Mineral status in selenium-deficient rats compared to selenium-sufficient rats fed vitamin-free casein-based or torula yeast-based diet

To clarify the mineral status in selenium (Se)-deficient rats fed a vitamin-free casein (VFC)-based or torula yeast (TY)-based diet, 24 weanling male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups fed diets using VFC or TY as the protein source and containing Se at sufficient (0.5 μg/g,⁺Se) or deficient (0.019 μg/g for VFC-based and <0.005 μg/g for TY-based diets,⁻Se) level for 8 wk. TY supplied a larger amount of extra minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) except Se than VFC. Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower in TY-fed rats than in VFC-fed rats, as well as in⁻Se rats compared to⁺Se rats. Compared to⁺Se rats, Fe concentration was higher in liver and muscle of⁻Se rats fed the VFC-based diet and in plasma, heart, liver, and tibia of⁻Se rats fed the TY-based diet. Compared to⁺Se rats, decreases of Mn concentration appeared in plasma, heart, and tibia of VFC-fed⁻Se rats and in brain, heart, liver and tibia of TY-fed⁻Se rats. There was also a little imbalance in Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Cu caused by Se deficiency. The results indicated that Se deficiency induced the mineral imbalance in rats, especially an increase in Fe and decrease in Mn, which was more severe in TY-fed rats than VFC-fed rats. However, TY cannot be used as a model for both Se and other mineral deficiency because of the extra minerals except Se found in TY. Instead, VFC can be employed, which contains fewer minerals except Se than TY and also can produce a severe degree of Se deficiency.     

小麦品种面粉色泽相关PPO基因的多态性分析

小麦育种中有效地选配亲本,并对面粉色泽品质进行改良,本文以261个小麦品种（系）组成原始群体,利用其多态性分子标记信息构建了包括100个品种（系）的拟核心种质,并对拟核心种质群体进行了群体遗传结构分析,对属于3个亚群的100个品种（系）的PPO基因的等位变异进行了检测,分析发现100个小麦品种（系）中Ppo-A1a 、Ppo-A1b、Ppo-D1a 和Ppo-D1b 的基因频率分别为43%、57%、72%、28% ,为小麦PPO活性的分子标记辅助选择（MAS）提供了基础资料。     

Nutritional and technological behavior of stabilized iron-gluconate in wheat flour

Food fortification has been shown to be an effective strategy to overcome iron malnutrition. When a new iron compound is developed for this purpose, it must be evaluated from a nutritional and technological point of view before adding it into foods. In this way, we have evaluated ferrous gluconate stabilized by glycine as a new iron source to be used in wheat flour fortification. We performed biological studies in rats as well as sensory perceptions by human subjects in wheat flour fortified with this iron source. The productions of pentane as a rancidity indicator as well as the change of the sensorial properties of the biscuits made with stabilized ferrous gluconate-fortified wheat flour were negligible. Iron absorption in water from this iron source was similar to the reference standard ferrous sulfate. Nevertheless, because of the phytic acid content, iron absorption from fortified wheat flour decrease 40% for both iron sources. The addition of zinc from different sources did not modify iron absorption from ferrous sulfate and stabilized ferrous gluconate in water and wheat flour. The iron absorption mechanism as well as the biodistribution studies demonstrate that the biological behavior of this iron source does not differ significantly from the reference standard. These results demonstrate that the iron source under study has adequate properties to be used in wheat flour fortification. Nevertheless, more research is needed before considering this iron source for its massive use in food fortification.     

Development of a STS marker linked to a major locus controlling flour colour in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Flour colour is an important quality trait in the production of bread, noodles and other related end products. Current screening for flour colour in breeding programs requires several grams of flour to be milled. In order to screen large numbers of plants, a rapid PCR-based assay is required. We report here the conversion of a codominant AFLP marker linked to a major locus controlling flour colour in hexaploid wheat, to a sequence tagged site (STS) marker for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS). The two-allelic AFLP bands were cloned and sequenced to allow specific primers to be designed. The primers amplified bands of the expected size in the parental varieties and co-segregated with the original AFLP marker in the mapping population. The primers also amplified alleles of the expected size from the DNA of parental lines of two other related mapping populations. Cultivars that contributed to the pedigree of the original parent `Schomburgk' used to generate the mapping population were also screened to determine the origin of the `yellow' allele.     

Reduced bone mineral density is not associated with significantly reduced bone quality in men and women practicing long-term calorie restriction with adequate nutrition

Calorie restriction (CR) reduces bone quantity but not bone quality in rodents. Nothing is known regarding the long-term effects of CR with adequate intake of vitamin and minerals on bone quantity and quality in middle-aged lean individuals. In this study, we evaluated body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and serum markers of bone turnover and inflammation in 32 volunteers who had been eating a CR diet (approximately 35% less calories than controls) for an average of 6.8 ± 5.2 years (mean age 52.7 ± 10.3 years) and 32 age- and sex-matched sedentary controls eating Western diets (WD). In a subgroup of 10 CR and 10 WD volunteers, we also measured trabecular bone (TB) microarchitecture of the distal radius using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. We found that the CR volunteers had significantly lower body mass index than the WD volunteers (18.9 ± 1.2 vs. 26.5 ± 2.2 kg m(-2) ; P = 0.0001). BMD of the lumbar spine (0.870 ± 0.11 vs. 1.138 ± 0.12 g cm(-2) , P = 0.0001) and hip (0.806 ± 0.12 vs. 1.047 ± 0.12 g cm(-2) , P = 0.0001) was also lower in the CR than in the WD group. Serum C-terminal telopeptide and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentration were similar between groups, while serum C-reactive protein (0.19 ± 0.26 vs. 1.46 ± 1.56 mg L(-1) , P = 0.0001) was lower in the CR group. Trabecular bone microarchitecture parameters such as the erosion index (0.916 ± 0.087 vs. 0.877 ± 0.088; P = 0.739) and surface-to-curve ratio (10.3 ± 1.4 vs. 12.1 ± 2.1, P = 0.440) were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that markedly reduced BMD is not associated with significantly reduced bone quality in middle-aged men and women practicing long-term calorie restriction with adequate nutrition.     

运动对去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢和相关激素的影响

目的:测定大鼠骨元素含量和血清相关激素及IL-6含量,研究运动对去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢和相关激素的影响。方法:健康4月龄雌性SD大鼠24只,用抽签法随机分成4组:正常对照组;假去卵巢组;去卵巢组;去卵巢+运动组。运动组于去卵巢术后第7 d开始运动训练,每周5 d,每天连续匀速跑45 min,16 m/min,跑道倾角0°,持续10周。结果:去卵巢大鼠骨Ca,Mg,S,Co,Mn,Zn等含量降低,骨P含量升高,血清E2,P,TSH,T4,CT,Cortisol,GH等显著降低,IL-6,FSH,LH等的含量显著升高。运动训练可使去卵巢大鼠骨Ca,Mg,S,Co,Mn等含量回升,血清E2,P,TSH,T4,CT,Cortisol,GH等显著回升,IL-6,FSH,LH等显著回降。结论:运动可纠正去卵巢所致的大鼠骨元素代谢和相关激素的改变。     

Chitin is a necessary component to maintain the barrier function of the peritrophic matrix in the insect midgut

In most insects, the peritrophic matrix (PM) partitions the midgut into different digestive compartments, and functions as a protective barrier against abrasive particles and microbial infections. In a previous study we demonstrated that certain PM proteins are essential in maintaining the PM's barrier function and establishing a gradient of PM permeability from the anterior to the posterior part of the midgut which facilitates digestion (Agrawal et al., 2014). In this study, we focused on the effects of a reduction in chitin content on PM permeability in larvae of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Oral administration of the chitin synthesis inhibitor diflubenzuron (DFB) only partially reduced chitin content of the larval PM even at high concentrations. We observed no nutritional effects, as larval growth was unaffected and neutral lipids were not depleted from the fat body. However, the metamorphic molt was disrupted and the insects died at the pharate pupal stage, presumably due to DFB's effect on cuticle formation. RNAi to knock-down expression of the gene encoding chitin synthase 2 in T. castaneum (TcCHS-2) caused a complete loss of chitin in the PM. Larval growth was significantly reduced, and the fat body was depleted of neutral lipids. In situ PM permeability assays monitoring the distribution of FITC dextrans after DFB exposure or RNAi for TcCHS-2 revealed that PM permeability was increased in both cases. RNAi for TcCHS-2, however, led to a higher permeation of the PM by FITC dextrans than DFB treatment even at high doses. Similar effects were observed when the chitin content was reduced by feeding DFB to adult yellow fever mosquitos, Aedes aegypti. We demonstrate that the presence of chitin is necessary for maintaining the PM's barrier function in insects. It seems that the insecticidal effects of DFB are mediated by the disruption of cuticle synthesis during the metamorphic molt rather than by interfering with larval nutrition. However, as DFB clearly affects PM permeability, it may be suitable to increase the efficiency of pesticides targeting the midgut.     

尼尔雌醇对去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢和相关激素含量的影响

目的：测定犬鼠骨矿物元素含量和血清相关激素及IL-6含量,研究尼尔雌醇（CCE3）对去卵巢（OVX）大鼠骨元素代谢和相关激素含量的影响。方法：健康4月龄雌性SD大鼠24只随机分成4组（n=6）：正常对照组;假手术组;去卵巢组;去卵巢＋CCE3组。去卵巢＋CCE3组大鼠于去卵巢手术后第2天开始给予CCE3灌胃,1ms／ks体重,每周1次,持续11周。结果：去卵巢组大鼠骨Ca、Mg、S、Co、Mn、Zn等元素含量显著降低,骨P（磷）含量升高,血清岛、P（孕酮）、TSH、T4、CT、Cortisol、GH等含量显著降低,IL-6、FSH、LH等含量显著升高。CCE3可使去卵巢大鼠骨Ca、Mg、Co、Mn、S、Zn等含量回升,骨P（磷）含量回降,血清E2、P（孕酮）、TSH、T4、CT、Cortisol、GH等显著回升,IL-6、FSH、LH等含量显著回降。结论：CCE3可纠正去卵巢所致的骨元素代谢紊乱,CCE3改变去卵巢大鼠体内相关激素和IL-6水平是CCE3去卵巢大鼠骨元素代谢紊乱的重要机制。     

Dietary boron supplementation enhances the effects of estrogen on bone mineral balance in ovariectomized rats

The present study investigated whether boron would enhance the action of 17β-estradiol (E₂) or parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone mineral balance in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Forty-three days after OVX, the rats were treated for 5 wk with vehicle, boron (5 ppm as boric acid), E₂ (30 μg/kg/d, sc), PTH (60 μg/kg/d, sc), or a combination of boron and E₂ or PTH. Bone mineral balance was assessed by measuring apparent absorption, excretion, and retention of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). Serum Ca, P, Mg, and osteocalcin were also measured in this experiment. Boron alone had no effects on food consumption, weight gain, bone mineral balance, and serum levels of Ca, P, Mg, and osteocalcin. E₂ alone increased serum P and Mg and decreased serum osteocalcin, but it had no effect on bone mineral balance. The combination of boron and E₂ markedly improved apparent absorption of Ca, P, and Mg. In addition, the combination treatment increased the apparent retention of Ca and Mg (but not P) and also increased serum Ca and Mg but not serum P. On the other hand, boron cotreatment did not prevent the E₂-induced reduction in serum osteocalcin in OVX rats. PTH alone significantly increased serum Ca, P, Mg, and osteocalcin concentrations, although it had no effect on bone mineral balance. Contrary to the boron-E₂ combination treatment, the combination of boron and PTH did not enhance bone mineral balance. However, inasmuch as boron-PTH cotreatment did not enhance the stimulatory action of PTH on serum Ca, P, and osteocalcin, boron completely abolished the stimulatory effect of PTH on serum Mg. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that although boron by itself has no effect on bone mineral homeostasis, it appears to have synergistic enhancing effects on the action of E₂ on Ca and Mg homeostasis in OVX rats.     

The influence of dietary sodium on bone development in growing rats

The present study investigated the effects of dietary sodium on bone growth in young rats. Five-week-old rats were fed one of three different diets for 60 days: low sodium (NaCl, 0.32 g/kg diet), normal sodium (NaCl, 2.6 g/kg) and high sodium (NaCl, 20 g/kg). The proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM), the fifth lumbar vertebra (LV₅) and the middle part of the tibia shaft (TX) were analysed by bone histomorphometry. The expression of three osteogenesis genes, Runx2, osteopontin and osteocalcin, was determined by RT-PCR in bone samples from the skull. In both the PTM and LV₅, trabecular area and thickness were increased by the low-sodium diet, while the high-sodium diet decreased trabecular area in LV₅. Dynamic data revealed that sodium restriction increased bone formation parameters in the PTM and LV₅, but decreased bone resorption in LV₅. In TX, endosteal bone formation was enhanced by the low-sodium diet and depressed by the high-sodium diet compared to the normal sodium group. But there were no statistically changes in the cortical bone area of TX. Low-sodium intake significantly enhanced the expression of all three osteogenesis genes compared to the normal sodium group, while high-sodium intake suppressed osteogenic gene expression. Our results suggest that sodium restriction in growing rats promotes bone development by influencing both bone formation and resorption.     

大豆异黄酮对去卵巢大鼠骨密度及骨代谢影响的实验研究

目的 探讨大豆异黄酮对去卵巢大鼠骨丢失的防治作用及其作用机理。方法 选用卵巢切除大鼠所诱发的骨质疏松模型,给与大豆异黄酮治疗。三个月后测定大鼠骨密度及骨代谢相关生化指标。结果 大豆异黄酮可提高卵巢切除大鼠的骨密度及血清雌激素水平,降低尿钙（Ca),尿磷（P）及尿羟脯氨酸（HOP）的排泄,同时降低血清总碱性磷酸酶（ALP）,骨碱性磷酸酶（BALP）,及抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶（TRACP）的活性,还可使血清骨钙素（BGP）的浓度降低,促使卵巢切除大鼠子宫的相对重量增加,其作用与剂量相关。结论 小剂量大豆异黄酮有类似雌激素样作用,可有效防治卵巢切除大鼠的骨量丢失,其作用机制可能是通过降低骨转换率实现的。     

High intakes of tin lower iron status in rats

The effects of relatively low (1, 10, and 50 mg/kg) and high (100 and 200 mg/kg) dietary concentrations of tin (added as stannous chloride) on iron status of rats were determined. After feeding the diets for 28 d, feed intake and body weights were not significantly affected. Iron concentrations in plasma, spleen, and tibia as well as percentage transferrin saturation were decreased in rats fed the diets supplemented with 100 or 200 mg tin/kg. In rats fed the diet containing 200 mg tin/kg, group mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count were slightly lowered but total iron binding capacity was not affected. Iron status was not influenced by dietary tin concentrations lower than 100 mg/kg. If these results can be extrapolated to humans, then it may be concluded that tin concentrations in the human diet, which range from 2 to 76 mg/kg dry diet, do not influence iron status in humans.     

不同水稻栽培模式下小麦秸秆腐解特征及对土壤生物学特性和养分状况的影响

采用尼龙网袋法于2007-2008年连续2a在水稻常规栽培和节水灌溉栽培模式下,研究小麦秸秆腐解特征、养分释放规律及对土壤微生物数量、酶活性和养分状况的影响.结果表明:秸秆还田后,在0-30d腐解较快,后期腐解速率逐渐变慢.90d时累计腐解率达到了48.9％-61.3％.秸秆中养分释放速率表现为K＞P＞N≈C.节水栽培模式下小麦秸秆还田腐解率和养分释放率均显著高于常规栽培.秸秆还田后,土壤微生物数量以及土壤脲酶、碱性磷酸酶和蔗糖酶活性均呈现“前期迅速增加,中期急剧减少,后期缓慢减少”的变化特征,而纤维素酶活性呈现“前期剧升、中期缓增、后期骤降”的变化趋势.小麦秸秆在节水栽培模式下还田土壤微生物数量和酶活性均显著高于常规栽培.适当增加秸秆用量可以提高微生物数量和酶活性,用量过高对细菌和放线菌数量有负效应.秸秆还田可显著提高土壤有机碳和养分含量.土壤有机碳、全氮、碱解氮和速效磷含量在整个试验期间均呈增加趋势.速效钾含量在秸秆还田30 d时达到最高,而后则逐渐降低.节水栽培模式下秸秆还田后土壤有机碳和养分含量的提高效应显著高于常规栽培.提高秸秆用量对土壤养分含量有显著的正效应.     

Ascorbic acid supplementation and copper status in rats

The effect of a high concentration (1%, w/w) of ascorbic acid in a Cu-adequate (150 μmol/kg) purified diet was studied in rats. After 6 wk, ascorbic acid had significantly reduced Cu concentrations in muscle and bone. The estimated whole body content of Cu in rats fed ascorbic acid was reduced by 20%. Within 1 d after oral administration of⁶⁴Cu, the recovery of the dose in feces was increased in rats fed ascorbic acid, suggesting that the vitamin depresses intestinal absorption of Cu. After intraperitoneal (ip) administration of⁶⁴Cu, the rate of loss of the dose from the body was decreased in rats fed ascorbic acid. This study suggests that the ascorbic acid induces a decreased efficiency of intestinal Cu absorption, which in turn triggers mechanisms to preserve Cu in the body stores. This is supported by the observation that the feeding of a Cu-deficient diet (5 μmol/kg) had similar effects, although more pronounced.     

Long-term serotonin administration leads to higher bone mineral density, affects bone architecture, and leads to higher femoral bone stiffness in rats

New evidence suggests a control of bone mass by the central nervous system. We have previously shown that functional serotonin receptors are present in bone cells and that serotonin stimulates proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells in vitro. In the present study we investigated the effects of serotonin on bone tissue in vivo. Ten, 2-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with serotonin subcutaneously (s.c.) (5 mg/kg) once daily for 3 months, controls received saline. Using microdialysis and HPLC, free circulating serotonin levels were measured. DXA scans were made after 3 months of serotonin administration. Bone architecture and mechanical properties were investigated by micro-computed tomography (microCT), histomorphometry, and mechanical testing. A long-lasting hyperserotoninemia with a >10-fold increase in serotonin appeared. Total body BMD was significantly higher (0.1976+/-0.0015 vs. 0.1913+/-0.0012 g/cm2) in rats receiving serotonin. Cortical thickness (Ct.Th) measured by microCT analysis was also higher, whereas trabecular bone volume (BV) was lower. Interestingly, the perimeter and cross-sectional moment of inertia (MOI), a proxy for geometrical bone strength, were the same in both groups. These data suggest that serotonin reduces resorption or/and increases apposition of endosteal bone. Mechanical testing showed that femoral stiffness was higher in serotonin-dosed animals. The energy absorption also seemed slightly, but not significantly higher. In conclusion, hyperserotoninemia led to a higher BMD, altered bone architecture and higher femural bone stiffness in growing rats, demonstrating that serotonin may have important effects on bone in vivo.     

低氟铝长期与高氟铝短期暴露后大鼠骨生长的比较研究

目的观察不同剂量氟铝联合摄入时间长短对大鼠纵向骨生长及骨代谢的影响。方法48只8周龄体重170~190g清洁级SD大鼠,随机分成正常对照,低氟铝和高氟铝组,且分别设45d和90d组。进行胫骨近端生长板和干骺端松质骨的骨形态计量学分析。结果与正常组比较,高氟铝组生长板增厚,45d组软骨细胞层次清楚,排列整齐,形态无异常,而90d组软骨细胞拥挤,潴留;低氟铝(45d和90d)组干骺端次级小梁骨矿化周长、骨形成率、成骨细胞周长都增加,且骨吸收周长在90d组增加;上述骨代谢指标在高氟铝45d组均增加,90d组均降低。结论高氟铝短期暴露刺激软骨生长,长期抑制纵向骨生长。低氟铝短期暴露只增加次级小梁骨形成,低氟铝长期与高氟铝短期暴露均可刺激小梁骨形成,增加骨吸收,高氟铝长期抑制骨形成和吸收。     

Radiological evaluation of bone status in the jaw and in the vertebral column in a group of women

Vertebral bone mineral content was determined in a group of 56 women, ages 30–62. These measurements were compared with the status of supporting bone in the jaws (alveolar, molar and bicuspid) and with gingival health. There was a significant decline in vertebral bone mineral content from the pre- to post-menopausal group. Molar and bicuspid measurements were highly correlated. There was some association between lumbar bone mineral content and molar bone status for postmenopausal women. For postmenopausal women, the cases of greatest percent bone loss in alveolar crest were associated with lower lumbar bone mineral content. Gingival health did not confound the bone status measurements. The 56 subjects did not exhibit the degree of reduction in bone density that is observed in the general population. Further investigation using these radiographic techniques may reveal a link between substantial bone loss in the jaw and moderate to severe bone loss in the lumbar vertebrae.     

Lead levels in bone and hair of rats treated with lead acetate

The use of hair and bone as media in evaluation of lead exposure was investigated in this study. For 12–16 wk rats were given tap water containing lead acetate in the following concentrations: 41.7 mg Pb/L, 83.3 mg Pb/L, and 166.6 mg Pb/L. The animals were sacrificed every 4 wk and their tibia bones and hair were collected for determination of lead content. In control animals, the lead level amounted to 1.2 μg/g (range 0.8–1.3 μg/g) and 0.7 μg/g (range 0.4–2.0 μg/g) in bone and hair, respectively. In the treated rats the accumulation of lead in bone and hair occurred in a dose-dependent manner. A positive corelation (r=0.876) was established between the lead levels in bone and hair of the rats. The regression equation was as follows: μg Pb/g bone=0.842×μg Pb/g hair+1.868. After discontinuation of exposure, a significant decrease in the lead content in bone and hair was noticed. About 9 wk after cessation of treatment, the lead content in hair declined to the pre-exposure level, but 64% of the maximal lead concentration did remain in bone. The results of this study indicate that during a continuous exposure the lead level in hair reflects its content in bone. Such phenomena did not occur during the postexposure period.     

The effect of restriction of dietary calcium on trabecular and cortical bone mineral density in the rats

This study aimed to investigate effects of restricted calcium intake on cortical and trabecular bone density in white rats. Low Ca diet was fed for six weeks, and bone density and bone metabolism parameters were assessed in blood. This study was carried out on 12 male white rats aged 12 weeks (Sprague-Dawley; SD). These rats were bred for 1 week and randomly assigned to the standard calcium diet group (SCa group, n = 6) and the low calcium diet group (LCa group; n = 6). The SCa group was given a modified AIN-93M mineral mix (with 0.5% Ca), which was made by adding calcium to a standard AIN93 diet, and the LCa Group was fed a modified AIN-93 Mineral mix (with 0.1% Ca). Femoral BMD and BMC were measured by DEXA in each rat. After trabecular bone was separated from cortical bone, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was measured using pQCT. Serum Ca and P levels were measured as parameters of bone metabolism, and S-ALP, S-TrACP and-Dpd levels were also measured. The results revealed no significant differences in weight, growth rate, feed consumption and feed efficiency between the two groups before and after calcium-restricted diet (p > .05). No significant differences were also observed in bone length and bone mass between the two groups (p > .05). Although bilateral femoral BMDs were not significantly different between the two groups, bilateral femoral BMCs significantly decreased in the LCa group, compared with the SCa group (p = .023, p = .047). Bilateral cortical MDs were not significantly different between the two groups, either. However, trabecular BMD significantly decreased in the LCa group, compared with the SCa group (p = .041). U-Dpd and S-TrACP levels significantly declined in the LCa group, compared to the SCa group (p = .039, p = .010). There were no significant differences in serum Ca and P levels between the two groups (p > .05). However, a significant decrease in urinary Ca level (p = .001) and a significant increase in urinary P (p = .001) were observed in the LCa group, compared to the Sca group. These findings described that six-week low calcium diet led to decreased trabecular bone density, reduced urinary excretion of Ca and increased urinary excretion of P. As a result, Ca hemeostasis can be maintained.