Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat Increased after Treatment of Graves Disease

Objective: Patients with Graves disease (GD) tend to gain weight after treatment, but it remains unknown if weight gain is associated with an increase in the visceral and/or subcutaneous fat areas (VFA, SFA).Methods: We enrolled 25 newly diagnosed GD patients (22 females, median age 33.0 years) and studied their clinical parameters, and VFA and SFA measured by a dual bioelectric impedance analysis. We divided them into 2 groups based on the rates of change in the VFA and SFA, and we compared clinical parameters at the baseline between the groups to evaluate factors that influence increases in the VFA and/or SFA with treatment.Results: The patients' body weight (BW), VFA, and SFA were significantly increased after a 6-month treatment (BW: from 54.3 ± 10.3 kg to 58.0 ± 11.2 kg; P<.001; VFA: from 47.1 ± 21.3 cm² to 54.7 ± 23.4 cm²; P = .004; SFA: from 159.8 ± 85.9 cm² to 182.2 ± 82.9 cm²; P = .008). The percent changes of BW correlated with the SFA (ρ = .591, P = .002), but not with the VFA. The patients with larger VFA increases had significantly less VFA at the baseline compared to those with smaller increases, expressed as median and interquartile range (33.9 cm² [22.7 to 47.5 cm²] versus 54.5 cm² [45.2 to 64.0], respectively; P = .011). A larger increase in the SFA was negatively associated with serum alkaline phosphatase. An increase in the SFA was associated with free triiodothyronine (T3) in a multivariate logistic analysis (odds ratio: 0.80 [0.59 to 0.97]; P = .013).Conclusion: The patients' BW, VFA, and SFA were increased after GD treatment. The increase in SFA seemed to contribute to weight gain and was associated with a low baseline level of free T3.Abbreviations: ALP = alkaline phosphatase; BMI = body mass index; BW = body weight; GD = Graves disease; SFA = subcutaneous fat area; T3 = triiodothyronine; T4 = thyroxine; TG = triglycerides; VFA = visceral fat areas     

Growth of Visceral Fat,Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat,and Total Body Fat in Children

Objective: To examine the patterns of growth of visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, and total body fat over a 3‐ to 5‐year period in white and African American children. Research Methods and Procedures: Children (mean age: 8.1 ± 1.6 years at baseline) were recruited from Birmingham, Alabama, and those with three or more repeated annual measurements were included in the analysis (N = 138 children and 601 observations). Abdominal adipose tissue (visceral and subcutaneous) was measured using computed tomography. Total body fat and lean tissue mass were measured by DXA. Random growth curve modeling was performed to estimate growth rates of the different body fat compartments. Results: Visceral fat and total body fat both exhibited significant growth effects before and after adjusting for subcutaneous abdominal fat and lean tissue mass, respectively, and for gender, race, and baseline age (5.2 ± 2.2 cm²/yr and 1.9 ± 0.8 kg/yr, respectively). After adjusting for total body fat, the growth of subcutaneous abdominal fat was not significant. Whites showed a higher visceral fat growth than did African Americans (difference: 1.9 ± 0.8 cm²/yr), but there was no ethnic difference for growth of subcutaneous abdominal fat or total body fat. There were no gender differences found for any of the growth rates. Discussion: Growth of visceral fat remained significant after adjusting for growth of subcutaneous abdominal fat, implying that the acquisition of the two abdominal fat compartments may involve different physiologic mechanisms. In contrast, growth of subcutaneous abdominal fat was explained by growth in total body fat, suggesting that subcutaneous fat may not be preferentially deposited in the abdominal area during this phase of growth. Finally, significantly higher growth of visceral fat in white compared with African American children is consistent with cross‐sectional findings.     

Ablation of PRDM16 and Beige Adipose Causes Metabolic Dysfunction and a Subcutaneous to Visceral Fat Switch

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中华水韭对不同营养条件的生理生态响应

采用水培法,研究了不同营养条件对中华水韭叶片生理生化特性和光合荧光特性的影响。结果显示:随着营养液中氮、磷浓度的升高,中华水韭叶片的生理生化特性除叶绿素含量呈下降的变化趋势外,可溶性糖、丙二醛、脯氨酸含量、过氧化氢酶活性(CAT)均呈上升趋势,而过氧化物酶活性(POD)则呈先上升后下降的趋势;同时叶片光合荧光特性中除非光化学猝灭系数(qN)呈上升的趋势外,PSⅡ的最大量子产量(Fv/Fm)、有效量子产量(Yield)、光化学猝灭系数(qP)、最大潜在相对电子传递速率(Pm)以及快速光响应曲线初始斜率(α)和半饱和光强(Ik)均呈下降的趋势。研究表明,随着水体氮、磷浓度的升高,中华水韭在中度营养条件下(N 0.4mg·L~(-1)、P0.04mg·L~(-1))耐受性较好,但在高营养条件下(N 1.2mg·L~(-1)、P 0.12mg·L~(-1))耐受性较差,其渗透调节能力和抗氧化能力上升,但光合作用能力下降,抑制了中华水韭的正常光合生理活动,进而影响其生长,推测水体富营养化可能是造成中华水韭濒危的重要原因之一。     

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals: Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms

Heavy metals (HM) are a unique class of toxicants since they cannot be broken down to non-toxic forms. Concentration of these heavy metals has increased drastically, posing problems to health and environment, since the onset of the industrial revolution. Once the heavy metals contaminate the ecosystem, they remain a potential threat for many years. Some technologies have long been in use to remove, destroy and sequester these hazardous elements. Even though effective techniques for cleaning the contaminated soils and waters are usually expensive, labour intensive, and often disturbing. Phytoremediation, a fast-emerging new technology for removal of toxic heavy metals, is cost-effective, non-intrusive and aesthetically pleasing. It exploits the ability of selected plants to remediate pollutants from contaminated sites. Plants have inter-linked physiological and molecular mechanisms of tolerance to heavy metals. High tolerance to HM toxicity is based on a reduced metal uptake or increased internal sequestration, which is manifested by interaction between a genotype and its environment. The growing interest in molecular genetics has increased our understanding of mechanisms of HM tolerance in plants and many transgenic plants have displayed increased HM tolerance. Improvement of plants by genetic engineering, i.e., by modifying characteristics like metal uptake, transport and accumulation and plant’s tolerance to metals, opens up new possibilities of phytoremediation. This paper presents an overview of the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in the phytoremediation process, and discusses strategies for engineering plants genetically for this purpose.     

丛枝菌根真菌对白术生理特性和植株成分的影响

以白术为试验材料,非灭菌土为生长基质,采用盆栽试验和室内分析相结合的方法,研究了不同施氮水平下接种丛枝菌根真菌摩西球囊霉(Glomus mosseae)对白术生理特性和植株成分的影响.结果表明:G.mosseae能够与白术形成良好的共生关系,施氮量为0.30~0.45 g·kg-1时,接种G.mosseae能够显著提高根系菌根侵染率,且0.45 g·kg-1水平时侵染率最大,当施氮量继续增加时,菌根侵染率反而降低;接种G.mosseae对白术地下部干重的作用尤其明显,施氮水平对其株高、根长、地下部干重和地上部干重的促进效果均以0.30 g·kg-1时最大;在适量施氮条件下,接种G.mosseae能够显著促进植株可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖的积累,有效提高植株根部挥发油及根茎叶全氮、全磷等营养成分的含量.研究发现,当施氮量为0.30~0.45 g·kg-1时,接种G.mosseae对促进白术的生长、改善植株成分具有重要作用,且施氮水平与接种G.mosseae间存在正互作效应.     

Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms of Flooding Avoidance and Tolerance in Rice

Submergence is one of the major constraints in rice production. The main factor limiting rice survival during submergence is oxygen deprivation. To cope with flooding conditions, rice has developed two survival strategies: either rapid elongation of the submerged tissues to keep up with the rising water level or no elongation to save carbohydrate resources for maintenance of energy production under submerged and concomitant hypoxic conditions. The survival strategies used by rice have been studied quite extensively and the role of several phytohormones in the elongation response has been established. The mechanisms of submergence tolerance include metabolic changes, for instance, the shift to an ethanolic fermentation pathway, reduced elongation growth to save carbohydrates and energy for maintenance processes, and protective antioxidant systems. Current molecular technology can provide tools for the understanding of mechanisms developed by rice to survive submergence. In addition, cloning of genes related to submergence tolerance might open new ways to genetic improvement of this crop.     

Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Spring Wheat Cultivated under Different Water Regimes

In C₃ plants, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for grain yield. Reported correlations between Δ and grain yield however, differ highly according to the analyzed organ or tissue, the stage of sampling, and the environment and water regime. In a first experiment carried out in spring wheat during two consecutive seasons in the dry conditions of northwest Mexico (Ciudad Obregon, Sonora), different water treatments were applied, corresponding to the main water regimes available to spring wheat worldwide, and the relationships between Δ values of different organs and grain yield were examined. Under terminal (post‐anthesis) water stress, grain yield was positively associated with Δ in grain at maturity and in leaf at anthesis, confirming results previously obtained under Mediterranean environments. Under early (pre‐anthesis) water stress and residual moisture stress, the association between grain Δ and yield was weaker and highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing. No correlation was found between Δ and grain yield under optimal irrigation. The relationship between Δ and grain yield was also studied during two consecutive seasons in 20 bread wheat cultivars in the Ningxia region (Northern China), characterized by winter drought (pre‐anthesis water stress). Wheat was grown under rainfed conditions in two locations (Guyuan and Pengyang) and under irrigated conditions in another two (Yinchuan and Huinong). In Huinong, the crop was also exposed to salt stress. Highly significant positive associations were found between leaf and grain Δ and grain yields across the environments. The relationship between Δ and yield within environments highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing, the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the growth cycle, the presence of salt in the soil, and the occurrence of irrigation before anthesis. These two experiments confirmed the value of Δ as an indirect selection criterion for yield and a phenotyping tool under post‐anthesis water stress (including limited irrigation).     

Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Spring Wheat Cultivated under Different Water Regimes

In C3 plants, carbon isotope discrimination (△) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for grain yield. Reported correlations between △ and grain yield however, differ highly according to the analyzed organ or tissue, the stage of sampling, and the environment and water regime. In a first experiment carried out in spring wheat during two consecutive seasons in the dry conditions of northwest Mexico (Ciudad Obregon, Sonora), different water treatments were applied,corresponding to the main water regimes available to spring wheat worldwide, and the relationships between △ values of different organs and grain yield were examined. Under terminal (post-anthesis) water stress, grain yield was positively associated with △ in grain at maturity and in leaf at anthesis, confirming results previously obtained under Mediterranean environments. Under early (pre-anthesis) water stress and residual moisture stress, the association between grain △ and yield was weaker and highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing. No correlation was found between △ and grain yield under optimal irrigation. The relationship between △ and grain yield was also studied during two consecutive seasons in 20 bread wheat cultivars in the Ningxia region (Northern China), characterized by winter drought(pre-anthesis water stress). Wheat was grown under rainfed conditions in two locations (Guyuan and Pengyang) and under irrigated conditions in another two (Yinchuan and Huinong). In Huinong, the crop was also exposed to salt stress.Highly significant positive associations were found between leaf and grain △ and grain yields across the environments.The relationship between △ and yield within environments highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing, the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the growth cycle, the presence of salt in the soil, and the occurrence of irrigation before anthesis. These two experiments confirmed the value of △ as an indirect selection criterion for yield and a phenotyping tool under post-anthesis water stress (including limited irrigation).     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Improves Growth,Physiological, and Biochemical Properties of Wheat under Different Irrigation Regimes in a Semiarid Area

Russian Journal of Plant Physiology - Recently the use of biofertilizers is a principal alternative of chemical inputs to alleviate the adverse effects of water deficit. The present study was...     

植物种子寿命的生理及分子机制研究进展

种子寿命是衡量种子质量高低的关键指标之一,直接关系到种子萌发、萌发后幼苗的生长发育以及作物产量高低。种子寿命的调控是一个复杂的生物学过程,影响种子寿命的因素包括环境因素、种子自身的结构、营养成分组成及含量以及调控种子寿命相关的关键基因。研究储藏过程中种子生理生化指标的变化,以及相应关键基因的生物学功能,掌握调控种子寿命的生理及分子机制,对于减少种子内部能量消耗,进一步延长种子寿命具有重要意义。该文综述了近年来国内外有关调控种子寿命的生理及分子机制,重点阐述了调控种子寿命的相关关键基因的研究进展,并讨论了各种外部因素对种子寿命的调控机理。     

水稻镉积累特性的生理和分子机制研究概述

我国的稻米镉超标对国民身体健康造成严重威胁, 而选育低镉积累的水稻(Oryza sativa)品种是降低稻米镉含量行之有效的策略, 因此有必要了解水稻对镉的积累特性及其生理过程和相关功能基因。该文概述了镉在水稻根部的吸收、木质部中的装载与运输、茎节中的分配、叶片中再分配以及籽粒镉积累等过程的生理和分子机制研究进展, 以期为低镉水稻的选育和安全生产提供理论参考。     

番茄果实早期发育的分子生理机制研究进展

番茄(Solanum lycopersicum)是目前世界上种植面积最广且最受欢迎的蔬菜作物之一, 也是肉果及茄科的重要模式植物。番茄果实发育主要分为早期果实发育和果实成熟2个时期, 但果实形态结构和大小主要决定于早期果实发育时期。该文围绕番茄早期果实发育时期植物激素、细胞周期、表观遗传和源库代谢等多方面调控的分子机制进行了综述, 旨在认识植物生长与发育的基本生物学问题及促进基础理论研究成果在生产中应用。     

环核苷酸门控离子通道的结构、功能及活性调节

环核苷酸门控离子通道（cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels,CNG）是非选择性的阳离子通道,直接被环核苷酸活化.6个不同基因编码CNG离子通道蛋白,4个A亚单元(A1～A4)和2个B亚单元(B1,B3).CNG离子通道是由2个或3个不同的亚单元组成的异四聚体复合物,是Ca2+进入细胞内的主要通道之一.CNG离子通道的活性可被Ca2+ /CaM及磷酸化/去磷酸化作用所调节,从而改变细胞内钙离子浓度,触发一系列生理效应.近年来CNG离子通道的研究进展神速,成为生命科学的一个热点领域.本文对CNG离子通道的结构、功能及活性调节机制进行了综述.     

2种鼠尾草对NaCl胁迫的耐受性比较及其生理机制研究

以具有较高药用和观赏价值的美丽鼠尾草和贵州鼠尾草为实验材料,分析2种鼠尾草在NaCl(0、200、300、400、500、600mmol·L-1)胁迫下的生长、叶绿素含量、保护酶活性和有机渗透调节物质含量的变化,以明确2种鼠尾草对NaCl胁迫的耐受性差异及其生理机制。结果显示:(1)在实验NaCl浓度范围内,美丽鼠尾草的受害程度均高于贵州鼠尾草;(2)随着NaCl浓度的提高,贵州鼠尾草叶片叶绿素含量无显著变化,而美丽鼠尾草叶绿素含量逐渐显著降低;(3)当NaCl浓度从0增加到500mmol·L-1时,2种鼠尾草叶片的POD、CAT活性以及可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质和脯氨酸含量逐渐升高,且美丽鼠尾草叶片的SOD活性也逐渐升高;(4)当NaCl浓度达到600mmol·L-1时,美丽鼠尾草叶片可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质和脯氨酸含量继续增加,SOD、POD和CAT活性开始降低但仍显著高于对照,而贵州鼠尾草叶片的POD和CAT活性继续增加,可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质和脯氨酸含量开始降低但仍显著高于对照。研究表明,贵州鼠尾草在NaCl胁迫下具有较高的渗透调节物质含量,而且随着NaCl浓度的增加能够维持较高的保护酶活性,因此对NaCl胁迫的耐受性强于美丽鼠尾草。     

不同有机肥影响菠萝生长的生理生化机制

以菠萝品种'澳大利亚卡因'为材料,研究了施用不同有机肥对菠萝长叶期和抽蕾期植株生长量、生理生化指标以及土壤酶活性、微生物等的影响,以探讨不同有机肥对菠萝生长的影响机理.结果显示:(1)在花生麸处理中菠萝株高、青叶数、地上部和根鲜重较对照(施用化肥)提高,而在鸡粪和水肥处理中株高、青叶数、地上部鲜重较对照降低.(2)花生麸处理的菠萝叶片细胞膜透性较对照降低,而叶绿素含量、根系活力以及叶片和根系的可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白含量、SOD活性均较对照提高;鸡粪和水肥处理的叶片细胞膜透性和根系SOD酶活性较对照提高,而叶绿素含量、根系活力、长叶期叶片和根系的可溶性糖含量、长叶期和抽蕾期叶片的可溶性蛋白含量、叶片SOD酶活性均比对照降低.(3)花生麸能提高土壤脲酶、转化酶和过氧化氢酶的活性及土壤微生物数量;鸡粪和水肥能降低土壤脲酶、蛋白酶活性,却能增强土壤转化酶、过氧化氢酶活性,鸡粪使土壤微生物数量增加,水肥使长叶期土壤微生物数量增加,但使抽蕾期的减少.研究表明,施用花生麸能提高菠萝叶绿素含量、根系活力以及叶片和根系的可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白含量,并增强根和叶的SOD活性,同时增加了土壤相关酶活性和微生物数量,从而有效促进菠萝植株生长.