BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread ...BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.展开更多
The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phy...The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.展开更多
BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation c...BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation can increase muscle strength and stability,helping to restore physical function and prevent repeated injury.AIM To determine whether BFR is more effective than traditional rehabilitation in improving muscle strength,size,and stability after foot and ankle injury.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL databases.Included studies compared the effectiveness of BFR rehabilitation to traditional foot and ankle rehabilitation exercises.Eligible patients were those with a history of foot or ankle injury.Muscle strength,size,and dynamic balance were assessed by comparing impro vements in peak torque,cross-sectional area,and percent muscle activation.Methodological quality assessments were performed using the PEDro scale and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies(MINORS).RESULTS Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.Five studies were of good to excellent quality according to the PEDro scale,and 5 studies were of moderate quality as per the MINORS criteria.Two studies compared the effect of BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation on muscle strength;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Two studies analyzed muscle activation following BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Data on dynamic balance was synthesized from two studies;the mean difference between the BFR and control groups was 1.23[95%CI:(-1.55,4.01);P=0.39].CONCLUSION BFR rehabilitation is more effective than non-BFR rehabilitation at improving muscle strength and activation following foot and ankle injury.Additional studies are needed to develop a standardized BFR training protocol.展开更多
Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A...Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.展开更多
The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-...The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-1 were found to be identical to those of their female parents, which reveals that cpDNA of sweet potato is maternally inherited in this intervarietal crossing. This maternal cpDNA transmission pattern does not accord with the putative one based on former cytological studies. The plastid inheritance in Convolvulaceae has been briefly reviewed in this study, and the utility of DNA restriction fingerprinting analysis in the study of plastid inheritance is also discussed.展开更多
In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the ...In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the regions of rDNA spacers were compared between giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ), lesser panda( Ailurus fulgens ), Asiatic black bear( Selenarctos thibetanus ), sun bear( Helarctos malayanus ), raccoon( Procyon lotor ) and lynx( Felis lynx ). Phylogenetic trees for these species were constructed using maximum likelihood and parsimony method. The results show that in respect to rDNA RFLPs, the giant panda is more closely related to bear than to lesser panda; while the lesser panda is slightly related to the raccoon.展开更多
The literature is full of claims regarding the consumption of polyphenol or polyamine-rich foods that offer some protection from developing cardiovascular disease(CVD). This is achieved by preventing cardiac hypertrop...The literature is full of claims regarding the consumption of polyphenol or polyamine-rich foods that offer some protection from developing cardiovascular disease(CVD). This is achieved by preventing cardiac hypertrophy and protecting blood vessels through improving the function of endothelium. However, do these interventions work in the aged human hearts? Cardiac aging is accompanied by an increase in left ventricular hypertrophy, along with diastolic and systolic dysfunction. It also confers significant cardiovascular risks for both sexes. The incidence and prevalence of CVD increase sharply at an earlier age in men than women. Furthermore, the patterns of heart failure differ between sexes, as do the lifetime risk factors. Do caloric restriction(CR)-mimetics, rich in polyphenol or polyamine, delay or reverse cardiac aging equally in both men and women? This review will discuss three areas:(1) mechanisms underlying age-related cardiac remodeling;(2) gender-related differences and potential mechanisms underlying diminished cardiac response in older men and women;(3) we select a few polyphenol or polyamine rich compounds as the CRmimetics, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and spermidine, due to their capability to extend health-span and induce autophagy. We outline their abilities and issues on retarding aging in animal hearts and preventing CVD in humans. We discuss the confounding factors that should be considered for developing therapeutic strategies against cardiac aging in humans.展开更多
To solve the extended fuzzy description logic with qualifying number restriction （EFALCQ） reasoning problems, EFALCQ is discretely simulated by description logic with qualifying number restriction （ALCQ）, and ALCQ...To solve the extended fuzzy description logic with qualifying number restriction （EFALCQ） reasoning problems, EFALCQ is discretely simulated by description logic with qualifying number restriction （ALCQ）, and ALCQ reasoning results are reused to prove the complexity of EFALCQ reasoning problems. The ALCQ simulation method for the consistency of EFALCQ is proposed. This method reduces EFALCQ satisfiability into EFALCQ consistency, and uses EFALCQ satisfiability to discretely simulate EFALCQ satdomain. It is proved that the reasoning complexity for EFALCQ satisfiability, consistency and sat-domain is PSPACE-complete.展开更多
[ Objective] To profile the differentially expressed genes in small intestine between piglets with intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）, describe the relationships between growth performance and gene expression in...[ Objective] To profile the differentially expressed genes in small intestine between piglets with intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）, describe the relationships between growth performance and gene expression in IUGR piglets, and thus provide a theoretical basis for further research. [Metbed] Eight suckling piglets at the age of 21 d Efour with normal body weight （NBW） of （1 503 ± 310） g and four with low BW of （806 ±35） g] were killed, and the intestinal samples were collected. Gene expression was detected by Affymetrix Porcine GeneChip and further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. [ ReseltJ Microarray analysis showed that there were 156 differentially expressed genes in the small intestine between the IUGR piglets and the age-matched NBW piglets, including 61 down-regulated genes and 95 up-regulated genes, The up-regulated genes included protein tyrosine phosphatase, myosin, troponin, heat shock protein, metallothionein, arginine vasopressin-induced 1, ribosomal protein L6, apoptosls antagonizing transcription factor, muscle creatine kinase, mannosidase, lysozyme, folliculin, urate transporterchannel protein, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductese-like, and adenine phosphor-dbosyltransferase. The down-regulated genes included protein kinase, arachidohate 12-1ipoxygenase, transcription factor A, GTP-GDP dissociation stimulator 1, serine （or cysteine） proteinase inhibitor, fetuin, dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase, apolipoprotein H, argininosuccinate synthetase 1, iron-regulated transporter, alpha-2-macroglobulin, immunoglobulin superfamily, thioltransferase, and guanylate binding protein 2. The gene expression profile changed in the small intestine of piglets with intrauterine growth restriction, providing a theoretical basis for eady intervention in growth restriction.展开更多
Energy restriction is defined as reducing nutrient intake without dragging the organism into malnutrition. Energy restriction is preferred because it is a non-genetic intervention that increases life expectancy. Nicot...Energy restriction is defined as reducing nutrient intake without dragging the organism into malnutrition. Energy restriction is preferred because it is a non-genetic intervention that increases life expectancy. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)and adenosine monophosphate(AMP)levels, which are the indicators of intracellular energy deficiency, increase with energy restriction. The increase in NAD~+ level stimulates sirtuin(SIRT)enzymes, and the increase in AMP level stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK). Various mechanisms are regulated by stimulating these enzymes. By Forkhead box O(FoxO)transcription factors, the ability of resistance to oxidative stress increases, and antioxidant genes, DNA repair, and autophagy genes are stimulated. Apoptosis is induced by stimulation of the p53 protein, and tumor growth is suppressed by the disruption of aging cells. The suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-/-Akt, and therefore mTOR signal stimulates autophagy and mitophagia, and cleanses damaged cells and organelles. Mitochondrial biogenesis is stimulated, antioxidant capacity increases, and inflammatory response decreases. Adipose tissue and lipid metabolism are regulated by the regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. As a consequence, the effects of caloric restriction on cellular metabolism are regulated through the genetic pathways.展开更多
The benefits of dietary restriction （DR） on health and aging prevention have been well recognized. Recent studies suggest that DR may enhance brain functions including learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and n...The benefits of dietary restriction （DR） on health and aging prevention have been well recognized. Recent studies suggest that DR may enhance brain functions including learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, all of which are associated with brain health. Under the stress stimulated by DR, a favorable environment is established for facilitating neuronal plasticity, enhancing cognitive function, stimulating neurogenesis and regulating inflammatory response. DR-induced expressions of factors such as heat shock proteins （HSPs）, neurotrophic factors, and Sirtuin1 （SIRT1） are responsible for the effect of DR on the brain. Due to the difficulty in practising long-term DR in human, the potential mimics of DR are also discussed.展开更多
In order to understand the educational quality in rural schools,I went deep into Huangjia Middle School(situatedin Northern China)to make the research.In this article,I focus on the restrictions on educational quality...In order to understand the educational quality in rural schools,I went deep into Huangjia Middle School(situatedin Northern China)to make the research.In this article,I focus on the restrictions on educational qualitys,which is one of themain themes about rural education.The factors influencing quality in rural schools are analyzed in this article.It is concludedthat educational quality depends on the relationship of teaching and learning and its supporting context.展开更多
From pregnancy to parturition, Sprague-Dawley rats were daily administered a low protein diet to establish a model of intrauterine growth restriction. From the 12th day of pregnancy, 300 mg/kg taurine was daily added ...From pregnancy to parturition, Sprague-Dawley rats were daily administered a low protein diet to establish a model of intrauterine growth restriction. From the 12th day of pregnancy, 300 mg/kg taurine was daily added to food until spontaneous delivery occurred. Brain tissues from normal neonatal rats at 6 hours after delivery, neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction, and neo- natal rats with intrauterine growth restriction undergoing taurine supplement were obtained for fur- ther experiments. The terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase （TdT）-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay revealed that the number of apoptotic cells in the brain tissue of neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction significantly increased. Taurine supplement in pregnant rats reduced cell apoptosis in brain tissue from neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction. Immu- nohistochemical staining revealed that taurine supplement increased glial cell line-derived neuro- trophic factor expression and decreased caspase-3 expression in the cerebral cortex of intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rats. These results indicate that taurine supplement reduces cell apoptosis through the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in a protective effect on the intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rat brain.展开更多
AIM To discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) medication changes required during the popular 5:2 intermittent energy restriction(IER) diet. METHODS A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane ...AIM To discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) medication changes required during the popular 5:2 intermittent energy restriction(IER) diet. METHODS A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane library for original research articles investigating the use of very low calorie diets(VLCD) in people with T2 DM. The search terms used included "VLCD" or "very low energy diet" or "very low energy restriction" or "IER" or "intermittent fasting" or "calorie restriction" or "diabetes mellitus type 2" and "type 2 diabetes". Reference lists of selected articles were also screened for relevant publications. Only research articles written in English, which also included an explanation of medication changes were included. A recent pilot trial using the 5:2 IER method, conducted by our research group, will also be summarized.RESULTS A total of 8 studies were found that investigated the use of VLCD in T2 DM and discussed medication management. Overall these studies indicate that the use of a VLCD for people with T2 DM usually require the cessation of medication to prevent hypoglycemia. Therefore, the 5:2 IER method will also require medication changes, but as seen in our pilot trial, may not require total cessation of medication, rather a cessation on the 2 IER days only. CONCLUSION Guidelines outlined here can be used in the initial stages of a 2-d IER diet, but extensive blood glucose monitoring is still required to make the necessary individual reductions to medications in response to weight loss.展开更多
AIM: To develop a simplified and efficient method for the preparation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA microarray probes.METHODS: With the technique of restriction display PCR (RD-PCR), restriction enzyme Sau3A I was c...AIM: To develop a simplified and efficient method for the preparation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA microarray probes.METHODS: With the technique of restriction display PCR (RD-PCR), restriction enzyme Sau3A I was chosen to digest the full-length HCV cDNAs. The products were classified and re-amplified by RD-PCR. We separated the differential genes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. Single bands cut out from the polyacrylamide gel were isolated. The third-round PCR was performed using the single bands as PCR template.The RD-PCR fragments were purified and cloned into the pMD18-T vector. The recombinant plasmids were extracted from positive clones, and the target gene fragments were sequenced. The cDNA microarray was prepared by spotting RD-PCR products to the surface of amino-modified glass slides using a robot. We validated the detection of microarray by hybridization and sequence analysis.RESULTS: A total of 24 different cDNA fragments ranging from 200 to 800 bp were isolated and sequenced,which were the specific gene fragments of HCV. These fragments could be further used as probes in microarray preparation. The diagnostic capability of the microarray was evaluated after the washing and scanning steps. The results of hybridization and sequence analysis showed that the specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility,and linearity in detecting HCV RNA were satisfactory.CONCLUSION: The RD-PCR technique is of great value in obtaining a large number of size-comparable gene probes, which provides a speedy protocol in generating probes for the preparation of microarrays. Microarray prepared as such could be further optimized and applied in the clinical diagnosis of HCV.展开更多
Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth p...Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth performance, plasma hormone concentrations, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed in IUGR pigs and in normal birth weight(NBW) pigs when the NBW pigs reached 25, 50, and 100 kg of body weight(BW). Compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had lower initial, weaned, and final BW, and lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake in all the considered time points. In the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide(PP), but lower insulin concentration than NBW pigs, while the situation was reversed in the 50 kg BW group. As compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had higher microbial alpha diversity in the jejunum and ileum;in the 50 and 100 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs had higher Firmicutes abundance but lower Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum, and lower Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum;in the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs showed higher unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the ileum;and in 25 and 50 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs showed lower Ochrobactrum abundance in the jejunum.Spearman's correlation revealed that Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with growth performance, while unclassified Ruminococcaceae was positively correlated. Predictive metagenomic analysis detected significantly different expression of genes in the intestinal microbiota between IUGR and NBW pigs, suggesting different metabolic capabilities between the two groups.Conclusions: Growing-finishing IUGR pigs showed lower growth performance, higher microbial alpha diversity, and differences in plasma hormone concentrations compared to NBW pigs. Alterations in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ochrobactrum in the small intestine may be associated with IUGR, and may therefore serve as a future target for gut microbiota intervention in growing-finishing IUGR pigs.展开更多
Background: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction(FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight ...Background: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction(FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight of 14.5 ± 0.89 kg and age of 120 d were used in a completely randomized study with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three sexes(11 entire males, 12 castrated males and 12 females) and three levels of feeding(ad libitum – AL and 30% and 60% FR).Results: Entire males presented greater hot and cold carcass weights(P < 0.05), followed by castrated males and females. However, the hot carcass yield was higher for females and castrated males than for entire males. Luminosity values were influenced(P < 0.05) by sex, with entire males presenting higher values than castrated males and females.Females showed higher(P < 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the meat of the longissimus thoracis muscle. The meat of animals submitted to AL intake and 30% FR showed similar(P > 0.05) concentrations, and the concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher(P < 0.05) than those of animals with 60% FR. The meat of females had a higher ω6/ω3 ratio and lower h/H ratio, and females had greater levels of feeding. The meat of animals on the 60% FR diet had a greater ω6/ω3 ratio, lower h/H ratio and lower concentration of desirable fatty acids in addition to a greater atherogenicity index(AI) and thrombogenicity index(TI).Conclusion: Lambs of different sexes had carcasses with different quantitative traits without total influence on the chemical and physical meat characteristics. The lipid profile of the meat was less favorable to consumer health when the animals were female or submitted to 60% feed restriction.展开更多
Travel restrictions and physical distancing have been implemented across the world to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,but studies are needed to understand their effectiveness across regions and...Travel restrictions and physical distancing have been implemented across the world to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,but studies are needed to understand their effectiveness across regions and time.Based on the population mobility metrics derived from mobile phone geolocation data across 135 countries or territories during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020,we built a metapopulation epidemiological model to measure the effect of travel and contact restrictions on containing COVID-19 outbreaks across regions.We found that if these interventions had not been deployed,the cumulative number of cases could have shown a 97-fold(interquartile range 79–116)increase,as of May 31,2020.However,their effectiveness depended upon the timing,duration,and intensity of the interventions,with variations in case severity seen across populations,regions,and seasons.Additionally,before effective vaccines are widely available and herd immunity is achieved,our results emphasize that a certain degree of physical distancing at the relaxation of the intervention stage will likely be needed to avoid rapid resurgences and subsequent lockdowns.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol （E2）, Peganum harmala extract （PHE） and caloric restriction （CR） on various testis parameters during aging. Methods： Twelve-month-old male rats were treated fo...Aim： To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol （E2）, Peganum harmala extract （PHE） and caloric restriction （CR） on various testis parameters during aging. Methods： Twelve-month-old male rats were treated for 6 months with either E2 or PHE, or submitted to CR （40%）. Results： Our results show that estrogens and CR are able to protect the male gonad by preventing the decrease of testosterone and E2 levels as well as the decrease of aromatase and estrogen receptor gene expressions. Indeed, E2, PHE and CR treatments induced an increase in the superoxide dismutase activities and decreased the activity of testicular enzymes： gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate deshydrogenase as well as the aspartate and lactate transaminases in aged animals. In addition, the testicular catalase and gluthatione peroxidase activities were enhanced in E2, PHE and CR-treated rats compared to untreated animals at 18 months of age. Moreover, the positive effects of estradiol, PHE and CR were further supported by a lower level of lipid peroxidation. Recovery of spermatogenesis was recorded in treated rats. Conclusion： Besides a low caloric diet which is beneficial for spermatogenesis, a protective antioxydant role of estrogens is suggested. Estrogens delay testicular cell damage, which leads to functional senescence and, therefore, estrogens are helpful in protecting the reproductive functions from the adverse effects exerted by reactive oxygen species （ROS） produced in large quanti- ties in the aged testis.展开更多
基金Huxiang TCM Physique Intervention Clinical Research Center,No.2023SK4061Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Project of Hunan Province,No.B2023065+4 种基金Hunan Province"14th Five-Year Plan"key specialty of TCM,No.[2023]4Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hospital Joint Foundation,No.2023XYLH019 and 2024XYLH365R&D Plan for Key Areas of Hunan Provincial Department of Science and Technology,No.2019SK2321Excellent Youth Program of Hunan Education Department,No.24B0346Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists,No.2025JJ60626.
文摘BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF.To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms,it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.AIM To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.METHODS Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study.Questionnaires,including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients.Based on their anxiety and depression scores,patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups,as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups.General patient data were collected,and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.RESULTS Statistically significant differences in age,New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients(P<0.05).Age,NYHA grading,marital status,educational attainment,and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression.The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender,age,NYHA grading,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,monthly income,educational attainment,and family support(P<0.05).Gender,smoking,alcohol consumption,monthly income,and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients.The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%,and thirst sensation,anxiety,and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.CONCLUSION CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression,with multiple associated influencing factors.Moreover,anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.
基金supported in part by New Zealand Government core funding for Crown Research Institutes from the Ministry of Business,Innovation,and Employment's Science and Innovation Group.
文摘The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits,including development,growth,reproduction,and survival.In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot(Acari:Phytoseidae),the plasticity of life history traits,such as developmental time and size at maturity,is influenced by the quality and quantity of food.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages(i.e.,juvenile,early adulthood,and later adulthood)on the lifespan and fecundity of P persimilis.We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P persimilis.Furthermore,this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction:it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood.Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response.Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P persimilis,where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood.In addition,we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females,with higher prey availability increasing both.The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P persimilis,which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.
文摘BACKGROUND Poor musculoskeletal recovery following foot and ankle injury can result in chronic instability and persistent muscle weakness.Preliminary evidence has shown that blood flow restriction(BFR)rehabilitation can increase muscle strength and stability,helping to restore physical function and prevent repeated injury.AIM To determine whether BFR is more effective than traditional rehabilitation in improving muscle strength,size,and stability after foot and ankle injury.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL databases.Included studies compared the effectiveness of BFR rehabilitation to traditional foot and ankle rehabilitation exercises.Eligible patients were those with a history of foot or ankle injury.Muscle strength,size,and dynamic balance were assessed by comparing impro vements in peak torque,cross-sectional area,and percent muscle activation.Methodological quality assessments were performed using the PEDro scale and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies(MINORS).RESULTS Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.Five studies were of good to excellent quality according to the PEDro scale,and 5 studies were of moderate quality as per the MINORS criteria.Two studies compared the effect of BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation on muscle strength;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Two studies analyzed muscle activation following BFR and non-BFR rehabilitation;the overall mean difference between the BRF and non-BFR groups was 0.09[95%CI:(0.05,0.12),P<0.0001].Data on dynamic balance was synthesized from two studies;the mean difference between the BFR and control groups was 1.23[95%CI:(-1.55,4.01);P=0.39].CONCLUSION BFR rehabilitation is more effective than non-BFR rehabilitation at improving muscle strength and activation following foot and ankle injury.Additional studies are needed to develop a standardized BFR training protocol.
基金Public Health Agency of Canada:Healthy Seniors Pilot Project(project number:C0089).
文摘Objectives:To investigate the impact of a supervised bloodflow restriction(BFR)training program performed at different times of the morning on body composition and muscle performance in older,inactive adults.Methods:A single-arm intervention of supervised BFR resistance training was performed three times per week for six weeks.Participants(n=24;aged 65+years)were categorized into early morning(n=13;05:00–08:59)or late morning(n=11;09:00–12:00)groups.Primary outcomes were changes in body composition,total work,average peak power,average peak torque,muscle strength,and physical function.Results:Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant within-subject effect of time for all strength measures(p ranging from 0.017 to<0.001)and some physical function measures including the 30 s chair stand test,30 s bicep curl test,and grip strength(p ranging from 0.015 to<0.001).No between-group or time by group interaction effect was observed for all outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that only six weeks of BFR training,performed at different time of the morning,did not enhance muscle mass and performance,but provided similar changes in muscle strength and some physical function tests in older adults.
文摘The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lain.) was analyzed using DNA restriction fingerprinting. The cpDNA fingerprints of hybrids from reciprocal crosses between Xushu18 and AB78-1 were found to be identical to those of their female parents, which reveals that cpDNA of sweet potato is maternally inherited in this intervarietal crossing. This maternal cpDNA transmission pattern does not accord with the putative one based on former cytological studies. The plastid inheritance in Convolvulaceae has been briefly reviewed in this study, and the utility of DNA restriction fingerprinting analysis in the study of plastid inheritance is also discussed.
文摘In this study, non radioactive Digoxigenin labeled ribosomal DNA(rDNA) probes were used for Southern blotting analysis to study the molecular phylogeny of the giant panda and related species. Restriction maps in the regions of rDNA spacers were compared between giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ), lesser panda( Ailurus fulgens ), Asiatic black bear( Selenarctos thibetanus ), sun bear( Helarctos malayanus ), raccoon( Procyon lotor ) and lynx( Felis lynx ). Phylogenetic trees for these species were constructed using maximum likelihood and parsimony method. The results show that in respect to rDNA RFLPs, the giant panda is more closely related to bear than to lesser panda; while the lesser panda is slightly related to the raccoon.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81800245,81970228,82102306,81900779)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2020M670030ZX)+1 种基金the Shaoguan Science and Technology Program(2019sn078)the Start-up Fund for RAPs under the Strategic Hiring Scheme(P0035913)。
文摘The literature is full of claims regarding the consumption of polyphenol or polyamine-rich foods that offer some protection from developing cardiovascular disease(CVD). This is achieved by preventing cardiac hypertrophy and protecting blood vessels through improving the function of endothelium. However, do these interventions work in the aged human hearts? Cardiac aging is accompanied by an increase in left ventricular hypertrophy, along with diastolic and systolic dysfunction. It also confers significant cardiovascular risks for both sexes. The incidence and prevalence of CVD increase sharply at an earlier age in men than women. Furthermore, the patterns of heart failure differ between sexes, as do the lifetime risk factors. Do caloric restriction(CR)-mimetics, rich in polyphenol or polyamine, delay or reverse cardiac aging equally in both men and women? This review will discuss three areas:(1) mechanisms underlying age-related cardiac remodeling;(2) gender-related differences and potential mechanisms underlying diminished cardiac response in older men and women;(3) we select a few polyphenol or polyamine rich compounds as the CRmimetics, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and spermidine, due to their capability to extend health-span and induce autophagy. We outline their abilities and issues on retarding aging in animal hearts and preventing CVD in humans. We discuss the confounding factors that should be considered for developing therapeutic strategies against cardiac aging in humans.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No60403016)the Weaponry Equipment Foundation of PLA Equip-ment Ministry (No51406020105JB8103)
文摘To solve the extended fuzzy description logic with qualifying number restriction （EFALCQ） reasoning problems, EFALCQ is discretely simulated by description logic with qualifying number restriction （ALCQ）, and ALCQ reasoning results are reused to prove the complexity of EFALCQ reasoning problems. The ALCQ simulation method for the consistency of EFALCQ is proposed. This method reduces EFALCQ satisfiability into EFALCQ consistency, and uses EFALCQ satisfiability to discretely simulate EFALCQ satdomain. It is proved that the reasoning complexity for EFALCQ satisfiability, consistency and sat-domain is PSPACE-complete.
基金Supported by grants from Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences ( KSCX2-YW-N-051 and SW-323)NSFC ( 30901040,30901041,30928018,30828025,30700581,and 30771558)+2 种基金National Basic Research Program of China ( 2009CB118800)National 863 project(2008AA10Z316)National Scientific and Technological Supporting Project ( 2007BAQ01047,and 2006BAD12B07)~~
文摘[ Objective] To profile the differentially expressed genes in small intestine between piglets with intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）, describe the relationships between growth performance and gene expression in IUGR piglets, and thus provide a theoretical basis for further research. [Metbed] Eight suckling piglets at the age of 21 d Efour with normal body weight （NBW） of （1 503 ± 310） g and four with low BW of （806 ±35） g] were killed, and the intestinal samples were collected. Gene expression was detected by Affymetrix Porcine GeneChip and further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. [ ReseltJ Microarray analysis showed that there were 156 differentially expressed genes in the small intestine between the IUGR piglets and the age-matched NBW piglets, including 61 down-regulated genes and 95 up-regulated genes, The up-regulated genes included protein tyrosine phosphatase, myosin, troponin, heat shock protein, metallothionein, arginine vasopressin-induced 1, ribosomal protein L6, apoptosls antagonizing transcription factor, muscle creatine kinase, mannosidase, lysozyme, folliculin, urate transporterchannel protein, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductese-like, and adenine phosphor-dbosyltransferase. The down-regulated genes included protein kinase, arachidohate 12-1ipoxygenase, transcription factor A, GTP-GDP dissociation stimulator 1, serine （or cysteine） proteinase inhibitor, fetuin, dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase, apolipoprotein H, argininosuccinate synthetase 1, iron-regulated transporter, alpha-2-macroglobulin, immunoglobulin superfamily, thioltransferase, and guanylate binding protein 2. The gene expression profile changed in the small intestine of piglets with intrauterine growth restriction, providing a theoretical basis for eady intervention in growth restriction.
文摘Energy restriction is defined as reducing nutrient intake without dragging the organism into malnutrition. Energy restriction is preferred because it is a non-genetic intervention that increases life expectancy. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)and adenosine monophosphate(AMP)levels, which are the indicators of intracellular energy deficiency, increase with energy restriction. The increase in NAD~+ level stimulates sirtuin(SIRT)enzymes, and the increase in AMP level stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK). Various mechanisms are regulated by stimulating these enzymes. By Forkhead box O(FoxO)transcription factors, the ability of resistance to oxidative stress increases, and antioxidant genes, DNA repair, and autophagy genes are stimulated. Apoptosis is induced by stimulation of the p53 protein, and tumor growth is suppressed by the disruption of aging cells. The suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-/-Akt, and therefore mTOR signal stimulates autophagy and mitophagia, and cleanses damaged cells and organelles. Mitochondrial biogenesis is stimulated, antioxidant capacity increases, and inflammatory response decreases. Adipose tissue and lipid metabolism are regulated by the regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. As a consequence, the effects of caloric restriction on cellular metabolism are regulated through the genetic pathways.
基金supported by thefund of the Jessie Ho Professorship in Neuroscience (The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational De-velopment and Research Limited)the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China (No.30828012)the Areas of Excellence Scheme established under the University Grants Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China (Project No. AoE/ B-15/01-II)
文摘The benefits of dietary restriction （DR） on health and aging prevention have been well recognized. Recent studies suggest that DR may enhance brain functions including learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, all of which are associated with brain health. Under the stress stimulated by DR, a favorable environment is established for facilitating neuronal plasticity, enhancing cognitive function, stimulating neurogenesis and regulating inflammatory response. DR-induced expressions of factors such as heat shock proteins （HSPs）, neurotrophic factors, and Sirtuin1 （SIRT1） are responsible for the effect of DR on the brain. Due to the difficulty in practising long-term DR in human, the potential mimics of DR are also discussed.
文摘In order to understand the educational quality in rural schools,I went deep into Huangjia Middle School(situatedin Northern China)to make the research.In this article,I focus on the restrictions on educational qualitys,which is one of themain themes about rural education.The factors influencing quality in rural schools are analyzed in this article.It is concludedthat educational quality depends on the relationship of teaching and learning and its supporting context.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81170577
文摘From pregnancy to parturition, Sprague-Dawley rats were daily administered a low protein diet to establish a model of intrauterine growth restriction. From the 12th day of pregnancy, 300 mg/kg taurine was daily added to food until spontaneous delivery occurred. Brain tissues from normal neonatal rats at 6 hours after delivery, neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction, and neo- natal rats with intrauterine growth restriction undergoing taurine supplement were obtained for fur- ther experiments. The terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase （TdT）-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay revealed that the number of apoptotic cells in the brain tissue of neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction significantly increased. Taurine supplement in pregnant rats reduced cell apoptosis in brain tissue from neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction. Immu- nohistochemical staining revealed that taurine supplement increased glial cell line-derived neuro- trophic factor expression and decreased caspase-3 expression in the cerebral cortex of intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rats. These results indicate that taurine supplement reduces cell apoptosis through the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in a protective effect on the intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rat brain.
文摘AIM To discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) medication changes required during the popular 5:2 intermittent energy restriction(IER) diet. METHODS A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane library for original research articles investigating the use of very low calorie diets(VLCD) in people with T2 DM. The search terms used included "VLCD" or "very low energy diet" or "very low energy restriction" or "IER" or "intermittent fasting" or "calorie restriction" or "diabetes mellitus type 2" and "type 2 diabetes". Reference lists of selected articles were also screened for relevant publications. Only research articles written in English, which also included an explanation of medication changes were included. A recent pilot trial using the 5:2 IER method, conducted by our research group, will also be summarized.RESULTS A total of 8 studies were found that investigated the use of VLCD in T2 DM and discussed medication management. Overall these studies indicate that the use of a VLCD for people with T2 DM usually require the cessation of medication to prevent hypoglycemia. Therefore, the 5:2 IER method will also require medication changes, but as seen in our pilot trial, may not require total cessation of medication, rather a cessation on the 2 IER days only. CONCLUSION Guidelines outlined here can be used in the initial stages of a 2-d IER diet, but extensive blood glucose monitoring is still required to make the necessary individual reductions to medications in response to weight loss.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 39880032Major Programs for Science and Technology Development of Guangzhou, No. 01-Z-005-01
文摘AIM: To develop a simplified and efficient method for the preparation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA microarray probes.METHODS: With the technique of restriction display PCR (RD-PCR), restriction enzyme Sau3A I was chosen to digest the full-length HCV cDNAs. The products were classified and re-amplified by RD-PCR. We separated the differential genes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. Single bands cut out from the polyacrylamide gel were isolated. The third-round PCR was performed using the single bands as PCR template.The RD-PCR fragments were purified and cloned into the pMD18-T vector. The recombinant plasmids were extracted from positive clones, and the target gene fragments were sequenced. The cDNA microarray was prepared by spotting RD-PCR products to the surface of amino-modified glass slides using a robot. We validated the detection of microarray by hybridization and sequence analysis.RESULTS: A total of 24 different cDNA fragments ranging from 200 to 800 bp were isolated and sequenced,which were the specific gene fragments of HCV. These fragments could be further used as probes in microarray preparation. The diagnostic capability of the microarray was evaluated after the washing and scanning steps. The results of hybridization and sequence analysis showed that the specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility,and linearity in detecting HCV RNA were satisfactory.CONCLUSION: The RD-PCR technique is of great value in obtaining a large number of size-comparable gene probes, which provides a speedy protocol in generating probes for the preparation of microarrays. Microarray prepared as such could be further optimized and applied in the clinical diagnosis of HCV.
基金jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31772613 and 31572421)Special Funds for Construction of Innovative Provinces in Hunan Province (2019RS3022)。
文摘Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth performance, plasma hormone concentrations, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed in IUGR pigs and in normal birth weight(NBW) pigs when the NBW pigs reached 25, 50, and 100 kg of body weight(BW). Compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had lower initial, weaned, and final BW, and lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake in all the considered time points. In the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide(PP), but lower insulin concentration than NBW pigs, while the situation was reversed in the 50 kg BW group. As compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had higher microbial alpha diversity in the jejunum and ileum;in the 50 and 100 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs had higher Firmicutes abundance but lower Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum, and lower Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum;in the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs showed higher unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the ileum;and in 25 and 50 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs showed lower Ochrobactrum abundance in the jejunum.Spearman's correlation revealed that Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with growth performance, while unclassified Ruminococcaceae was positively correlated. Predictive metagenomic analysis detected significantly different expression of genes in the intestinal microbiota between IUGR and NBW pigs, suggesting different metabolic capabilities between the two groups.Conclusions: Growing-finishing IUGR pigs showed lower growth performance, higher microbial alpha diversity, and differences in plasma hormone concentrations compared to NBW pigs. Alterations in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ochrobactrum in the small intestine may be associated with IUGR, and may therefore serve as a future target for gut microbiota intervention in growing-finishing IUGR pigs.
基金supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq-Brazil)
文摘Background: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction(FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight of 14.5 ± 0.89 kg and age of 120 d were used in a completely randomized study with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three sexes(11 entire males, 12 castrated males and 12 females) and three levels of feeding(ad libitum – AL and 30% and 60% FR).Results: Entire males presented greater hot and cold carcass weights(P < 0.05), followed by castrated males and females. However, the hot carcass yield was higher for females and castrated males than for entire males. Luminosity values were influenced(P < 0.05) by sex, with entire males presenting higher values than castrated males and females.Females showed higher(P < 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the meat of the longissimus thoracis muscle. The meat of animals submitted to AL intake and 30% FR showed similar(P > 0.05) concentrations, and the concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher(P < 0.05) than those of animals with 60% FR. The meat of females had a higher ω6/ω3 ratio and lower h/H ratio, and females had greater levels of feeding. The meat of animals on the 60% FR diet had a greater ω6/ω3 ratio, lower h/H ratio and lower concentration of desirable fatty acids in addition to a greater atherogenicity index(AI) and thrombogenicity index(TI).Conclusion: Lambs of different sexes had carcasses with different quantitative traits without total influence on the chemical and physical meat characteristics. The lipid profile of the meat was less favorable to consumer health when the animals were female or submitted to 60% feed restriction.
文摘Travel restrictions and physical distancing have been implemented across the world to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,but studies are needed to understand their effectiveness across regions and time.Based on the population mobility metrics derived from mobile phone geolocation data across 135 countries or territories during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020,we built a metapopulation epidemiological model to measure the effect of travel and contact restrictions on containing COVID-19 outbreaks across regions.We found that if these interventions had not been deployed,the cumulative number of cases could have shown a 97-fold(interquartile range 79–116)increase,as of May 31,2020.However,their effectiveness depended upon the timing,duration,and intensity of the interventions,with variations in case severity seen across populations,regions,and seasons.Additionally,before effective vaccines are widely available and herd immunity is achieved,our results emphasize that a certain degree of physical distancing at the relaxation of the intervention stage will likely be needed to avoid rapid resurgences and subsequent lockdowns.
文摘Aim： To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol （E2）, Peganum harmala extract （PHE） and caloric restriction （CR） on various testis parameters during aging. Methods： Twelve-month-old male rats were treated for 6 months with either E2 or PHE, or submitted to CR （40%）. Results： Our results show that estrogens and CR are able to protect the male gonad by preventing the decrease of testosterone and E2 levels as well as the decrease of aromatase and estrogen receptor gene expressions. Indeed, E2, PHE and CR treatments induced an increase in the superoxide dismutase activities and decreased the activity of testicular enzymes： gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate deshydrogenase as well as the aspartate and lactate transaminases in aged animals. In addition, the testicular catalase and gluthatione peroxidase activities were enhanced in E2, PHE and CR-treated rats compared to untreated animals at 18 months of age. Moreover, the positive effects of estradiol, PHE and CR were further supported by a lower level of lipid peroxidation. Recovery of spermatogenesis was recorded in treated rats. Conclusion： Besides a low caloric diet which is beneficial for spermatogenesis, a protective antioxydant role of estrogens is suggested. Estrogens delay testicular cell damage, which leads to functional senescence and, therefore, estrogens are helpful in protecting the reproductive functions from the adverse effects exerted by reactive oxygen species （ROS） produced in large quanti- ties in the aged testis.
