High-affinity K⁺ transporter (HAK) is one of the most important K⁺ transporter families in plants and plays an important role in plant K⁺ uptake and transport. To explore the biological functions and gene expression patterns of the HAK gene family members in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), physicochemical properties, the gene structure, chromosomal location, phylogenetic evolution, conserved motifs, three-dimensional structure, interaction network, cis-acting elements of promoter of BvHAKs were predicted by bioinformatic analysis, and their expression levels in different tissues of sugar beet under salt stress were analyzed by qRT-PCR. A total of 10 BvHAK genes were identified in the sugar beet genome. They contained 8-10 exons and 7-9 introns. The average number of amino acids was 778.30, the average molecular weight was 88.31 kDa, and the isoelectric point was 5.38-9.41. The BvHAK proteins contained 11-14 transmembrane regions. BvHAK4, -5, -7 and -13 were localized on plasma membrane, while others were localized on tonoplast. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HAK in higher plants can be divided into five clusters, namely cluster Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ, among which the members of cluster Ⅱ can be divided into three subclusters, including Ⅱa, Ⅱb, and Ⅱc. The BvHAK gene family members were distributed in cluster Ⅰ-Ⅳ with 1, 6, 1, and 2 members, respectively. The promoter of BvHAK gene family mainly contained stress responsive elements, hormone responsive elements, and growth and development responsive elements. The expression pattern of the BvHAK genes were further analyzed in different tissues of sugar beet upon salt treatment, and found that 50 and 100 mmol/L NaCl significantly induced the expression of the BvHAK genes in both shoots and roots. High salt (150 mmol/L) treatment clearly down-regulated their expression levels in shoots, but not in roots. These results suggested that the BvHAK gene family plays important roles in the response of sugar beet to salt stress.
Beta vulgaris/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Phylogeny ; Plant Roots ; Sugars/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) based on the network pharmacology method, and to verify the antidepressant-like effect of the SE extract by pharmacological experiments. METHODS: Retrieval tools including Chinese medicine (CM), PubMed, PharmMapper, MAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to search the components of SE, predict its targets and related therapeutic diseases, and construct the "Component-Target-Pathway" network of SE for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation of depression-related targets were analyzed to predict the antidepressant mechanism of SE. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used to construct a mouse model with depression-like symptoms. And the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10) including the normal group (nonstressed mice administered with distilled water), the CUMS group (CUMS mice administered with distilled water), the venlafaxine group (CUMS mice administered with venlafaxine 9.38 mg/kg), SE high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (CUMS mice administered with SE 1.8, 1.35 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively). Then some relevant indicators were determined for experimental verification by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT). Dopamine (DA) concentration in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, IL-2 and corticosterone (CORT) levels in blood, and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like epichlorohydrin related protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in mice were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively to explore the possible mechanisms. RESULTS: The "target-disease" network diagram predicted by network pharmacology, showed that the potential target of SE involves a variety of CNS diseases, among which depression accounts for the majority. The experimental results showed that SE (1.8, 1.35 g/kg) significantly decreased the immobility period, compared with the CUMS group in FST and TST in mice after 3-week treatment, while SE exhibited no significant effect on exploratory behavior in OFT in mice. Compared with CUMS group, the SE group (0.9 g/kg) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in DA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with CUMS control group, SE (1.8 g/kg) group showed a significant effect on decreasing the activities of CORT (P<0.05), and serum IL-2 level with no statistical significance. Finally, Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein expressions in SE group (1.8 g/kg) were up-regulated (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION The SE extract may have an antidepressant effect, which appeared to regulate Nrf2-ARE pathway and increased levels of DA and CORT in the hippocampus and cortex.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Behavior, Animal ; Chenopodiaceae/metabolism* ; Depression/drug therapy* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hippocampus ; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism* ; Mice ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Network Pharmacology ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Stress, Psychological/drug therapy*

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) as well as the distribution and sensitization characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen in Inner Mongolia grassland of northern China. Methods: From May 2015 to August 2015, using stratified, cluster and random sampling, a field interviewer-administered survey study and skin prick test (SPT) were conducted in six areas of Inner Mongolia grassland (Xilinhot, Erenhot, Duolun, Tongliao, Jarud, Kailu), and pollen monitoring was carried out in the above six areas from January 1 to December 31 of 2015. The clinical characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR, distribution and sensitization characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen in these regions were observed. SAS software 9.4 was used for data processing. Results: A total of 6 043 subjects completed the study. The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR was 13.2% (795/6 043). The highest prevalence was found in the 18-39 age group. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of SAR than rural areas (61.2% vs 37.9%, P<0.001). There was significant regional difference in the prevalence rate of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR among the above six areas (Xilinhot 21.5%, Erenhot 17.8%, Duolun 8.9%, Tongliao 6.9%, Jarud 15.3%, Kailu 9.7%, P<0.001). The main clinical symptoms of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR were sneezing (96.5%) and nasal itching (92.2%). Eye itching was more obvious among the ocular symptoms (69.1%), while fatigue (32.1%) and drowsiness (31.5%) were more prominent among other related symptoms. Among comorbidities of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR, allergic conjunctivitis accounted for 71.4% (568/795), food allergy accounted for 86.7% (689/795) and asthma accounted for 16.7% (133/795). The peak of Chenopodiaceae pollen spread was in August. The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR was positively correlated with the concentration of Chenopodiaceae pollen (R²=0.78, P=0.043). The SPT positive rate of Chenopodiaceae pollen was 21.2% (1 282/6 043), and Xilinhot had the highest rate in six regions (28.0%, 236/842). Conclusions: The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR in Inner Mongolia grassland stays at a high level. Sneezing is the most obvious symptom of SAR. The peak of Chenopodiaceae pollen spread is in August and the prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR is positively correlated with the pollen concentration.
Allergens ; Chenopodiaceae ; China/epidemiology* ; Grassland ; Humans ; Pollen ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology*

The aim of this study was to measure and compare polyphenol content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of six halophytes (Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda glauca, Suaeda japonica, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, and Sonchus brachyotus). Depending on the total polyphenol content, the plants were categorized into two groups: (1) a high total polyphenol content group that included L. tetragonum, S. brachyotus, and S. europaea, and, (2) a low total polyphenol content group consisting of S. glauca, T. maritima, and S. japonica. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, and by measuring ROS. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring NO and PGE₂. L. tetragonum and S. brachyotus, that have high polyphenol content, also showed strong antioxidant activity. In addition, L. tetragonum, S. brachyotus, and S. europaea showed good anti-inflammatory activity. Consequently, the total polyphenol content was thought to be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, S. brachyotus and L. tetragonum are good candidates for use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Chenopodiaceae ; Functional Food ; Hydroxyl Radical ; Korea ; Salt-Tolerant Plants ; Sonchus

Halophytes are expected to possess abundant secondary metabolites and various biological activities because of habitat in extreme environments. In this study, we collected 14 halophytes (Asparagus oligoclonos, Calystegia soldanella, Carex pumila, Chenopodium glaucum, Elymus mollis, Glehnia littoralis, Limonium tetragonum, Messerschmidia sibirica, Rosa rugosa, Salsola komarovii, Spergularia marina, Suaeda glauca, Suaeda maritima, and Vitex rotundifolia) native to Korea and compared their total polyphenol contents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The total polyphenol contents of R. rugosa (27.28%) and L. tetragonum (13.17%) were significantly higher than those of the other 12 halophytes and L. tetragonum, R. rugosa, and M. sibirica showed significantly greater antioxidant activities than the other 11 halophytes, as determined by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). A. oligoclonos, E. mollis, and C. pumila showed significantly greater anti-inflammatory activities than the other 11, as determined by NO (Nitric oxide) and PGE₂ (Prostaglandin E₂) levels. In contrast, these three extracts had normal and low total polyphenol contents among the 14 halophytes. Consequently, the total polyphenol content in the 14 studied halophytes appeared to be related to antioxidant, but not anti-inflammatory activity levels.
Apiaceae ; Calystegia ; Caryophyllaceae ; Chenopodiaceae ; Chenopodium ; Ecosystem ; Elymus ; Korea ; Plumbaginaceae ; Rosa ; Salsola ; Salt-Tolerant Plants ; Vitex

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purposes of the study were to investigate folate intakes and plasma folate concentrations as well as estimate folate status in Korean healthy adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 254 healthy 19- to 64-year-old adults (68 men and 186 women) living in Seoul metropolitan area, Gumi, and Kwangju, Korea participated. Three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls, information on folate supplementation, and fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects. RESULTS: The mean dietary folate intakes were 587.4 and 499.2 µg dietary folate equivalent (DFE)/day for men and women, respectively. The median dietary intakes of men and women were 566.6 and 474.6 µg DFE/day, respectively. Forty subjects (16.7% of total) less total folate than the estimated average requirement (EAR). Folate intakes of 23.3% of men and 34.8% of women aged 19–29 years did not meet the EAR for folate. Major food sources consumed for dietary folate were baechukimchi (Chinese cabbage kimchi), rice, spinach, eggs, and laver, which provided 44% of dietary folate intake for the subjects. Plasma folate concentrations were 23.4 nmol/L for men and 28.3 nmol/L for women, and this level was significantly lower in men than in women. Approximately 13% of men and 3% of women were folate-deficient, and the percentages of subjects showing folate concentrations lower than 10 nmol/L were 27.9% of men and 6.4% of women. CONCLUSIONS: Folate intakes of Korean adults in this study were generally adequate. However, one-third of young adults had inadequate folate intakes.
Adult ; Brassica ; Ear ; Eggs ; Fasting ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Gwangju ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutritional Status ; Ovum ; Plasma ; Recommended Dietary Allowances ; Seoul ; Spinacia oleracea ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEAnabasis aretioides (Coss & Moq.), a Saharan plant belonging to Chenopodiaceae family, is widely distributed in semi-desert areas from the Tafilalet region of Morocco. This plant is extensively used by local population against diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the aqueous A. aretioides extract on lipid metabolism in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to identify the polyphenolic compounds present. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous A. aretioides extract was also evaluated.

METHODSThe effect of an aerial part aqueous extract (APAE) of A. aretioides (5 mg/kg of lyophilized A. aretioides APAE) on plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats (n = 6) after once daily oral administration for 15 days. The aqueous extract was tested for its 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity. Polyphenolic compounds in the extracts were definitively characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.

RESULTSIn diabetic rats, oral administration of A. aretioides APAE provoked a significant decrease in both plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels from the first to the second week (P < 0.01). A significant decrease on plasma triglyceride levels was also observed in normal rats (P < 0.01), where the reduction was 53%. In addition, the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 12 polyphenolic compounds. Moreover, according to the DPPH radical-scavenging activity, the aqueous extract showed an in vitro antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONAqueous A. aretioides APAE exhibits lipid-lowering and in vitro antioxidant activities. Many polyphenols were present in this extract and these phytoconstituents may be involved in the pharmacological activity of this plant.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; Chenopodiaceae ; chemistry ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Male ; Phytochemicals ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Polyphenols ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Streptozocin ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Triglycerides ; blood

The primary objective of this study was to develop an optimal composite recipe for ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L., for consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy. The secondary objective was to examine quality characteristics of the candy. The physical and mechanical properties and sensory properties for pregnant women in were measured, and these values were applied to mathematical models. Time of stirring water solution, saltiness, pH, and redness of the candy increased as concentrations of ginger juice did, but variations in pH were not significant. The hardness values of the candy ranged from 3,063.90 to 5,681.65 dyne/cm³. The average values of sweetness and time stirring the water solution were 5.36% and 14.1 minutes, respectively. However, hardness and sweetness stirring water solution were not significant. The range of sensory values of color (P < 0.01), flavor (P < 0.05), sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, and overall quality (P < 0.05) ranged from were 3.73~5.32, 4.05~5.05, 3.67~5.14, 3.59~5.09, 3.55~5.15, and 3.32~5.45, respectively. Results suggest that ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L. should be comprised of 7.37 g of ginger juice and 1.77 g of salt. Consequently, it could be a functional candy for pregnant women.
Candy ; Chenopodiaceae ; Female ; Ginger ; Hardness ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Models, Theoretical ; Morning Sickness ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Pregnant Women ; Water

BACKGROUND: Pollen allergens are one of the main contributors to the development and/or aggravation of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma. OBJECTIVE: An examination of the airborne pollen in residential areas should be conducted to aid the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. METHODS: Airborne pollen samples were collected from 2 sites in Incheon and 2 in Seoul from 2015 to 2016. RESULTS: The highest monthly concentration of airborne pollen was observed in May and September each year. Pollen from 32 families and 50 genera was identified over the 2 years; of these, Pinus spp. showed the highest pollen concentration (41.6%), followed by Quercus spp. (25.3%), and Humulus spp. (15.3%), the latter of which had the highest concentration among weed pollen. The total pollen concentration was significantly higher in Incheon than in Seoul (p = 0.001 in 2015, p < 0.001 in 2016) and higher in 2016 than in 2015. The concentrations of pollen from weed species (Cupressaceae, Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae) and grass species (Gramineae) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those from tree species. Pollen was distributed from February to November. The first pollen identified in both regions in each year was Alnus spp. Overall, the total concentration of Quercus spp., Betula spp., Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae pollen increased significantly over the 2 years. CONCLUSION: Region-specific differences exist in the pollen of major allergenic plants. Continuous monitoring of pollen is thus essential for management of pollen-related allergic disorders in each region.
Allergens ; Alnus ; Ambrosia ; Artemisia ; Asthma ; Betula ; Chenopodiaceae ; Conjunctivitis, Allergic ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Humulus ; Hypersensitivity ; Incheon ; Pinus ; Poaceae ; Pollen ; Quercus ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Seoul ; Trees

The genus Peronospora, an obligate biotrophic group belonging to Oomycota, causes serious damage to a variety of wild and ornamental plants, as well as cultivated crops, such as beet, rose, spinach, and tobacco. To investigate the diversity of Peronospora species parasitic to Stellaria and Pseudostellaria (Caryophyllaceae) plants in Korea, we performed a morphological analysis on dried herbarium specimens and molecular phylogenetic inferences based on internal transcribed spacer rDNA and cox2 mitochondrial DNA sequences. As a result, it was confirmed that there are four species of Peronospora parasitic to specific species of Stellaria and Pseudostellaria, all of which were hitherto unrecorded in Korea: P. alsinearum (ex Stellaria media), P. stellariae-aquaticae (ex Stellaria aquatica), P. stellariae-uliginosae (ex Stellaria alsine), and P. pseudostellariae (ex Pseudostellaria palibiniana). In addition, Peronospora specimens parasitic to Pseudostellaria davidii differed morphologically from P. pseudostellariae owing to the large and ellipsoidal conidia; this morphological discrepancy was also validated by the high genetic divergence between the two species. Peronospora casparyi sp. nov. is described and illustrated here.
Beta vulgaris ; Caryophyllaceae ; Classification* ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Host Specificity ; Korea* ; Oomycetes ; Peronospora* ; Phylogeny* ; Spinacia oleracea ; Spores, Fungal ; Stellaria* ; Tobacco