Reversible phosphorylation plays a crucial role in regulating protein activities and functions. Sexual reproduction directly affects yield of most agricultural crops. As the male reproductive organ, anther generates microspores (pollen), delivering gametes (sperms) to complete double fertilization in higher plants. Here, we took the advantage of Nano UHPLC-MS/MS to analyze maize (Zea mays, B73) early anthers at proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels, to explore the protein and phosphorylation modification regulatory networks controlling maize anther development. Our proteomic analysis identified 3 016 unique peptides, belonging to 1 032 maize proteins. MapMan analysis revealed variously potential proteins associated with maize anther development, such as receptor-like kinases (GRMZM2G082823_P01 and GRMZM5G805485_P01). Using phospho-peptides enriched by TiO2 affinity chromatography, our phosphoproteomic analysis detected 257 phospho-peptides from 210 phosphoproteins, discovering 223 phosphosites. Compared to the 86 maize phosphoproteins collected in the Plant Protein Phosphorylation Data Base (P3DB), we found that 203 phosphoproteins and 218 phosphosites were not revealed before. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins, kinases, phosphatases, transcription factors, cell cycle and chromatin structure related proteins might play important roles in regulating normal anther development in maize. Our findings not only enlarged the maize phosphoproteome data, but also provided information for analyzing the molecular mechanism controlling maize anther development at genetic and biochemical levels.
Crops, Agricultural ; chemistry ; Phosphoproteins ; chemistry ; Phosphorylation ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Proteome ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Zea mays ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the pollen morphological differences among different populations of Changium smyrnioides.

METHODThe pollen morphology of 10 populations were examined through LM and SEM observations.

RESULTPollens in different populations were distinguished from each other in the size, the largest average size was the pollen of the population cultivated in Hongshan, and the smallest was that of the population cultivated in Jiuhuashan. Pollens were oval-shaped in all of the populations, and P/E values were around 1.5. Typical feature of surface ornamentation was stripe-like structure, different populations were distinguished from each other in the texture depth and the gap. With different length and width in different populations, typical feature of germinal aperture was nearly square and 3 germinal furrows. Variation with 4 germinal apertures were found in the pollen of population cultivated in Hongshan.

CONCLUSIONDiversity of pollen morphology was high, and differentiation was strong in Ch. smyrnioides.

Apiaceae ; chemistry ; Cevanes ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; Glycoproteins ; Plant Proteins ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Pollen ; growth & development

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of monofloral Indian mustard bee pollen (MIMBP).

METHODSThe nutritional value of MIMBP was examined in terms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and energy value. Its chemical composition in terms of total polyphenol and flavonoid content was determined. MIMBP was screened for free flavonoid aglycones by developing and validating a high-performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. MIMBP was analyzed for in vitro antioxidant effect in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity.

RESULTSMIMBP was found to be comprised of proteins ((182.2±5.9) g/kg), fats ((137.7±6.8) g/kg) and carbohydrates ((560.6±17.4) g/kg), which result in its high energy value ((17 616.7±78.6) kJ/kg). MIMBP was found to contain polyphenols ((18 286.1±374.0) mg gallic acid equivalent/kg) and flavonoids ((1 223.5±53.1) mg quercetin equivalent/kg). The HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of kaempferol ((65.4±0.5) mg/kg) and quercetin ((51.4±0.4) mg/kg) in MIMBP, which can be used as markers for determining the quality of bee pollen. The MIMBP extract showed DPPH free radical-scavenging activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 54.79 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONThe MIMBP was found to be a rich source of nutrients providing high caloric value, which makes it a candidate for a potential nutraceutical agent. The study also illustrated the high antioxidant content of MIMBP, especially in the principle polyphenols and flavonoids, which suggests its potential role in the prevention of free radical-implicated diseases. The DPPH-scavenging effect of MIMBP further confirmed its antioxidant potential. Additionally, we developed a simple, specific and accurate HPLC-PDA method for the identification and quantification of free flavonoid aglycones. This can be applied in future screenings of the quality of pollen collected by honeybees.

Animals ; Bees ; chemistry ; Dietary Supplements ; analysis ; Free Radical Scavengers ; analysis ; Mustard Plant ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Polyphenols ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents of the bee-collected rape pollen.

METHODThe compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel; Sephadex LH-20 and C18. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.

RESULTNine compounds were isolated from the bee-collected rape pollen and the structures of them were kaemferol-3-O-beta-D-glucosyl-(2-->1)-beta-D-glucoside (1), kaemferol-3,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucoside (2), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucosyl-(2-->1)-beta-D-glucoside (3), nicotinic acid (4), nicotinamide (5), trans-p-coumaric acid-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaemferol (7), beta-sitosterol (8) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (9).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-6 were isolated from the bee-collected rape pollen for the first time.

Animals ; Bees ; physiology ; Brassica napus ; chemistry ; physiology ; Coumaric Acids ; chemistry ; Dextrans ; chemistry ; Glucosides ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Pollen ; chemistry ; physiology ; Propionates ; Sitosterols ; chemistry

The present study is to determine the flavonoid glycosides, terpene lactones, biflavones, gingko acid and procyanidins of ginkgo pollen. UPLC-TQ-MS technology was used for the determination of 24 kinds of resource chemical composition in ginkgo pollen qualitatively and quantitatively. The results shows that the contents of rutin, quercetion 3-O-[4-O-(α-L-rhamnosyl )-β-D-glucoside] and kaempferolis were 120.9, 114.0, 222.1 μg x g(-1). In this paper, the contents of 24 kinds of chemical components of ginkgo pollen were determinated by UPLC-TQ-MS for the first time. This method is simple and quick, which will be benefit for recycling utilization of ginkgo pollen.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Proanthocyanidins ; analysis ; Rutin ; analysis ; Terpenes ; analysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the airborne pollen concentration in Beijing city during autumn and to grade the Artemisia pollen concentration. METHOD: Burkard volumetric trap was used to sample the airborne pollen in Beijing city from August 1st 2007 to October 10th 2007. Patients only allergic to mugwort pollen were followed up, and their symptom scores and the mugwort pollen concentration were analyzed statistically. RESULT: 1) Mugwort and Humulus (including Cannabis Sativa L) were the main airborne pollen during August and September in Beijing city, accounting for 31% and 51%, respectively; 2) Mugwort pollen season was from 8th August to 8th October; 3) The daily peak concentration of Mugwort pollen was 267 g/m3, with an average of 71 g/m3, the daily peak concentration of Humulus pollen was 672 g/m3, with an average of 124 g/m3; 4) 88.5% out-patients suffering from hay fever or asthma during Autumn were allergic to mugwort, 28.2% allergic to Humulus; 5) the grading of airborne Mugwort pollen concentration: 0-14 g/m3 as grade 0, 15-40 g/m3 as grade I, 41-116 g/m3 as grade II, more than 117 g/m3 as grade III. CONCLUSION It was the first time that Burkard volumetric sampler was employed in monitoring Mugwort and Humulus concentration in Beijing city. Average concentration of mugwort pollen was about 100 g/m3, and concentration grade III of mugwort pollen was distributed during the last ten days of August and the beginning of September.
Allergens ; analysis ; Asthma ; prevention & control ; China ; Cities ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; prevention & control ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of pine pollen on Kidney Mitochondria DNA Deletion Mutation (mtDNA) in senile mice.

METHODKunming senile mice were randomly divided into the pine pollen group, and the senile control group. And a young control group was randomly selected. Mouse in the pine pollen group were orally administered with pine pollen (750 mg x kg(-1)) daily. The young control group and the senile control group were orally administered with isometric 0.9% sodium chloride injection. After 60 days, deletion mutation of mtDNA were detected by PCR technology and photodensity scan. Relative level of MDA and activity of SOD in kidney tissues were detected.

RESULTThe senile control group showed significant increase in relative level and deletion mutation of mtDNA (P < 0.05). Compared with the senile control group, the pine pollen group showed decreased depletion of kidney mtDNA (P < 0.05). Pine pollen can decrease MDA volume and increase the activity of SOD significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPine pollen can inhibit deletion mutation of mtDNA in senile mice, suggesting that pine pollen can reduce oxidative damage of mtDNA and protect mtDNA. Accordingly, it provides a possible mechanism of anti-aging effect of pine pollen at the molecular level.

Aging ; drug effects ; genetics ; Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Pinus ; chemistry ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Sequence Deletion ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of the fatty components of Pollen Typhae before and after being carbonized.

METHODPollen Typhae and Pollen Typhae carbonisatus were extracted with petroleum ether (60-90 degrees C) respectively. The two kinds of extracts were analyzed by GC-MS after saponificated and methanolized, and their constituents were searched through NIST. The contents of the constituents were determined by method of normalization.

RESULTEither in Pollen Typhae or in Pollen Typhae carbonisatus, 32 components were identified, among which 20 components were the same and 6 were different respectively. Among the same components, the relative contents of 3-methyl-2-butenoic acid-2-phenylethyl ester, hexanedioic acid-dimethyl ester, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diphenylamine, sebacic acid dimethyl ester, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, ethyl methyl ester, methyl-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and diisooctyl phthalate etc. increased obviously, and the relative contents of nonanedioic acid-dimethyl ester, diisobutyl phthalate and stigmastan-3,5-dien etc. decreased greatly. Among the different components, 8-hydroxy-octanoic acid-methyl ester, 9-hydroxy-nonanoic acid-methyl ester, 10-octadecenoic acid-methyl ester, m-hydroxycinnamic acid-methyl ester,3-[4-( acetyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl]2-propenoic acid-methyl ester and 11-octadecenoic acid-methyl ester were detected in Pollen Typhae, 3-hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one, benzenepropanoic acid-methyl ester, 2,4-dimethylhexanedioic acid; 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, undecanedioic acid-dimethyl ester and 9,10-dihydroxy-octadecanoic acid-methyl ester were detected in Pollen Typhae carbonistatus.

CONCLUSIONThe species and contents of the fatty components in Pollen Typhae changed before and after being carbonized, but their chemical types didn't change too much.

Carbon ; Dibutyl Phthalate ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Fatty Acids ; analysis ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Hot Temperature ; Phthalic Acids ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pollen ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Typhaceae ; chemistry

OBJECTIVEThe custom-homebuilding company, Cosmic Garden Co. Ltd., located in Okayama City, Japan was established in 1997 and uses specific natural ore powder (SNOP) in wall materials and surveys customers in order to improve allergic symptoms.

METHODSTo investigate the biological effects of SNOP, patients with a pollen allergy were recruited to stay in a room surrounded by cloth containing SNOP (CCSNOP), and their symptoms and various biological parameters were compared with those of individuals staying in a room surrounded by control non-woven cloth (NWC). Each stay lasted 60 min. Before and immediately after the stay, a questionnaire regarding allergic symptoms, as well as POMS (Profile of Mood Status) and blood sampling, was performed. Post-stay minus pre-stay values were calculated and compared between CCSNOP and NWC groups.

RESULTSResults indicated that some symptoms, such as nasal obstruction and lacrimation, improved, and POMS evaluation showed that patients were calmer following a stay in CCSNOP. Relative eosinophils, non-specific Ig E, epidermal growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α increased following a stay in CCSNOP.

CONCLUSIONThis ore powder improved allergic symptoms, and long-term monitoring involving 1 to 2 months may be necessary to fully explore the biological and physical effects of SNOP on allergic patients.

Adult ; Chemokine CCL2 ; immunology ; Clothing ; Female ; Geologic Sediments ; chemistry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; immunology ; Japan ; Male ; Pollen ; immunology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; immunology ; therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; immunology

Animals ; Asthma/pathology* ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Immunoglobulin E/blood* ; Incidence ; Lung/pathology* ; Mice ; Pollen/chemistry* ; Populus/adverse effects* ; Prevalence