought stress

With this study the effects of water deficit on radish growth, dry mass production and partitioning, source–sink relations, physiological responses and accumulation of secondary metabolites in storage roots and leaves have been investigated. Three water stress treatments were applied: (Control) 100% of water holding capacity (WHC), (WS50) 50% of WHC, (WS30) 30% of WHC. Water stress was effectively acquired starting from 287 growing degree days (GDD) as demonstrated by the lower values of relative water content (RWC), higher leaf temperature and NIR‐based water indices values in water stressed conditions. Water stress reduced storage root dry weight by 27% at WS50 and 53% at WS30 as well as leaf dry matter accumulation (by 23% and 31% in WS50 and WS30, respectively), expansion (by 28% and 45% in WS50 and WS30, respectively) and specific leaf area (by 7% and 20% in WS50 and WS30, respectively) at 403 GDD. The increasing of leaf‐to‐root mass (L/R) and leaf area‐to‐root mass (LA/R) ratios indicated less dry matter allocation into storage organs under water stress conditions. Besides, water shortage increased leaf greenness as estimated by the higher soil–plant analysis development (SPAD) values (+14% and +20% on average for WS50 and WS30, respectively); other reflectance indices only partially confirmed SPAD readings. Substantially, water limitation did not significantly influence total anthocyanin content, ABTS‐radical scavenging activity and total free phenolic compounds in storage roots, as well as the total free phenolic compounds in leaves. Radish showed a strong plasticity in its adaptation to drought thanks to avoidance mechanisms such as constrained leaf development, increased leaf thickness and adjusted source–sink relationships.     

QTL mapping of clubroot resistance in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

A QTL analysis for clubroot resistance (CR) of radish was performed using an F₂ population derived from a crossing of a CR Japanese radish and a clubroot-susceptible (CS) Chinese radish. F₃ plants obtained by selfing of F₂ plants were used for the CR tests. The potted seedlings were inoculated and the symptom was evaluated 6 weeks thereafter. The mean disease indexes of the F₃ plants were used for the phenotype of the F₂. The results of two CR tests were analyzed for the presence of QTL. A linkage map was constructed using AFLP and SSR markers; it spanned 554 cM and contained 18 linkage groups. A CR locus was observed in the top region of linkage group 1 in two tests. Therefore, the present results suggest that a large part of radish CR is controlled by a single gene or closely linked genes in this radish population, although minor effects of other genomic areas cannot be ruled out. The CR locus was named Crs1. Markers linked to Crs1 showed sequence homology to the genomic region of the top of chromosome 3 of Arabidopsis, as in the case of Crr3, a CR locus in Brassica rapa. These markers should be useful for breeding CR cultivars of radish. As Japanese radishes are known to be highly resistant or immune to clubroot, these markers may also be useful in the introgression of this CR gene to Brassica crops.     

Growth of radish (Raphanus sativus) seedlings in magnetic fields

Radish seedlings were grown in asymmetric magnetic fields. The number of seeds germinated and the dry weight of the plants were the two criteria by which possible effects were examined. Two experiments were done; in the first the plants were grown for an average of 7.7 days and in the second for 14.1 days. A statistical analysis of the results failed to reveal any significant difference between control plants grown in dummy magnets and those subjected to the magnetic influence.     

Management of Alternaria blight of radish seed crop (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. Tasaki Mula) was used in this investigation. On foliar spray, among the three fungicides (Iprodione, Mancozeb and Carbendazim), Iprodione (0.25%) followed by Mancozeb (0.3%) provided the maximum control of Alternaria blight and increased seed yield during the first cropping season (2004–2005). The results in second cropping season (2005–2006), 10 December (early) transplanting with three sprays of Iprodione resulted lowest leaf area diseased, whereas plants in 25 December (normal) transplanting had the lower pod area diseased. In third cropping season (2006–2007), 25 October transplantation with BAU-Biofungicide (2.0%) and Iprodione (0.25%) foliar application showed significant effect in reducing Alternaria blight and increased seed yield by 120.45% and 97.73%, respectively over non-sprayed control. Bio-Biofungicide ranked second in reducing the disease, but ranked first in increasing seed yield. The cost benefit analysis of management practices for radish seed crop during 2005–2006 revealed that stickling transplanting in 25 December (normal) with two sprays of Iprodione (0.25%) yielded the highest return (BCR 3.27), whereas negative result (BCR ? 0.89) has been estimated in case of non-sprayed control plots in late transplanting (10 January). However, cost benefit analysis of cropping season 2006–2007 revealed that BAU-Biofungicide (2.0%) six sprays yielded the highest return (BCR 4.41) followed by six sprays of Iprodione (BCR 3.90). Finally, it may be concluded that Integration of early transplanting (25 October) with foliar sprays ofBAU-Biofungicide (2.0%) was found best for eco-friendly management of Alternaria blight of radish seed crop with significantly higher seed yield.     

萝卜种质资源亲缘关系的RAPD分析

利用筛选出的12个随机引物,对来源于不同国家和地区的有代表性的56份萝卜种质资源遗传多样性进行了RAPD分析,共扩增出109条带,其中多态性带为72条,多态性带百分率为62.9%,种质平均期望杂合度为0.289.系统聚类分析将供试材料分为2大类、9组,主坐标分析将其分为3大类、7组,两种分类方法结果基本一致,后者能更为直观和清楚地反映群体之间的关系.     

Micropropagation of Raphanus sativus L. var. longipinnatus (Japanese radish) cv. Gungjung

Shoot cultures were established from seedling shoot tips of Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus Bailey cv. Gungjung, (Japanese radish) cultured on a Murashige-Skoog medium supplemented with ca. 4.5–135 M kinetin or N⁶-benzyladenine. The latter cytokinin supported overall better growth, and 22.2 M was adopted for maintenance of established cultures. The nitrate: ammonium levels in the medium proved optimal for growth and shoot proliferation and both these parameters were significantly increased by addition of adenine sulfate or sodium phosphate. Rooting of excised shoots was achieved on auxin containing medium. Indole-3-butyric acid (ca. 5 or 10 M) also enhanced shoot growth. Plants were easily established in soil, appeared morphologically normal, and flowered.     

竹叶对萝卜幼苗生长的影响

采用琼脂混粉法研究了22属83种竹叶对萝卜幼苗生长的影响,结果表明:在2g·L^-1的添加浓度下,供试竹叶对萝卜幼苗表现出不同程度的抑制作用,且对根生长的抑制作用大于对胚轴生长和鲜重的抑制作用。刚竹属、簕竹属、大明竹属、牡竹属中,对根长的抑制率在50%以上的竹种分别占70.83%、71.43%、62.50%、85.71%;其它竹属的30种竹叶,有73.33%的竹种对萝卜幼苗根长的抑制率超过50%。淡竹、桂竹、孝顺竹、宜兴苦竹、长叶苦竹、甜龙竹、铺地竹和铁竹等8种竹叶对萝卜幼苗的抑制作用显著,对萝卜根的抑制率均在80%以上。结果对于竹类植物化感作用研究具有参考作用,对拓展竹叶资源的化学利用途径具有一定的指导意义。     

Dynamics of maternal and paternal effects on embryo and seed development in wild radish (Raphanus sativus)

Background and Aims

Variability in embryo development can influence the rate of seed maturation and seed size, which may have an impact on offspring fitness. While it is expected that embryo development will be under maternal control, more controversial hypotheses suggest that the pollen donor and the embryo itself may influence development. These latter possibilities are, however, poorly studied. Characteristics of 10-d-old embryos and seeds of wild radish (Raphanus sativus) were examined to address: (a) the effects of maternal plant and pollen donor on development; (b) the effects of earlier reproductive events (pollen tube growth and fertilization) on embryos and seeds, and the influence of embryo size on mature seed mass; (c) the effect of water stress on embryos and seeds; (d) the effect of stress on correlations of embryo and seed characteristics with earlier and later reproductive events and stages; and (e) changes in maternal and paternal effects on embryo and seed characteristics during development.

Methods

Eight maternal plants (two each from four families) and four pollen donors were crossed and developing gynoecia were collected at 10 d post-pollination. Half of the maternal plants experienced water stress. Characteristics of embryos and seeds were summarized and also compared with earlier and later developmental stages.

Key Results

In addition to the expected effects of the maternal plants, all embryo characters differed among pollen donors. Paternal effects varied over time, suggesting that there are windows of opportunity for pollen donors to influence embryo development. Water-stress treatment altered embryo characteristics; embryos were smaller and less developed. In addition, correlations of embryo characteristics with earlier and later stages changed dramatically with water stress.

Conclusions

The expected maternal effects on embryo development were observed, but there was also evidence for an early paternal role. The relative effects of these controls may change over time. Thus, there may be times in development when selection on the maternal, paternal or embryo contributions to development are more and less likely.     

Protective effect of gossypitrin on carbon tetrachloride-induced in vivo hepatotoxicity

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known environmental biohazard, which induces lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidative damage in rat liver. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of Gossypitrin, a flavonoid extracted from Hibiscus elatus S.W, was investigated against the CCl4-induced in vivo hepatotoxicity. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed as an index of LPO and the levels of catalase (CAT) activity as a biomarker of oxidative damage. Leakage of aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), liver weight/body weight ratio as well as morphological parameters were used as signs of hepatotoxicity. CCl4 (1 ml/kg), intraperitoneally injected into rats, caused increased MDA production and CAT activity, and also a significant ALT and LDH leakage as compared to levels of these constituents in the control group. Changes in morphology, including steatosis, cells forming balloon cells and necrosis were evaluated in the hepatotoxin-induced damage. Treatment of rats with Gossypitrin (3.98, 5.97 and 8.95 mg/kg) 2 h before and 2 h after CCl4 injection, protected hepatocytes against cell injury induced by CCl4 and its efficacy as an antioxidant was similar to vitamin E (used as a reference antioxidant). These results are consistent with the conclusion that the toxicity of CCl4 is due to LPO and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that Gossypitrin's protective effects relate to its direct radical scavenging ability and other antioxidative processes induced by its structure.     

Meta-topolin enhances regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant - Meta-topolin (mT) is a novel aromatic cytokinin that stimulates morphogenesis and is an alternative source of cytokinins frequently employed...     

Protective effect of bixin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Background

The liver is an important organ for its ability to transform xenobiotics, making the liver tissue a prime target for toxic substances. The carotenoid bixin present in annatto is an antioxidant that can protect cells and tissues against the deleterious effects of free radicals. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of bixin on liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats.

Results

The animals were divided into four groups with six rats in each group. CCl₄ (0.125 mL kg^-1 body wt.) was injected intraperitoneally, and bixin (5.0 mg kg^-1 body wt.) was given by gavage 7 days before the CCl₄ injection. Bixin prevented the liver damage caused by CCl₄, as noted by the significant decrease in serum aminotransferases release. Bixin protected the liver against the oxidizing effects of CCl₄ by preventing a decrease in glutathione reductase activity and the levels of reduced glutathione and NADPH. The peroxidation of membrane lipids and histopathological damage of the liver was significantly prevented by bixin treatment.

Conclusion

Therefore, we can conclude that the protective effect of bixin against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ is related to the antioxidant activity of the compound.