Glutathione conjugates in the vacuole are degraded by gamma/​glutamyl
transpeptidase GGT3 in Arabidopsis.

Ohkama/​Ohtsu N, Zhao P, Xiang C, Oliver DJ.

Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University,
Ames, IA 50011, USA.

gamma/​Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is the enzyme responsible for breaking the
gamma/​glutamyl bond between Glu and Cys in glutathione (GSH). We are using this
gene family to study GSH degradation in plants. There are four putative GGT
genes in Arabidopsis, and one of them, GGT3 (At4g29210), is analyzed in this
study. GGT3 is localized to the vacuole based on organelle/​targeting programs,
subcellular distribution of GFP fusion proteins during transient expression in
onion (Allium cepa) epidermal tissues, and its ability to metabolize vacuolar
substrates in Arabidopsis plants. While Northern blots and promoter:GUS
expression patterns have suggested that GGT3 is transcribed at relatively high
levels in all parts of the plant, a comparison of enzyme activities in different
organs of wild/​type and a ggt3 knockout mutant showed that GGT3 was a major
contributor to total GGT activity in roots, but a relatively minor contributor
in other tissues. Wild/​type Arabidopsis plants treated with monobromobimane
(mBB) form a fluorescent GSH/​mBB conjugate that is moved into the vacuole and
then metabolized to Cys/​Gly/​mBB and Cys/​mBB in that order. The first step is
catalyzed by GGT3, and GSH/​mBB metabolism is completely blocked in the roots of
ggt3 knockout plants. In ggt3 leaves, some GSH/​mBB metabolism still proceeds
using the apoplastic GGT1. This identifies GGT3 as catalyzing the obligate
initial step in GSH conjugate metabolism, and suggests that it has an important
role in protecting plants from some xenobiotic chemicals.

PMID: 17316176 [PubMed /​ in process]

2: Tsitol Genet. 2006 Nov/​Dec;40(6):50/​8.

[The influence of cadmium and potassium on the level of cytogenetic effects
induced by thorium/​232 in Allium cepa root meristem]

[Article in Russian]

Evseeva TI, Maistrenko TA, Geras'kin SA, Belykh ES.

The influence of different concentrations of cadmium and potassium on the levels
of mutagenic and cytotoxic effects induced by thallium/​232 in Allium cepa root
meristem has been studied. The combined action of 232Th (0.8 microM) with
cadmium in non/​toxic (0.009 microM) and toxic (5 microM) concentrations resulted
in sinergetic increase of the frequency of aberrant cells in Allium cepa root
meristem. Decrease of the mutagenic effect to the additive level and antagonism
with respect to the cytotoxic one was observed only at the certain
concentrations of 232Th (0.8 microM) and Cd (0.09 microM) and the time of impact
30 h. In contrast to the heavy metal cadmium the essential for plants potassium
at all studied concentrations (0.008, 6, 13 mM) decreased the number of
cytogenetic aberrations in control experiments and under the effect of 232Th.
The maximum protective effect of potassium was detected at the concentration 13
mM.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 17243377 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jan 24;55(2):347/​54.

Determination of the geographic origin of onions between three main production
areas in Japan and other countries by mineral composition.

Ariyama K, Aoyama Y, Mochizuki A, Homura Y, Kadokura M, Yasui A.

Center for Food Quality, Labeling and Consumer Services, Saitama Shintoshin Godo
Chosa Kensa Building, 2/​1 Shintoshin, Chuo/​ku, Saitama City 330/​9731, Japan.
kaoru_ariyama@cfqlcs.go.jp

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are produced in many countries and are one of the most
popular vegetables in the world, thus leading to an enormous amount of
international trade. It is currently important that a scientific technique be
developed for determining geographic origin as a means to detect fraudulent
labeling. We have therefore developed a technique based on mineral analysis and
linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The onion samples used in this study were
from Hokkaido, Hyogo, and Saga, which are the primary onion/​growing areas in
Japan, and those from countries that export onions to Japan (China, the United
States, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia, and Chile). Of 309 samples, 108 were
from Hokkaido, 52 were from Saga, 77 were from Hyogo, and 72 were from abroad.
Fourteen elements (Na, Mg, P, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Cs, and Ba) in
the samples were determined by frame atomic adsorption spectrometry, inductively
coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry. The models established by LDA were used to discriminate the
geographic origin between Hokkaido and abroad, Hyogo and abroad, and Saga and
abroad. Ten/​fold cross/​validations were conducted using these models. The
discrimination accuracies obtained by cross/​validation between Hokkaido and
abroad were 100 and 86%, respectively. Those between Hyogo and abroad were 100
and 90%, respectively. Those between Saga and abroad were 98 and 90%,
respectively. In addition, it was demonstrated that the fingerprint of an
element pattern from a specific production area, which a crop receives, did not
easily change by the variations of fertilization, crop year, variety, soil type,
and production year if appropriate elements were chosen.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17227064 [PubMed /​ in process]

4: Plant Physiol Biochem. 2006 Nov 2; [Epub ahead of print]

Isolation, characterization and expression of a gene from Brassica napus
encoding a LIM/​domain protein.

Huang RZ, Wu XL, Jiang CZ, Hu ZH, He HY, Liou ZH, Xu YH, Jin W, Zheng T, Chen
JQ.

Institute for Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural
Sciences, Key Laboratory of Plant Metabolic Engineering of Zhejiang Province,
Hangzhou 310021, China.

LIM proteins are important eucaryotic developmental regulators and also involved
in the transcriptional control of lignification. Based on expressed sequence tag
(EST) database and contig analysis, the coding region of a gene encoding a
LIM/​domain protein (BnLIM) was obtained by reverse transcription polymerase
chain reactions (RT/​PCR) from seeds of Brassica napus L. 20 days after anthesis
(DAA). The deduced BnLIM protein is 189 amino acids long and contains two LIM
domains separated by a 47/​residue spacer region. It is highly identical to the
LIM/​domain protein of NtLIM1 (Nicotiana tabacum L.), HaWLIM1 (Helianthus annuus
L.), PkLIM1 (Populus kitakamiensis) and EgLIM1 (Eucalyptus globulus). A genomic
copy of the gene has also been isolated and sequenced; it is split by four
short, AT/​rich introns. The BnLIM gene transcript was detected by RT/​PCR in all
vegetative and reproductive plant organs. The expression level of BnLIM gene
changed during seed development, which increased in early stage, peaked at 23/​29
DAA during seeds filling up to a maximal level and reduced slightly 32 DAA. The
expression profile of BnLIM gene was highly similar to that of Cinnamoyl/​CoA
reductase (CCR, EC 1.2.1.44), a key lignin biosynthesis gene. Transient
expression of BnLIM/​green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein in onion
(Allium cepa) epidermal cells demonstrated the encoded protein BnLIM exhibited a
dual subcellular localization, i.e. in the nucleus and cytoplasm. BnLIM mRNA
accumulation in response to sucrose treatment was also investigated. All these
results proposed that BnLIM plays some roles in lignin biosynthesis and its
expression is developmentally regulated.

PMID: 17223349 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

5: J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):31/​41.

The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients.

Otoom SA, Al/​Safi SA, Kerem ZK, Alkofahi A.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science
and Technology, Irbid/​Jordan. sotoom@rcsi/​mub.com

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. To date,
there have been no reports on the frequency of use of herb medicines in the
managements of diabetes mellitus in Jordan. This cross/​sectional study was
conducted by interviewing 310 diabetic patients visiting two medical centers in
Jordan: Jordan University of Science & Technology Medical Center and Sarih
Medical Center between December 2003 and August 2004. It is found that 31% of
interviewed patients have used herbal products (96 patients). The results
revealed that the most commonly used herbs by diabetic patients in Jordan were
Trigonella foenumgraecum (22.9%), Lupinus albus (14.6%), Allium sativum (11.5%),
Allium cepa (5.2%), Nigella sativa (7.3%), Zea mays L. (6.3%), Urtica dioica L.
(8.3%), Eucalyptus globules LA (9.4%), Olea europea L. (3.1%), Cumminum cyminum
(9.4%), Coriandrum sativum (10.4%), Salvia officinalis L. (3.1%), and Tilia
cordata (1%). Furthermore, it is found that 47.9% of the patients used herbs
according to advice from their friends on a daily basis. The side effects were
reported by 36.5% of the patients and include headache, nausea, dizziness,
itching, palpitation, and sweating. Among the patients, 72.9% used the herbs as
adjunctive therapy along with their anti/​diabetic drugs and 80.2% of the
patients informed their physicians about their use. A 79.2% of the sample
confirmed their intention to re/​use these herbs as 86.5% of them were satisfied
with their diabetes control. There was a significant relationship between the
use of herbs, the patient's place of residence and his/her level of education.
The main conclusion of this survey is that the use of medicinal herbs among
diabetic patient in Jordan is common. Therefore, it is essential to increase the
level of awareness among diabetic patients and health care providers regarding
the efficacy and toxicity of these medicinal herbs.

PMID: 17182483 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

6: Chemosphere. 2007 Apr;67(6):1211/​7. Epub 2006 Dec 8.

Evaluation of genotoxicity and toxicity of water and sediment samples from a
Brazilian stream influenced by tannery industries.

Junior HM, Silva J, Arenzon A, Portela CS, Ferreira IC, Henriques JA.

Centre for Leather Technology, Servico Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial
(SENAI), Estancia Velha 93600/​000, RS, Brazil; Biotechnology Centre, Biophysics
Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre,
Brazil.

This paper reports results of genotoxicity and toxicity studies of water and
sediment samples collected from the Estancia Velha stream of southern Brazil, a
stream transporting both domestic sewage and effluents from regional factories
working in the leather industry. Three sites were selected: in the stream
headwaters (Site 1), located downstream of an urban area (Site 2), and near the
basin outfall (Site 3). Results obtained with Allium cepa showed no evidence of
chromosomal mutation, either in water or in sediment, during winter or summer
seasons, but samples collected below Site 1 showed high toxicity. Physical and
chemical analyses showed high concentrations of pollutants at these sites.
Ecotoxicity tests with Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia measured toxicity in
water from Sites 2 and 3 in summer 2004. A toxic effect on Hyalella azteca was
only found in sediment from Site 3 during winter 2003 and summer 2004. The
results suggest that the synergy among different compounds in domestic and
industrial sewage discharges can make it difficult to maintain system stability.

PMID: 17157352 [PubMed /​ in process]

7: J Appl Microbiol. 2006 Dec;101(6):1292/​300.

Host/​derived media used as a predictor for low abundant, in planta metabolite
production from necrotrophic fungi.

Overy DP, Smedsgaard J, Frisvad JC, Phipps RK, Thrane U.

Institute of Biological Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, University of Wales,
Ceredigion, UK. dao@aber.ac.uk

AIMS: Penicillium ser. Corymbifera strains were assayed on a variety of media
and from infected Allium cepa tissues to evaluate the stimulation and in planta
prediction of low abundance metabolites. METHODS AND RESULTS: Stimulated
production of corymbiferones and the corymbiferan lactones were observed for
Penicillium albocoremium, Penicillium allii, Penicillium hirsutum, Penicillium
hordei and Penicillium venetum strains cultured on tissue media. Target
metabolites were sporadically detected from strains cultured on common
laboratory media (CYA, MEA and YES). Up to a 376 times increase in corymbiferone
and corymbiferan lactone production was observed when culture extracts from CYA
and A. cepa agar were compared by high pressure liquid chromatography with
ultraviolet and mass spectrometry (LC/​UV/​MS). The novel metabolite corymbiferone
B was purified and structure elucidated from a P. allii/A. cepa tissue medium
extract. In planta expression of low abundance, target metabolites were
confirmed from infected A. cepa tissue extracts by LC/​UV/​MS. CONCLUSIONS:
Secondary metabolite production was directly dependent and influenced by media
conditions, resulting in the stimulated production of low abundance metabolites
on host/​derived media. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of
macerated host tissue media can be applied in vitro to predict in planta
expression of low abundance metabolites and aid in metabolite origin annotation
during in planta metabolomic investigations at the host/pathogen interface.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17105559 [PubMed /​ in process]

8: Anal Chem. 2006 Nov 15;78(22):7616/​24.

In vivo investigation of the distribution and the local speciation of selenium
in Allium cepa L. by means of microscopic X/​ray absorption near/​edge structure
spectroscopy and confocal microscopic X/​ray fluorescence analysis.

Bulska E, Wysocka IA, Wierzbicka ML, Proost K, Janssens K, Falkenberg G.

Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Warsaw, Poland. ebulska@ chem.uw.edu.pl

In this work, microscopic X/​ray absorption near/​edge structure spectroscopy
(mu/​XANES) and confocal microscopic X/​ray fluorescence analysis (mu/​XRF) were
used for the in vivo determination of the distribution of total selenium and for
the local speciation of selenium in roots and leaves of onion. Selected Allium
cepa L. plants were grown hydroponically in a standard medium containing
inorganic selenium compounds (selenite or selenate). The measurements were
performed in vivo, that is, on living plants without the need for any form of
sampling or sample pretreatment and without the necessity for cutting plant
tissues into pieces. Distinct energy differences of the XANES spectra of various
selenium reference compounds having different oxidation states allow adjusting
the excitation energies used for mu/​XRF mapping in such a manner that the
distribution of selenium in various oxidation states is obtained with a spatial
resolution of a few tens of micrometers within the virtual cross section of the
onion tissues. We find that the ratio of inorganic to amino acid selenium
compounds differs in various subparts of the plant. Detailed in vivo
investigation of the distribution of various selenium species in virtual cross
sections of root tips and green leaf shows that the selenium transport takes
place via different mechanisms, depending on the nature of the selenium
compounds originally taken up.

PMID: 17105151 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Plant Physiol. 2007 Jan;143(1):188/​98. Epub 2006 Nov 10.

Arabidopsis sucrose transporter AtSUC9. High/​affinity transport activity,
intragenic control of expression, and early flowering mutant phenotype.

Sivitz AB, Reinders A, Johnson ME, Krentz AD, Grof CP, Perroux JM, Ward JM.

Department of Plant Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108,
USA.

AtSUC9 (At5g06170), a sucrose (Suc) transporter from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis
thaliana) L. Heynh., was expressed in Xenopus (Xenopus laevis) oocytes, and
transport activity was analyzed. Compared to all other Suc transporters, AtSUC9
had an ultrahigh affinity for Suc (K(0.5) = 0.066 +//​ 0.025 mm). AtSUC9 showed
low substrate specificity, similar to AtSUC2 (At1g22710), and transported a wide
range of glucosides, including helicin, salicin, arbutin, maltose, fraxin,
esculin, turanose, and alpha/​methyl/​d/​glucose. The ability of AtSUC9 to
transport 10 glucosides was compared directly with that of AtSUC2, HvSUT1 (from
barley [Hordeum vulgare]), and ShSUT1 (from sugarcane [Saccharum hybrid]), and
results indicate that type I and type II Suc transporters have different
substrate specificities. AtSUC9 protein was localized to the plasma membrane by
transient expression in onion (Allium cepa) epidermis. Using a whole/​gene
translational fusion to beta/​glucuronidase, AtSUC9 expression was found in sink
tissues throughout the shoots and in flowers. AtSUC9 expression in Arabidopsis
was dependent on intragenic sequence, and this was found to also be true for
AtSUC1 (At1g71880) but not AtSUC2. Plants containing mutations in Suc
transporter gene AtSUC9 were found to have an early flowering phenotype under
short/​day conditions. The transport properties of AtSUC9 indicate that it is
uniquely suited to provide cellular uptake of Suc at very low extracellular Suc
concentrations. The mutant phenotype of atsuc9 alleles indicates that AtSUC9
activity leads to a delay in floral transition.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 17098854 [PubMed /​ in process]

10: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Mar 21;110(2):294/​304. Epub 2006 Oct 13.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal herbs in Jordan, the Ajloun Heights
region.

Aburjai T, Hudaib M, Tayyem R, Yousef M, Qishawi M.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of
Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.

The study of local knowledge about natural resources is becoming increasingly
important in defining strategies and actions for conservation of medicinal
plants. This study therefore sought to collect information from local population
concerning the use of Ajloun Heights region medicinal plants; identify the most
important species used; determine the relative importance of the species
surveyed and calculate the informant consensus factor (ICF) in relation to
medicinal plant use. Data collection relied predominantly on qualitative tools
to record the interviewee's personal information and topics related to the
medicinal use of specific plants. Our results revealed that 46 plant species
grown in the study region are still in use in traditional medicine for the
treatment of various diseases. Most of the locals interviewed dealt with
well/​known safe medicinal plants such as Achillea falcata, Matricaria aurea,
Majorana syriaca, Allium sativum and Allium cepa. The use of moderately unsafe
or toxic plants was noted to be practiced by practitioners and herbalists rather
than the locals. These plants include Ecballium elaterium, Euphorbia
hierosolymitana, Mandragora autumnalis and Citrullus colocynthis. Kidney
problems scored the highest ICF while Crocus hyemalis was the plant of highest
use value. Searching the literature evidenced some concordance with the
solicited plant uses mentioned by the informants.

PMID: 17097250 [PubMed /​ in process]

11: Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1027/​32.

Onion and garlic use and human cancer.

Galeone C, Pelucchi C, Levi F, Negri E, Franceschi S, Talamini R, Giacosa A, La
Vecchia C.

Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Milan, Italy, Italy.
galeone@marionegri.it

BACKGROUND: Interest in the potential benefits of allium vegetables, in
particular, onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum), has its origin in
antiquity, but the details of these benefits are still open to discussion.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of allium vegetables in the etiology of
various neoplasms. Previous data are scanty and are based mainly on Chinese
studies. DESIGN: Using data from an integrated network of Italian and Swiss
case/​control studies, we analyzed the relation between frequency of onion and
garlic use and cancer at several sites. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) by using
multivariate logistic regression models that were adjusted for energy intake and
other major covariates. RESULTS: Consumption of onions varied between 0/​14 and
0/​22 portions/wk among cases and controls, respectively. The multivariate ORs
for the highest category of onion and garlic intake were, respectively, 0.16 and
0.61 for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, 0.12 and 0.43 for esophageal
cancer, 0.44 and 0.74 for colorectal cancer, 0.17 and 0.56 for laryngeal cancer,
0.75 and 0.90 for breast cancer, 0.27 and 0.78 for ovarian cancer, 0.29 and 0.81
for prostate cancer, and 0.62 and 0.69 for renal cell cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This
uniquely large data set from southern European populations shows an inverse
association between the frequency of use of allium vegetables and the risk of
several common cancers. Allium vegetables are a favorable correlate of cancer
risk in Europe.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17093154 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

12: Fitoterapia. 2007 Jan;78(1):52/​68. Epub 2006 Sep 23.

Contribution to the knowledge of the folk plant medicine in Calabria region
(Southern Italy).

Passalacqua NG, Guarrera PM, De Fine G.

Museo di Storia Naturale della Calabria ed Orto Botanico, Universita della
Calabria, 87030 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.

A series of research on plants used in Calabria (Southern Italy) in the folk
plant medicine was carried out in the last twenty years. The use of 104 taxa
distributed into 42 families are described. Among the major findings: Ceterach
officinarum as hypotensive; Heliotropium europaeum in the case of urinary
inflammations; Silybum marianum for haemorrhoids; Arundo donax for pertussis and
cystitis; Allium cepa for sties and flu; Laurus nobilis as galactagogue;
Passiflora incarnata for burns, haemorrhoids and skin inflammations;
Scrophularia canina for rhagas and wounds; Urtica membranacea for tussis and
tonsillitis.

PMID: 17084993 [PubMed /​ in process]

13: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Mar 1;110(1):105/​17. Epub 2006 Sep 23.

Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used in the traditional treatment of
hypertension and diabetes in south/​eastern Morocco (Errachidia province).

Tahraoui A, El/​Hilaly J, Israili ZH, Lyoussi B.

UFR Physiology/​Pharmacology, Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of
Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Dhar El Mehraz, USMBA, BP 1976 Atlas Fez, Morocco.

This survey was undertaken in the Errachidia province in south/​eastern Morocco
in order to inventory the main medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat
arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Four hundred individuals who knew
about and/or had used the medicinal plants for the indicated diseases, including
some herbal healers, were interviewed throughout different regions of the
province. The inventory of medicinal plants is summarized in a synoptic table,
which contains the scientific, vernacular and common name of the plant, its
ecological distribution, the part of the plant and the preparation used and the
therapeutic indication. Extensive investigations have brought to light 64
medicinal plants belonging to 33 families; of these, 45 are used for diabetes,
36 for hypertension, and 18 for both diseases. Of these plants, 34% grow in the
wild, 44% are cultivated, and 22% are not indigenous to the area and are brought
from other parts of Morocco or from outside the country. The survey shows that
78% of the patients regularly use these medicinal plants. In this region, the
most frequently used plants to treat diabetes include Ajuga iva, Allium cepa,
Artemisia herba/​alba, Carum carvi, Lepidium sativum, Nigella sativa, Olea
europaea, Peganum harmala, Phoenix dactylifera, Rosmarinus officinalis, and
Zygophyllum gaetulum, and those to treat hypertension include Ajuga iva, Allium
cepa, Allium sativum, Artemisia herba/​alba Asso, Carum carvi, Nigella sativa,
Olea europea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum majorana, Peganum harmala, and
Phoenix dactylifera. The local people recognize the toxic plants and are very
careful in using such plants, which are Citrullus colocynthis, Datura
stramonium, Nerium oleander, Nigella sativa, Peganum harmala and Zygophyllum
gaetulum. Our survey shows that traditional medicine in the south/​eastern
Moroccan population has not only survived but has thrived in the transcultural
environment and intermixture of many ethnic traditions and beliefs.

PMID: 17052873 [PubMed /​ in process]

14: Genes Genet Syst. 2006 Aug;81(4):255/​63.

Complete assignment of structural genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis
influencing bulb color to individual chromosomes of the shallot (Allium cepa
L.).

Masuzaki S, Shigyo M, Yamauchi N.

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University,
Tottori, Japan.

We analyzed Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) /​ shallot (Allium
cepa L. Aggregatum group) alien chromosome addition lines in order to assign the
genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway to chromosomes of the
shallot. Two complete sets of alien monosomic additions (2n = 2x + 1 = 17) were
used for determining the chromosomal locations of several partial sequences of
candidate genes, CHS, CHI, F3H, DFR, and ANS via analyses of PCR/​based markers.
The results of DNA marker analyses showed that the CHS/​A, CHS/​B, CHI, F3H, DFR,
and ANS genes should be assigned to chromosomes 2A, 4A, 3A, 3A, 7A, and 4A,
respectively. HPLC analyses of 14 A. fistulosum /​ shallot multiple alien
additions (2n = 2x + 2 /​ 2x + 7 = 18 /​ 23) were conducted to identify the
anthocyanin compounds produced in the scaly leaves. A direct comparison between
the genomic constitution and the anthocyanin compositions of the multiple
additions revealed that a 3GT gene for glucosylation of anthocyanidin was
located on 4A. Thus, we were able to assign all structural genes involved in
flavonoid biosynthesis influencing bulb color to individual chromosomes of A.
cepa.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17038797 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Theor Appl Genet. 2006 Dec;114(1):31/​9. Epub 2006 Sep 22.

Comparative sequence and genetic analyses of asparagus BACs reveal no
microsynteny with onion or rice.

Jakse J, Telgmann A, Jung C, Khar A, Melgar S, Cheung F, Town CD, Havey MJ.

Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison,
WI 53706, USA.

The Poales (includes the grasses) and Asparagales [includes onion (Allium cepa
L.) and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)] are the two most economically
important monocot orders. The Poales are a member of the commelinoid monocots, a
group of orders sister to the Asparagales. Comparative genomic analyses have
revealed a high degree of synteny among the grasses; however, it is not known if
this synteny extends to other major monocot groups such as the Asparagales.
Although we previously reported no evidence for synteny at the recombinational
level between onion and rice, microsynteny may exist across shorter genomic
regions in the grasses and Asparagales. We sequenced nine asparagus BACs to
reveal physically linked genic/​like sequences and determined their most similar
positions in the onion and rice genomes. Four of the asparagus BACs were
selected using molecular markers tightly linked to the sex/​determining M locus
on chromosome 5 of asparagus. These BACs possessed only two putative coding
regions and had long tracts of degenerated retroviral elements and transposons.
Five asparagus BACs were selected after hybridization of three onion cDNAs that
mapped to three different onion chromosomes. Genic/​like sequences that were
physically linked on the cDNA/​selected BACs or genetically linked on the
M/​linked BACs showed significant similarities (e < /​20) to expressed sequences
on different rice chromosomes, revealing no evidence for microsynteny between
asparagus and rice across these regions. Genic/​like sequences that were linked
in asparagus were used to identify highly similar (e < /​20) expressed sequence
tags (ESTs) of onion. These onion ESTs mapped to different onion chromosomes and
no relationship was observed between physical or genetic linkages in asparagus
and genetic linkages in onion. These results further indicate that synteny among
grass genomes does not extend to a sister order in the monocots and that
asparagus may not be an appropriate smaller genome model for plants in the
Asparagales with enormous nuclear genomes.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 17016688 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Mutat Res. 2007 Jan 10;626(1/​2):4/​14. Epub 2006 Sep 26.

Genotoxicity of five food preservatives tested on root tips of Allium cepa L.

Turkoglu S.

Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology,
Sivas, Turkey. turkoglu@cumhuriyet.edu.tr

The effects of the food preservatives sodium benzoate (SB), boric acid (BA),
citric acid (CA), potassium citrate (PC) and sodium citrate (SC) have been
studied on root tips of Allium cepa L. Roots of A. cepa were treated with a
series of concentrations, ranging from 20 to 100 ppm for 5, 10 and 20 h. The
results indicate that these food preservatives reduced mitotic division in A.
cepa compared with the respective control. Mitotic index values were generally
decreased with increasing concentrations and longer treatment times.
Additionally, variations in the percentage of mitotic stages were observed. The
total percentage of aberrations generally increased with increasing
concentrations of these chemicals and the longer period of treatment. Different
abnormal mitotic figures were observed in all mitotic phases. Among these
abnormalities were anaphase bridges, C/​mitosis, micronuclei, lagging,
stickiness, breaks and unequal distribution.

PMID: 17005441 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

17: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Feb 12;109(3):367/​71. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

Lipid lowering effect of S/​methyl cysteine sulfoxide from Allium cepa Linn in
high cholesterol diet fed rats.

Kumari K, Augusti KT.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum
695581, Kerala, India.

The lipid lowering action of S/​methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCS) isolated from
Allium cepa Linn (family: Liliaceae) was investigated in Sprague/​Dawley rats fed
on 1% cholesterol diet, in comparison to the hypolipidemic drug gugulipid.
Administration of SMCS at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight for 45 days ameliorated
the hyperlipidemic condition. The lipid profile in serum and tissues showed that
concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids were significantly
reduced when compared to their untreated counterparts. The total lipoprotein
lipase activity in the adipose tissue was decreased with also a decrease in the
free fatty acid levels in serum and tissues. The activities of the lipogenic
enzymes glucose 6/​phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme as also of HMG CoA
reductase in the tissues remained low on treatment indicating that both the
drugs did not favor lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis in the hyperlipidemic
animals. The fecal excretion of bile acids and sterols was further increased
upon treatment with the drugs. The results are directive to that both gugulipid
and SMCS cause reduction of endogenous lipogenesis, increase catabolism of
lipids and subsequent excretion of metabolic by/​products through the intestinal
tract. However, gugulipid is a better drug than SMCS at a low dose of 50mg/kg
body weight.

PMID: 16987625 [PubMed /​ in process]

18: Biocell. 2006 Aug;30(2):259/​67.

Determination of vanadium accumulation in onion root cells (Allium cepa L.) and
its correlation with toxicity.

Marcano L, Carruyo I, Fernandez Y, Montiel X, Torrealba Z.

Universidad del Zulia, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Departamento de
Biologia, Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela. letty_marcano@hotmail.com

The vanadium is a metal that presents great interest from the toxicological
point of view, because of the numerous alterations that can take place in
different biological systems. This work evaluated the capacity of vanadium
accumulation and its correlation with genotoxic effects in root cells of Allium
cepa L. The bulbs were cultivated in renovated filtered water each 24 h, at a
temperature of 25 +//​ 0.5 degrees C, in darkness and constant aeration.
Treatments were carried out under the same experimental conditions, using water
solutions of vanadium of 25, 50, 75 and 100 microg/g for 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h.
A control was carried out where metal solution was substituted by distilled
water. After the treatment, the meristems were fixed with alcohol/​/​acetic acid
(3:1) and stained according to the technique of Feulgen. The capacity of
accumulation was determined by GFAAS. The analysis of the results revealed an
accumulation of the metal for all times and concentrations. No correlation was
presented among vanadium accumulation, growth and mitotic index; however,
positive correlation was given with the induction of chromosomic aberrations. In
conclusion, vanadium is able to induce cytotoxic effect in the exposed roots,
but only genotoxic effect was correlated with metal accumulation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16972550 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

19: Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2006 Jun;17(6):1137/​40.

[Inhibitory effects of natural plant extracts on Verticillium albo/​atrum]

[Article in Chinese]

Zhang S, Zhou B, Zhang L, Fu Y.

College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110161,
China. zhangsh024@163.com

This paper studied the inhibitory effects of 54 kinds of ethanol/​extracted plant
solutions on Verticillium albo/​atrum. The results showed that 15 kinds of these
extracts could inhibit the growth of verticillium albo/​atrum mycelium, with an
inhibitory rate more than 50%, among which, the inhibitory rate of Asarum
sieboldii, Coptis chinensis, Magnolia officinalis, Acacia catechu, Sophora
flavescens, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Cnidium monnieri, Platycodon grandiflorum and
Allium. cepa. extracts was higher than 65%, and that of Cnidium monnieri extract
reached 86.84%. A total of 16 kinds of plant extracts decreased the spore
germination of V. albo/​atrum, with the inhibitory rate higher than 70%, and
there were 7 kinds of plant extracts whose inhibitory rate reached 95%. Almost
no spore bourgeon was found after treated with Asarum sieboldii, Coptis
chinensis, and Magnolia officinalis extracts. The extract of Acacia catechu did
not inhibit the growth of mycelium, but restrained the spore germination by
100%. Cnidium monnieri extract could strongly inhibit the growth of mycelium,
but had a less effect on spore germination rate (only by 11.3%). The active
substances found in natural plant extracts which had the inhibitory effects on
pathogen brought us a new and promising method to deal with V. albo/​atrum and
other vegetable diseases.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16964957 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Int J Pharm. 2006 Dec 11;327(1/​2):6/​11. Epub 2006 Jul 25.

The study of drug permeation through natural membranes.

Ansari M, Kazemipour M, Aklamli M.

Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman Medical Sciences
University, Kerman, Iran. mansari@kmu.ac.ir

In this study, natural membranes such as the outer membrane of Prunus persica
(peach) and Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), the inner layer of the egg of
Gallus domesticus (hen) and the middle membrane of the Allium cepa (onion) were
used as controlling barriers for permeation of some model drugs with different
MW and lipophilicities. Drug permeation studies were done by using modified
Franz diffusion cell. The permeation of drugs through these natural membranes
was compared to permeation of them through human skin and synthetic cellophane
membrane. Results showed that the rate and amount of diclofenac permeated
through onion membrane was not significantly different from that with tomato
(p>0.17), egg (p>0.29) and human skin (p>0.93). Permeation of diclofenac through
tomato skin and cellophane was not significantly different (p>0.35). Permeation
of diclofenac through all studied membranes except for human skin that follows
the Fickian kinetic followed non/​Fickian mechanism and their permeabilities were
not significantly different from each other (p>0.05). Permeation of
metronidazole through onion membrane and tomato skin were not significantly
different from human skin (p>0.053 and 0.38, respectively). All membranes were
significantly different from each other (p<0.0001) for permeation of
erythromycin as a relatively large molecular weight and lipohilic molecule
through human skin and other studied membranes. Permeation of diclofenac through
human skin and metronidazole through egg and tomato skin followed Fick's first
law. Diffusion of diclofenac through onion, tomato, egg, cellophane, and peach;
metronidazole through onion, peach, cellophane, and human skin, and erythromycin
through all studied membranes followed non/​Fickian mechanism for diffusion.
Statistical analysis showed the most similarity between onion and human skin for
diclofenac, tomato and human skin for metronidazole, onion and cellophane for
erythromycin.

PMID: 16959447 [PubMed /​ in process]

21: Indian J Biochem Biophys. 2005 Dec;42(6):371/​7.

Induction of resistance in host against the infection of leaf blight pathogen
(Alternaria palandui) in onion (Allium cepa var aggregatum).

Karthikeyan M, Jayakumar V, Radhika K, Bhaskaran R, Velazhahan R, Alice D.

Department of Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. karthipath@rediffmail.com

The Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate Pfl was found to inhibit the growth of
pathogen Alternaria palandui, in vitro. In the present study, foliar application
of a talc/​based formulation of Pfl significantly reduced the incidence of leaf
blight of onion, caused by A. palandui. Induction of defense/​related proteins
viz., chitinase, beta/​1,3 glucanase, peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase
(PPO) by application of Pfl, was studied against A. palandui infection in
resistant (IHR 56) and susceptible (MDUI) onion cultivars. Chitinase in both
cultivars, with or without challenge/​inoculation of A. palandui revealed changes
in the isoform pattern. The Native/​PAGE of PO showed induction of PO2 isoform in
both the cultivars, in response to inoculation of pathogen. Isoform analysis of
PPO also exhibited induction in the Pfl/​treated plants challenged with pathogen.
Similarly, the activity of beta/​1,3/​glucanase was greatly induced in Pfl/​treated
plants, challenged with pathogen as compared to controls. Thus, the P.
fluorescens/​treated plants showed significant increase in the levels of the
defense enzymes, in comparison to the plants challenged with the pathogen.

PMID: 16955738 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

22: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Aug 23;54(17):6185/​91.

Quercetin content in field/​cured onions (Allium cepa L.): effects of cultivar,
lifting time, and nitrogen fertilizer level.

Mogren LM, Olsson ME, Gertsson UE.

Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.
Box 44, SE/​230 53 Alnarp, Sweden. lars.mogren@vv.slu.se

Variation in quercetin content was investigated in field/​cured onions (Allium
cepa L.) that had been supplied with different nitrogen fertilizer levels and
lifted at different developmental stages. Quercetin content varied significantly
between years and was well correlated to global radiation in August. Field
curing generally resulted in significant increases in quercetin content compared
to levels at lifting. Nitrogen fertilizer level did not affect quercetin
content, suggesting that nitrogen leakage from soil may be minimized without
effects on flavonol content. Lifting time had minor effects on quercetin content
in field/​cured onions. Cultivar differences in quercetin content were
significant but not consistent in all years. Quercetin content increased
significantly less in dark environments compared to field curing, but some
quercetin synthesis occurred regardless of light. Field curing with or without
foliage still attached did not affect quercetin content, suggesting that no
transportation from the foliage to the scales occurred.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16910706 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

23: Transgenic Res. 2006 Aug;15(4):435/​46.

Expression of the lipid transfer protein Ace/​AMP1 in transgenic wheat enhances
antifungal activity and defense responses.

Roy/​Barman S, Sautter C, Chattoo BB.

Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Science, The M.
S. University of Baroda, Vadodara 390 002, India.

To enhance fungal disease resistance, wheat plants (cv. Bobwhite) were
engineered to constitutively express the potent antimicrobial protein Ace/​AMP1
from Allium cepa, driven by a maize ubiquitin promoter along with its first
intron. The bar gene was used for selection of putative transformants on medium
containing phosphinothricin (PPT). Transgene inheritance, integration and
stability of expression were confirmed over two generations by PCR, Southern,
northern and western blot analyses, respectively. The levels of Ace/​AMP1 in
different transgenic lines correlated with the transcript levels of the
transgene. Up to 50% increase in resistance to Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici
was detected in detached leaf assays. In ears of transgenic wheat inoculated
with Neovossia indica, Ace/​AMP1 intensified expression of defense/​related genes.
Elevated levels of salicylic acid and of transcripts of phenylalanine ammonia
lyase (PAL), glucanase (PR2) and chitinase (PR3) in the transgenic plants
indicated manifestation of systemic acquired resistance (SAR).

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16906444 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

24: Mutat Res. 2006 Oct 10;609(1):81/​91. Epub 2006 Aug 2.

Genotoxicity of industrial wastewaters obtained from two different pollution
sources in northern India: a comparison of three bioassays.

Fatima RA, Ahmad M.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh 202002,
India.

The genotoxicity of industrial wastewater samples from Aligarh and Ghaziabad
cities was compared using the Ames plate incorporation test, the Ames
fluctuation test and the Allium cepa test. While TA102 and TA104 strains
exhibited the highest sensitivity against the Aligarh sample (AWW) in terms of
the slope (m) of the dose/​response curve in the plate incorporation assay, TA98
and TA97a were the most sensitive strains based on the induction factor, Mi(p).
TA98 once again, was the most sensitive strain against the test sample from
Ghaziabad (GWW) in terms of 'Mi(p)' while TA102 was the most sensitive strain on
the basis of the slope (m). TA100 displayed the highest susceptibility towards
the samples from Aligarh in the fluctuation test. However, TA102 and TA98
responded maximally to GWW in this bioassay. The mutagenicity of the test
samples seemed to be partly mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) as
evidenced by the use of free radical scavengers. Mannitol brought about the
maximum decline in the number of revertants of TA102 by the Aligarh sample,
whereas such a reduction in case of Ghaziabad sample was exhibited with
superoxide dismutase. Both the test water samples induced various anaphase
aberrations in the root cells of Allium cepa. Fragmentation of the chromosome
was the predominant effect of the Aligarh water sample while the Ghaziabad
sample induced chromosome stickiness. The crucial roles of heavy metals and
pesticides in the genotoxicity of AWW and GWW, respectively, have been
suggested. In view of the problem associated with the interpretations of data,
we recommend that all the test bioassays should be carried out in the presence
of ROS scavengers for the fool proof evaluation of the genotoxicity of water
samples.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16887378 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

25: Biol Res. 2006;39(2):331/​40. Epub 2006 Jul 25.

The G2 checkpoint activated by DNA damage does not prevent genome instability in
plant cells.

Carballo JA, Pincheira J, de la Torre C.

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.

Root growth, G2 length, and the frequency of aberrant mitoses and apoptotic
nuclei were recorded after a single X/​ray irradiation, ranging from 2.5 to 40
Gy, in Allium cepa L. root meristematic cells. After 72 h of recovery, root
growth was reduced in a dose/​dependent manner from 10 to 40 Gy, but not at 2.5
or 5 Gy doses. Flow cytometry plus TUNEL (TdT/​mediated dUTP nick end labeling)
showed that activation of apoptosis occurred only after 20 and 40 Gy of X/​rays.
Nevertheless, irrespective of the radiation dose, conventional flow cytometry
showed that cells accumulated in G2 (4C DNA content). Simultaneously, the
mitotic index fell, though a mitotic wave appeared later. Cell accumulation in
G2 was transient and partially reversed by caffeine, thus it was
checkpoint/​dependent. Strikingly, the additional G2 time provided by this
checkpoint was never long enough to complete DNA repair. Then, in all cases,
some G2 cells with still/​unrepaired DNA underwent checkpoint adaptation, i.e.,
they entered into the late mitotic wave with chromatid breaks. These cells and
those produced by the breakage of chromosomal bridges in anaphase will reach the
G1 of the next cell cycle unrepaired, ensuring the appearance of genome
instability.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16874408 [PubMed /​ in process]

26: J Environ Biol. 2006 Jan;27(1):93/​5.

In vivo studies on the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract in modifying the
genotoxicity induced by chromium and mercury in Allium root meristems.

Babu K, Uma Maheswari KC.

R & D Centre, Cholayil Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ambattur, Chennai/​600 098,
India.

In vivo cytogenetic assay in Allium cepa root tip cells has been carried out to
detect the modifying effect of Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract against
chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) induced genotoxicity. It was observed that the
roots post/​treated with the leaf extract showed highly significant (p < 0.001)
recovery in mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) when compared to
pre/​treated (Cr/Hg) samples and the lower doses of the leaf extract were found
to be more effective than higher doses. The present study reveals that the
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract possesses the protective effect against Cr/Hg
induced genetic damage.

PMID: 16850883 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

27: Biocell. 2006 Apr;30(1):9/​13.

Evaluation of cytotoxic potential of latex of Calotropis procera and
podophyllotoxin in Allium cepa root model.

Sehgal R, Roy S, Kumar VL.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari
Nagar, New Delhi /​ 110 029, India.

In the present study we have utilized the Allium cepa root tip meristem model to
evaluate the cytotoxic and anti/​mitotic activities of latex of Calotropis
procera (DL) and podophyllotoxin. Standard cytotoxic drug cyclophosphamide and
non/​cytotoxic drugs cyprohcptadine and aspirin served as controls. Like
cyclophosphamide, both DL and podophyllotoxin significantly inhibited the growth
of roots and mitotic activity in a dose/​dependent manner. However,
podophyllotoxin was more potent in this regard and produced root decay.
Cyproheptadine and aspirin, on the other hand, showed a marginal effect on the
root growth and mitotic activity at much higher concentrations.

PMID: 16845823 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

28: J Exp Bot. 2006;57(11):2719/​34. Epub 2006 Jul 13.

Erratum in:
J Exp Bot. 2006;57(14):3961.

Molecular and functional characterization of a cDNA encoding fructan:fructan
6G/​fructosyltransferase (6G/​FFT)/fructan:fructan 1/​fructosyltransferase (1/​FFT)
from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).

Lasseur B, Lothier J, Djoumad A, De Coninck B, Smeekens S, Van Laere A,
Morvan/​Bertrand A, Van den Ende W, Prud'homme MP.

UMR INRA/​UCN 950 EVA Ecophysiologie Vegetale, Agronomie et Nutritions NCS,
Universite de Caen, Esplanade de la Paix, F/​14032 Caen cedex, France.

Fructans are the main storage compound in Lolium perenne. To account for the
prevailing neokestose/​based fructan synthesis in this species, a cDNA library of
L. perenne was screened by using the onion (Allium cepa) fructan:fructan
6G/​fructosyltransferase (6G/​FFT) as a probe. A full length Lp6G/​FFT clone was
isolated with significant homologies to vacuolar type fructosyltransferases and
invertases. The functionality of the cDNA was tested by heterologous expression
in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant protein demonstrated both 6G/​FFT and
fructan:fructan 1/​fructosyltransferase activities (1/​FFT) with a maximum
6G/​FFT/1/​FFT ratio of two. The activity of 6G/​FFT was investigated with respect
to developmental stage, tissue distribution, and alterations in carbohydrate
status expression and compared to sucrose:sucrose 1/​fructosyltransferase
(1/​SST). Lp6G/​FFT and Lp1/​SST were predominantly expressed in the basal part of
elongating leaves and leaf sheaths. Expression of both genes declined along the
leaf axis, in parallel with the spatial occurrence of fructan and
fructosyltransferase activities. Surprisingly, Lp6G/​FFT was highly expressed in
photosynthetically active tissues where very low extractable
fructosyltransferase activity and fructan amounts were detected, suggesting a
post/​transcriptional regulation of expression. Lp6G/​FFT gene expression
increased only in elongating leaves following similar increases of sucrose
content in blades, sheaths, and elongating leaf bases. Regulation of Lp6G/​FFT
gene expression depends on the tissue according to its sink/​source status.

PMID: 16840511 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

29: Mutat Res. 2006 Sep;613(1):17/​64. Epub 2006 Jul 7.

Zea mays assays of chemical/radiation genotoxicity for the study of
environmental mutagens.

Grant WF, Owens ET.

Department of Plant Science, P.O. Box 4000, McGill University, Macdonald Campus,
21, 111 Lakeshore Blvd., Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
william.grant@mcgill.ca

From a literature survey, 86 chemicals are tabulated that have been evaluated in
121 assays for their clastogenic effects in Zea mays. Eighty/​one of the 86
chemicals are reported as giving a positive reaction (i.e. causing chromosome
aberrations). Of these, 36 are reported positive with a dose response. In
addition, 32 assays have been recorded for 7 types of radiation, all of which
reacted positively. The results of 126 assays with 63 chemicals and 12 types of
radiation tested for the inductions of gene mutations are tabulated, as well as
63 chemicals and/or radiation in combined treatments. Three studies reported
positive results for mutations on Zea mays seed sent on space flights. The Zea
mays (2n=20) assay is a very good plant bioassay for assessing chromosome damage
both in mitosis and meiosis and for somatic mutations induced by chemicals and
radiations. The carcinogenicity and Salmonella assays correlate in all cases.
The maize bioassay has been shown to be as sensitive and as specific an assay as
other plant genotoxicity assays, such as Hordeum vulgare, Vicia faba, Crepis
capillaris, Pisum sativum, Lycopersicon esculentum and Allium cepa and should be
considered in further studies in assessing clastogenicity. Tests using Zea mays
can be made for a spectrum of mutant phenotypes of which many are identifiable
in young seedlings.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 16828334 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

30: Mol Cells. 2006 Jun 30;21(3):411/​7.

Determination of cytoplasmic male sterile factors in onion plants (Allium cepa
L.) using PCR/​RFLP and SNP markers.

Cho KS, Yang TJ, Hong SY, Kwon YS, Woo JG, Park HG.

National Institute of Highland Agriculture, Rural Development Administration,
Pyeongchang 232/​955, Korea. kscho@rda.go.kr

We have developed a polymerase chain reaction/​restriction fragment length
polymorphism (PCR/​RFLP) marker that can distinguish male/​fertile (N) and
male/​sterile (S) cytoplasm in onions. The PCR/​RFLP marker was located in a
chloroplast psbA gene amplicon. Digesting the amplicons from different
cytoplasm/​containing varieties with the restriction enzyme MspI revealed that
N/​cytoplasm plants have a functional MspI site (CCGG), whereas the S/​cytoplasm
plants has a substitution in that site (CTGG), and thus no MspI target. The
results obtained using this PCR/​RFLP marker to distinguish between cytoplasmic
male sterile factors in 35 onion varieties corresponded with those using a
CMS/​specific sequence/​characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. Moreover,
the PCR/​RFLP marker can identify N/​ ot S/​cytoplasms in DNA sample mixtures in
which they are in up to a 10/​fold minority, indicating that use of the marker
has high diagnostic precision. We also demonstrated the usefulness of the SNP
detected in the psbA gene for high/​throughput discrimination of CMS factors
using Real/​time PCR and a TaqMan probe assay.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16819305 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

31: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Sep 19;107(2):211/​21. Epub 2006 Mar 27.

Changes in chromosome structure, mitotic activity and nuclear DNA content from
cells of Allium Test induced by bark water extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.)
DC.

Kuras M, Nowakowska J, Sliwinska E, Pilarski R, Ilasz R, Tykarska T, Zobel A,
Gulewicz K.

Department of Ecotoxicology, Warsaw University, Miecznikowa 1, 02/​096 Warsaw,
Poland. kuras@biol.uw.edu.pl

The influence of water extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC bark on the
meristematic cells of the root tips of Allium cepa L., e.g. cells of Allium
Test, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in two variants: (1)
continuous incubation at different concentrations (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/ml) of the
extract for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h; and (2) 24/​h incubation in three
concentrations of the extract (4, 8 or 16 mg/ml), followed by post/​incubation in
distilled water for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48h. During the continuous incubation, the
mitotic activity was reduced (2 and 4 mg/ml) or totally inhibited (8 and 16
mg/ml), depending on the concentration of the extract. All the concentrations
resulted in gradual reduction of the mitotic activity. In the concentration of 2
mg/ml, the mitotic activity reached its lowest value after 12h (2 mg/ml) and
after 24h in 4 mg/ml, followed by spontaneous intensification of divisions
during further incubation. Instead, in higher concentrations of the extracts (8
and 16 mg/ml), the mitotic activity was totally inhibited within 24h and did not
resume even after 72h. Incubation caused changes in the phase index, mainly as
an increase in the number of prophases. After 24h of incubation, in all phases,
condensation and contraction of chromosomes were observed. During
post/​incubation, divisions resumed in all concentrations, reaching even higher
values than the control. Cytometric analysis showed that the extract caused
inhibition of the cell cycle at the border between gap(2) and beginning of
mitosis (G(2)/M).

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16793229 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

32: J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2006;41(4):659/​74.

Detoxification and bioremediation potential of a Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate
against the major Indian water pollutants.

Ali Khan MW, Ahmad M.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University,
Aligarh, India.

A Pseudomonas fluorescens strain was isolated from the soil of industrial estate
of Aligarh, India. This strain was resistant to some of the major Indian water
pollutants, namely Cd2+, Cr6+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, BHC, 2,4/​D, mancozeb and
phenols up to the levels occurring in the highly polluted regions. Moreover, the
test strain seems to have a great potential for the detoxification of these
pollutants. The decrease in toxicity as determined by the Allium cepa test was
recorded as 62.5% for the model water containing the mixture of test heavy
metals, 71.9% for the pesticides, 73.2% for phenols, and 58.5% for combination
of all these toxicants. These values were obtained after 24 hours, exposure to
the immobilized cells of the test isolate in the calcium alginate matrix at the
concentrations of these polutants supposedly present in the highly polluted
water systems in India. The efficiency of bioremediation for certain heavy
metals at the same concentrations by means of immobilized cells of the test
Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate was estimated to be 75.9% for cadmium, 74.2% for
hexavalent chromium and 61.0% for lead during the 24 hours' treatment. In view
of the preliminary work, the test isolate seems to be a good candidate for the
bioremediation of water pollutants.

PMID: 16779939 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

33: Biotech Histochem. 2006 Jan/​Feb;81(1):13/​21.

CPD staining: an effective technique for detection of NORs and other GC/​rich
chromosomal regions in plants.

She CW, Liu JY, Song YC.

Key Laboratory of MOE for Plant Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences,
Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.

Mitotic chromosome spreads of 16 plant species belonging to six families were
analyzed using an improved combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining procedure.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 45S rDNA probe was conducted
sequentially on the same spreads to evaluate the efficiency and sensitivity of
the technique. Fluorochrome staining with chromomycin A3 (CMA)/​DAPI also was
conducted to clarify the properties of the sequences involved in the CPD banded
regions. Our results revealed that all of the NORs (rDNA sites) in the species
tested were efficiently shown as red bands by CPD staining, and the number and
position of the bands corresponded precisely to those of the 45S rDNA FISH
signals, indicating that the detection sensitivity of CPD staining is similar to
that of FISH. In 10 of the species tested including Aegilops squarrosa, Allium
sativum, Oryza sativum ssp. indica, Oryza officinalis, Pisum sativum, Secale
cereale, Setaria italica, Sorghum vulgare, Vicia faba and Zea mays, CPD bands
were exhibited exclusively in their NORs, while in other six species including
Hordeum vulgare, Allium cepa, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, Arabidopsis thaliana,
Brassica oleracea var. capitata and Lycopersicon esculentum, CPD bands appeared
in chromosomal regions other than their NORs. The CPD bands were in accordance
with the CMA bands in all species tested, indicating GC/​rich sequences in the
CPD bands and that the improved CPD staining procedure is specific for GC/​rich
regions in plant genomes. Our investigation not only elucidated the banding
mechanisms of CPD, but also demonstrated that the CPD staining technique, which
may be preferable to CMA staining, is an effective tool for detecting NORs and
other GC/​rich chromosomal regions in plants.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16760123 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

34: J Nat Prod. 2006 May;69(5):795/​800.

Sesquiterpene lactones as allelochemicals.

Macias FA, Fernandez A, Varela RM, Molinillo JM, Torres A, Alves PL.

Grupo de Alelopatia, Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain. famacias@uca.es

Six new sesquiterpene lactones, annuolide H (3), helivypolides F, H/​J (4,
11/​13), and helieudesmanolide A (6), together with known compounds, were
isolated from polar bioactive fractions of Helianthus annuus cv. SH/​222 and
Stella fresh leaf water extracts. Spectroscopic analysis of the new data for
1,2/​anhydroniveusin A and 1/​methoxy/​4,5/​dihydroniveusin A corrects some previous
assignments. The compounds were tested using the etiolated wheat coleoptile
bioassay, and the most active compounds were assayed in standard target species
(STS) (Lepidium sativum, Allium cepa, Lactucasativa, Lycopersicon esculentum,
and Triticum aestivum) from 5 x 10(/​4) to 10(/​5) M. The most phytotoxic
compounds were helivypolide F and 15/​hydroxy/​3/​dehydrodeoxyfruticin, both of
which have a carbonyl group at C/​3 conjugated with two double bonds.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16724843 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

35: Cytogenet Genome Res. 2006;114(1):77/​82.

Nuclear DNA content and nuclear and cell volume are positively correlated in
angiosperms.

Jovtchev G, Schubert V, Meister A, Barow M, Schubert I.

Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany.

Volumes of flow sorted nuclei were analyzed from two highly endopolyploid
(diploids with endopolyploid tissues) species (Arabidopsis thaliana and Barbarea
stricta), from a less endopolyploid species (Allium cepa) and from two
non/​endopolyploid species (Chrysanthemum multicolor and Fritillaria uva/​vulpis).
Intraspecific as well as interspecific comparisons revealed a highly positive
correlation (r > 0.99) between DNA content and nuclear volume. No significant
differences between expected and measured nuclear volumes were noted indicating
that chromatin packing is not increased with increasing DNA content in the
tested plant species. In epidermis cells of A. thaliana, A. cepa and Ch.
multicolor, a lower (r between 0.6 and 0.7) but significant positive correlation
between nuclear volume and cell volume was found. This correlation is compatible
with the hypothesis that endopolyploidization (EP = consecutive replication
cycles not separated by nuclear and cell divisions) might speed up the growth of
endopolyploid species and compensate for small genome size. 2006 S. Karger AG,
Basel.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16717454 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

36: Fitoterapia. 2006 Jun;77(4):321/​3. Epub 2006 May 11.

In vitro antifungal activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and ketoconazole
against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes.

Shams/​Ghahfarokhi M, Shokoohamiri MR, Amirrajab N, Moghadasi B, Ghajari A, Zeini
F, Sadeghi G, Razzaghi/​Abyaneh M.

Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarress
University, Tehran 14115/​111, Iran. shamsm@modares.ac.ir

By using an agar dilution assay, the antifungal activity of aqueous extracts
prepared from Allium cepa (onion; AOE) and Allium sativum (garlic; AGE) were
evaluated against Malassezia furfur (25 strains), Candida albicans (18 strains),
other Candida sp. (12 strains) as well as 35 strains of various dermatophyte
species and compared with the activity of a known antifungal drug, ketoconazole
(KTZ). All the AOE, AGE and KTZ were found to be able to inhibit growth of all
fungi tested in a dose/​dependent manner with maximum of 100% at defined
concentrations. The results indicate that onion and garlic might be promising in
treatment of fungal/​associated diseases from important pathogenic genera
Candida, Malassezia and the dermatophytes.

PMID: 16690223 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

37: Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):581/​4.

Exploring Allium species as a source of potential medicinal agents.

Stajner D, Milic N, Canadanovic/​Brunet J, Kapor A, Stajner M, Popovic BM.

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 8, 21000
Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro.

It has been shown that Allium species may help to prevent tumor promotion,
cardiovascular diseases and aging; all processes that are associated with free
radicals. Therefore the Allium species of both cultivated species (Allium nutans
L., Allium fistulosum L., Allium vineale L., Allium psekemense B. Fedtsch,
Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L.) and wild species (Allium flavum L., Allium
sphaerocephalum L., Allium atroviolaceum Boiss, Allium schenoprasum L., Allium
vineale L., Allium ursinum L., Allium scorodoprasum L.) from various locations
were investigated for their antioxidative properties. The leaves were examined
for activities of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, peroxidase,
superoxide/​dismutase, glutathione/​peroxidase), non/​enzymic antioxidants (reduced
glutathione and total flavonoids), content of soluble proteins, vitamin C,
carotenoids, chlorophylls a and b, as well as the quantities of
malonyldialdehyde and *OH and O2*/​ radicals. Using a contemporary spectroscopic
fluorescent method, lipofuscin, 'plant age pigments' were determined. ESR
spectroscopy was used to follow the decrease of oxygen radicals in the presence
of extracts of Allium species in phosphate buffer (pH 7). The results showed
that all Allium species had strong antioxidative properties due to their high
concentration of total flavonoids, high content of carotenoids and chlorophylls,
and very low concentrations of toxic oxygen radicals. ESR signals of DMPO/​OH
radical adducts, in the presence of Allium extracts in phosphate buffer (pH 7),
were reduced by up to 94.3%.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16676298 [PubMed /​ in process]

38: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 May 3;54(9):3341/​50.

Effects of fertilization, crop year, variety, and provenance factors on mineral
concentrations in onions.

Ariyama K, Nishida T, Noda T, Kadokura M, Yasui A.

Center for Food Quality, Labeling and Consumer Services, 2/​1 Shintoshin,
Saitama/​shi 330/​9731, Japan. kaoru/​ariyama@cfqlcs.go.jp

Mineral concentrations of onions (Allium cepa L.) grown under various
conditions, including factors (fertilization, crop year, variety, and
provenance), were investigated to clarify how much each factor contributes to
the variation of their concentrations. This was because the mineral
concentrations might be affected by various factors. The ultimate goal of this
study was to develop a technique to determine the geographic origins of onions
by mineral composition. Samples were onions grown under various conditions at 52
fields in 18 farms in Hokkaido, Japan. Twenty/​six elements (Li, Na, Mg, Al, P,
K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Gd, W, and
Tl) in these samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic
emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Fertilization conditions and crop years of onions caused variations of P, Ni,
Cu, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cs, and Tl concentrations in onions; different onion varieties
also showed variations in numerous element concentrations. However, the
variations of mineral compositions of onions by these factors were smaller than
the differences between production places with a few exceptions. Furthermore,
Na, Rb, and Cs in group IA of the periodic table, Ca, Sr, and Ba in group IIA,
and Zn and Cd in group IIB showed similar concentration patterns by group; this
result demonstrated that elements in the same periodic groups behaved similarly
in terms of their absorption in onions.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16637694 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

39: J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 May;99(2/​3):100/​7. Epub 2006 Apr 18.

Beta/​sitosterol/​3/​O/​beta/​D/​glucopyranoside: a eukaryotic DNA polymerase lambda
inhibitor.

Mizushina Y, Nakanishi R, Kuriyama I, Kamiya K, Satake T, Shimazaki N, Koiwai O,
Uchiyama Y, Yonezawa Y, Takemura M, Sakaguchi K, Yoshida H.

Laboratory of Food & Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Science,
Kobe/​Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo 651/​2180, Japan.
mizushin@nutr.kobegakuin.ac.jp

Beta/​sitosterol/​3/​O/​beta/​D/​glucopyranoside (compound 1), a steroidal glycoside
isolated from onion (Allium cepa L.) selectively inhibited the activity of
mammalian DNA polymerase lambda (pol lambda) in vitro. The compound did not
influence the activities of replicative DNA polymerases such as alpha, delta and
epsilon, but also showed no effect even on the activity of pol beta which is
thought to have a very similar three/​dimensional structure to the pol beta/​like
region of pol lambda. Since parts of compound 1 such as beta/​sitosterol
(compound 2) and D/​glucose (compound 3) did not influence the activities of any
enzymes tested, the converted structure of compounds 2 and 3 might be important
for pol lambda inhibition. The inhibitory effect of compound 1 on both intact
pol lambda (i.e. residues 1/​575) and a truncated pol lambda lacking the
N/​terminal BRCA1 C/​terminus (BRCT) domain (133/​575, del/​1 pol lambda) was
dose/​dependent, and 50% inhibition was observed at a concentration of 9.1 and
5.4 microM, respectively. The compound 1/​induced inhibition of del/​1 pol lambda
activity was non/​competitive with respect to both the DNA template/​primer and
the dNTP substrate. On the basis of these results, the pol lambda inhibitory
mechanism of compound 1 is discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16621516 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

40: Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2005 Jul/​Sep;109(3):676/​9.

[Phytochemical and microbiological characterization of two Allium cepa L.
extracts in order to include in dermo/​cosmetics]

[Article in Romanian]

Tataringa G, Hancianu M, Aprotosoaie C, Poiata A, Vasilescu M, Gafitanu E.

Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iasi, Facultatea de Farmacie.

We have obtained two Allium cepa extracts (C1 and C2) which were characterized
from chemical and microbiological point of view. The C1 extract is the richest
concerning the content in flavonoids, triterpenic acids, amino acids, compounds
recognized for their beneficial effects in wound healing. All this data shows us
the possibility of using the Allium cepa extracts in the treatment of wounds,
scars. As well, the antimicrobial activity of the two extracts was evaluated.
The C2 extract was efficient as antimicrobial agent, but there are necessary
special preserving conditions.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 16607772 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

41: Plant Physiol. 2006 May;141(1):196/​207. Epub 2006 Mar 31.

Identification of a vacuolar sucrose transporter in barley and Arabidopsis
mesophyll cells by a tonoplast proteomic approach.

Endler A, Meyer S, Schelbert S, Schneider T, Weschke W, Peters SW, Keller F,
Baginsky S, Martinoia E, Schmidt UG.

University of Zurich, Institute of Plant Biology, CH/​8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

The vacuole is the main cellular storage pool, where sucrose (Suc) accumulates
to high concentrations. While a limited number of vacuolar membrane proteins,
such as V/​type H(+)/​ATPases and H(+)/​pyrophosphatases, are well characterized,
the majority of vacuolar transporters are still unidentified, among them the
transporter(s) responsible for vacuolar Suc uptake and release. In search of
novel tonoplast transporters, we used a proteomic approach, analyzing the
tonoplast fraction of highly purified mesophyll vacuoles of the crop plant
barley (Hordeum vulgare). We identified 101 proteins, including 88 vacuolar and
putative vacuolar proteins. The Suc transporter (SUT) HvSUT2 was discovered
among the 40 vacuolar proteins, which were previously not reported in
Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) vacuolar proteomic studies. To confirm the
tonoplast localization of this Suc transporter, we constructed and expressed
green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins with HvSUT2 and its closest
Arabidopsis homolog, AtSUT4. Transient expression of HvSUT2/​GFP and AtSUT4/​GFP
in Arabidopsis leaves and onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells resulted in green
fluorescence at the tonoplast, indicating that these Suc transporters are indeed
located at the vacuolar membrane. Using a microcapillary, we selected mesophyll
protoplasts from a leaf protoplast preparation and demonstrated unequivocally
that, in contrast to the companion cell/​specific AtSUC2, HvSUT2 and AtSUT4 are
expressed in mesophyll protoplasts, suggesting that HvSUT2 and AtSUT4 are
involved in transport and vacuolar storage of photosynthetically derived Suc.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16581873 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

42: Ann Bot (Lond). 2006 Jun;97(6):1127/​38. Epub 2006 Mar 6.

Neutral red as a probe for confocal laser scanning microscopy studies of plant
roots.

Dubrovsky JG, Guttenberger M, Saralegui A, Napsucialy/​Mendivil S, Voigt B,
Baluska F, Menzel D.

Departamento de Biologia Molecular de Plantas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de
Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. jdubrov@ibt.unam.mx

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neutral red (NR), a lipophilic phenazine dye, has been
widely used in various biological systems as a vital stain for bright/​field
microscopy. In its unprotonated form it penetrates the plasma membrane and
tonoplast of viable plant cells, then due to protonation it becomes trapped in
acidic compartments. The possible applications of NR for confocal laser scanning
microscopy (CLSM) studies were examined in various aspects of plant root
biology. METHODS: NR was used as a fluorochrome for living roots of Phaseolus
vulgaris, Allium cepa, A. porrum and Arabidopsis thaliana (wild/​type and
transgenic GFP/​carrying lines). The tissues were visualized using CLSM. The
effect of NR on the integrity of the cytoskeleton and the growth rate of
arabidopsis primary roots was analysed to judge potential toxic effects of the
dye. KEY RESULTS: The main advantages of the use of NR are related to the fact
that NR rapidly penetrates root tissues, has affinity to suberin and lignin, and
accumulates in the vacuoles. It is shown that NR is a suitable probe for
visualization of proto/​ and metaxylem elements, Casparian bands in the
endodermis, and vacuoles in cells of living roots. The actin cytoskeleton and
the microtubule system of the cells, as well as the dynamics of root growth,
remain unchanged after short/​term application of NR, indicating a relatively low
toxicity of this chemical. It was also found that NR is a useful probe for the
observation of the internal structures of root nodules and of fungal hyphae in
vesicular/​arbuscular mycorrhizas. CONCLUSIONS: Ease, low cost and absence of
tissue processing make NR a useful probe for structural, developmental and
vacuole/​biogenetic studies of plant roots with CLSM.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16520341 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

43: J Nutr. 2006 Mar;136(3):608/​13.

The production of reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial membrane
potential are modulated during onion oil/​induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
in A549 cells.

Wu XJ, Stahl T, Hu Y, Kassie F, Mersch/​Sundermann V.

Institute of Indoor and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine,
Justus/​Liebig/​University of Giessen, Germany.

Protective effects of Allium vegetables against cancers have been shown
extensively in experimental animals and epidemiologic studies. We investigated
cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis by onion oil extracted from
Allium cepa, a widely consumed Allium vegetable, in human lung cancer A549
cells. GC/MS analysis suggested that propyl sulfides but not allyl sulfides are
major sulfur/​containing constituents of onion oil. Onion oil at 12.5 mg/L
significantly induced apoptosis (13% increase of apoptotic cells) as indicated
by sub/​G1 DNA content. It also caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase; 25
mg/L onion oil increased the percentage of G2/M cells almost 6/​fold compared
with the dimethyl sulfoxide control. The action of onion oil may occur via a
reactive oxygen species/​dependent pathway because cell cycle arrest and
apoptosis were blocked by the antioxidants N/​acetylcysteine and exogenous
glutathione. Marked collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential suggested
that dysfunction of the mitochondria may be involved in the oxidative burst and
apoptosis induced by onion oil. Expression of phospho/​cdc2 and phospho/​cyclin B1
were downregulated by onion oil, perhaps accounting for the G2/M arrest.
Overall, these results suggest that onion oil may exert chemopreventive action
by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells.

PMID: 16484532 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

44: J Chromatogr A. 2006 Apr 21;1112(1/​2):23/​30. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Seleno/​compounds in garlic and onion.

Arnault I, Auger J.

CRITT INNOPHYT, Universite Francois Rabelais, Parc de Grandmont, 37200 Tours,
France.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) are widely known for their
biological properties but are far from having revealed all of their secrets even
if the compounds involved in the biological mechanisms, flavenols, sulphur and
seleno compounds have been identified. The beneficial effect of garlic on health
including protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancers results from
all of these compounds although their individual involvement is complex. Garlic
and onion, broccoli, wild leek, have the ability to accumulate the selenium (Se)
from soil. These Se/​enriched plants present a greater protection against
carcinogenesis than the common plants and two Se/​compounds possessing
anti/​cancer activity have been identified: Se/​methyl selenocysteine and
gamma/​glutamyl/​Se/​methyl selenocysteine. However, several Se/​compounds from
Se/​enriched garlic or onion remain unidentified. The techniques for the
detection of Se/​species are numerous but few methods are able to identify the
detected compounds. The very small quantities of Se/​compounds present and the
clear lack of standards do not make their analysis straightforward, particularly
for non/​enriched samples. Over the last 10 or so years development of the
synthesis of Se/​compounds and the use of GC/​AED or EC/HPLC/​ICP/​MS have shown
considerable possibilities. These techniques have allowed advances in the
identification of Se/​compounds, some of which are analogues of S/​compounds in
plants and yeasts. When these techniques are coupled to EC/HPLC/​APCI/​MS/​MS, they
provide a lot of information about the Se/​biosynthesis in garlic. This has
allowed the preferential formation of methylated compounds in Se/​biochemistry to
be identified, in contrast to the sulphur biochemistry of the Allium spp. in
which compounds containing propenylic groups predominate. This review focuses on
the recent advances in the analytical methods of Se/​compounds in garlic and
onion and particular attention is given to the biological properties of
Se/​species identified in Se/​enriched plants.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 16480995 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

45: J Environ Biol. 2005 Oct;26(4):675/​80.

Studies of VA/​Mycorrhizal fungi associated with some weed plants in sugar mill
effluent soils.

Vani K, Kumar GS, Selvaraj T.

Department of Microbiology, Ponnaiyah Ramajayam College, Thanjavur /​ 614 904.
India. vankan@sify.com

This study is to isolate the effluent strain of VAM fungi from polluted soils of
sugar mill effluents. Analysis showed that pH and EC was more but the organic
matter is less when compared to non/​polluted soils. Even though there was low P
content that enhances the mycorrhizal infection, the percent of root
colonization was less than 75% in polluted study site. The number of VAM
propagules and its distribution were also greatly affected due to various
factors. Nine different VAM species were isolated and identified from the
polluted study site. Using Allium cepa L. as the host plant the efficiency of
the native effluent tolerant strains of VAM fungi isolated from the polluted
study site was determined. Highest growth rate, high dry weight of gram per
plant and increased growth was observed in the order of Glomus intraradices
followed by Gigaspora margarita and Glomus fasciculatum. Consequence of the
study clearly showed that Glomus intraradices was the efficient strain in sugar
mill effluent polluted areas.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16459556 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

46: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 8;54(3):848/​52.

Model studies on precursor system generating blue pigment in onion and garlic.

Imai S, Akita K, Tomotake M, Sawada H.

Somatech Center, House Foods Corporation, 1/​4 Takanodai, Yotsukaido, Chiba
284/​0033, Japan. s/​imai@housefoods.co.jp

Reactions involved in blue/​green discoloration in a mixture of onion (Allium
cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) were investigated. Vivid/​blue color was
successfully reproduced by using a defined model reaction system comprising only
trans/​(+)/​S/​(1/​propenyl)/​L/​cysteine sulfoxide (1/​PeCSO) from onion,
S/​allyl/​L/​cysteine sulfoxide (2/​PeCSO) from garlic, purified alliinase (EC
4.4.1.4), and glycine (or some other amino acids). Four reaction steps
identified and factors affecting the blue color formation were in good agreement
with those suggested by earlier investigators. When crude onion alliinase was
used in place of garlic alliinase, less pigment was formed. This result was
explained by a difference in the amount of thiosulfinates, colorless
intermediates termed color developers, yielded from 1/​PeCSO by these enzymes.

PMID: 16448193 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

47: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 8;54(3):843/​7.

Identification of two novel pigment precursors and a reddish/​purple pigment
involved in the blue/​green discoloration of onion and garlic.

Imai S, Akita K, Tomotake M, Sawada H.

Somatech Center, House Foods Corporation, 1/​4 Takanodai, Yotsukaido, Chiba
284/​0033, Japan. s/​imai@housefoods.co.jp

By using a model reaction system representing blue/​green discoloration that
occurs when purees of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) are
mixed, we isolated two pigment precursors (PPs) and a reddish/​purple pigment
(PUR/​1) and determined their chemical structures. PPs were isolated from a
heat/​treated solution containing color developer (CD) and either l/​valine or
l/​alanine, and their structures were determined as
2/​(3,4/​dimethylpyrrolyl)/​3/​methylbutanoic acid (PP/​Val), and
2/​(3,4/​dimethyl/​1H/​pyrrolyl) propanoic acid (PP/​Ala), respectively. Next, PUR/​1
was isolated from a heat/​treated solution containing PP/​Val and allicin, and its
structure was determined as
(1E)/​1/​(1/​((1S)/​1/​carboxy/​2/​methylpropyl)/​3,4/​dimethyl/​1H/​pyrrol/​2/​yl)/​prop/​1/​en
ylene/​3/​(1/​((1S)/​1/​carboxy/​2/​methylpropyl)/​3,4/​dimethyl/​1H/​pyrrol/​2/​ylidenium).
The structure of PUR/​1 suggested that PP molecules containing a 3,4/​dimethyl
pyrrole ring had been cross/​linked by an allyl group of allicin to form
conjugated pigments. While PUR/​1 is a dipyrrole compound exhibiting a
reddish/​purple color, a color shift toward blue to green can be expected as the
cross/​linking reaction continues to form, for example, tri/​ or tetrapyrrole
compounds.

PMID: 16448192 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

48: Environ Mol Mutagen. 2006 May;47(4):254/​9.

Quercetin reduces chromosome aberrations induced by atrazine in the Allium cepa
test.

Mastrangelo S, Tomassetti M, Carratu MR, Evandri MG, Bolle P.

Department of Pharmacology and Human Physiology, University of Bari, Italy.

Quercetin is a widely distributed plant flavonoid possessing a variety of
chemical and biological activities, including chelation, free/​radical
scavenging, and antioxidant activity. Atrazine is a selective triazine herbicide
that has been the subject of an international revision program for human and
ecological health risks because of its persistence in the environment. In a
previous study, we demonstrated that atrazine was clastogenic in the Allium cepa
test. In this present study, we investigated whether quercetin affords
protection from the chromosome breaks induced by atrazine. In a preliminary
assay, 0.1/​20 microg/ml quercetin produced no toxicity or clastogenic activity
in the Allium cepa test. Subsequently, we evaluated the effects of 0.5 and 5
microg/ml quercetin on the clastogenicity of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 microg/l
atrazine. Quercetin (0.5 microg/ml) significantly reduced the frequency of total
aberrations induced by 7.5 microg/l atrazine, while both concentrations of
quercetin significantly decreased the frequency of fragments induced by 7.5
microg/l atrazine. The results of this study indicate that plant flavonoids such
as quercetin may protect against the genotoxic effects of atrazine. Efforts to
understand the extent to which plant flavonoids influence the biological
activities of genotoxicants and the mechanisms involved in the interactions
could help to better discern the advantages and disadvantages of their use and
to clarify their possible protective role against pollutants. Copyright (c) 2006
Wiley/​Liss, Inc.

PMID: 16416428 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

49: Plant J. 2006 Feb;45(3):335/​46.

Rice plants take up iron as an Fe3+/​phytosiderophore and as Fe2+.

Ishimaru Y, Suzuki M, Tsukamoto T, Suzuki K, Nakazono M, Kobayashi T, Wada Y,
Watanabe S, Matsuhashi S, Takahashi M, Nakanishi H, Mori S, Nishizawa NK.

Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and
Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1/​1/​1 Yayoi, Bunkyo/​ku, Tokyo 113/​8657,
Japan.

Only graminaceous monocots possess the Strategy II iron (Fe)/​uptake system in
which Fe is absorbed by roots as an Fe3+/​phytosiderophore. In spite of being a
Strategy II plant, however, rice (Oryza sativa) contains the previously
identified Fe2+ transporter OsIRT1. In this study, we isolated the OsIRT2 gene
from rice, which is highly homologous to OsIRT1. Real/​time PCR analysis revealed
that OsIRT1 and OsIRT2 are expressed predominantly in roots, and these
transporters are induced by low/​Fe conditions. When expressed in yeast
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, OsIRT2 cDNA reversed the growth defects of a
yeast Fe/​uptake mutant. This was similar to the effect of OsIRT1 cDNA. OsIRT1/​
and OsIRT2/​green fluorescent protein fusion proteins localized to the plasma
membrane when transiently expressed in onion (Allium cepa L.) epidermal cells.
OsIRT1 promoter/​GUS analysis revealed that OsIRT1 is expressed in the epidermis
and exodermis of the elongating zone and in the inner layer of the cortex of the
mature zone of Fe/​deficient roots. OsIRT1 expression was also detected in the
ccompanion cells. Analysis using the positron/​emitting tracer imaging system
showed that rice plants are able to take up both an Fe3+/​phytosiderophore and
Fe2+. This result indicates that, in addition to absorbing an
Fe3+/​phytosiderophore, rice possesses a novel Fe/​uptake system that directly
absorbs the Fe2+, a strategy that is advantageous for growth in submerged
conditions.

PMID: 16412081 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

50: Theor Appl Genet. 2006 Feb;112(4):607/​17. Epub 2006 Jan 13.

Direct comparison between genomic constitution and flavonoid contents in Allium
multiple alien addition lines reveals chromosomal locations of genes related to
biosynthesis from dihydrokaempferol to quercetin glucosides in scaly leaf of
shallot (Allium cepa L.).

Masuzaki S, Shigyo M, Yamauchi N.

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University,
680/​8553, Tottori, Japan.

The extrachromosome 5A of shallot (Allium cepa L., genomes AA) has an important
role in flavonoid biosynthesis in the scaly leaf of Allium fistulosum/​shallot
monosomic addition lines (FF+nA). This study deals with the production and
biochemical characterisation of A. fistulosum/​shallot multiple alien addition
lines carrying at least 5A to determine the chromosomal locations of genes for
quercetin formation. The multiple alien additions were selected from the
crossing between allotriploid FFA (female symbol) and A. fistulosum (male
symbol). The 113 plants obtained from this cross were analysed by a chromosome
5A/​specific PGI isozyme marker of shallot. Thirty plants were preliminarily
selected for an alien addition carrying 5A. The chromosome numbers of the 30
plants varied from 18 to 23. The other extrachromosomes in 19 plants were
completely identified by using seven other chromosome markers of shallot.
High/​performance liquid chromatography analyses of the 19 multiple additions
were conducted to identify the flavonoid compounds produced in the scaly leaves.
Direct comparisons between the chromosomal constitution and the flavonoid
contents of the multiple alien additions revealed that a flavonoid
3'/​hydroxylase (F3'H) gene for the synthesis of quercetin from kaempferol was
located on 7A and that an anonymous gene involved in the glucosidation of
quercetin was on 3A or 4A. As a result of supplemental SCAR analyses by using
genomic DNAs from two complete sets of A. fistulosum/​shallot monosomic
additions, we have assigned F3'H to 7A and flavonol synthase to 4A.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16411131 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

51: Theor Appl Genet. 2006 Mar;112(5):958/​67. Epub 2006 Jan 11.

Genetic mapping of a major gene affecting onion bulb fructan content.

McCallum J, Clarke A, Pither/​Joyce M, Shaw M, Butler R, Brash D, Scheffer J,
Sims I, van Heusden S, Shigyo M, Havey MJ.

New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704,
Christchurch, New Zealand. mccallumj@crop.cri.nz

The non/​structural dry matter content of onion bulbs consists principally of
fructose, glucose, sucrose and fructans. The objective of this study was to
understand the genetic basis for the wide variation observed in the relative
amounts of these carbohydrates. Bulb carbohydrate composition was evaluated in
progeny from crosses between high dry matter storage onion varieties and sweet,
low dry matter varieties. When samples were analysed on a dry weight basis,
reducing sugar and fructan content exhibited high negative correlations and
bimodal segregation suggestive of the action of a major gene. A polymorphic SSR
marker, ACM235, was identified which exhibited strong disequilibrium with bulb
fructan content in F(2:3) families from the 'W202A' x 'Texas Grano 438' mapping
population evaluated in two environments. This marker was mapped to chromosome 8
in the interspecific population 'Allium cepa x A. roylei'. Mapping in the
'Colossal Grano PVP' x 'Early Longkeeper P12' F2 population showed that a
dominant major gene conditioning high/​fructan content lay in the same genomic
region. QTL analysis of total bulb fructan content in the intraspecific mapping
population 'BYG15/​23' x 'AC43' using a complete molecular marker map revealed
only one significant QTL in the same chromosomal region. This locus,
provisionally named Frc, may account for the major phenotypic differences in
bulb carbohydrate content between storage and sweet onion varieties.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16404585 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

52: Tsitol Genet. 2005 Sep/​Oct;39(5):73/​80.

[Toxic and cytogenetic effects induced in Allium cepa with low concenrations of
Cd and 232th]

[Article in Russian]

Evseeva TI, Maistrenko TA, Geras'kin SA, Belykh ES, Kazakova EV.

232Th (7.76 x 10(/​7) M) and Cd (0.89 x 10(/​8) M) in concentrations which do not
exceed officially prescribed standards when entering with water do not increase
the frequency of chromosome aberrations in comparison with the control. Such
concentrations do not cause toxic effects in plants on the levels of tissues and
of the whole organism but they do display their activity on the cell level
damaging division spindle. Dependence "cadmium concentration/​effect" is not
linear for any type of cytogenetical damages. At the concentration of cadmium
0.89 x 10(/​7) M its influence on formation of division spindle is weakened and
the frequency of chromosome aberrations is reducing in comparison with the
control and with the effects induced at lower concentrations of cadmium in
solution (0.89 x 10(/​8) M). Cadmium in high concentration (5.34 x 10(/​5) M)
causes significant toxic and mutagenic effects.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 16398149 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

53: Genome. 2005 Dec;48(6):1052/​60.

Comparative genomic analyses in Asparagus.

Kuhl JC, Havey MJ, Martin WJ, Cheung F, Yuan Q, Landherr L, Hu Y, Leebens/​Mack
J, Town CD, Sink KC.

Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.

Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) belongs to the monocot family
Asparagaceae in the order Asparagales. Onion (Allium cepa L.) and Asparagus
officinalis are 2 of the most economically important plants of the core
Asparagales, a well supported monophyletic group within the Asparagales. Coding
regions in onion have lower GC contents than the grasses. We compared the GC
content of 3374 unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from A. officinalis with
Lycoris longituba and onion (both members of the core Asparagales), Acorus
americanus (sister to all other monocots), the grasses, and Arabidopsis.
Although ESTs in A. officinalis and Acorus had a higher average GC content than
Arabidopsis, Lycoris, and onion, all were clearly lower than the grasses. The
Asparagaceae have the smallest nuclear genomes among all plants in the core
Asparagales, which typically have huge genomes. Within the Asparagaceae,
European Asparagus species have approximately twice the nuclear DNA of that of
southern African Asparagus species. We cloned and sequenced 20 genomic amplicons
from European A. officinalis and the southern African species Asparagus plumosus
and observed no clear evidence for a recent genome doubling in A. officinalis
relative to A. plumosus. These results indicate that members of the genus
Asparagus with smaller genomes may be useful genomic models for plants in the
core Asparagales.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 16391674 [PubMed /​ in process]

54: Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):132/​8. Epub 2006 Jan 3.

Allium vegetable diet can reduce the exercise/​induced oxidative stress but does
not alter plasma cholesterol profile in rats.

Choi EY, Cho YO.

Department of Food and Nutrition, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.

AIMS AND METHODS: This study investigated the effect of Allium vegetable intake
on the antioxidative activity and on the plasma cholesterol profile during
exercise in rats. Ninety rats were fed either a control diet or a diet with
added Allium sativum (AS), Allium cepa (AC), Allium fistulosum (AF), or Allium
tuberosum (AT) for 4 weeks and were then subdivided into three groups: before
exercise (BE), during exercise (DE), and after exercise (AE). The DE group was
exercised on a treadmill for 1 h immediately before being sacrificed. Animals in
the AE group were allowed to take a rest for 2 h after having been exercised
like the DE group. The antioxidative activity of the Allium vegetables was
evaluated with the activities of catalase in plasma and superoxide dismutase
(SOD), the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and the
level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. The plasma concentrations of
triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high/​density lipoprotein cholesterol were
also compared. RESULTS: In AS, AC, AF and AT animals, the ratios of GSH/GSSG
were significantly higher than those of the control animals in BE and AE. The
level of liver MDA was lower than that of control animals in AE. Compared to
control animals, catalase activity of AS animals was higher in BE but was lower
in AE while SOD activity of AS animals was lower in both BE and AE. Catalase
activity of AC animals was higher in BE and DE while SOD activity of AC animals
was higher in DE. There were no differences between AF and control in catalase
activities regardless of exercise. There were no differences between control
animals and AT animals in SOD activities regardless of exercise. Plasma
cholesterol profiles were not significantly different in rats fed different
Allium vegetable diets. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that Allium vegetable diets
have antioxidative activities and can reduce the oxidative stress that results
from exercise in rats but do not alter the plasma cholesterol profile. Copyright
(c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16391468 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

55: J Chromatogr A. 2006 Apr 21;1112(1/​2):3/​22. Epub 2006 Jan 18.

The analysis of onion and garlic.

Lanzotti V.

Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Ambientali e
Microbiologiche, Universita del Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, I/​86100 Campobasso,
Italy. lanzotti@unimol.it

Onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), among the oldest
cultivated plants, are used both as a food and for medicinal applications. In
fact, these common food plants are a rich source of several phytonutrients
recognized as important elements of the Mediterranean diet, but are also used in
the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases, including cancer, coronary
heart disease, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes type 2, hypertension,
cataract and disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. colic pain,
flatulent colic and dyspepsia). These activities are related to the
thiosulfinates, volatile sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for the
pungent of these vegetables. Besides these low/​molecular weight compounds, onion
and garlic are characterized by more polar compounds of phenolic and steroidal
origin, often glycosilated, showing interesting pharmacological properties.
These latter compounds, compared to the more studied thiosulfinates, present the
advantages to be not pungent and more stable to cooking. Recently, there has
been an increasing scientific attention on such compounds. In this paper, the
literature about the major volatile and non/​volatile phytoconstituents of onion
and garlic has been reviewed. Particular attention was given to the different
methodology developed to perform chemical analysis, including separation and
structural elucidation.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 16388813 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

56: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2007 Jan;66(1):57/​64. Epub 2005 Dec 27.

Use of plant genotoxicity bioassay for the evaluation of efficiency of algal
biofilters in bioremediation of toxic industrial effluent.

Abdel Migid HM, Azab YA, Ibrahim WM.

Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia
23355, Egypt. halaabdelmigid@yahoo.com

The toxicity and efficacy of an algal/​based bioremediation technology were
assessed through bioassays for ecological risk of contaminated industrial
effluents. The algal bioremoval of heavy metals was evaluated using an in vitro
approach. Phytogenotoxicity tests were conducted with Allium cepa and Vicia faba
plants to evaluate the genotoxicity of the industrial effluents before and after
treatment with different kinds of algal biofilters (BF). Root cells were exposed
for 24 h to different dilutions of both raw and treated effluent of a chemical
fertilizer factory. Three cytogenetic endpoints were used to assess the
mutagenic potencies of the industrial effluent: mitotic inhibition, mitotic
chromosome aberrations, and nuclear irregularities in interphase cells. Before
algal treatment, the industrial effluent caused strong genotoxic effects
represented by severe inhibition in mitotic activity of meristematic cells and
high frequency of both chromosome and nucleus abnormalities. After algal
treatment, the cytotoxic effects of 30% and 60% concentrations of the treated
effluent were comparable to those of 5% and 10% concentrations before treatment,
respectively, and the frequency of both chromosome and nuclear abnormalities
declined by approximately 50%. Statistical analysis of the data indicates a
significant reduction in genotoxicity associated with a remarkable reduction in
heavy metal concentrations after bioremediation by algal BF. The Allium and
Vicia genotoxicity approach was effective in monitoring bioremediated effluent
for toxicity.

Publication Types:
Evaluation Studies
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16376989 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

57: Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2005 Sep;56(6):399/​414.

Plant foods in the management of diabetes mellitus: spices as beneficial
antidiabetic food adjuncts.

Srinivasan K.

Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore/​570013, India.

Diet has been recognized as a corner stone in the management of diabetes
mellitus. Spices are the common dietary adjuncts that contribute to the taste
and flavour of foods. Besides, spices are also known to exert several beneficial
physiological effects including the antidiabetic influence. This review
considers all the available information from animal experimentation as well as
clinical trials where spices, their extracts or their active principles were
examined for treatment of diabetes. Among the spices, fenugreek seeds
(Trigonella foenumgraecum), garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa), and
turmeric (Curcuma longa) have been experimentally documented to possess
antidiabetic potential. In a limited number of studies, cumin seeds (Cuminum
cyminum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), mustard (Brassica nigra), curry leaves
(Murraya koenigii) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) have been reported to be
hypoglycaemic.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 16361181 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

58: Biosens Bioelectron. 2006 May 15;21(11):2176/​9. Epub 2005 Dec 5.

Development of a disposable pyruvate biosensor to determine pungency in onions
(Allium cepa L.).

Abayomi LA, Terry LA, White SF, Warner PJ.

Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University at Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DT,
UK. l.a.terry@cranfield.ac.uk

A disposable prototype pyruvate biosensor was constructed using pyruvate oxidase
immobilised on mediated meldolas blue electrodes to determine pungency in onions
(Allium cepa L.). The optimum operating potential was +150 mV (versus Ag/AgCl).
A strong correlation between the biosensor response and untreated onion juice of
known pyruvate concentration 2/​12 micromol/g fresh weight (FW) was demonstrated.
The biosensor was able to differentiate between low and high pungency onions.
The detection limit using 1 unit of pyruvate oxidase was 1/​2 micromol/g FW.
Optimum concentrations of co/​factors TPP, FAD and MgSO4 comprising the enzyme
cocktail were determined as being 0.04, 0.1 and 30 mM, respectively.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16330200 [PubMed /​ in process]

59: J Exp Bot. 2006;57(1):113/​24. Epub 2005 Nov 16.

CK2 phosphorylation weakens 90 kDa MFP1 association to the nuclear matrix in
Allium cepa.

Samaniego R, Jeong SY, de la Torre C, Meier I, Moreno Diaz de la Espina S.

Nuclear Matrix Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC,
28040/​Madrid, Spain.

MFP1 is a conserved plant coiled/​coil protein located on the stroma side of the
chloroplast thylakoids, as well as in the nuclear matrix. It displays
species/​specific variability in the number of genes, proteins, and expression.
Allium cepa has two nuclear proteins antigenically related to MFP1 with
different M(r), pI, distribution, and expression, but only the 90 kDa MFP1
protein is a nuclear matrix component that associates with both the
nucleoskeletal filaments and a new category of nuclear bodies. The 90 kDa AcMFP1
migrates in two/​dimensional blots as two sets of spots. The hypo/​phosphorylated
forms (pI approximately 9.5) are tightly bound to the nuclear matrix, while high
ionic strength buffers release the more acidic hyper/​phosphorylated ones (pI
approximately 8.5), suggesting that the protein is post/​translationally
modified, and that these modifications control its attachment to the nuclear
matrix. Dephosphorylation by exogenous alkaline phosphatase and phosphorylation
by exogenous CK2, as well as specific inhibition and stimulation of endogenous
CK2 with heparin and spermine and spermidine, respectively, revealed that the
protein is an in vitro and in vivo substrate of this enzyme, and that CK2
phosphorylation weakens the strength of its binding to the nuclear matrix. In
synchronized cells, the nuclear 90 kDa AcMFP1 phosphorylation levels vary during
the cell cycle with a moderate peak in G2. These results provide the first
evidence for AcMFP1 in vivo phosphorylation, and open up further research on its
nuclear functions.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16291799 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

60: Mycol Res. 2005 Nov;109(Pt 11):1243/​9.

Andrastin A and barceloneic acid metabolites, protein farnesyl transferase
inhibitors from Penicillium albocoremium: chemotaxonomic significance and
pathological implications.

Overy DP, Larsen TO, Dalsgaard PW, Frydenvang K, Phipps R, Munro MH,
Christophersen C.

Centre for Microbial Biotechnology, Biocentrum/​DTU, Technical University of
Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark. do@biocentrum.dtu.dk

A survey of Penicillium albocoremium was undertaken to identify potential
taxonomic metabolite markers. One major and four minor metabolites were
consistently produced by the 19 strains surveyed on three different media.
Following purification and spectral studies, the metabolites were identified as
the known protein farnesyl transferase inhibitors andrastin A (1) and
barceloneic acid A (2) along with barceloneic acid B (3), barceloneic lactone
(4), and methyl barceloneate (5). These compounds are significant taxonomic
markers for P. albocoremium; moreover this is the first report of a methyl ester
of a barceloneic acid being produced as a secondary metabolite. Tissue extracts
created following pathogenicity trials involving P. albocoremium and Allium cepa
confirmed the production of these five metabolites in planta. Barceloneic acid B
was found to be biologically active against a P388 murine leukemia cell line.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16279417 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

61: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 16;53(23):8957/​62.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity
of propolis from Tucuman, Argentina.

Nieva Moreno MI, Zampini IC, Ordonez RM, Jaime GS, Vattuone MA, Isla MI.

Instituto de Estudios Vegetales Dr Antonio Rodolfo Sampietro, Facultad de
Bioquimica, Quimica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Ayacucho 461,
4000 San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina.

This study evaluates the toxic, genotoxic/mutagenic, and antimutagenic effects
of propolis extract from Amaicha del Valle, Tucuman, Argentina. The cytotoxicity
assays carried out with the lethality test of Artemia salina revealed that the
LD50 was around 100 microg/mL. Propolis extracts showed no toxicity to
Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains and Allium cepa at concentrations
that have antibiotic and antioxidant activities. Otherwise, for the testing
doses, neither genotoxicity nor mutagenicity was found in any sample. The
propolis extracts were able to inhibit the mutagenesis of isoquinoline (IQ) and
4/​nitro o/​phenylenediamine (NPD) with ID50 values of 40 and 20 microg/plate,
respectively. From this result, the studied propolis may be inferred to contain
some chemical compounds capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity of direct/​acting
and indirect/​acting mutagens. A compound isolated from Amaicha del Valle
propolis, 2',4'/​dihydroxychalcone, showed cytotoxic activity (LC50 values of 0.5
microg/mL) but was not genotoxic or mutagenic. Furthermore, this compound was
able to inhibit the mutagenicity of IQ (ID50 values of 1 microg/plate) but was
unable to inhibit the mutagenicity of NPD. Our results suggest a potential
anticarcinogenic activity of Amaicha del Valle propolis and the chalcone
isolated from it.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16277388 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

62: J Environ Qual. 2005 Oct 12;34(6):2082/​5. Print 2005 Nov/​Dec.

Antibiotic uptake by plants from soil fertilized with animal manure.

Kumar K, Gupta SC, Baidoo SK, Chander Y, Rosen CJ.

Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul,
55108, USA. kkumar@umn.edu

Antibiotics are commonly added to animal feed as supplements to promote growth
of food animals. However, absorption of antibiotics in the animal gut is not
complete and as a result substantial amounts of antibiotics are excreted in
urine and feces that end up in manure. Manure is used worldwide not only as a
source of plant nutrients but also as a source of organic matter to improve soil
quality especially in organic and sustainable agriculture. Greenhouse studies
were conducted to determine whether or not plants grown in manure/​applied soil
absorb antibiotics present in manure. The test crops were corn (Zea mays L.),
green onion (Allium cepa L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group).
All three crops absorbed chlortetracycline but not tylosin. The concentrations
of chlortetracycline in plant tissues were small (2/​17 ng g(/​1) fresh weight),
but these concentrations increased with increasing amount of antibiotics present
in the manure. This study points out the potential human health risks associated
with consumption of fresh vegetables grown in soil amended with antibiotic laden
manures. The risks may be higher for people who are allergic to antibiotics and
there is also the possibility of enhanced antimicrobial resistance as a result
of human consumption of these vegetables.

Publication Types:
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 16221828 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

63: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Oct 19;53(21):8183/​9.

Antioxidative compounds from the outer scales of onion.

Ly TN, Hazama C, Shimoyamada M, Ando H, Kato K, Yamauchi R.

Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, and
Division of Instrumental Analysis, Life Science Research Center, Gifu
University, 1/​1 Yanagido, Gifu City, Gifu 501/​1193, Japan.

Antioxidative compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of dry outer
scales of onion (Allium cepa L.). Nine phenolic compounds (1/​9) were finally
obtained by reversed/​phase high/​performance liquid chromatography, and their
structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry analyses. They were the
six known compounds, protocatechuic acid (1),
2/​(3,4/​dihydroxybenzoyl)/​2,4,6/​trihydroxy/​3(2H)/​benzofuranone (2), quercetin
4'/​O/​beta/​D/​glucopyranoside (3), quercetin (5), 4'/​O/​beta/​d/​glucopyranoside of
quercetin dimer (7), and quercetin dimer (8), and three novel compounds,
condensation products of quercetin with protocatechuic acid (4), adduct of
quercetin with quercetin 4'/​O/​beta/​D/​glucopyranoside (6), and quercetin trimer
(9). These phenolic compounds were tested for their antioxidant properties using
autoxidation of methyl linoleate in bulk phase or free radical initiated
peroxidation of soybean phosphatidylcholine in liposomes. The flavonoid
compounds having o/​dihydroxy substituent in the B/​ring were shown to be
effective antioxidants against nonenzymic lipid peroxidation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16218662 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

64: Acta Biol Hung. 2005;56(3/​4):313/​21.

The cytogenetic effects of Avenoxan on Allium cepa and its relation with pollen
sterility.

Kaymak F, Muranli FD.

Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Trakya University, 22030
Edirne, Turkey. kaymakf@trakya.edu.tr

In the present study, the cytogenetic effects of the herbicide Avenoxan on
meiotic chromosomes of Allium cepa and its relation with pollen sterility were
studied. The bulbs with roots of Allium cepa were treated with a series of
concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) for 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. Controls and treated
plants were shown to obtain M1 generation. All the used concentrations of the
herbicide Avenoxan and exposure periods caused distinct increase in the number
of abnormal cells when compared with the control. The type of the abnormalities
induced: chromosome stickiness, bridges, laggards, univalents, quadrivalents and
micronuclei. Avenoxan also caused pollen sterility. Increase of chromosomal
aberrations was accompained by increase in pollen sterility.

PMID: 16196206 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

65: J Chem Ecol. 2005 Oct;31(10):2373/​90. Epub 2005 Sep 28.

Roquefortine/oxaline biosynthesis pathway metabolites in Penicillium ser.
Corymbifera: in planta production and implications for competitive fitness.

Overy DP, Nielsen KF, Smedsgaard J.

Center for Microbial Biotechnology, Technical University of Denmark,
BioCentrum/​DTU, Building 221, DK/​2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. do@biocentrum.dtu.dk

Three strains of each of the seven taxa comprising the Penicillium series
Corymbifera were surveyed by direct injection mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid
chromatography/​MS for the production of terrestric acid and roquefortine/oxaline
biosynthesis pathway metabolites when cultured upon macerated tissue agars
prepared from Allium cepa, Zingiber officinale, and Tulipa gesneriana, and on
the defined medium Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA). A novel solid/​phase
extraction methodology was applied for the rapid purification of roquefortine
metabolites from a complex matrix. Penicillium hordei and P. venetum produced
roquefortine D and C, whereas P. hirsutum produced roquefortine D and C and
glandicolines A and B. P. albocoremium, P. allii, and P. radicicola carried the
pathway through to meleagrin, producing roquefortine D and C, glandicolines A
and B, and meleagrin. P. tulipae produced all previously mentioned metabolites
yet carried the pathway through to an end product recognized as epi/​neoxaline,
prompting the proposal of a roquefortine/epi/​neoxaline biogenesis pathway.
Terrestric acid production was stimulated by all Corymbifera strains on
plant/​derived media compared to CYA controls. In planta, production of
terrestric acid, roquefortine C, glandicolines A and B, meleagrin,
epi/​neoxaline, and several other species/​related secondary metabolites were
confirmed from A. cepa bulbs infected with Corymbifera strains. The deposition
of roquefortine/oxaline pathway metabolites as an extracellular nitrogen reserve
for uptake and metabolism into growing mycelia and the synergistic role of
terrestric acid and other Corymbifera secondary metabolites in enhancing the
competitive fitness of Corymbifera species in planta are proposed.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16195849 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

66: Biocell. 2005 Aug;29(2):169/​76.

DNA injury induced by 5/​aminouracil and caffeine in G2 checkpoints path of
higher plant cells.

Del Campo A, Bracho M, Marcano L, Guinez J, De la Torre C.

Universidad del Zulia, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Departamento de
Biologia, Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela. delcampoa@terra.com

This work evaluated the qualitative and quantitative cellular changes induced by
treatment with 5/​aminouracil (5/​AU) and a combination of 5/​AU and caffeine in
plant cells in relation to DNA damage, repaired damage, and residual damage. As
biological material, Allium cepa L. root tips were used, grown in filtered
water, in darkness, with aeration at constant temperature of 25 degrees C +//​
0.5. Cell populations were synchronized using 5 mM caffeine in order to study
the effects of 5/​AU and caffeine/5/​AU combined treatment on the DNA content and
their incidence in the entrance to mitosis. The results showed a delay in the G2
period due to induced DNA damage by the 5/​AU and caffeine/5/​AU combined
treatment, shown by aberrant metaphases, anaphases and telophases. The effect of
caffeine in the combined treatment was heightened in spite of lengthening the
checkpoints route that retains the cells in G2. The existence of G2 checkpoints
was shown in the cell population studied, inducing lesions in the DNA,
chromosomic aberrations and cellular instability.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16187495 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

67: Phytother Res. 2005 Jul;19(7):633/​42.

The use of health foods, spices and other botanicals in the Sikh community in
London.

Sandhu DS, Heinrich M.

Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, The School of Pharmacy, University of
London, 29/​39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.

Attitudes and practice concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
are currently an area of considerable interest. However, little is known about
the overall importance of such practices, for example, in immigrant communities
such as the Sikh (Punjabi) British. The use of CAM in immigrants belonging to
the Sikh religion in London was studied. The primary objective was to analyse
the extent to which traditional medicine is used and understood by this
population. Traditional Sikh medicine is important to this group of informants
and a total of 42 species were recorded and identified tentatively. The most
frequently mentioned species were Allium cepa (onion /​/​ gunda), Allium sativum
(garlic /​/​ lasan, thon), Capsicum frutescens (cayenne pepper /​/​ lalmirch),
Cinnamomum verum (cinnamom/​/​dhal chini), Citrus limon (lemon /​/​ nimbu),
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel /​/​ saunf), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom /​/​ elaichi)
and Zingiber officinale (ginger /​/​ adrak). The study also highlights the rapid
change this tradition is undergoing in a diaspora situation.In depth studies on
the use of CAM among other immigrant communities and among ethnic groups are
urgent and may help to manage better the treatment of minor ailments as well as
chronic diseases. Specifically, more research on traditional and herbal remedies
amongst the numerous ethnic groups in urban Britain and how this impacts on the
use of biomedicine (e.g. as it is provided by the NHS) is essential.

PMID: 16161027 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

68: Transgenic Res. 2005 Jun;14(3):261/​72.

Two different Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes confer resistance to beet
armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hubner) in transgenic Bt/​shallots (Allium cepa L.).

Zheng SJ, Henken B, de Maagd RA, Purwito A, Krens FA, Kik C.

Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Center, P O Box
16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Agrobacterium/​mediated genetic transformation was applied to produce beet
armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hubner) resistant tropical shallots (Allium cepa L.
group Aggregatum). A cry1Ca or a H04 hybrid gene from Bacillus thuringiensis,
driven by the chrysanthemum ribulose/​1,5/​bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
small subunit (Rubisco SSU) promoter, along with the hygromycin
phosphotransferase gene (hpt) driven by the CaMV 35S promoter, was employed for
genetic transformation. An average transformation frequency of 3.68% was
obtained from two shallot cultivars, Tropix and Kuning. After transfer of the in
vitro plants to the greenhouse 69% of the cry1Ca and 39% of the H04 transgenic
shallots survived the first half year. After one year of cultivation in the
greenhouse the remaining cry1Ca and H04 transgenic plants grew vigorously and
had a normal bulb formation, although the cry1Ca transgenic plants (and
controls) had darker green leaves compared to their H04 counterparts. Standard
PCR, adaptor ligation PCR and Southern analyses confirmed the integration of
T/​DNA into the shallot genome. Northern blot and ELISA analyses revealed
expression of the cry1Ca or H04 gene in the transgenic plants. The amount of
Cry1Ca expressed in transgenic plants was higher than the expression levels of
H04 (0.39 vs. 0.16% of the total soluble leaf proteins, respectively). There was
a good correlation between protein expression and beet armyworm resistance.
Cry1Ca or H04 gene expression of at least 0.22 or 0.08% of the total soluble
protein in shallot leaves was sufficient to give a complete resistance against
beet armyworm. This confirms earlier observations that the H04 toxin is more
toxic to S. exigua than the Cry1Ca toxin. The results from this study suggest
that the cry1Ca and H04 transgenic shallots developed could be used for
introducing resistance to beet armyworm in (sub) tropical shallot.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16145834 [PubMed /​ in process]

69: Plant Physiol. 2005 Sep;139(1):151/​62. Epub 2005 Aug 19.

An auxilin/​like J/​domain protein, JAC1, regulates phototropin/​mediated
chloroplast movement in Arabidopsis.

Suetsugu N, Kagawa T, Wada M.

Division of Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.

The ambient/​light conditions mediate chloroplast relocation in plant cells.
Under the low/​light conditions, chloroplasts accumulate in the light
(accumulation response), while under the high/​light conditions, they avoid the
light (avoidance response). In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the
accumulation response is mediated by two blue/​light receptors, termed
phototropins (phot1 and phot2) that act redundantly, and the avoidance response
is mediated by phot2 alone. A mutant, J/​domain protein required for chloroplast
accumulation response 1 (jac1), lacks the accumulation response under weak blue
light but shows a normal avoidance response under strong blue light. In
dark/​adapted wild/​type cells, chloroplasts accumulate on the bottom of cells.
Both the jac1 and phot2 mutants are defective in this chloroplast movement in
darkness. Positional cloning of JAC1 reveals that this gene encodes a J/​domain
protein, resembling clathrin/​uncoating factor auxilin at its C terminus. The
amounts of JAC1 transcripts and JAC1 proteins are not regulated by light and by
phototropins. A green fluorescent protein/​JAC1 fusion protein showed a similar
localization pattern to green fluorescent protein alone in a transient
expression assay using Arabidopsis mesophyll cells and onion (Allium cepa)
epidermal cells, suggesting that the JAC1 protein may be a soluble cytosolic
protein. Together, these results suggest that JAC1 is an essential component of
phototropin/​mediated chloroplast movement.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16113208 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

70: J Environ Qual. 2005 Aug 9;34(5):1455/​60. Print 2005 Sep/​Oct.

Environmental implications of adopting a dominant factor approach to salinity
management.

Shani U, Ben/​Gal A, Dudley LM.

Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and
Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot
76100, Israel.

Additive or multiplicative models of crop response on which salinity management
theory have been developed may lead to an erroneous perception regarding
compensative interaction among salinity and other growth factors. We present
results from studies of biomass production and transpiration of corn (Zea mays
L. cv. Jubilee), melon (Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo cv. Galia), tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. 5656), onion (Allium cepa L. cv. HA 944), and
date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Medjool) under salinity combined with
water or nitrate (growth promoters) or with boron (growth inhibitor). The
measured crop responses were to the more severe stress rather than to
combinations of the individual effects of the various stresses. Consequences of
shifting management of saline water to a dominant factor approach include
reduction of environmental contamination and conservation of water resources.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 16091597 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

71: Nutr Cancer. 2005;52(1):49/​58.

Induction of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase by vegetables widely consumed in
Catalonia, Spain.

Laso N, Mas S, Lafuente MJ, Llobet JM, Molina R, Ballesta A, Kensler TW,
Lafuente A.

Departamento de Farmacologia y Quimica Terapeutica, IDIBAPS, Facultad de
Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain.

Monofunctional inducers (MIs) enhance phase 2 enzymes such as
nicotinamide/​adenine/​dinucleotide/​phosphate [NAD(P)H] quinone oxidoreductase
(NQO1) without modifying oxidation enzymes. The induction of these protective
enzymes appears to be mediated by genetic regulatory elements in their promoter
regions known as the antioxidant response element (ARE). The aim of this study
was to identify, through an in vitro study, which of the 30 fruits and
vegetables commonly consumed in Catalonia, Spain, contain MIs of NQO1. We
assayed the capacity of extracts of these fruits and vegetables to induce NQO1
[by more than 1.5/​fold: ratio of induction (cells treated/control) >1.5, 8/​mg/ml
dose] in two murine hepatoma cell lines: Hepa 1c1c7 and BPrC1, a modified cell
line that possesses a nonfunctional aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear
translocator system and is thus nonresponsive to bifunctional inducers. We also
used a third cell line, papiloma (PE) murine keratinocytes, a stably transfected
cell line with an ARE/​luc+ plasmid (AREPE cell line) for verifying induction
through the ARE with a simple luminescence screening assay. Broccoli (Hepa
1c1c7, ratio=5.5; BPrC1, ratio=2.3), calcot (Allium cepa L.) (Hepa 1c1c7,
ratio=4.7; BPrC1, ratio=.5), green onion (Hepa 1c1c7, ratio=4.6; BPrC1,
ratio=2), green cabbage (Hepa 1c1c7, ratio=3.6; BPrC1, ratio=2.7), purple
cabbage (Hepa 1c1c7, ratio=3.4; BPrC1, ratio=2), and black cabbage (Hepa 1c1c7,
ratio=3; BPrC1, ratio=3) were active NQO1 inducers in both murine hepatoma cell
lines. Extracts from broccoli (ratio=3.5), calcot (ratio=4.8), cauliflower
(ratio=4.2), cabbage (ratio=2.2), green onion (ratio=3.2), green cabbage
(ratio=3.6), black cabbage (ratio=4.5), and purple cabbage (ratio=3.7) were
confirmed to contain MIs in the AREPE cell line. These results are very similar
to those described for vegetables consumed in the United States, with the
exception of calcot, which is common in Catalonia but is not grown or consumed
widely in the United States.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16091004 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

72: Chemosphere. 2006 Jan;62(4):527/​37. Epub 2005 Aug 8.

Allium cepa derived EROD as a potential biomarker for the presence of certain
pesticides in water.

Fatima RA, Ahmad M.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh 202002,
India.

Allium cepa root length inhibition test is a well recommended bioassay for the
evaluation of the toxicity of various polluted waters. The utility of EROD
(7/​ethoxy resorufin O/​deethylase) as a potential biomarker of pesticide
pollution was investigated using the Allium cepa system. Onion bulbs exposed to
model water samples containing any of the six pesticides viz. 2,4/​D, HCB,
malathion, carbaryl, DDT and endosulphan were analyzed for EROD activity. The
pesticide treatment resulted in the enhanced activity of the enzyme, with
carbaryl and HCB causing 63/​ and 53/​fold induction respectively with respect to
the control at a dose of 1.2 ppb. The industrial wastewater samples from
Ghaziabad city of Northern India resulted in about a 68/​fold rise in the EROD
activity, whereas the Aligarh samples did not exhibit any change within the
statistical limit. These results suggest the presence of the test pesticides in
the Ghaziabad sample and their absence in the Aligarh sample. Pesticide analysis
in the test water samples by HPLC supported this to a large extent. Presence of
cycloheximide in the test system brought down the EROD activity, equal to that
of control, suggesting the de novo synthesis of the enzyme following the
exposure of Allium cepa to pesticides. These studies suggest that the Allium
cepa derived EROD can act as a potential biomarker of certain pesticides since
even 1ppb of total/individual pesticides brought about >10/​fold induction of
EROD. We recommend the assay of EROD in the Allium cepa system as a presumptive
test for the detection of these pesticides before using analytical techniques
like HPLC.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16085274 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

73: Sci Total Environ. 2005 Jul 15;347(1/​3):46/​52.

Comparative biomonitoring of leachates from hazardous solid waste of two
industries using Allium test.

Chandra S, Chauhan LK, Murthy RC, Saxena PN, Pande PN, Gupta SK.

Cell Biology Section, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, P.O. Box 80, M. G.
Marg, Lucknow 226 001, India.

Hazardous industrial wastes are inevitable source of environmental pollution.
Leachates from these wastes might contaminate the origins of potable water and
affect human health. The study was carried out to determine the possible
genotoxic effects of leachates from solid waste of a metal and dye industry
using the Allium cepa chromosome aberrations assay. The 10% leachates were
prepared from solid wastes obtained from both the industries and examined for
the presence of heavy metal content and genotoxicity. To simulate the field and
laboratory conditions, A. cepa bulbs were exposed through soil and aqueous
medium for 48 h to 2.5/​10% leachates. The results revealed that both metal waste
leachate (MWL) and dye waste leachate (DWL) contained high concentrations of
chromium, nickel and iron that significantly induced cytogenetic alterations.
Significant inhibition of mitotic index (MI), inductions of chromosomal/mitotic
aberrations (CA/MA) and micronuclei (MN) formation were found in all
experimental groups exposed to MWL and DWL. The effects observed were
concentration dependent and the frequency of aberrations was higher with
treatment of MWL than DWL. The MI was severely inhibited at 10% aqueous exposure
it was 4.59+//​0.69 (P<0.001) in MWL and almost half to that induced by DWL that
was 8.62+//​0.69 (P<0.05). Significant frequency of CA/MA and MN induced by MWL
was 14.21 (P<0.001) and 0.33 (P<0.001) whereas CA/MA and MN induced by DWL was
7.81 (P<0.001) and 0.13 (P<0.05) in the aqueous medium. The investigations
inferred that abnormalities caused by MWL were higher than DWL both in soil and
aqueous media. These toxic responses may have relied on raised heavy metal
concentrations of metal/​based than dye industrial wastes.

PMID: 16084966 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

74: J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2005 Aug;35(2):511/​23.

Effect of Nigella sativa and Allium cepa oils on Trichinella spiralis in
experimentally infected rats.

Abu El Ezz NM.

Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Dokki,
Giza, Egypt.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effect of two oils had been carried out either
prior to infection or postinfection respectively in rats. Each rat in either
case was orally administered with N. sativa oil or A. cepa oil in a dose 5 mg/kg
body weight/day for 2 weeks. Assessment of results was by: (1) adult worm count
in the intestine on 7th and 20th day post infection. (2) larval count in the
muscles on the 60th day post infection. (3) Index of reproductive capacity. (4)
Detection of antibodies against T. spiralis larvae by using ELISA. The results
showed that, N. sativa oil as prophylactic treatment prior to T. spiralis
infection is more effective than A. cepa oil on both adult worms and muscle
larval count. While, A. cepa oil was showed more effectiveness than N. sativa on
decline number of adult worms and muscle larvae when used as therapeutic
treatment post infection. The level of antibody was recorded early in the groups
that treated with N. sativa oil. In conclusion, N. sativa and A. cepa oils have
anthelmintic effect in the rats infected with T. spiralis infection and
increased the production of antibodies generated during life cycle of this
parasite.

PMID: 16083064 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

75: Plant Physiol. 2005 Aug;138(4):1947/​56. Epub 2005 Jul 22.

Molecular identification and characterization of the Arabidopsis
delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​coenzyme A isomerase, a peroxisomal enzyme
participating in the beta/​oxidation cycle of unsaturated fatty acids.

Goepfert S, Vidoudez C, Rezzonico E, Hiltunen JK, Poirier Y.

Departement de Biologie Moleculaire Vegetale, Batiment de Biologie, Universite
de Lausanne, CH/​1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Degradation of unsaturated fatty acids through the peroxisomal beta/​oxidation
pathway requires the participation of auxiliary enzymes in addition to the
enzymes of the core beta/​oxidation cycle. The auxiliary enzyme
delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​coenzyme A (CoA) isomerase has been well studied
in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mammals, but no plant homolog had been
identified and characterized at the biochemical or molecular level. A candidate
gene (At5g43280) was identified in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) encoding a
protein showing homology to the rat (Rattus norvegicus)
delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​CoA isomerase, and possessing an enoyl/​CoA
hydratase/isomerase fingerprint as well as aspartic and glutamic residues shown
to be important for catalytic activity of the mammalian enzyme. The protein,
named AtDCI1, contains a peroxisome targeting sequence at the C terminus, and
fusion of a fluorescent protein to AtDCI1 directed the chimeric protein to the
peroxisome in onion (Allium cepa) cells. AtDCI1 expressed in Escherichia coli
was shown to have delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​CoA isomerase activity in vitro.
Furthermore, using the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate in yeast peroxisomes as
an analytical tool to study the beta/​oxidation cycle, expression of AtDCI1 was
shown to complement the yeast mutant deficient in the
delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​CoA isomerase, thus showing that AtDCI1 is also
appropriately targeted to the peroxisome in yeast and has
delta(3,5),delta(2,4)/​dienoyl/​CoA isomerase activity in vivo. The AtDCI1 gene is
expressed constitutively in several tissues, but expression is particularly
induced during seed germination. Proteins showing high homology with AtDCI1 are
found in gymnosperms as well as angiosperms belonging to the Monocotyledon or
Dicotyledon classes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16040662 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

76: Mol Genet Genomics. 2005 Oct;274(3):197/​204. Epub 2005 Oct 20.

Genetic mapping of expressed sequences in onion and in silico comparisons with
rice show scant colinearity.

Martin WJ, McCallum J, Shigyo M, Jakse J, Kuhl JC, Yamane N, Pither/​Joyce M,
Gokce AF, Sink KC, Town CD, Havey MJ.

Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Department of Horticulture, University of
Wisconsin, Madison, 53706, USA. mjhavey@wisc.edu

The Poales (which include the grasses) and Asparagales [which include onion
(Allium cepa L.) and other Allium species] are the two most economically
important monocot orders. Enormous genomic resources have been developed for the
grasses; however, their applicability to other major monocot groups, such as the
Asparagales, is unclear. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from onion that showed
significant similarities (80% similarity over at least 70% of the sequence) to
single positions in the rice genome were selected. One hundred new genetic
markers developed from these ESTs were added to the intraspecific map derived
from the BYG15/​23xAC43 segregating family, producing 14 linkage groups
encompassing 1,907 cM at LOD 4. Onion linkage groups were assigned to
chromosomes using alien addition lines of Allium fistulosum L. carrying single
onion chromosomes. Visual comparisons of genetic linkage in onion with physical
linkage in rice revealed scant colinearity; however, short regions of
colinearity could be identified. Our results demonstrate that the grasses may
not be appropriate genomic models for other major monocot groups such as the
Asparagales; this will make it necessary to develop genomic resources for these
important plants.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 16025250 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

77: Nat Prod Rep. 2005 Jun;22(3):351/​68. Epub 2005 May 10.

Bioactive S/​alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus Allium: the
chemistry of potential therapeutic agents.

Rose P, Whiteman M, Moore PK, Zhu YZ.

Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive,
Singapore, 117597. bchpcr@nus.edu.sg

S/​Alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are odourless, non/​protein sulfur amino acids
typically found in members of the family Alliaceae and are the precursors to the
lachrymatory and flavour compounds found in the agronomically important genus
Allium. Traditionally, Allium species, particularly the onion (Allium cepa) and
garlic (A. sativum), have been used for centuries in European, Asian and
American folk medicines for the treatment of numerous human pathologies, however
it is only recently that any significant progress has been made in determining
their mechanisms of action. Indeed, our understanding of the role of Allium
species in human health undoubtedly comes from the combination of several
academic disciplines including botany, biochemistry and nutrition. During tissue
damage, S/​alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are converted to their respective
thiosulfinates or propanethial/​S/​oxide by the action of the enzyme alliinase (EC
4.4.1.4). Depending on the Allium species, and under differing conditions,
thiosulfinates can decompose to form additional sulfur constituents including
diallyl, methyl allyl, and diethyl mono/​, di/​, tri/​, tetra/​, penta/​, and
hexasulfides, the vinyldithiins and (E)/​ and (Z)/​ajoene. Recent reports have
shown onion and garlic extracts, along with several principal sulfur
constituents, can induce phase II detoxification enzymes like
glutathione/​S/​transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) and quinone reductase (QR) NAD(P)H:
(quinine acceptor) oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2) in mammalian tissues, as well as
also influencing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in numerous in vitro cancer
cell models. Moreover, studies are also beginning to highlight a role of
Allium/​derived sulfur compounds in cardiovascular protection. In this review, we
discuss the chemical diversity of S/​alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in
the context of their biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 16010345 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

78: New Phytol. 2005 Aug;167(2):571/​8.

Polyphosphate dynamics in mycorrhizal roots during colonization of an arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungus.

Ohtomo R, Saito M.

National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, 768 Senbon/​matsu,
Nasu/​shiobara, Tochigi, 329/​2793 Japan. rotm@affrc.go.jp

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P) has been considered to be a translocatable form
of phosphate (Pi) in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here we examined
time/​course changes in poly P content during the AMF colonization process. Onion
(Allium cepa) plants were cultured with or without inoculation with Gigaspora
margarita for 2/​8 wk with periodic sampling. Poly P in the extracts, purified
through gel filtration, was quantified by the reverse reaction of polyphosphate
kinase. The length of poly P in mycorrhizal roots appeared to be shorter than in
extraradical hyphae or in spores of the AMF, indicating that AMF depolymerize
poly P before providing Pi to the host. The poly P content increased as
colonization proceeded, and was highly correlated with the weight of the
colonized roots. These results support the model that AMF supply Pi to the host
through the poly P pool, and that the poly P content of a mycorrhizal root can
be a good indicator of the Pi/​supplying activity of AMF. Copyright New
Phytologist (2005).

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15998407 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

79: Sci Total Environ. 2005 Jun 15;346(1/​3):256/​73.

Certain antioxidant enzymes of Allium cepa as biomarkers for the detection of
toxic heavy metals in wastewater.

Fatima RA, Ahmad M.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh 202002,
India.

The utility of antioxidant enzymes, viz glutathione/​S/​transferase (GST),
glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),
ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), monodehydroascorbate
reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), as biomarkers of heavy
metal pollution in water was investigated using the Allium cepa (onion) system.
These antioxidant enzymes were assayed in onion bulbs exposed to certain heavy
metals taken separately, the test metals taken in combination as well as the
industrial wastewater especially found to contain these metals. GST exhibited
significantly enhanced activity upon treatment with individual heavy metals.
However, GR, SOD and CAT did not show such a pronounced increase in activities.
At higher heavy metal concentrations, GR, SOD and CAT showed a steep decline
while GST activity still showed a rise. Moreover, APX, GPX and MDHAR also
exhibited remarkable induction with increase in the concentration of individual
heavy metals. However, there was no significant change in DHAR activity with
respect to the controls. Metabolites like ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH)
exhibited significant decline with increase in the concentration of individual
heavy metals while the level of H(2)O(2) continued to display the rise up to a
heavy metal concentration of 100 microM, after which it showed a gradual
decline. A. cepa bulbs treated with wastewater sample showed enzyme activity
profiles similar to that shown with heavy metals, thereby suggesting the
presence of heavy metals in the test wastewater. Atomic absorption
spectrophotometry also detected large amounts of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in
the test water sample. The metal mixture, containing the amounts of heavy metals
equivalent to those found in the wastewater, resulted in steep declines in GR,
SOD and CAT activities in A. cepa while GST showed a rise. However, when this
metal mixture was diluted to 2000/​fold, GR, SOD and CAT also showed enhanced
activities compared with the controls. Contrary to the above finding, APX, GPX
and MDHAR exhibited the rise in activities in A. cepa exposed to the metal
mixture at all dilutions. In the presence of cycloheximide, all the enzymes
returned to the levels of untreated controls while chloramphenicol did not have
any effect on the test enzymes, thereby suggesting de novo protein synthesis of
the test antioxidant enzymes in the cytosolic compartment of the cell as a
result of exposure to the heavy metals.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15993699 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

80: Phytochemistry. 2005 Jun;66(12):1407/​16.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of a serine acetyltransferase of
onion, Allium cepa (L.).

McManus MT, Leung S, Lambert A, Scott RW, Pither/​Joyce M, Chen B, McCallum J.

Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222,
Palmerston North, New Zealand. M.T.McManus@massey.ac.nz

We have previously cloned a cDNA, designated SAT1, corresponding to a gene
coding for a serine acetyltransferase (SAT) from onion (Allium cepa L.). The
SAT1 locus was mapped to chromosome 7 of onion using a single/​stranded
conformation polymorphism (SSCP) in the 3' UTR of the gene. Northern analysis
has demonstrated that expression of the SAT1 gene is induced in leaf tissue in
response to low S/​supply. Phylogenetic analysis has placed SAT1 in a strongly
supported group (100% bootstrap) that comprises sequences that have been
characterised biochemically, including Allium tuberosum, Spinacea oleracea,
Glycine max, Citrullus vulgaris, and SAT5 (AT5g56760) of Arabidopsis thaliana.
This group can be divided further with the SAT1 of A. cepa sequence grouping
strongly with the A. tuberosum sequence. Translation of SAT1 from onion
generates a protein of 289 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of
30,573 Da and pI of 6.52. The conserved G277 and H282 residues that have been
identified as critical for L/​cysteine inhibition are observed at G272 and H277.
SAT1 has been cloned into the pGEX plasmid, expressed in E. coli and SAT
activity of the recombinant enzyme has been measured as acetyl/​CoA hydrolysis
detected at 232 nm. A Km of 0.72 mM was determined for l/​serine as substrate, a
Km of 92 microM was calculated with acetyl/​CoA as substrate, and an inhibition
curve for L/​cysteine generated an IC50 value of 3.1 microM. Antibodies raised
against the recombinant SAT1 protein recognised a protein of ca. 33 kDa in whole
leaf onion extracts. These properties of the SAT1 enzyme from onion are compared
with other SAT enzymes characterised from closely related species.

PMID: 15949827 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

81: Bioresour Technol. 2005 Nov;96(17):1867/​71.

Bioremediation of municipal sludge by vermitechnology and toxicity assessment by
Allium cepa.

Srivastava R, Kumar D, Gupta SK.

Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, P.O. Box 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226 001,
India.

The aim of this study was to evaluate municipal sludge (MS) for its toxic
potential by Allium cepa and also to understand the effect of vermicomposting on
the reduction of toxicity, if any. Municipal sludge (MS) and vermicomposted
sludge (VS) were evaluated. Elemental analysis of MS showed the presence of
heavy metals. Morphological studies of A. cepa roots indicated coiled and wavy
roots on exposure to MS but no root abnormality was reported in VS. Under
genotoxic studies, inhibition in mitotic index was concentration dependent and
the control values of 11.76 gradually reduced to 5.40 at 10% MS leachate whereas
mitotic index was increased to 9.48 at 10% VS leachate. Exposure of leachate
induced chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus formation and binucleate cells in
a dose dependent manner. However, mitotic aberrations were observed significant
at 10% MS leachate but they were insignificant at 10% VS leachate. The wet and
dry weight of roots, root elongation and chlorophyll contents were reduced as
the concentration of leachate increased but VS leachate did not produce
considerable reduction. The wet and dry weight of A. cepa roots were 20.312 g
and 3.250 g respectively and they were reduced to 10.82 g and 1.68 g
respectively at 10% MS leachate but VS leachate showed an increase to 18.127 g
and 2.53 g respectively. Total chlorophyll in control, 10% MS leachate and 10%
VS leachate were 0.245 g, 0.162 g and 0.214 g respectively. It could be
concluded that the MS was toxic to a remarkable extent but vermicomposting of
sludge might be beneficial for bioremediation and recommended before land
filling.

PMID: 15927461 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

82: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jun 1;53(11):4388/​92.

Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from garlic (Allium
sativum) and clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) oils against the Japanese termite
(Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe).

Park IK, Shin SC.

Division of Forest Diseases and Insect Pests, Korea Forest Research Institute,
Seoul 130/​012, Republic of Korea. parkik1@foa.go.kr

Plant essential oils from 29 plant species were tested for their insecticidal
activities against the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe, using a
fumigation bioassay. Responses varied with plant material, exposure time, and
concentration. Good insecticidal activity against the Japanese termite was
achived with essential oils of Melaleuca dissitiflora, Melaleuca uncinata,
Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus
dives, Eucalyptus globulus, Orixa japonica, Cinnamomum cassia, Allium cepa,
Illicium verum, Evodia officinalis, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Cacalia
roborowskii, Juniperus chinensis var. horizontalis, Juniperus chinensis var.
kaizuka, clove bud, and garlic applied at 7.6 microL/L of air. Over 90%
mortality after 3 days was achieved with O. japonica essential oil at 3.5
microL/L of air. E. citriodora, C. cassia, A. cepa, I. verum, S. tenuifolia, C.
roborowskii, clove bud, and garlic oils at 3.5 microL/L of air were highly toxic
1 day after treatment. At 2.0 microL/L of air concentration, essential oils of
I. verum, C. roborowskik, S. tenuifolia, A. cepa, clove bud, and garlic gave
100% mortality within 2 days of treatment. Clove bud and garlic oils showed the
most potent antitermitic activity among the plant essential oils. Garlic and
clove bud oils produced 100% mortality at 0.5 microL/L of air, but this
decreased to 42 and 67% after 3 days of treatment at 0.25 microL/L of air,
respectively. Analysis by gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry led to the
identification of three major compounds from garlic oil and two from clove bud
oils. These five compounds from two essential oils were tested individually for
their insecticidal activities against Japanese termites. Responses varied with
compound and dose. Diallyl trisulfide was the most toxic, followed by diallyl
disulfide, eugenol, diallyl sulfide, and beta/​caryophyllene. The essential oils
described herein merit further study as potential fumigants for termite control.

PMID: 15913300 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

83: Environ Mol Mutagen. 2005 Aug;46(2):96/​103.

Genotoxicity of drinking water disinfectants in plant bioassays.

Monarca S, Feretti D, Zani C, Rizzoni M, Casarella S, Gustavino B.

Department of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Perugia, Italy.
monarca@unipg.it

The genotoxicity of two widely used drinking water disinfectants, sodium
hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)), and a new disinfectant,
peracetic acid (PAA, CH(3)/​CO/​COOH), was evaluated in three short/​term plant
tests: (1) induction of anaphase chromosome aberrations in the root cells of
Allium cepa, (2) micronucleus induction in the root cells of Vicia faba, and (3)
micronucleus induction in Tradescantia pollen cells. The study was carried out
in the laboratory by directly exposing the plants to several concentrations of
the disinfectants in redistilled water at unadjusted (acid) and adjusted
(neutral) pHs. Both 0.1 and 0.2 mg/l NaClO induced chromosome aberrations in the
Allium cepa test at acid pH, but concentrations up to 0.5 mg/l of all the
disinfectants were negative at neutral pH. Concentrations ranging from 0.1 to
0.5 mg/l NaClO, ClO(2,) and PAA induced micronuclei in Vicia faba at acid pH,
while 1/​2 mg/l NaClO and ClO(2) and 0.5/​2 mg/l PAA gave positive responses at
neutral pH. Most of concentrations of ClO(2) produced positive responses in the
Tradescantia micronucleus test. In general, the highest levels of genotoxicity
were observed under acid conditions; at acid pH, significant effects were
induced by low concentrations of ClO(2) and PAA. Since the test concentrations
of disinfectants are typical of those encountered in the biocidal treatment of
tap water and similar concentrations are consumed daily by a large number of
people, the genotoxicity of these compounds may constitute a significant public
health concern. Copyright 2005 Wiley/​Liss, Inc.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15880733 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

84: Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Jun;111(1):120/​7. Epub 2005 Apr 26.

The L locus, one of complementary genes required for anthocyanin production in
onions (Allium cepa), encodes anthocyanidin synthase.

Kim S, Jones R, Yoo KS, Pike LM.

Department of Horticultural Sciences, Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA.

Bulb color in onions (Allium cepa) is an important trait, but its complex,
unclear mechanism of inheritance has been a limiting factor in onion cultivar
improvement. The identity of the L locus, which is involved in the color
difference between Brazilian yellow and red onions, is revealed in this study. A
cross was made between a US/​type yellow breeding line and a Brazilian yellow
cultivar. The segregation ratio of nine red to seven yellow onions in the F(2)
population supports the involvement of two complementary genes in anthocyanin
production in the F(1) hybrids. The high/​performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) and reverse/​transcriptase (RT)/​PCR analysis of the Brazilian yellow
onions indicated that the genes are involved late in the anthocyanin synthesis
pathway. The genomic sequence of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene in
Brazilian yellow onions showed a point mutation, which results in an amino acid
change of a glycine to an arginine at residue 229. Because this residue is
located adjacent to a highly conserved iron/​binding active site, this mutation
is likely responsible for the inactivation of the ANS gene in Brazilian yellow
onions. Following the isolation of the promoter sequence of the mutant allele, a
PCR/​based marker for allelic selection of the ANS gene was designed. This assay
is based on an insertion (larger than 3 kb) mutation. The marker perfectly
co/​segregated with the color phenotypes in the F(2) populations, thereby
indicating that the L locus encodes ANS.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15856159 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

85: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 May 4;53(9):3408/​14.

A gamma/​glutamyl peptide isolated from onion (Allium cepa L.) by bioassay/​guided
fractionation inhibits resorption activity of osteoclasts.

Wetli HA, Brenneisen R, Tschudi I, Langos M, Bigler P, Sprang T, Schurch S,
Muhlbauer RC.

Laboratory for Phytopharmacology, Department of Clinical Research, University of
Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, CH/​3010 Bern, Switzerland.

One gram of onion added to the food of rats inhibits significantly (p < 0.05)
bone resorption as assessed by the urinary excretion of tritium released from
bone of 9/​week/​old rats prelabeled with tritiated tetracycline from weeks 1 to
6. To isolate and identify the bone resorption inhibiting compound from onion,
onion powder was extracted and the extract fractionated by column chromatography
and medium/​pressure liquid chromatography. A single active peak was finally
obtained by semipreparative high/​performance liquid chromatography. The
biological activity of the various fractions was tested in vitro on the activity
of osteoclasts to form resorption pits on a mineralized substrate. Medium,
containing the various fractions or the pure compound, was added to osteoclasts
of new/​born rats settled on ivory slices. After 24 h of incubation, the
tartrate/​resistant acid phosphatase positive multinucleated cells, that is,
osteoclasts, were counted. Subsequently, the number of resorption pits was
determined. Activity was calculated as the ratio of resorption pits/osteoclasts
and was compared to a negative control, that is, medium containing 10% fetal
bovine serum only and to calcitonin (10(/​12) M) as a positive control. Finally,
a single peak inhibited osteoclast activity significantly (p < 0.05). The
structure of this compound was elucidated with high/​performance liquid
chromatography/​electrospray ionization/​mass spectrometry, time/​of/​flight
electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy. The single peak was identified as
gamma/​L/​glutamyl/​trans/​S/​1/​propenyl/​L/​cysteine sulfoxide (GPCS). It has a
molecular mass of 306 Da and inhibits dose/​dependently the resorption activity
of osteoclasts, the minimal effective dose being approximately 2 mM. As no other
peak displayed inhibitory activity, it likely is responsible for the effect of
onion on bone resorption.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15853380 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

86: Rev Environ Health. 2005 Jan/​Mar;20(1):1/​13.

Genotoxic agents detected by plant bioassays.

Ma TH, Cabrera GL, Owens E.

Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
61455, USA. tehma@macomb.com

Seven higher plant species (Allium cepa, Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max,
Hordeum vulgaris. Tradescantia paludosa, Vicia faba, and Zea mays) were reviewed
for their ability to detect genotoxicity of chemical agents under the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Gene/​Tox program in the late 1970s.
Six bioassays/​Allium and Vicia root tip chromosome breaks, Tradescantia
chromosome break, Tradescantia micronucleus, Tradescantia/​stamen/​hair mutation,
and Arabidopsis/​mutation bioassays/​ were established from four plant systems
that are currently in use for detecting the genotoxicity of environmental
agents. Under the Gene/​Tox program, the Crepis capillaris/​chromosome/​aberration
test was added to the existing six bioassays. The current review is limited to
chemical agents that exhibit a positive response to any of these seven plant
bioassays. From 158 articles reviewed, 84 chemicals were compiled in three
categories: carcinogens, clastogens, and mutagens. As none of these plant
bioassays can detect tumor initiation or cancerous growth, the chemicals were
categorized as carcinogens based on their characteristics defined by the U.S.
EPA's Superfund Priority 1 List and/or by the chemical listings of the Sigma and
Aldrich Chemical Companies. Certain mutagens were categorized in the same manner
in addition to the agents detected as mutagens by these plant bioassays.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 15835495 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

87: Acta Biol Hung. 2005;56(1/​2):119/​28.

The effects of fungicide benomyl (benlate) on growth and mitosis in onion
(Allium cepa L.) root apical meristem.

Dane F, Dalgic O.

Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Trakya University, 22030
Edirne, Turkey. feruzandane@yahoo.com

In this study, the effects of benomyl, a systemic fungicide were investigated in
the mitotic cell division in onion (Allium cepa) root tip cells during
germination. For this aim, different concentrations (1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 mM) of
benomyl solutions were used. All the concentrations used caused several
abnormalities in mitotic cell divisions and the mitotic frequency in the onion
root tip cells decreased as the concentration of benomyl solution increased.
Based on our findings, it is reported that benomyl has some negative effects on
mitotic divisions in onion root tip cells.

PMID: 15813220 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

88: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 6;53(7):2733/​40.

Flavonol glucoside profile of southern Italian red onion (Allium cepa L.).

Bonaccorsi P, Caristi C, Gargiulli C, Leuzzi U.

Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biologica, Universita di Messina, Salita
Sperone 31, 98166 S. Agata di Messina, Italy. paolab@isengard.unime.it

High/​performance liquid chromatography/​diode array detector (HPLC/​DAD) coupled
with electron spray mass spectrometry (ESI/​MS/​MS) was used to determine the
flavonol profile in southern Italian red onions (Allium cepa L.). This on/​line
technique allowed the identification of seven flavonols in southern Italian red
onion, quercetin 4'/​glucoside and quercetin 3,4'/​diglucoside being the most
abundant components. Five minor flavonols have been recognized, offering a
characteristic profile of such compounds in red onions under study. Quercetin
3/​glucoside, quercetin 7,4'/​diglucoside, quercetin 3,7,4'/​triglucoside, and
isorhamnetin 4'/​glucoside have been previously reported as minor flavonoid
components in Allium cepa, while isorhamnetin 3,4'/​diglucoside was previously
found in Allium ascalonicum. Traces of isorhamnetin 3/​glucoside and free
quercetin were also detected.

PMID: 15796618 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

89: Food Chem Toxicol. 2005 May;43(5):691/​8.

Fumonisins in foods from Cordoba (Argentina), presence and genotoxicity.

Lerda D, Biaggi Bistoni M, Peralta N, Ychari S, Vazquez M, Bosio G.

Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Catolica de Cordoba, Campus: camino a
Alta Gracia Km 7.5, 5000 Cordoba, Argentina. dlerda@coyspu.com.ar

Fumonisins B(1), B(2)yB(3) (FB(1), FB(2)yFB(3)), are a group of toxins produced
by different mold species, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum being
the most important ones. Its compounds were tested in chromosome aberrations
(CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and micronucleus (MN) in human
lymphocytes, and, in Allium cepa (onion), the chromosomal aberrations (CA) assay
was used. Moreover, the presence of fumonisins and their producer moulds was
determined in different food substrata in Cordoba city, Argentina. Cytogenetic
studies using FB(1), FB(2) and FB(3) levels gave positive results for the higher
concentrations (5 and 10mug/g) with FB(1). As regards the cytogenetic aspect of
FB(1), we found an increase in the incidence of genetic damage measured by
chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, micronuclei and chromosomal
aberrations in Allium cepa. These results indicate that human lymphocytes cells
and plants cells (Allium cepa) have a very sensitive cellular response to the
mycotoxin fumonisin B(1) as observed at the highest concentrations.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15778008 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

90: Water Res. 2005 Mar;39(6):1105/​13.

Genotoxicity of the disinfection by/​products resulting from peracetic acid/​ or
hypochlorite/​disinfected sewage wastewater.

Crebelli R, Conti L, Monarca S, Feretti D, Zerbini I, Zani C, Veschetti E,
Cutilli D, Ottaviani M.

Laboratory of Comparative Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Istituto Superiore di
Sanita, Rome, Italy.

Wastewater disinfection is routinely carried out to prevent the spread of human
pathogens present in wastewater effluents. To this aim, chemical and physical
treatments are applied to the effluents before their emission in water bodies.
In this study, the influence of two widely used disinfectants, peracetic acid
(PAA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), on the formation of mutagenic by/​products
was investigated. Wastewater samples were collected before and after
disinfection, in winter and in summer, at a pilot plant installed in a municipal
wastewater/​treatment plant. Samples were adsorbed using silica C18 cartridges
and the concentrates were tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella typhimurium
reversion test with strains TA98 and TA100. Non/​concentrated water samples were
tested with two plant genotoxicity assays (the Allium cepa root anaphase
aberration test and the Tradescantia/micronucleus test). Mutagenicity assays in
bacteria and in Tradescantia showed borderline mutagenicity in some of the
wastewater samples, independent of the disinfection procedure applied. Negative
results were obtained in the A. cepa anaphase aberration test. These results
indicate that, in the conditions applied, wastewater disinfection with PAA and
NaClO does not lead to the formation of significant amounts of genotoxic
by/​products.

PMID: 15766965 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

91: Anal Chem. 2005 Mar 15;77(6):1883/​90.

LC/​MSn methods for saccharide characterization of monoglycosyl flavonoids using
postcolumn manganese complexation.

Davis BD, Brodbelt JS.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin,
Texas 78712.

A simple tandem mass spectrometry method for differentiating isomeric
monoglycosyl flavonols, flavones, and flavanones using manganese complexation is
reported. Dissociation of the [Mn(II) (L) (L /​ H)]+ and [Mn(II) (L)2 (L /​ H)]+
species provides unique fragment ions that allow the identification of the
saccharide moiety as glucose, galactose, arabinose, or xylose. The glycosylation
site of the flavonoid can also be determined by the fragmentation pathways of
the Mn complexes. The Mn complexation method was adapted for on/​line liquid
chromatography/​mass spectrometry analysis and tested using flavonoid extracts
from Fuji apples (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Fuji) and red onions (Allium cepa
L.). Using fragmentation data obtained from collisional activated dissociation
of the deprotonated flavonoid glycosides and their Mn complexes, the major
flavonoid species in these extracts were identified.

Publication Types:
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15762600 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

92: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2004;69(4):657/​61.

Antagonistic effects of several bacteria on Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent
of root and crown rot of onion under field conditions.

Sharifi/​Tehrani A, Saberi/​Riseh R, Heidarian R.

Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tehran University, Karaj
31587/​11167, Iran. asharifi@ut.ac.ir

Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most important vegetable crop which is
commonly used as a food supplement. This plant is found to be vulnerable to
various pathogenic infections during its growth development. Among different
onion diseases, root and crown rot,caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepa, s
considered an importantfungal disease. In this study, the inhibitory effect of
Bacillus cereus (isolates 22 and 52), B. subtilis (isolate 126), Pseudomonas
fluorescens (isolates 48 and CHAO), benomyl fungicide and a combination of
isolates CHAO and 22 and isolate 52 and benomyl were investigated on disease
development under the field condition. This experiment was carried out in a
randomize complete blocks with 10 treatments and three repetitions. Grouping of
treatments was done at 5% level using Duncan multiple comparison test. It was
also demonstrated that isolate 126 was the most effective antagonist with regard
to crop yield but other treatments despite showing significant on plant growth
factors were less effective in increasing crop yield.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15756854 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

93: Cytogenet Genome Res. 2005;109(1/​3):400/​7.

Central cell nuclear/​cytoplasmic incongruity:a mechanism for segregation
distortion in advanced backcross and selfed generations of (Allium cepa L. x
Allium fistulosum L.) x A. cepa interspecific hybrid derivatives.

Mangum PD, Peffley EB.

Department of Biology, Midland College, Midland, TX, USA.

A model is presented as an explanation for an anomaly observed in germination
and establishment and isozyme segregation patterns in Allium cepa x A.
fistulosum F2BC3 populations generated in an introgression/​breeding program. The
F1BC3 parent of these populations was selected for its heterozygous PGI
phenotype, Pgi/​1(2/3); Pgi/​1(2) was inherited from an A. cepa (Ac) seed parent
and Pgi/​1(3) from an A. fistulosum (Af) pollen parent. Germination and
establishment was recorded for the F2BC3 progeny population. Segregation of Ac
and Af Pgi/​1 alleles was investigated in F2BC3 seeds and embryo and endosperm
tissue was isolated and tested for isozyme expression. A pooled goodness/​of/​fit
test of the segregation of Pgi/​1 alleles in the populations to the expected
Mendelian 1:2:1 ratio using the chi/​square statistic gave a chi2 = 185.9, well
beyond the accepted limits at 2 degrees of freedom. The 1:2:1 ratio expected for
simple Mendelian inheritance was rejected, while a pooled chi/​square
goodness/​of/​fit test of the segregation of Pgi/​1 alleles in the populations fit
a 1:1 ratio with a chi2 = 0.203, based on the incongruity model. We present here
the central cell nuclear/​cytoplasmic incongruity hypothesis to explain the
observed anomalies. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15753603 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

94: Indian J Med Sci. 2005 Feb;59(2):64/​9.

Effect of fenugreek, onion and garlic on blood glucose and histopathology of
pancreas of alloxan/​induced diabetic rats.

Jelodar GA, Maleki M, Motadayen MH, Sirus S.

Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University,
Shiraz 71345, Iran. jelodar@shirazu.ac.ir

BACKGROUND: Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative
system of medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus; however, the mechanism of
most of the herbals used has not been defined. AIMS: This study was carried out
to clarify the effect of fenugreek, garlic and onion, recommended in Persian
folklore medicine as beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, on blood glucose
and their possible effect on pancreatic tissue. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Diabetes
mellitus was induced in 20 out of 25 adult male albino rats, using
intraperitoneal injection of 185 mg/kg BW alloxan. The diabetic rats were
divided into four groups, three of which were fed a diet containing 12.5% BW
Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion) or Trigonella foenum/​graecum
(fenugreek) for 15 days. The fourth group (positive control) received an
ordinary diet. The remaining non/​diabetic rats (negative control group) received
neither alloxan nor the mentioned plants. Following consumption of plants, blood
glucose was measured every day and on the last day the pancreas were removed and
stained with H&E and Gomeri aldehyde fuchsin (GAF). Morphology of the pancreatic
sections and the following morphometric factors were studied: volume density of
B cells, volume density of islets, percent of B cells, number of islets per
square millimeter, average area of islets and average volume density of B cell
in whole pancreas. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One/​way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) test and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to evaluate the data.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that only garlic was
able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control group
(P<0.05). In the control positive group all the mentioned morphometric factors
were significantly changed in comparison with the control negative (normal
health) group, but the same did not show significant change between treated and
untreated diabetics.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15738612 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

95: Genes Genet Syst. 2004 Dec;79(6):345/​50.

Effect of single alien chromosome from shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group)
on carbohydrate production in leaf blade of bunching onion (A. fistulosum L.).

Hang TT, Shigyo M, Yaguchi S, Yamauchi N, Tashiro Y.

The United Graduated School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University,
Tottori 680/​8553, Japan.

We used a complete set of Allium fistulosum /​ shallot (A. cepa Aggregatum group)
monosomic addition lines (FF+1A /​ FF+8A) to identify shallot chromosomes
affecting the production of sugars. In the alien addition lines grown over two
years in an experimental field at Yamaguchi University (34 degrees N, 131
degrees E), shallot chromosomes 2A and 8A altered sugar contents in
leaf/​bunching onion (A. fistulosum). Except for FF+2A, every monosomic addition
accumulated non/​reducing sugars in winter leaf blades. FF+8A caused an increase
in the amounts of non/​reducing sugars in the winter. FF+2A hardly produced
non/​reducing sugar throughout the two/​year study. These results indicated that
genes related to non/​reducing sugar metabolism are located on the 2A and 8A
chromosomes. The results of regression analyses using 2002 data on A. fistulosum
and the monosomic addition set revealed a correlation (r = 0.63 +//​ 0.07; mean
+//​ SE., n = 9) between reducing sugar and monosaccharide (Glc+Fru) contents but
no correlation between non/​reducing sugar and sucrose contents. This result
indicates the existence of other polysaccharides (e.g., scorodose) as
non/​reducing sugars in the leaf blade.

PMID: 15729002 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

96: Protoplasma. 2004 Oct;224(1/​2):41/​7.

Nuclear ploidy is contingent on the microtubular cycle responsible for plant
cytokinesis.

Gimenez/​Abian MI, Gimenez/​Abian JF, Utrilla L, De la Torre C.

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Cientificas, Madrid.

Division of the plant cell relies on the preprophase band of microtubules
(PPB)/​phragmoplast system. Cells of onion (Allium cepa L.) root meristems were
rendered binucleate by preventing the consolidation of cell plate formation in
telophase with 5 mM caffeine. These binucleates developed either a single PPB
around one of their two nuclei or two PPBs, one per nucleus, in the prophase of
the ensuing mitosis. Prophase cells developing one single PPB were shorter in
length (42.3 +//​ 4.1 microm) than those developing 2 PPBs (49.8 +//​ 4.1 microm),
and interphase duration was inversely related to cell length. Cells whose length
was less than or equal to 42 microm, i.e., which had not even reached the mean
size of the small binucleates in prophase, were followed throughout mitosis. In
metaphase, they always assembled two mitotic spindles (one per nucleus).
However, the cells that had assembled a single PPB also developed a single
phragmoplast in telophase, leading to polyploidization. As these meristematic
cells were not wide enough to accommodate the midzones of both mitotic spindles
in any single plane transversal to the cell elongation axis, the spindles tilted
until their midzones formed a continuum where the single common phragmoplast
assembled. Its position was thereby uncoupled from that of the preceding PPB.
Subsequently, the chromosomes from two different half/​spindles were included, by
a common nuclear envelope, in a single tetraploid nucleus. Finally, the
cytokinetic plate segregated the two tetraploid nuclei formed at each side of
the phragmoplast into two independent sister cells.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15726808 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

97: Mutat Res. 2005 Mar 7;581(1/​2):173/​80. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Salicylic acid triggers genotoxic adaptation to methyl mercuric chloride and
ethyl methane sulfonate, but not to maleic hydrazide in root meristem cells of
Allium cepa L.

Patra J, Sahoo MK, Panda BB.

Genecology and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Botany, Berhampur
University, Berhampur 760007, India.

Salicylic acid (SA), 0.01 mM, a signalling phytohormone, was tested for
induction of adaptive response against genotoxicity of methyl mercuric chloride
(MMCl), 0.013 mM; ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS), 2.5 mM, or maleic hydrazide
(MH), 5 mM, in root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Induction of adaptive
response to EMS by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 1 mM, and yet another secondary
signal molecule was tested for comparison. Assessed by the incidence of mitoses
with spindle and/or chromosome aberration and micronucleus, the findings
provided evidence that SA/​conditioning triggered adaptive response against the
genotoxic/​challenges of MMCl and EMS, but failed to do so against MH. H2O2,
which is known to induce adaptive response to MMCl and MH, failed to induce the
same against EMS in the present study. The findings pointed to the possible role
of signal transduction in the SA/​induced adaptive response to genotoxic stress
that perhaps ruled out an involvement of H2O2.

PMID: 15725616 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

98: Phytochemistry. 2005 Mar;66(5):515/​22.

Purification and cloning of a gamma/​glutamyl transpeptidase from onion (Allium
cepa).

Shaw ML, Pither/​Joyce MD, McCallum JA.

New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Limited, Germplasm Enhancement,
Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8000, New Zealand.

Gamma/​glutamyl transpeptidase (E.C. 2.3.2.2; GGT) catalyses hydrolysis of
gamma/​glutamyl linkages in gamma/​glutamyl peptides and transfer of the
gamma/​glutamyl group to amino acids and peptides. Although plant gamma/​glutamyl
peptide metabolism is important in biosynthesis and metabolism of secondary
products and xenobiotics, plant GGTs are poorly characterised. We purified a
membrane/​associated GGT from sprouting onion bulbs that catalyses
transpeptidation of methionine by the synthetic substrate
gamma/​glutamyl/​p/​nitroanilide (GGPNA) and obtained N/​terminal peptide sequence.
We also cloned the full/​length coding region of an onion GGT by homology with
the Arabidopsis enzyme and confirmed that this shared the same N/​terminal
sequence. Enzyme kinetic studies show that the enzyme has high affinity for
glutathione and glutathione conjugates, and that affinity for S/​substituted
glutathione analogs decreases as the substituted chain length increases. The
major onion gamma/​glutamyl peptide, gamma/​glutamyl trans/​S/​1/​propenyl cysteine
sulfoxide (GGPrCSO) exhibited uncompetitive inhibition of transpeptidation by
GGPNA. This suggests that GGPrCSO is a poor glutamyl donor and therefore
unlikely to be an in vivo substrate for peptidase activity by this enzyme.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15721943 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

99: Environ Res. 2005 May;98(1):1/​7.

Diesel emissions significantly influence composition and mutagenicity of ambient
particles: a case study in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Carvalho/​Oliveira R, Pozo RM, Lobo DJ, Lichtenfels AJ, Martins/​Junior HA,
Bustilho JO, Saiki M, Sato IM, Saldiva PH.

Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, School of
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, CEP
01246/​903 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.

In 2003, a bus strike paralyzed the fleet of buses in Sao Paulo, Brazil during 3
days, from 6 to 8 of April, the complete interruption of services being achieved
on the 7th. We evaluated the effect of the absence of this source of pollution
on the composition, mutagenicity, and toxicity of the fine particulate material
collected during this period. Particles were sampled in glass fiber filters on
days 7 and 15 of April of 2003 (strike and nonstrike days, respectively), using
a high/​volume sampler. Trace element determinations (As, Br, Co, Cl, Fe, La, Mn,
Sb, Sc, and Th) of particulate material samples were carried out by neutron
activation analysis. Sulfur determination was done by X/​ray fluorescence
analysis. The ratio between nonstrike/strike concentrations of hydrocarbons
associated with automotive emissions (benzene, toluene, ethyl/​benzene, and
xylenes; BTEX) was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Mutagenesis of testing solutions was determined by means of the Tradescantia
micronucleus assay in early tetrads of Tradescantia pallida. The inhibition of
mitosis of the cells of the primary meristema of the root tips of Allium cepa
was used as an index of the toxicity. Fine particle trace element contents were
lower during the strike. The concentrations of sulfur and BTEX were 50% and
39.3% lower, respectively, on the strike day. A significant (P=0.038) reduction
of micronuclei induced by fine particles sampled during the strike was observed.
No effect of the strike on toxicity was detected. These results indicate that a
program aiming to reduce emissions of the bus fleet in our town may impact
positively the air quality by reducing the mutagenic potential of ambient
particles.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15721877 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

100: New Phytol. 2005 Feb;165(2):513/​24.

Purification and characterization of a fructosyltransferase from onion bulbs and
its key role in the synthesis of fructo/​oligosaccharides in vivo.

Fujishima M, Sakai H, Ueno K, Takahashi N, Onodera S, Benkeblia N, Shiomi N.

Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Graduate School of Dairy Science
Research, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai, Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido
069/​8501, Japan.

A fructosyltransferase that transfers the terminal (2 /​/​> 1)/​beta/​linked
D/​fructosyl group of fructo/​oligosaccharides (1(F)(1/​beta/​D/​fructofuranosyl)(n)
sucrose, n >/= 1) to HO/​6 of the glucosyl residue and HO/​1 of the fructosyl
residue of similar saccharides (1(F)(1/​beta/​D/​fructofuranosyl)(m) sucrose, m >/=
0) has been purified from an extract of the bulbs of onion (Allium cepa).
Successive column chromatography using DEAE/​Sepharose CL/​6B, Toyopearl HW65,
Toyopearl HW55, DEAE/​Sepharose CL/​6B (2nd time), Sephadex G/​100, Concanavalin A
Sepharose, and Toyopearl HW/​65 (2nd time) were applied for protein purification.
The general properties of the enzyme, were as follows: molecular masses of 66
kDa (gel filtration chromatography), and of 52 kDa and 25 kDa (SDS/​PAGE);
optimum pH of c. 5.68, stable at 20/​40 degrees C for 15 min; stable in a range
of pH 5.30/​6.31 at 30 degrees C for 30 min, inhibited by Hg(2+), Ag(+),
p/​chloromercuribenzoic acid (p/​CMB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), activated
by sodium deoxycholate, Triton X/​100 and Tween/​80. The amino acid sequence of
the N/​terminus moiety of the 52/​kDa polypeptide was
ADNEFPWTNDMLAWQRCGFHFRTVRNYMNDPSGPMYYKGWYHLFYQHNKDFAYXG and the amino acid
sequence from the N/​terminus of the 25/​kDa polypeptide was
ADVGYXCSTSGGAATRGTLGPFGLL VLANQDLTENTATYFYVSKGTDGALRTHFCQDET. The enzyme
tentatively classified as fructan: fructan 6(G)/​fructosyltransferase (6G/​FFT).
The enzyme is proposed to play an important role in the synthesis of inulin and
inulinneo/​series fructo/​oligosaccharides in onion bulbs.

PMID: 15720662 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

101: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Feb 23;53(4):935/​40.

Antispasmodic saponins from bulbs of red onion, Allium cepa L. var. Tropea.

Corea G, Fattorusso E, Lanzotti V, Capasso R, Izzo AA.

Dipartimento di Chimica delle Sostanze Naturali, Universita di Napoli Federico
II, Via D. Montesano 49, I/​80131 Napoli, Italy.

A phytochemical analysis of the polar extract from the red bulbs of Allium cepa
L. var. Tropea, typical of Calabria, a southern region of Italy, was performed
extensively for the first time, leading to the isolation of four new furostanol
saponins, named tropeoside A1/A2 (1a/1b) and tropeoside B1/B2 (3a/3b), along
with the respective 22/​O/​methyl derivatives (2a/2b and 4a/4b), almost certainly
extraction artifacts. High concentrations of ascalonicoside A1/A2 (5a/5b) and
ascalonicoside B (6), previously isolated from Allium ascalonicum Hort., were
also found. This is the first report of furostanol saponins in this A. cepa
variety. The chemical structures of the new compounds were established through a
combination of extensive nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and
chemical analyses. High concentrations of quercetin, quercetin 4(I)/​glucoside,
taxifolin, taxifolin 7/​glucoside, and phenylalanine were also isolated. The new
saponins were found to possess antispasmodic activity in the guinea pig isolated
ileum; such an effect might contribute to explaining the traditional use of
onion in the treatment of disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15713001 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

102: Int J Food Microbiol. 2005 Feb 15;98(3):319/​23.

Effectiveness of household natural sanitizers in the elimination of Salmonella
typhimurium on rocket (Eruca sativa Miller) and spring onion (Allium cepa L.).

Yucel Sengun I, Karapinar M.

Ege University, Engineering Faculty, Food Engineering Department, 35100,
Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.

Experiments were done with fresh lemon juice, vinegar and their mixture (1:1) to
evaluate their efficacy in reducing the numbers of Salmonella typhimurium on
fresh salad vegetables. Fresh whole rocket leaves and shredded spring onion
samples were inoculated with S. typhimurium suspensions to provide initial
populations of approximately 6 and 3 log cfu/g. After inoculation, vegetables
were treated with the test solutions for 0, 15, 30 and 60 min, and pathogens
were enumerated by using direct plating on Bismuth Sulphite Agar (BSA). Prior to
this work, it was shown that BSA was not toxic for acid injured Salmonella cells
by statistical analysis applied to enriched and non/​enriched samples (P>0.05).
Treatment of rocket leaves with fresh lemon juice and vinegar caused a
significant reduction ranging between 1.23 and 4.17 log cfu/g and between 1.32
and 3.12 log cfu/g, respectively, while the maximum reduction reached by using
lemon juice/​vinegar mixture (1:1) for 15 min, which reduced the number of
pathogens to an undetectable level. In the spring onion samples, lemon juice,
vinegar and their mixture caused 0.87/​2.93, 0.66/​2.92 and 0.86/​3.24 log cfu/g
reductions, respectively.

PMID: 15698693 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

103: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Feb 9;53(3):538/​48.

Structure/​Activity Relationships (SAR) studies of benzoxazinones, their
degradation products and analogues. phytotoxicity on standard target species
(STS).

Macias FA, Marin D, Oliveros/​Bastidas A, Castellano D, Simonet AM, Molinillo JM.

Grupo de Alelopatia, Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Cadiz, C/Republica Saharaui, s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz,
Spain. famacias@uca.es

Benzoxazinones 2,4/​dihydroxy/​7/​methoxy/​(2H)/​1,4/​benzoxazin/​3(4H)/​one (DIMBOA)
and 2,4/​dihydroxy/​(2H)/​1,4/​benzoxazin/​3(4H)/​one (DIBOA) have been considered key
compounds for understanding allelopathic phenomena in Gramineae crop plants such
as corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and rye (Secale cereale
L.). The degradation processes in the environment observed for these compounds,
in which soil microbes are directly involved, could affect potential
allelopathic activity of these plants. We present in this work a complete
structure/​activity relationships study based on the phytotoxic effects observed
for DIMBOA, DIBOA, and their main degradation products, in addition to several
synthetic analogues of them. Their effects were evaluated on standard target
species (STS), which include Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) and Allium cepa L.
(onion) as monocots and Lepidium sativum L. (cress), Lactuca sativa L.
(lettuce), and Lycopersicon esculentum Will. (tomato) as dicots. This permitted
us to elucidate their ecological role and to propose new herbicide models based
on their structures. The best phytotoxicity results were shown by the
degradation chemical 2/​aminophenoxazin/​3/​one (APO) and several 2/​deoxy
derivatives of natural benzoxazinones, including
4/​acetoxy/​(2H)/​1,4/​benzoxazin/​3(4H)/​one (ABOA),
4/​hydroxy/​(2H)/​1,4/​benzoxazin/​3(4H)/​one (D/​DIBOA), and
4/​hydroxy/​7/​methoxy/​(2H)/​1,4/​benzoxazin/​3(4H)/​one (D/​DIMBOA). They showed high
inhibitory activity over almost all species growth. The fact that APO is a
degradation product from DIBOA with high phytotoxicity and stability makes it
possible to assign an important ecological role regarding plant defense
mechanisms. 2/​Deoxy derivatives of natural benzoxazinones display a wide range
of activities that allow proposing them as new leads for natural herbicide
models with a 1,4/​benzoxazine skeleton.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15686399 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

104: Plant Biol (Stuttg). 2005 Jan;7(1):41/​8.

Specificity patterns indicate that auxin exporters and receptors are the same
proteins.

Hossel D, Schmeiser C, Hertel R.

Institut Biologie III, Albert/​Ludwig/​Universitat, Schanzlestrasse 1, 79104
Freiburg, Germany.

A study of transport and action of synthetic auxin analogues can help to
identify transporters and receptors of this plant hormone. Both
aspects/​/​transportability and action on growth/​/​were tested with
2/​naphthoxyacetic acid (2/​NOA) and compared across several plant species. 2/​NOA
stimulates elongation effectively at low concentrations in petioles of the
gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba L., in hypocotyls or internodes of the dicot legumes,
mung bean (Vigna mungo L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.), in cotyledons of onion
(Allium cepa L.) and in leaf bases of chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.), the
latter two of the monocot order Asparagales. In contrast, elongation of
coleoptile segments of maize (Zea mays L.) is poorly responsive to 2/​NOA.
Significant auxin/​like transport of 2/​NOA was observed in segments of mung bean
hypocotyls, pea internodes, and chive leaf bases, but not in segments of the
grass coleoptiles. Thus, for the two assays, elongation and polar
transportability, the same difference in ligand specificity was observed between
the grass and all other species assayed. This finding supports the hypothesis
that a common protein mediates auxin efflux as well as auxin action on
elongation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15666213 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

105: Fitoterapia. 2005 Jan;76(1):1/​25.

Traditional phytotherapy in Central Italy (Marche, Abruzzo, and Latium).

Guarrera PM.

Museo Nazionale Arti e Tradizioni Popolari, Piazza Marconi 8/​10, Roma, 00144,
Italy. popolari@arti.beniculturali.it

In this study, the more significant results of extensive ethnopharmacobotanical
research carried out by the author in the years 1977/​2000 in 175 localities of
three regions of Central Italy (Marche, Abruzzo, and Latium) have been reported
and compared. The usages of 80 species belonging to 36 families are described,
of which 71 were used in human therapy and 29 in veterinary medicine. Uses are
suited with the number of localities in which they have been mentioned. Among
the wild plant mainly still used, Malva sylvestris, Urtica dioica, and Sambucus
nigra are particularly highly considered, while major uses of plants concern
these plants in addition to Allium sativum, Rubus ulmifolius, Parietaria
diffusa, Cynodon dactylon, and Ficus carica. Unusual phytotherapic uses concern
Brassica oleracea, Taraxacum officinale (warts), Ruscus aculeatus, S. nigra
(chilblains), Allium cepa (chilblains; to remove thorns and splinters), Juglans
regia, R. ulmifolius (burns), and Euphorbia paralias (bites of weevers). Among
new uses with only one quotation, we remember Cirsium arvense (intestinal
disturbances), Centaurea bracteata (cough), Lupinus albus (calluses), Melittis
melissophyllum (eye inflammations, antispasmodic), and Artemisia absinthium
(tendon inflammations), while among plants employed in various regions with
interesting less/​known properties, there are C. arvense (emergency haemostatic),
P. diffusa (insect bites), and Scrophularia canina (antiseptic and cicatrizing
agent for wounds in bovines and sheep).

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 15664457 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

106: Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Feb;110(4):628/​33. Epub 2005 Jan 20.

Erratum in:
Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Apr;110(6):1167.

Development of a co/​dominant, PCR/​based marker for allelic selection of the pink
trait in onions (Allium cepa), based on the insertion mutation in the promoter
of the anthocyanidin synthase gene.

Kim S, Yoo KS, Pike LM.

Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.

Bulb color in onions (Allium cepa) is an important trait and is inherited in a
complex manner. However, the mechanism of color inheritance is poorly understood
at the molecular level. A previous study showed that pink bulb color in onions
is inherited as a single recessive trait. This trait is attributable to a
significantly reduced transcription of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene. In
this study, we developed a PCR/​based marker for an allelic selection of the ANS
gene to avoid the laborious progeny tests traditionally employed. To identify
polymorphisms between pink and red alleles of the ANS gene, promoter sequences
of both alleles were isolated. There was 97% nucleotide sequence identity
between the promoter sequences of the two alleles. A 390/​bp insertion was
identified 632 bp upstream from the putative transcription start site in the
pink allele. A pair of primers was designed on the flanking sequences of the
inserted region and utilized as a PCR/​based marker for allelic selection of the
ANS gene. The reliability of the marker was tested using parents, F1 hybrids,
and F3 lines whose genotypes had been identified by progeny tests. The marker
was also used to evaluate the distribution of the pink allele in white and
yellow breeding lines. The results indicated that a majority of the breeding
lines tested were homozygous recessive.

Publication Types:
Duplicate Publication
Evaluation Studies
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15660238 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

107: Plant Cell. 2005 Feb;17(2):475/​85. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

The Dof transcription factor OBP3 modulates phytochrome and cryptochrome
signaling in Arabidopsis.

Ward JM, Cufr CA, Denzel MA, Neff MM.

Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.

Plants perceive subtle changes in light quality and quantity through a set of
photoreceptors, including phytochromes and cryptochromes. Upon perception, these
photoreceptors initiate signal transduction pathways leading to photomorphogenic
changes in development. Using activation/​tagging mutagenesis to identify novel
light/​signaling components, we have isolated a gain/​of/​function mutant, sob1/​D
(suppressor of phytochrome B/​4 [phyB/​4] dominant), which suppresses the
long/​hypocotyl phenotype of the phyB missense allele, phyB/​4. The sob1/​D mutant
phenotype is caused by the overexpression of a Dof (DNA binding with one finger)
transcription factor, OBF4 Binding Protein 3 (OBP3). A translational fusion
between OBP3 and green fluorescent protein is nuclear localized in onion (Allium
cepa) cells. Tissue/​specific accumulation of an OBP3:OBP3/​beta/​glucuronidase
translational fusion is regulated by light in Arabidopsis thaliana. Hypocotyls
of transgenic lines with reduced OBP3 expression are less responsive to red
light. This aberrant phenotype in red light requires functional phyB, suggesting
that OBP3 is a positive regulator of phyB/​mediated inhibition of hypocotyl
elongation. Furthermore, these partial/​loss/​of/​function lines have larger
cotyledons. This light/​dependent cotyledon phenotype is most dramatic in blue
light and requires functional cryptochrome 1 (cry1), indicating that OBP3 is a
negative regulator of cry1/​mediated cotyledon expansion. These results suggest a
model where OBP3 is a component in both phyB and cry1 signaling pathways, acting
as a positive and negative regulator, respectively. An alternate, though not
mutually exclusive, model places OBP3 as a general inhibitor of tissue expansion
with phyB and cry1, differentially modulating OBP3's role in this response.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15659636 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

108: Plant Cell. 2005 Feb;17(2):389/​403. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Functional isolation of novel nuclear proteins showing a variety of subnuclear
localizations.

Moriguchi K, Suzuki T, Ito Y, Yamazaki Y, Niwa Y, Kurata N.

Plant Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka
411/​8540, Japan.

Nuclear proteins play key roles in the fundamental regulation of genome
instability, the phases of organ development, and physiological responsiveness
through gene expression. Although nuclear proteins have been shown to account
for approximately one/​fourth of total proteins in yeast, no efficient method to
identify novel nuclear proteins has been applied to plants. In this study, a
trial to isolate nuclear proteins in rice was attempted, and several novel
nuclear proteins showing a variety of subnuclear localizations were identified.
The nuclear transportation trap (NTT) system, which is a modified two/​hybrid
system, isolated many nuclear proteins from rice (Oryza sativa) NTT cDNA
libraries. Nuclear localization of the isolated proteins was confirmed by
transient introduction of green fluorescent protein fusion constructs for a
subset of protein genes into onion (Allium cepa) cells. The majority of these
proteins, including novel proteins and proteins initially categorized as
cytoplasmic proteins, were revealed to be localized in the nucleus. Detailed
characterization of unknown proteins revealed various subnuclear localizations,
indicating their possible association with chromatin and the nuclear matrix with
a foci or speckle/​like distribution. Some also showed dual distribution in the
nucleus and cytoplasm. In the novel protein fraction, a protein was further
identified for its chromatin/​associated localization in a specific organ of rice
by immunostaining. Thus, a variety of novel nuclear architectural proteins with
chromatin or matrix associating abilities, which are important in nuclear
organization by influencing certain organ developments or cell responsiveness,
can be isolated using the NTT method. Because nuclear proteins other than
transcription regulators have rarely been characterized in plants, such as
matrix proteins and development/​specific chromatin proteins, their
identification and subsequent characterization could provide important
information for genome/​wide regulatory mechanisms controlled by nuclear
organization.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15659629 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

109: Plant Cell. 2005 Feb;17(2):525/​36. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Dissection of Arabidopsis ADP/​RIBOSYLATION FACTOR 1 function in epidermal cell
polarity.

Xu J, Scheres B.

Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The
Netherlands.

Vesicle trafficking is essential for the generation of asymmetries, which are
central to multicellular development. Core components of the vesicle transport
machinery, such as ADP/​ribosylation factor (ARF) GTPases, have been studied
primarily at the single/​cell level. Here, we analyze developmental functions of
the ARF1 subclass of the Arabidopsis thaliana multigene ARF family. Six
virtually identical ARF1 genes are ubiquitously expressed, and single
loss/​of/​function mutants in these genes reveal no obvious developmental
phenotypes. Fluorescence colocalization studies reveal that ARF1 is localized to
the Golgi apparatus and endocytic organelles in both onion (Allium cepa) and
Arabidopsis cells. Apical/​basal polarity of epidermal cells, reflected by the
position of root hair outgrowth, is affected when ARF1 mutants are expressed at
early stages of cell differentiation but after they exit mitosis. Genetic
interactions during root hair tip growth and localization suggest that the ROP2
protein is a target of ARF1 action, but its localization is slowly affected upon
ARF1 manipulation when compared with that of Golgi and endocytic markers.
Localization of a second potential target of ARF1 action, PIN2, is also affected
with slow kinetics. Although extreme redundancy precludes conventional genetic
dissection of ARF1 functions, our approach separates different ARF1 downstream
networks involved in local and specific aspects of cell polarity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15659621 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

110: Genetics. 2005 Mar;169(3):1673/​85. Epub 2005 Jan 16.

The integration of recombination and physical maps in a large/​genome monocot
using haploid genome analysis in a trihybrid allium population.

Khrustaleva LI, de Melo PE, van Heusden AW, Kik C.

Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Center, The
Netherlands.

Integrated mapping in large/​genome monocots has been carried out on a limited
number of species. Furthermore, integrated maps are difficult to construct for
these species due to, among other reasons, the specific plant populations
needed. To fill these gaps, Alliums were chosen as target species and a new
strategy for constructing suitable populations was developed. This strategy
involves the use of trihybrid genotypes in which only one homeolog of a
chromosome pair is recombinant due to interspecific recombination. We used
genotypes from a trihybrid Allium cepa x (A. roylei x A. fistulosum) population.
Recombinant chromosomes 5 and 8 from the interspecific parent were analyzed
using genomic in situ hybridization visualization of recombination points and
the physical positions of recombination were integrated into AFLP linkage maps
of both chromosomes. The integrated maps showed that in Alliums recombination
predominantly occurs in the proximal half of chromosome arms and that 57.9% of
PstI/MseI markers are located in close proximity to the centromeric region,
suggesting the presence of genes in this region. These findings are different
from data obtained on cereals, where recombination rate and gene density tends
to be higher in distal regions.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15654085 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

111: Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Feb;110(3):573/​8. Epub 2005 Jan 14.

Erratum in:
Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Apr;110(6):1167.

Development of a codominant PCR/​based marker for allelic selection of the pink
trait in onions (Allium cepa), based on the insertion mutation in the promoter
of the anthocyanidin synthase gene.

Kim S, Yoo KS, Pike LM.

Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.

Bulb color in onions (Allium cepa) is an important trait and is inherited in a
complex manner. However, the mechanism of color inheritance is poorly understood
at the molecular level. A previous study showed that pink bulb color in onions
is inherited as a single recessive trait. This trait is attributable to a
significantly reduced transcription of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene. In
this study, we developed a PCR/​based marker for an allelic selection of the ANS
gene to avoid the laborious progeny tests traditionally employed. To identify
polymorphisms between pink and red alleles of the ANS gene, promoter sequences
of both alleles were isolated. There was 97% nucleotide sequence identity
between the promoter sequences of the two alleles. A 390/​bp insertion was
identified 632 bp upstream from the putative transcription start site in the
pink allele. A pair of primers was designed on the flanking sequences of the
inserted region and utilized as a PCR/​based marker for allelic selection of the
ANS gene. The reliability of the marker was tested using parents, F1 hybrids,
and F3 lines whose genotypes had been identified by progeny tests. The marker
was also used to evaluate the distribution of the pink allele in white and
yellow breeding lines. The results indicated that a majority of the breeding
lines tested were homozygous recessive.

Publication Types:
Duplicate Publication
Evaluation Studies
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15650815 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

112: Theor Appl Genet. 2005 Feb;110(3):588/​95. Epub 2005 Jan 13.

Development of a PCR/​based marker utilizing a deletion mutation in the
dihydroflavonol 4/​reductase (DFR) gene responsible for the lack of anthocyanin
production in yellow onions (Allium cepa).

Kim S, Yoo KS, Pike LM.

Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University, TX, 77845, USA.

Bulb color in onions (Allium cepa) is an important trait, but the mechanism of
color inheritance is poorly understood at the molecular level. A previous study
showed that inactivation of the dihydroflavonol 4/​reductase (DFR) gene at the
transcriptional level resulted in a lack of anthocyanin production in yellow
onions. The objectives of the present study were the identification of the
critical mutations in the DFR gene (DFR/​A) and the development of a PCR/​based
marker for allelic selection. We report the isolation of two additional DFR
homologs (DFR/​B and DFR/​C). No unique sequences were identified in either DFR
homolog, even in the untranslated region (UTR). Both genes shared more than 95%
nucleotide sequence identity with the DFR/​A gene. To obtain a unique sequence
from each gene, we isolated the promoter regions. Sequences of the DFR/​A and
DFR/​B promoters differed completely from one another, except for an
approximately 100/​bp sequence adjacent to the 5'UTR. It was possible to
specifically amplify only the DFR/​A gene using primers designed to anneal to the
unique promoter region. The sequences of yellow and red DFR/​A alleles were the
same except for a single base/​pair change in the promoter and an approximately
800/​bp deletion within the 3' region of the yellow DFR/​A allele. This deletion
was used to develop a co/​dominant PCR/​based marker that segregated perfectly
with color phenotypes in the F2 population. These results indicate that a
deletion mutation in the yellow DFR/​A gene results in the lack of anthocyanin
production in yellow onions.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15647922 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

113: Aquat Toxicol. 2005 Jan 26;71(2):183/​92. Epub 2004 Dec 29.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of the additive butylated hydroxyanisole using a
battery with six model systems and eighteen endpoints.

Jos A, Repetto G, Rios JC, del Peso A, Salguero M, Hazen MJ, Molero ML,
Fernandez/​Freire P, Perez/​Martin JM, Labrador V, Camean A.

Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain.

The occurrence and fate of additives in the aquatic environment is an emerging
issue in environmental chemistry. This paper describes the ecotoxicological
effects of the commonly used additive butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) using a
test battery, comprising of several different organisms and in vitro test
systems, representing a proportion of the different trophic levels. The most
sensitive system to BHA was the inhibition of bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri
bacteria, which resulted in an acute low observed adverse effect concentration
(LOAEC) of 0.28 microM. The next most sensitive system was the immobilization of
the cladoceran Daphnia magna followed by: the inhibition of the growth of the
unicellular alga Chlorella vulgaris; the endpoints evaluated in Vero (mammalian)
cells (total protein content, LDH activity, neutral red uptake and MTT
metabolization), mitotic index and root growth inhibition in the terrestrial
plant Allium cepa, and finally, the endpoints used on the RTG/​2 salmonid fish
cell line (neutral red uptake, total protein content, MTS metabolization,
lactate dehydrogenase leakage and activity, and glucose/​6/​phosphate
dehydrogenase activity). Morphological alterations in RTG/​2 cells were also
assessed and these included loss of cells, induction of cellular pleomorphism,
hydropic degeneration and induction of apoptosis at high concentrations. The
results from this study also indicated that micronuclei were not induced in
A.cepa exposed to BHA. The differences in sensitivity for the diverse systems
that were used (EC50 ranged from 1.2 to >500 microM) suggest the importance for
a test battery approach in the evaluation of the ecological consequences of
chemicals. According to the results, the levels of BHA reported in industrial
wastewater would elicit adverse effects in the environment. This, coupled with
its potential to bioaccumulate, makes BHA a pollutant of concern not only for
acute exposures, but also for the long/​term.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15642642 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

114: Genes Genet Syst. 2004 Oct;79(5):263/​9.

Production and characterization of alien chromosome additions in shallot (Allium
cepa L. Aggregatum group) carrying extra chromosome(s) of Japanese bunching
onion (A. fistulosum L.).

Hang TT, Shigyo M, Yamauchi N, Tashiro Y.

The United Graduated School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University,
Tottori 680/​8553, Japan.

First and second backcrosses of amphidiploid hybrids (2n = 4x = 32, genomes
AAFF) between shallot (Allium cepa Aggregatum group) and A. fistulosum were
conducted to produce A. cepa /​ A. fistulosum alien addition lines. When shallot
(A. cepa Aggregatum group) was used as a pollinator, the amphidiploids and
allotriploids set germinable BC(1) and BC(2) seeds, respectively. The 237 BC(1)
plants mainly consisted of 170 allotriploids (2n = 3x = 24, AAF) and 42
hypo/​allotriploids possessing 23 chromosomes, i.e., single/​alien deletions (2n =
3x/​1 = 23, AAF/​nF). The single/​alien deletions in the BC(1) progeny showed
dwarfing characteristics and were discriminated from the allotriploids (2n = 24)
and hyper/​allotriploids (2n = 25) by means of flow cytometric analysis. The
chromosome numbers of 46 BC(2) seedlings varied from 16 to 24. Eight monosomic
additions (2n = 2x+1 = 17, AA+nF) and 20 single/​alien deletions were found in
these BC(2) seedlings. Consequently, six kinds of A. cepa /​ A. fistulosum alien
chromosome additions possessing different chromosome numbers (2n = 17, 18, 20,
21, 22, 23) were recognized in the BC(1) and BC(2) populations. A total of 79
aneuploids, including 62 single/​alien deletions, were analyzed by a chromosome
6F/​specific isozyme marker (Got/​2) in order to recognize its existence in their
chromosome complements. This analysis revealed that two out of 62 single/​alien
deletions did not possess 6F. One (AAF/​6F) out of the possible eight
single/​alien deletions could be identified at first. The present study is a
first step toward the development of a useful tool, such as a complete set of
eight different single/​alien deletions, for the rapid chromosomal assignment of
genes and genetic markers in A. fistulosum.

PMID: 15599056 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

115: Plant Physiol. 2004 Dec;136(4):4010/​22.

Arabidopsis FHY3/FAR1 gene family and distinct roles of its members in light
control of Arabidopsis development.

Lin R, Wang H.

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New
York 14853, USA.

FHY3 (far/​red elongated hypocotyls 3) and FAR1 (far/​red/​impaired response) are
two homologous proteins essential for phytochrome A controlled far/​red responses
in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). There are 12 additional FHY3/FAR1/​related
genes in the Arabidopsis genome. The predicted sizes of this family of proteins
range from 531 amino acids to 851 amino acids, and they share 12.0% to 82.4%
amino acid identities over their entire lengths. In addition, most FRS proteins
contain one to three coiled/​coil domains and one or two putative nuclear
localization signals. Semiquantitative reverse transcription/​polymerase chain
reaction analyses revealed that all FRS genes except FRS10 are expressed in all
tissues examined, including rosette leaves, cauline leaves, inflorescence stems,
flowers, and siliques. Analyses of gene specific promoterGUS fusion reporter
gene expression revealed that all FRS genes except FRS1 are expressed in
hypocotyls, and their expression in hypocotyl is induced by far/​red light
treatment. Transient expression of green fluorescent protein tagged FRS fusion
proteins in onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells revealed that all FRS proteins
are targeted into the nucleus. T/​DNA knockout frs6 and frs8 mutants flowered
early under both long/​day and short/​day conditions (with much more drastic
effects under short/​day conditions), suggesting that FRS6 and FRS8 regulate
flowering time. In addition, FRS9 RNAi transgenic plants showed a specific
hypersensitivity to red light inhibition of hypocotyl elongation and
light/​regulated gene expression, indicating that FRS9 is a specific negative
regulator of phyB signaling mediating seedling deetiolation. In summary, our
results support the notion that FRS family members play distinct roles in light
control of Arabidopsis development, most likely by regulating nuclear gene
expression.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15591448 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

116: J Exp Bot. 2005 Feb;56(412):685/​94. Epub 2004 Dec 6.

Changes in intracellular and apoplastic peroxidase activity, ascorbate redox
status, and root elongation induced by enhanced ascorbate content in Allium cepa
L.

Cordoba/​Pedregosa Mdel C, Villalba JM, Cordoba F, Gonzalez/​Reyes JA.

Departamento de Biologia Celular, Fisiologia e Inmunologia, Universidad de
Cordoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Planta 3, 14014 Cordoba,
Spain.

Onions (Allium cepa L.) treated with external ascorbic acid or with the
immediate precursor of its synthesis L/​galactono/​gamma/​lactone show a stimulated
elongation rate of the roots and an increase in the number of new radicles
appearing at the bulb base. Treatment with both molecules resulted in an
enhanced accumulation of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate along the root axis, but
the distribution of these redox forms was not uniform along the root, as
detected in intracellular (symplastic) and extracellular (apoplastic)
compartments. Thus, those radicular zones metabolically more active, such as the
meristem and the elongation zone, accumulated the highest amount of both redox
forms of ascorbate. On the other hand, ascorbate and L/​galactono/​gamma/​lactone
also stimulated cytosolic glucose/​6/​phosphate dehydrogenase activity and
inhibited peroxidase activity as deduced from in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Differences were also found when comparing apoplastic and symplastic activities.
These results are compatible with the idea of an ascorbate/​mediated stimulation
of root growth by inhibiting cell wall stiffening and increasing root
metabolism.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15582927 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

117: Food Chem Toxicol. 2005 Jan;43(1):57/​63.

Biochemical study on the hypoglycemic effects of onion and garlic in
alloxan/​induced diabetic rats.

El/​Demerdash FM, Yousef MI, El/​Naga NI.

Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research,
Alexandria University, 163, Horreya Avenue, P.O. Box 832, Alexandria 21526,
Egypt.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of onion (Allium
cepa Linn) and garlic (Allium sativum Linn) juices on biochemical parameters,
enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in alloxan/​induced diabetic rats.
Alloxan was administered as a single dose (120 mg/kg BW) to induce diabetes. A
dose of 1 ml of either onion or garlic juices/100 g body weight (equivalent to
0.4 g/100 g BW) was orally administered daily to alloxan/​diabetic rats for four
weeks. The levels of glucose, urea, creatinine and bilirubin were significantly
(p<0.05) increased in plasma of alloxan/​diabetic rats compared to the control
group. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline and acid phosphatases (AlP, AcP) activities
were significantly (p<0.05) increased in plasma and testes of alloxan/​diabetic
rats, while these activities were decreased in liver compared with the control
group. Brain LDH was significantly (p<0.05) increased. The concentration of
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the activity of glutathione
S/​transferase in plasma, liver, testes, brain, and kidney were increased in
alloxan/​diabetic rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with repeated doses of
either garlic or onion juices could restore the changes of the above parameters
to their normal levels. The present results showed that garlic and onion juices
exerted antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects and consequently may alleviate
liver and renal damage caused by alloxan/​induced diabetes.

PMID: 15582196 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

118: Mutat Res. 2004 Nov;567(2/​3):227/​345.

Mutagens in contaminated soil: a review.

White PA, Claxton LD.

Mutagenesis Section, Safe Environments Program, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture
0803A, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1A 0L2. paul_white@hc/​sc.gc.ca

The intentional and accidental discharges of toxic pollutants into the
lithosphere results in soil contamination. In some cases (e.g., wood preserving
wastes, coal/​tar, airborne combustion by/​products), the contaminated soil
constitutes a genotoxic hazard. This work is a comprehensive review of published
information on soil mutagenicity. In total, 1312 assessments of genotoxic
activity from 118 works were examined. The majority of the assessments (37.6%)
employed the Salmonella mutagenicity test with strains TA98 and/or TA100. An
additional 37.6% of the assessments employed a variety of plant species (e.g.,
Tradescantia clone 4430, Vicia faba, Zea mays, Allium cepa) to assess mutagenic
activity. The compiled data on Salmonella mutagenicity indicates significant
differences (p<0.0001) in mean potency (revertents per gram dry weight) between
industrial, urban, and rural/agricultural sites. Additional analyses showed
significant empirical relationships between S9/​activated TA98 mutagenicity and
soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration (r2=0.19 to 0.25,
p<0.0001), and between direct/​acting TA98 mutagenicity and soil dinitropyrene
(DNP) concentration (r2=0.87, p<0.0001). The plant assay data revealed excellent
response ranges and significant differences between heavily contaminated,
industrial, rural/agricultural, and reference sites, for the anaphase aberration
in Allium cepa (direct soil contact) and the waxy locus mutation assay in Zea
mays (direct soil contact). The Tradescantia assays appeared to be less
responsive, particularly for exposures to aqueous soil leachates. Additional
data analyses showed empirical relationships between anaphase aberrations in
Allium, or mutations in Arabidopsis, and the 137Cs contamination of soils.
Induction of micronuclei in Tradescantia is significantly related to the soil
concentration of several metals (e.g., Sb, Cu, Cr, As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn). Review
of published remediation exercises showed effective removal of genotoxic
petrochemical wastes within one year. Remediation of more refractory genotoxic
material (e.g., explosives, creosote) frequently showed increases in mutagenic
hazard that remained for extended periods. Despite substantial contamination and
mutagenic hazards, the risk of adverse effect (e.g., mutation, cancer) in humans
or terrestrial biota is difficult to quantify.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.
Review

PMID: 15572286 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

119: Fitoterapia. 2004 Dec;75(7/​8):645/​55.

Morphological evidences for onion/​induced growth inhibition of Trichophyton
rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Ghahfarokhi MS, Goodarzi M, Abyaneh MR, Al/​Tiraihi T, Seyedipour G.

Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres
University, Tehran, Iran. shamsm@@modares.ac.ir

The antifungal activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) on two important
dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with special
reference to morphological aspects was studied. Growth of both fungi was found
to be strongly inhibited by aqueous onion extract (AOE) as a dose/​dependent
manner. The extract showed fungicidal effect for both fungi at concentrations
>3.12% (v/v). The fungus T. mentagrophytes was more affected by the onion as
compared to T. rubrum at all concentrations used. Morphological effects of onion
exposure were examined in correlation with fungal growth. Corresponding to the
growth inhibition, light and electron microscopy observations revealed
morphological anomalies in hyphal compartments. The results demonstrated that
AOE targets the cell membrane of the fungi as breaking down of both inner and
outer membranes with consequent extrution of materials into the surrounding
medium. Cytoplasmic membranes and other membranous structures of organelles,
such as nuclei and mitochondria, were also disrupted. In correlation to the
fungal growth, morphological alterations occurred to a less content for T.
rubrum compared with T. mentagrophytes. The hyphae of T. rubrum were found to be
mainly affected by converting to resistant forms, i.e., chlamidospores as a
consequence of phenotype switching response to AOE. Plasmolysis accompanied by
an almost complete depletion and disorganization of cytoplasmic structures were
found to be the final event which led to cell death. Ultrastructural evidences
obtained from this study strongly support that morphological changes of T.
rubrum and T. mentagrophytes caused by AOE are associated with its fungistatic
and fungicidal activities. With respect to the morphological results and the
preliminary data on fungal biochemistry, a mechanism of action by interacting of
AOE with thiol (/​SH) groups present in essential compartments of the fungal
cells was postulated.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15567239 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

120: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2004 Dec;101(3):265/​76.

Selecting iodine/​enriched vegetables and the residual effect of iodate
application to soil.

Dai JL, Zhu YG, Zhang M, Huang YZ.

Research Center for Eco/​environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Beijing 100085, China.

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to select vegetables for iodine
uptake. The residual effect of iodate fertilization on the growth of and iodine
uptake by spinach plants were also investigated. Six vegetables, including leafy
vegetables (pakchoi [Brassica chinensis L.], spinach [Spinacia oleracea L.]),
tuber vegetables (onion [Allium cepa L.]), shoot vegetables (water spinach
[Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.], celery [Apium graveolens L.]), and root vegetables
(carrot [Daucus carota var. sativa DC.]) were examined. Results showed that the
concentrations of iodate in soil had significant effect on the biomass of edible
parts of pakchoi and spinach (p<0.01), whereas the concentrations of iodate in
soil had no significant effect on that of carrots, water spinach, celery, and
onion. Iodine concentrations in edible parts of vegetables and the transfer
factors (TFedible parts) of soil/​to/​edible parts of vegetables significantly
increased with increasing iodine concentrations in soil (p<0.001), and iodine
concentrations in edible parts and TFedible parts of spinach were much higher
than those of other vegetables at any treatment. Both transfer coefficients for
edible parts (TCedible parts) and for aerial parts (TCaerial parts) of
vegetables changed differently with increasing iodine concentrations in the
soil, and TCedible parts and TCaerial parts of spinach were higher than those of
other vegetables. Therefore, spinach was considered as an efficient vegetable
for iodine biofortification. Further experiment showed that there is
considerable residual effect of soil fertilization with iodate.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15564656 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

121: Rev Argent Microbiol. 2004 Jul/​Sep;36(3):139/​44.

[Microbiological study of dehydrated garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion
(Allium cepa L.)]

[Article in Spanish]

Fuselli SR, Filsinger B, Fritz R, Yeannes MI.

Departamento de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad
Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3.350 (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina.

A microbiological study during the process and the storage of garlic (Allium
sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) dehydrated, with the additional barriers
of blanching or brine immersion, was made. In all raw materials the average
counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria expressed in CFU/g ranged from 1.2 x 10(2)
to 1.6 x 10(3), molds and yeasts from 60 to 1.6 x 10(3), Lactobacillus spp. and
Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides between 10 and 50. Microorganisms
identified were Penicillium spp., Monilia spp., Lactobacillus brevis,
Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and yeasts in garlic; Mucor spp.,
Penicillium spp., Monilia spp., Lactobacillus brevis and yeasts in both types of
onions. Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides was detected in only kind
of onion. In dehydrated garlic storage, Penicillium spp., Monilia spp.,
Lactobacillus brevis and yeasts were detected. In garlic, when a blanching step
was carried out no microflora was detected. Mucor spp., Penicillium spp.,
Monilia spp. and Lactobacillus brevis were identified in both types of
dehydrated onions. When brine immersion was included the microflora detected was
significantly lower and only Penicillium spp. were found. The use of additional
barriers such as blanching or brine immersion produces an important effect on
the microbiological stability in these products.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 15559197 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

122: Plant Cell Rep. 2004 Nov;23(6):371/​6. Epub 2004 Jul 28.

Efficient plant regeneration from suspension cells of Allium cepa L.

Zhang W, Lin X, Takano H, Takio S, Ono K.

Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kurokami,
Kumamoto, 860/​8555, Japan.

Plant regeneration from calli of three cultivars of Allium cepa (Senshuki, O.Pki
and Shojovaka) was investigated. Callus was induced on four variations of BDS
medium containing different concentrations of 2,4/​dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
(2,4/​D) and 6/​benzyladenine (BAP). The regeneration frequency of calli of cvs.
Senshuki and O.Pki subcultured on solid MS medium supplemented with BAP ranged
from 50% to 80%; this frequency decreased to less than 30% after subculture in
the dark in liquid BDS medium. By repeating the dark/light transitions of the
culture protocol and by selecting for green cell clusters, we were able to
increase the regeneration frequency to more than 80% in all three cultivars.
These cell clusters maintained a high regeneration capacity in subsequent
subcultures in the absence of light for 2 months. Most (97%) of the regenerated
plantlets had a normal diploid karyotype (2 n=16) that was identical to that of
the mother plants, although 3% of the regenerated plants of cv. Shojovaka had a
tetraploid karyotype.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15551136 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

123: J Nutr Biochem. 1999 Aug;10(8):477/​83.

Renal lesions in streptozotocin/​induced diabetic rats maintained on onion and
capsaicin containing diets.

Babu PS, Srinivasan K.

Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore, India.

Onion (Allium cepa) powder and capsaicin, the pungent principle of red pepper
(Capsicum annum) were added in the amounts of 3 g% and 15 mg%, respectively, to
the diet of streptozotocin/​induced diabetic Wistar rats for 8 weeks. The
presence of renal lesions was assessed by the extent and quality of proteinuria
and by the leaching of renal tubular enzymes into the urine. Renal integrity was
assessed by measuring the activities in the kidney tissue of several key enzymes
of carbohydrate metabolism and of polyol pathway, transaminases, and ATPases.
Data on enzymuria and proteinuria, activities of kidney ATPases present in
diabetic patients, suggested that dietary onion caused significant beneficial
modulation of the progression of renal lesions in the diabetic rats. These
findings were also corroborated by histologic examination of kidney sections.
Dietary capsaicin did not have any favorable influence on renal pathology in
diabetes. It is inferred that this beneficial ameliorating influence of dietary
onion on diabetic nephropathy may be mediated through onion's ability to lower
blood cholesterol levels and to reduce lipid peroxidation.

PMID: 15539326 [PubMed]

124: Plant Physiol. 2004 Dec;136(4):4318/​25. Epub 2004 Nov 5.

Can Ca2+ fluxes to the root xylem be sustained by Ca2+/​ATPases in exodermal and
endodermal plasma membranes?

Hayter ML, Peterson CA.

Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L
3G1.

The pathway of Ca2+ movement from the soil solution into the root stele has been
a subject of controversy. If transport through the endodermis is assumed to be
through the cytoplasm, the limiting factor is believed to be the active pumping
of Ca2+ from the cytoplasm into the stele apoplast through the plasma membrane
lying on the stele side of the Casparian band. By analogy, for similar transport
through the exodermis, the limiting step would be the active pumping into the
apoplast on the central cortical side of the layer. Such effluxes are mediated
by Ca2+/​ATPases. To assess whether or not known Ca2+ fluxes to the stele in
onion (Allium cepa) roots could be supported by Ca2+/​ATPases, the percentages of
total membrane protein particles required to effect the transport were
calculated using measured values of membrane surface areas, an animal literature
value for Ca2+/​ATPase V(max), plant literature values for Ca2+/​ATPase K(m), and
protein densities of relevant membranes. Effects of a putative symplastic
movement of Ca2+ from the exo/​ or endodermis into the next cell layer, which
would increase the surface areas available for pumping, were also considered.
Depending on the assumptions applied, densities of Ca2+ pumps, calculated as a
percentage of total membrane protein particles, varied tremendously between
three and 1,600 for the endodermis, and between 0.94 and 1,900 for the
exodermis. On the basis of the data, the possibility of Ca2+ transport through
the cytoplasm and membranes of the exodermis and endodermis cannot be
discounted. Thus, it is premature to assign an entirely apoplastic pathway for
Ca2+ movement from the soil solution to the tracheary elements of the xylem. To
verify any conclusion with certainty, more detailed data are required for the
characteristics of exo/​ and endodermal Ca2+/​ATPases.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15531711 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

125: J Environ Biol. 2004 Apr;25(2):187/​90.

Demonstration of sperm head shape abnormality and clastogenic potential of
cypermethrin.

Kumar S, Gautam AK, Agarwal KR, Shah BA, Saiyad HN.

Division of Histochemistry and Reproductive Toxicology, National Institute of
Occupational Health (ICMR), Meghani Nagar, Ahemdabad/​380016, India.
sunilnioh@yahoo.com

Adult male Swiss albino mice were administered ip. suspension solution of
cypermethrin in 0.15% DMSO at the doses of 30 mg, 60 mg and 90 mg/kg b. wt.
daily for 5 days. Another group of animals was injected cyclophosphamide ip. (60
mg/kg b. wt.) in similar manner which served as positive control. Effect of
cypermethrin on body and testes weight and sperm head morphology was studied.
Clastogenic potential of cypermethrin was studied by using modified Allium test.
The cytological changes were studied in the root tip cells of Allium cepa after
3 days treatment with three different concentration of cypermethrin (0.1, 1.0
and 10.0 microg/ml). The results revealed that body weight gain was considerably
reduced in higher dose groups, but the testicular weight did not change
significantly in any of the cypermethrin treated groups. However, a significant
elevation in the number of abnormal shape of sperm head was noticed in higher
dose groups as compared to control. It was observed that the abnormality in the
shape of sperm head was dose/​dependent. The cytological changes in the root tip
cells of Allium cepa indicated that cypermethrin is having toxic effects on the
root tip cells in the form of stickiness of chromosomes and also affect the
mitotic activity. This study suggest that cypermethrin may have the potential to
induce adverse effects on sperm head shape morphology of mouse as well as
clastogenic effects on root tip cells of Allium cepa.

PMID: 15529877 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

126: Med Arh. 2004;58(4):206/​9.

[Genotoxicity evaluation of paracetamol applying Allium test]

[Article in Bosnian]

Aganovic/​Musinovic I, Todic M, Becic F, Kusturica J.

Centar za humanu gentiku, Medicinski fakultet Univerziteta u Sarajevu.

Paracetamol genotoxic potential was evaluated among different concentrations,
applying Allium test on Allium cepa. Total number of roots, number of dark
roots, the length of the longest root, the average root, and the shortest root
were determined. Statistically significant differences among total number of
roots (p > 0.05) was observed at concentrations of 50 microg/ml and 100
microg/ml, and highly statistically significant differences at concentrations of
5 microg/ml and 25 microg/ml, while at the highest concentration (400 microg/ml)
was observed statistically significant higher number of roots in comparation to
all other concentrations of paracetamol and control group. The results of
research suggest the concentrations of 5 microg/ml, 25 microg/ml and 400
microg/ml for further evaluation of paracetamol mutagenic potential.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 15526585 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

127: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Nov 3;52(22):6787/​93.

Varietal differences in phenolic content and antioxidant and antiproliferative
activities of onions.

Yang J, Meyers KJ, van der Heide J, Liu RH.

Department of Food Science and Institute of Comparative and Environmental
Toxicology, Stocking Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

Epidemiological studies have indicated that the consumption of fruits and
vegetables is associated with a reduced risk for the development of chronic
diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Phytochemicals, including
phenolics and flavonoids, are suggested to be the major bioactive compounds
contributing to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Onions are a major
source of dietary flavonoids; however, there may exist varietal differences in
composition, concentration, and beneficial activities. To characterize these
differences, shallots and 10 onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties commonly available
in the United States (Western Yellow, Northern Red, New York Bold, Western
White, Peruvian Sweet, Empire Sweet, Mexico, Texas 1015, Imperial Valley Sweet,
and Vidalia) were evaluated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and
antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Shallots contained the highest
total phenolic content (114.7 +//​ 10.0 mg/100 g of sample) among the varieties
tested, with a 6/​fold difference observed when compared to the variety with the
lowest phenolic content (Vidalia, p < 0.05). Western Yellow onion variety
exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (69.2 +//​ 3.7 mg/100 g of onion)
of the varieties tested, with an 11/​fold difference when compared to the variety
with the lowest flavonoid content (Western White, p < 0.05). Shallots exhibited
the highest total antioxidant activity (45.5 +//​ 2.1 micromol of vitamin C
equiv/g of onion), followed by Western Yellow, New York Bold, Northern Red,
Mexico, Empire Sweet, Western White, Peruvian Sweet, Texas 1015, Imperial Valley
Sweet, and Vidalia. For all varieties, both total phenolic and flavonoid
contents were strongly correlated with total antioxidant activity (R (2) =
0.9668, p < 0.05; and R (2) = 0.7033, p < 0.05, respectively). The proliferation
of HepG(2) and Caco/​2 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose/​dependent
fashion after exposure to the Western Yellow, shallots, New York Bold, and
Northern Red extracts, with Western Yellow, shallots, and New York Bold
exhibiting the highest antiproliferative activity against HepG(2) cells and New
York Bold and Western Yellow exhibiting the highest antiproliferative activity
against Caco/​2 cells. However, the varieties of Western White, Peruvian Sweet,
Empire Sweet, Mexico, Texas 1015, Imperial Valley Sweet, and Vidalia
demonstrated weak antiproliferative activity against both HepG(2) and Caco/​2
cells. These results may influence consumers toward purchasing onion varieties
exhibiting greater potential health benefits and may significantly affect future
breeding efforts to enhance onion nutritional qualities.

PMID: 15506817 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

128: Mol Genet Genomics. 2004 Nov;272(4):411/​9. Epub 2004 Oct 21.

Gold color in onions (Allium cepa): a natural mutation of the chalcone isomerase
gene resulting in a premature stop codon.

Kim S, Jones R, Yoo KS, Pike LM.

Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA.

Unusual gold/​colored onions were selected from a F3 family originating from a
cross between US/​type yellow and Brazilian yellow onions. HPLC analysis showed
that the gold onions contained a significantly reduced amount of quercetin, the
most abundant flavonoid in onions. This result indicated that an early step in
the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway might be abnormal in these onions. The
expression of flavonoid synthesis genes isolated from onions was examined in
gold onions and compared to that in onions of other colors by RT/​PCR. The
results showed that all genes were transcribed in gold onions as in red onions.
In order to identify any critical mutations in flavonoid synthesis genes
encoding enzymes involved in early steps of the pathway, the genomic sequence of
chalcone isomerase (CHI) was obtained. A premature stop codon and a subsequent
single base/​pair addition causing a frameshift were identified in the coding
region of the CHI gene in the gold onions. Co/​segregation of the mutant allele
of the CHI gene and the gold phenotype was investigated in the original F2
segregating population. Genotyping of three color groups (red, yellow and gold)
of F2 onions revealed perfect co/​segregation of the mutant CHI allele with the
gold phenotype. All tested gold F2 onions were homozygous for the mutant CHI
allele. This perfect co/​segregation implies that the presence of a premature
stop codon in the gold CHI gene results in an inactive CHI. Inactivation of CHI
results in a block in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and the accumulation of
chalcone derivatives, including a yellow pigment which might be responsible for
the gold color in onions.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15503141 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

129: Mol Genet Genomics. 2004 Aug;272(1):18/​27. Epub 2004 Jul 28.

Pink (P), a new locus responsible for a pink trait in onions (Allium cepa)
resulting from natural mutations of anthocyanidin synthase.

Kim S, Binzel ML, Yoo KS, Park S, Pike LM.

Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA.

A new locus conditioning a pink trait in onions was identified. Unusual pink
onions were found in haploid populations induced from an F(1) hybrid between
yellow and dark red parents and in F(3) populations originating from the same
cross. Segregation ratios of red to pink in F(2), backcross, and F(3)
populations indicated that this pink trait is determined by a single recessive
locus. RT/​PCR was carried out to look for any differential expression of
anthocyanin synthesis genes between dark red and pink F(3) lines. The transcript
level of anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) was significantly reduced in the pink
line. To determine whether this reduced transcription is caused by other
regulatory factors or by mutations in the ANS gene itself, ANS gene sequences
from both dark red and pink F(3) lines were compared to detect any
polymorphisms. Polymorphisms were identified, and subsequently utilized as
molecular markers for the selection of ANS alleles. Absolute co/​segregation of
the pink allele and the ANS allele from the pink line was observed in parents,
F(1) and F(3) populations. These results indicate that reduced transcription of
the ANS gene caused by mutations in a cis /​acting element is likely to result in
the pink trait in onions.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 15480791 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

130: J Appl Toxicol. 2004 Sep/​Oct;24(5):401/​7.

Use of a complex approach for assessment of metamizole sodium and
acetylsalicylic acid toxicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.

Arkhipchuk VV, Goncharuk VV, Chernykh VP, Maloshtan LN, Gritsenko IS.

Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Water Chemistry, boulevard Vernadsky 42,
03680 Kiev, Ukraine. arvic@nbi.com.ua

A complex approach based on the use of test organisms belonging to different
systematic groups (plants, invertebrates and vertebrates), as well as the
nucleolar biomarker and the micronucleus test on their cells, was applied to
assess the toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of two pharmaceutical
substances (metamizole sodium and acetylsalicylic acid) applied at ic(50)
concentrations for mammalian cells. The compound acetylsalicylic acid was
evaluated at a concentration (1.6 x 10(3) mg l(/​1)) that was non/​toxic for
bioassays based on fish (Carassius auratus gibelio) and hydra (Hydra attenuata)
and acutely toxic for bioassays with ceriodaphnia (Ceriodaphnia affinis) and
onion (Allium cepa). The metamizole sodium solution (6.25%) demonstrated acute
toxicity for the whole set of test organisms. Both drugs, after their 30/​360 min
influence on the test organisms, first changed the nucleolar size in plant and
animal cells (i.e. the transcriptional activity of ribosomal genes was affected
most significantly). Moreover, the metamizole sodium solution caused nucleolar
structural damage in 90% of hydra cells as early as after 30 min of exposure.
The acetylsalicylic acid solution inhibited essentially the rate of cell
division in the meristem of onion roots (the mitotic index decreased to 9.6 per
thousand, as compared 51.7 per thousand for the control). The carp incubation
and the onion germination in the acetylsalicylic acid solution showed a
reproducible increase in the frequency of cells with micronuclei (2 and 5.5
times, respectively) and double nuclei (3 and 1.5 times, respectively). The
approach described herein may be applied for obtaining rapid, cost/​efficient and
useful supplementary data on different types of toxicity for marketed drugs as
well as for drugs under development.

PMID: 15478170 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

131: Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Sep;42(9):893/​9.

Evaluation of antimitotic activity of Rotula aquatica (Lour): a traditional herb
used in treatment of cancer.

Patil S, Narayanan S, Eibl G, Jolly CI.

Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Prin K M Kundnani College of
Pharmacy, 47, R G Thadani Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400 018, India. s_patil@vsnl.com

Rotula aquatica was extensively used by vaidyas (Ayurvedic practioners) in
holistic treatment of cancer. In the present study, an attempt has been made to
evaluate the antimitotic activity of R. aquatica. Preliminary antimitotic
screening was done using Allium cepa root tip assay. The mitotic index of the
root tips markedly decreased with increasing concentration of the aqueous
extract. The different fractions obtained by successive extraction of R.
aquatica using solvents of increasing polarity were also evaluated for their
antimitotic activity. Tannins were isolated which showed a better activity than
the non/​tannin fraction. Experiments were also carried out with incorporation of
folic acid in the aqueous extract. Folic acid inhibited the antimitotic activity
of aqueous extract of R. aquatica in a dose dependent manner. The results
obtained were compared with methotrexate/​/​a known drug available in market as
anti/​cancer agent. The studies were extended to human cells using 3 pancreatic
cancer cell lines, viz: HPAF/​II, BxPC/​3, and CAPAN/​2. Extract of R. aquatica was
found to be extremely effective in the prevention of cell proliferation of the
pancreatic cancer cell lines. The phytochemical evaluation revealed presence of
polyphenols (tannins) and steroids. A HPTLC fingerprinting was developed and
studied. Two compounds were isolated and subjected to spectral studies like UV,
IR and mass spectrums. The empirical formula was derived by considering this
data with elemental analysis of the compounds.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15462182 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

132: J Biosci. 2004 Sep;29(3):329/​35.

Subcellular localization of cadmium in the root cells of Allium cepa by electron
energy loss spectroscopy and cytochemistry.

Liu D, Kottke I.

Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal
University, 300074, People's Republic of China. donghua@mail.zlnet.com.cn

The ultrastructural investigation of the root cells of Allium cepa L. exposed to
1 mM and 10 mM cadmium (Cd) for 48 and 72 h was carried out. The results
indicated that Cd induced several obvious ultrastructural changes such as
increased vacuolation, condensed cytoplasm with increased density of the matrix,
reduction of mitochondrial cristae, severe plasmolysis and highly condensed
nuclear chromatin. Electron dense granules appeared between the cell wall and
plasmalemma. In vacuoles, electron dense granules encircled by the membrane were
aggregated and formed into larger precipitates, which increase in number and
volume as a consequence of excessive Cd exposure. Data from electron energy loss
spectroscopy (EELS) confirmed that these granules contained Cd and showed that
significantly higher level of Cd in vacuoles existed in the vacuolar
precipitates of meristematic or cortical parenchyma cells of the differentiating
and mature roots treated with 1 mM and 10 mM Cd. High levels of Cd were also
observed in the crowded electron dense granules of nucleoli. However, no Cd was
found in cell walls or in cells of the vascular cylinder. A positive
Gomori/​Swift reaction showed that small metallic silver

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15381854 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

133: Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2004 Jun;55(4):325/​31.

Effect of temperature on soluble invertase activity, and glucose, fructose and
sucrose status of onion bulbs (Allium cepa) in store.

Benkeblia N, Onodera S, Yoshihira T, Kosaka S, Shiomi N.

Department of Food and Nutrtion Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu,
Hokkaido, Japan. ben/​nour@rakuno.ac.jp

The activity of soluble invertase, and the variation in glucose, fructose and
sucrose contents in onion bulbs (Allium cepa) during long/​term storage at 10
degrees C and 20 degrees C were investigated. Invertase activity increased
progressively after 8 weeks to 0.084 and 0.092 nkat/g fresh weight (FW), then
sharply to 0.29 and 0.35 nkat/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C,
respectively, and remained high during 5 weeks. Then, activity decreased
abruptly to 0.039 and 0.041 nkat/g, and remained low during the last 8 weeks and
close to that observed initially. Glucose increased to 17.73 and 14.62 mg/g FW
after 4 weeks at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively, then decreased
sharply between week 5 and week 7 to 4.13 and 4.91 mg/g FW, respectively, and
remained rather stable ranging from 9 and 10 mg/g FW at both temperatures.
Fructose showed a similar pattern and was 14.8 and 21.68 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C
and 10 degrees C, respectively. Between week 10 and week 24, fructose ranged
from 5 and 6 mg/g FW, and from 6 and 7 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C,
respectively. Sucrose increased to 19.63 and 14.43 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C and
10 degrees C, respectively, decreased during 3 weeks, and then increased
randomly from 5.69 to 9.42 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C, but remained in a steady
state at 10 degrees C ranging 5.03 +//​ 0.78 mg/g FW. During the last 6 weeks,
the sucrose content was higher at 20 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. The
fructose/​glucose ratio varied during the first 8 weeks but remained at a steady
level during the last 16 weeks. The (glucose+fructose)/sucrose ratio increased
randomly at 10 degrees C, whereas at 20 degrees C the ratio increased during 10
weeks then decreased progressively during the final 14 weeks.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15369986 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

134: Thromb Res. 2004;114(3):213/​20.

An onion variety has natural antithrombotic effect as assessed by
thrombosis/thrombolysis models in rodents.

Yamada K, Naemura A, Sawashita N, Noguchi Y, Yamamoto J.

Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi,
651/​2180, Japan.

INTRODUCTION: Prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has a high priority in
developed countries. As inappropriate diet has been shown to be an important
risk factor for thrombotic events, regular antithrombotic diet may offer a
convenient and effective way of prevention. The aim of the present study was to
test onion extracts for antithrombotic effect and to identify the effective
varieties in Allium cepa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A shear/​induced platelet
function test (haemostatometry) was used to screen for antithrombotic potential.
Onion extracts showing significant antithrombotic activity in vitro were further
assessed in vivo by using a laser/​induced thrombosis test in mice. RESULTS AND
CONCLUSIONS: An onion variety, Toyohira, showed significant antithrombotic
activity both in vitro and in vivo. Toyohira showed thrombolytic activity in
addition to the antiplatelet effect. Superkitamomiji, 2935A, and K83211 showed
only thrombolytic activity. Quercetin, the richest flavonoid in onion, was
measured, but no correlation was found between quercetin content and
antithrombotic activity. It is concluded that onion A. cepa can be classified
into varieties with or without antithrombotic and thrombolytic effects. This
should be taken into account in future population studies on the antithrombotic
effects of vegetables.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Evaluation Studies

PMID: 15342218 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

135: Mycol Res. 2004 Jun;108(Pt 6):610/​5.

Possible involvement of hyphal phosphatase in phosphate efflux from intraradical
hyphae isolated from mycorrhizal roots colonized by Gigaspora margarita.

Kojima T, Saito M.

Soil Ecology Laboratory, Department of Grassland Ecology, National Institute of
Livestock and Grassland Science, Senbonmatsu 768, Nishinasuno, Tochigi 329/​2793,
Japan. kojima@naro.affrc.go.jp

We developed a method for separating physiologically active intraradical hyphae
of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from mycorrhizal roots, allowing the hyphae
to be used for physiological and biochemical experiments. In the present study,
the phosphate efflux from the intraradical hyphae in vitro was examined in
relation to hyphal phosphatase activity. Onion seedlings (Allium cepa) were
planted in the soil inoculated with Gigaspora margarita. Six weeks after
transplanting, the intraradical hyphae were isolated from the mycorrhizal roots
using plant cell/​wall digestion enzymes. The hyphae were incubated briefly at 25
degrees C in a buffer solution (50 mM Tris/HCl, pH 7.4), then incubated for 2 h
and gently shaken with various inhibitors. Phosphate efflux, the amount of
phosphate released to the buffer, was analysed by EnzChek phosphate assay kit.
Hyphal phosphatase activity was stained histochemically and the proportion of
phosphatase/​active arbuscules was examined for each inhibitor. Phosphate
effluxes were to some degree reduced by all inhibitors used, while the
phosphatase inhibitor, BeSO4, greatly reduced the efflux. The degree of
inhibition in the arbuscular phosphatase by each chemical was closely correlated
to the decrease in the phosphate efflux. These results suggest that hyphal
phosphatase may be partially involved in the phosphate efflux process from
intraradical hyphae.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15323242 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

136: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Aug 25;52(17):5499/​505.

Chemical characterization of interspecific hybrids between Allium cepa L. and
Allium kermesinum Rchb.

Storsberg J, Schulz H, Keusgen M, Tannous F, Dehmer KJ, Keller ER.

Federal Centre for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant
Analysis (BAZ), Neuer Weg 22/23, D/​06484 Quedlinburg, Germany.

Interspecific hybridization between wild and cultivated species of the genus
Allium has been performed to generate plant material possessing biochemical
properties of both parental plants. These cross/​breeding experiments should lead
to Allium plants with higher amounts of valuable constituents. The chemical
characterization of interspecific hybrids between A. cepa and A. kermesinum is
described on the basis of their sulfur/​containing constituents and secondary
metabolites. In addition, the hybrid character has been proven by random
amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of the progenies obtained from the
crosses. It has been shown that the distribution of the cysteine sulfoxides as
well as the volatile secondary metabolites in the hybrids is not uniform. The
profiles are mainly determined by the paternal wild species A. kermesinum. It
has been ascertained that the gas chromatography profiles of the hybrids show
increasing amounts of unsymmetrical substituted oligosulfides, which are known
to be physiologically active substances. On the basis of statistical
calculations, three different types of hybrids can be separated. The chemical
analysis of cysteine sulfoxides and volatile sulfur/​containing substances is
shown to be a useful tool for breeding purposes as it allows an effective
selection with regard to optimal distribution and amount of valuable
constituents.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15315391 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

137: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Aug 25;52(17):5383/​90.

Erratum in:
J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6564.

Evaluation of carbohydrates in Pukekohe Longkeeper and Grano cultivars of Allium
cepa.

O'Donoghue EM, Somerfield SD, Shaw M, Bendall M, Hedderly D, Eason J, Sims I.

Crop & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11 600, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Odonoghuee@crop.cri.nz

The storage, soluble, and structural carbohydrates of two onion cultivars, the
hard, pungent Pukekohe Longkeeper (PLK) and the softer, milder Houston Grano,
were analyzed to determine differences that might be related to their response
to sulfur nutrition received during growth as well as their postharvest
attributes and end/​use suitability. PLK tissue contained 1.37 times more dry
matter than Grano and was composed of more fructan and sucrose and less glucose
and fructose than Grano [corrected] There were also differences in neutral sugar
content, especially galactose, and the amount, size, and content of pectin
fractions soluble in chelator and weak alkali. These two onion cultivars
differed in their capacity to take up sulfur, but there was no statistical
association between sulfur supply and any measured dry matter component.

PMID: 15315374 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

138: Planta. 2004 Dec;220(2):262/​70. Epub 2004 Aug 5.

The ethylene/​, jasmonate/​, abscisic acid/​ and NaCl/​responsive tomato
transcription factor JERF1 modulates expression of GCC box/​containing genes and
salt tolerance in tobacco.

Zhang H, Huang Z, Xie B, Chen Q, Tian X, Zhang X, Zhang H, Lu X, Huang D, Huang
R.

The National Plant Gene Research Center (Beijing), Biotechnology Research
Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081 Beijing, China.

Ethylene responsive factors (ERFs) are important plant/​specific transcription
factors, some of which have been demonstrated to interact with the
ethylene/​responsive GCC box and the dehydration/​responsive element (DRE);
however, data on the roles of ERF proteins in connection with various signaling
pathways are limited. In this research, we used the GCC box, an essential
cis/​acting element responsive to ethylene and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), as bait
in a yeast one/​hybrid system to isolate transcription factors from tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). One of the cDNAs, which was designated
Jasmonate and Ethylene Response Factor 1 (JERF1), encodes an ERF protein,
containing a conserved ERF DNA/​binding motif and functioning as a
transcriptional activator in yeast through targeting to the nucleus in onion
(Allium cepa L.) epidermal cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that JERF1 bound
not only to the GCC box but also to the DRE sequence. Expression of the JERF1
gene in tomato was induced by ethylene, MeJA, abscisic acid (ABA) and salt
treatment, indicating that JERF1 might act as a connector among different signal
transduction pathways. Further research with transgenic JERF1 tobacco (Nicotiana
tabacum L.) plants indicated that overexpressing JERF1 activated expression of
GCC box/​containing genes such as osmotin, GLA, Prb/​1b and CHN50 under normal
growth conditions, and subsequently resulted in enhanced tolerance to salt
stress, suggesting that JERF1 modulates osmotic tolerance by activation of
downstream gene expression through interaction with the GCC box or DRE.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15300440 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

139: Indian J Exp Biol. 2003 Jan;41(1):88/​90.

Effect of onion (Allium cepa Linn.) and garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) on plasma
triglyceride content in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonicum).

Kumar VG, Surendranathan KP, Umesh KG, Gayathri Devi DR, Belwadi MR.

Department of Veterinary Physiology, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore 560
024, India. kumargir@yahoo.com

Dietary onion and garlic caused an increase in the level of plasma triglyceride
which could be due to insulin like activity of dietary alliums and other factors
that promote lipogenesisi in growing stages. Changes in the plasma triglyceride
level in the control group due to change in age and sex were also noted. The
triglyceride level was more in female birds when compared to males of similar
age group. The plasma trigelyceride level increased with age in both sex except
for the level being similar in the 6 and 9/​week old females and 3 and 6/​week old
male birds. The results suggest that the effects of alliums in growing and adult
stages may be different which needs further study.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15267143 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

140: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2004 Sep;59(1):123/​6.

A comparative toxicologic and genotoxic study of the herbicide arsenal, its
active ingredient imazapyr, and the surfactant nonylphenol ethoxylate.

Grisolia CK, Bilich MR, Formigli LM.

Departamento de Genetica e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas,
Universidade de Brasilia, 70910/​900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil. grisolia@unb.br

The herbicide arsenal 250 NA, its technical/​grade active ingredient imazapyr,
and the surfactant nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP) were evaluated through
genotoxicity and toxicity studies in different organisms. A comparative study of
these three compounds was carried out to assess how the addition of surfactant
components may pose the highest toxicological risk to pesticide formulations.
The results showed that arsenal, imazapyr, and NP did not cause chromosome
aberration in Allium cepa nor increase the frequency of micronuclei in mice.
However, toxicological evaluations showed that NP was the most toxic compound to
mice, A. cepa, Drosophila melanogaster, and Biomphalaria tenagophila. In this
evaluation, it was observed that the adverse effects were produced by the
surfactant additive of the pesticide formulation. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15261733 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

141: J Exp Bot. 2004 Aug;55(404):1821/​30. Epub 2004 Jul 2.

Impact of pedospheric and atmospheric sulphur nutrition on sulphur metabolism of
Allium cepa L., a species with a potential sink capacity for secondary sulphur
compounds.

Durenkamp M, De Kok LJ.

Laboratory of Plant Physiology, University of Groningen, PO Box 14, 9750 AA
Haren, The Netherlands.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) was able to use atmospheric H(2)S as sole sulphur source
for growth. The foliarly absorbed H(2)S was rapidly metabolized into
water/​soluble, non/​protein thiol compounds, including cysteine, and subsequently
into other sulphur compounds in the shoots. In H(2)S/​exposed plants, the
accumulation of sulphur compounds in the shoots was nearly linear with the
concentration (0.15/​0.6 microl l(/​1)) and duration of the exposure. Exposure of
onion to H(2)S for up to 1 week did not affect the sulphur content of the roots.
Secondary sulphur compounds formed a sink for the foliarly absorbed sulphide,
and the sulphur accumulation upon H(2)S exposure could, for a great part, be
ascribed to enhancement of the content of gamma/​glutamyl peptides and/or
alliins. Furthermore, there was a substantial increase in the sulphate content
in the shoots upon H(2)S exposure. The accumulation of sulphate originated both
from the pedosphere and from the oxidation of absorbed atmospheric sulphide,
and/or from the degradation of accumulated secondary sulphur compounds. From
studies on the interaction between atmospheric and pedospheric sulphur nutrition
it was evident that H(2)S exposure did not result in a down/​regulation of the
sulphate uptake by the roots.

PMID: 15234992 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

142: J Exp Bot. 2004 Aug;55(404):1903/​18. Epub 2004 Jul 2.

Biosynthesis of the flavour precursors of onion and garlic.

Jones MG, Hughes J, Tregova A, Milne J, Tomsett AB, Collin HA.

School of Biological Sciences, The Biosciences Building, The University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK. m.g.jones@liv.ac.uk

Onion (Allium cepa), garlic (A. sativum) and other Alliums are important because
of the culinary value of their flavours and odours. These are characteristic of
each species and are created by chemical transformation of a series of volatile
sulphur compounds generated by cleavage of relatively stable, odourless,
S/​alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxide flavour precursors by the enzymes alliinase and
lachrymatory/​factor synthase. These secondary metabolites are S/​methyl cysteine
sulphoxide (MCSO, methiin; present in most Alliums, some Brassicaceae), S/​allyl
cysteine sulphoxide (ACSO, alliin; characteristic of garlic),
S/​trans/​prop/​1/​enyl cysteine sulphoxide (PECSO, isoalliin; characteristic of
onion), and S/​propyl cysteine sulphoxide (PCSO, propiin; in onion and related
species). Information from studies of the transformation of putative
biosynthetic intermediates, radiolabelling, and from measurements of sulphur
compounds within onion and garlic have provided information to suggest a
biosynthetic pathway. This may involve alk(en)ylation of the cysteine in
glutathione, followed by cleavage and oxidation to form the alk(en)yl cysteine
sulphoxide flavour precursors. There is also evidence that synthesis of the
flavour precursors may involve (thio)alk(en)ylation of cysteine or a precursor
such as O/​acetyl serine. Both routes may occur depending on the physiological
state of the tissue. There are indications from the effects of environmental
factors, such as the availability of sulphur, that control of the biosynthesis
of each flavour precursor may be different. Cysteine and glutathione metabolism
are discussed to indicate parallels with Allium flavour precursor biosynthesis.
Finally, possible avenues for exploration to determine the origin in planta of
the alk(en)yl groups are suggested.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 15234988 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

143: Protoplasma. 2004 Jun;223(2/​4):191/​6. Epub 2004 Apr 21.

HSP90 and checkpoint/​dependent lengthening of the G2 phase observed in plant
cells under hypoxia and cold.

Gimenez/​Abian MI, Rozalen AE, Carballo JA, Botella LM, Pincheira J, Lopez/​Saez
JF, de la Torre C.

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Cientificas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Proliferating cells of Allium cepa L. roots became adapted to hypoxia (5%
oxygen) and cold (10 degrees C) by acquiring new steady/​state kinetics of
growth. The cell cycle time increased from the 17.6 h in control meristems up to
29.7 and 69.0 h under hypoxia and cold conditions, respectively. Acclimation of
the proliferating cells was stress specific. No acclimation took place after 24
h of heat treatment (40 degrees C). Under cold treatment, all cycle phases
enlarged uniformly. However, under hypoxia, while the G(1) and S cycle phases
roughly doubled in their timing, the expected checkpoint/​dependent lengthening
of G(2) did not take place. This failure in lengthening G(2) in response to
hypoxia correlated with a failure in the overinduction of a single peptide with
a molecular mass of about 134 kDa which is among those recognised by an HSP90
antibody. Moreover, the presence of this large peptide of the HSP90 family
proved to be a marker for cell proliferation. It was always absent from the
contiguous differentiated cells of the root. Lastly, the mitochondrial
chaperonin recognized by an HSP60 antibody in these roots not involved in
photosynthesis was always higher in the proliferating than in the
nonproliferating cells.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15221524 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

144: Cell Struct Funct. 1999 Oct;24(5):419/​24.

Loosening of a preprophase band of microtubules in onion (Allium cepa L.) root
tip cells by kinase inhibitors.

Nogami A, Mineyuki Y.

Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Hiroshima University,
Kagamiyama 1/​3/​1, Higashi/​Hiroshima 739/​8526, Japan.

Effects of kinase inhibitors on the preprophase band of microtubules in onion
(Allium cepa L.) root tip cells were examined. Bundled microtubules in
preprophase bands were dispersed on the cell cortex when onion seedlings were
incubated with 2.5/​5.0 mM 6/​dimethylaminopurine. Fifteen min was enough for the
bundled microtubules to disappear. Although many preprophase bands remained when
the seedlings were incubated with 60 microM staurosporin, these preprophase band
microtubules were loosened and the width of the band became broad. These results
sugget that some kinases are involved in the microtubule bundling in the
preprophase band development.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15216900 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

145: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jun 30;52(13):4101/​8.

Low molecular weight phenols from the bioactive aqueous fraction of Cestrum
parqui.

D'Abrosca B, DellaGreca M, Fiorentino A, Monaco P, Zarrelli A.

Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Universita di Napoli, Via Vivaldi
43, I/​81100 Caserta, Italy.

The aqueous fraction of fresh leaves of Cestrum parqui and its organic fractions
have been assayed for their phytotoxicity on Lactuca sativa, Lycopersicon
esculentum, and Allium cepa. The tests showed that the bioactivity was retained
in the organic fractions. Chromatographic processes led to isolation and
characterization of the N/​(p/​carboxymethylphenyl)/​p/​hydroxybenzamide together
with 17 low molecular weight phenols and 2 flavones. The phytotoxicity tests
showed a good activity of these compounds on the target species. Comparison of
some metabolites with commercial herbicides revealed a major activity of the
natural compounds at lower concentrations.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15212454 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

146: Chemosphere. 2004 Jul;56(4):387/​93.

Photoinduced toxicity of fluoranthene on germination and early development of
plant seedling.

Kummerova M, Kmentova E.

Faculty of Science, Department of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Masaryk
University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic. kumerova@sci.muni.cz

The influence of light on phytotoxicity of increased concentration (2, 5, 10
mg/l) of intact fluoranthene (FLT) and photomodified fluoranthene (phFLT)
diluted in experimental solutions was investigated. The germination rate of
lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and tomato (Lycopersicum
esculentum L.) seeds and some parameters of seedlings primary growth of these
plant species were used as laboratory indicators of phytotoxicity. Among them a
length of root and shoot, their dry weight and a content of photosynthetic
pigments in shoot were measured. The results demonstrated that the higher
concentration (5 and 10 mg/l) of FLT and especially of phFLT significantly
inhibited the germination rate of seeds and the length of root and shoot
seedlings of all plant species. Decreased production of biomass expressed by dry
weight of root and shoot was found in lettuce seedlings under the inhibitory
effect of FLT and phFLT. An increased concentration of FLT and phFLT did not
exhibit an unambiguous effect on the content of photosynthetic pigments in shoot
of experimental plants. Only the highest concentration (10 mg/l) of FLT
significantly increased content of chlorophylls a and b in lettuce, onion and
tomato plants and content of carotenoids in lettuce and onion. Light intensified
a significant inhibitory effect of phFLT in the most testified parameters of
germination and seedling growth.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15184002 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

147: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jun 2;52(11):3345/​9.

Phytotoxins from the leaves of Ruta graveolens.

Hale AL, Meepagala KM, Oliva A, Aliotta G, Duke SO.

Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
38677, USA.

Bioassay/​guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract of Ruta graveolens
(common rue) leaves led to the isolation of the furanocoumarins
5/​methoxypsoralen (5/​MOP), 8/​methoxypsoralen (8/​MOP), and the quinolone alkaloid
graveoline as phytotoxic constituents. Graveoline and 8/​MOP substantially
inhibited growth of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seedlings and reduced chlorophyll
content at 100 microM; this effect was not due to a direct effect on chlorophyll
synthesis. Radical growth of L. sativa was inhibited by 10 microM 8/​MOP.
Graveoline inhibited growth of Lemna paucicostata (duckweed) at 100 microM. This
is the first report of the phytotoxic activity of graveoline. Growth of Agrostis
stolonifera (bentgrass) was inhibited by 5/​MOP at 30 microM. All three compounds
substantially reduced cell division in Allium cepa (onion) at or below 100
microM. None of the compounds caused significant cellular leakage of Cucumis
sativus (cucumber) cotyledon disks at 100 microM. All three compounds inhibit
plant growth, at least partially through inhibition of cell division.

PMID: 15161195 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

148: Eur J Histochem. 2004;48(1):49/​56.

Z/​DNA, a new in situ marker for transcription.

Cerna A, Cuadrado A, Jouve N, Diaz de la Espina SM, De la Torre C.

Institute of Experimental Botany, ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic.

Z/​DNA forms transiently behind the active RNA polymerases, because of the
mechanical torsional stress produced during transcription. In this paper, we
explore the possibility that the distribution of Z/​DNA stretches signals the
sites related to nuclear transcription. To localize transcription, the in situ
assay for active RNA polymerases, that allows the elongation of the already
initiated transcripts but no initiation of new ones (run/​on experiments), was
carried out in isolated nuclei of Allium cepa L. root meristems. Both nucleolar
and non/​nucleolar sites appeared labelled. Nucleoli were most active in
transcription than the multiple non/​nucleolar foci altogether. In situ
immunodetection of Z/​DNA provided images that were comparable to those obtained
after the run/​on assay, with one exception: while Z/​DNA and transcription sites
were scattered throughout the whole nucleus, Z/​DNA also accumulated in the
nuclear periphery, where no transcription foci were detected in run/​on assays.
The peripheral Z/​conformation signals might correspond to dsRNA segments present
in the pre/​mRNA in the process of their export to cytoplasm. The Z/​containing
structures nearly disappeared when non/​nucleolar RNA polymerase II/​dependent
transcription had been previously abolished by the adenosine analogue DRB
(5,6/​dichloro/​1/​beta/​D/​ribofuranosylbenzimidazole). This inhibition selectively
decreased the amount of all nucleoplasmic Z structures. On the other hand, the
inhibition of the nucleolar RNA polymerase I by cordycepin (3'/​deoxyadenosine)
prevented the presence of Z/​DNA in nucleoli. We propose to use the in situ
immunodetection of Z/​DNA as a marker of the transcription level in both
nucleolus and non/​peripheral nucleoplasmic regions of nuclei. Co/​detection of
Z/​DNA and of intermediate filament (IF) proteins, the major components of the
nuclear matrix, was also carried out. The IFA antibody recognizes a conserved
epitope essential for dimerization of the multiple IF proteins. They
co/​localized with most nucleolar Z/​DNA, but not with the nucleoplasmic ones. In
the nuclear periphery, the Z/​positive signals were adjacent to the IF proteins
constituting the lamina, though both signals did not often co/​localize.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15145775 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

149: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 May 19;52(10):2797/​802.

Quantitation of the intense aroma compound 3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol in raw
and processed onions (Allium cepa) of different origins and in other Allium
varieties using a stable isotope dilution assay.

Granvogl M, Christlbauer M, Schieberle P.

Institut fur Lebensmittelchemie der Technischen Universitat Munchen,
Lichtenbergstrasse 4, D/​85748 Garching, Germany.

A stable isotope dilution assay was developed for the quantitation of the potent
onion odorant 3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol (1) using mass chromatography and
synthesized [(2)H(2)]/​3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol as the internal standard.
Application of the newly developed method on onions from different origins
revealed amounts between 8 and 32 microg/kg in raw onions, whereas 34/​246 microg
was found in sliced, stored (50 min), and then cooked onions. In extracts
prepared by simultaneous steam distillation/​extraction the highest
concentrations of 1 were formed, amounting to >1200 microg/kg. The much higher
content of 3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol in cooked onions suggested its
formation from specific, yet unkown, precursors enzymatically formed during
cutting of raw onions. 1 was for the first time identified and also quantified
in other Allium species such as chives, scallions, and leek, whereas
surprisingly garlic and bear's garlic did not contain the aroma compound.

PMID: 15137816 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

150: J Pept Sci. 2004 Mar;10(3):173/​7.

Isolation of allicepin, a novel antifungal peptide from onion (Allium cepa)
bulbs.

Wang HX, Ng TB.

Department of Microbiology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural
University, Beijing.

From the bulbs of the onion Allium cepa, a novel antifungal peptide distinct
from the antimicrobial peptide previously reported from onion seeds was
isolated. The antifungal peptide, designated allicepin, was purified with a
procedure that involved aqueous extraction, ion exchange chromatography on
DEAE/​cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi/​gel blue gel and FPLC/​gel
filtration on Superdex 75. Allicepin was unadsorbed on DEAE/​cellulose and
adsorbed on Affi/​gel blue gel. The molecular weight of allicepin was estimated
to be 10 K by sodium dodecyl sulfate/​polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel
filtration on Superdex 75. Allicepin exerted an inhibitory activity on mycelial
growth in several fungal species including Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum,
Mycosphaerella arachidicola and Physalospora piricola.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15113089 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

151: Tsitol Genet. 2004 Jan/​Feb;38(1):55/​62.

[Number of aberrations per cell as a parameter of chromosome instability. 2.
Comparative analysis of the factors of different nature]

[Article in Ukrainian]

Kutsokon' NK, Lazarenko LM, Bezrukov VF, Rashydov NM, Grodzyns'kyi DM.

The average number of aberrations per aberrant cell was concluded to carry out
information on chromosome instability peculiarities induced by different
mutagens as it was shown in our previous work. The purpose of the current study
was to present comparative analysis of intercellular distribution of number of
aberrations and their theoretical approximations. Distribution of numbers of
aberrations per cell in Allium cepa L. and Allium fistulosum L. root tip cells
induced by different mutagenic factors (gamma/​irradiation, thiotepa,
formaldehyde and seed aging) have been studied. The results were approximated to
theoretical Poisson, geometric and negative binomial distributions. The
intercellular distribution of aberrations did not correspond to any of the used
theoretical distributions when A. cepa seeds were gamma/​irradiated. There was
some, but not regular, accordance with theoretical distributions when chemical
mutagens thiotepa in A. cepa and formaldehyde in A. fistulosum and seed aging in
both species were evaluated. During seed aging frequency of aberrant cells
increased more quickly in A. fistulosum in comparison with A. cepa.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 15098449 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

152: Plant Physiol. 2004 Apr;134(4):1793/​802. Epub 2004 Apr 2.

Evidence for symplastic involvement in the radial movement of calcium in onion
roots.

Cholewa E, Peterson CA.

Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L
G1.

The pathway of Ca(2+) movement from the soil solution into the stele of the root
is not known with certainty despite a considerable body of literature on the
subject. Does this ion cross an intact, mature exodermis and endodermis? If so,
is its movement through these layers primarily apoplastic or symplastic? These
questions were addressed using onion (Allium cepa) adventitious roots lacking
laterals. Radioactive Ca(2+) applied to the root tip was not transported to the
remainder of the plant, indicating that this ion cannot be supplied to the shoot
through this region where the exodermis and endodermis are immature. A more
mature zone, in which the endodermal Casparian band was present, delivered 2.67
nmol of Ca(2+) mm(/​1) treated root length d(/​1) to the transpiration stream,
demonstrating that the ion had moved through an intact endodermis. Farther from
the root tip, a third zone in which Casparian bands were present in the
exodermis as well as the endodermis delivered 0.87 nmol Ca(2+) mm(/​1) root
length d(/​1) to the transpiration stream, proving that the ion had moved through
an unbroken exodermis. Compartmental elution analyses indicated that Ca(2+) had
not diffused through the Casparian bands of the exodermis, and inhibitor studies
using La(3+) and vanadate (VO(4)(3/​)) pointed to a major involvement of the
symplast in the radial transport of Ca(2+) through the endodermis. It was
concluded that in onion roots, the radial movement of Ca(2+) through the
exodermis and endodermis is primarily symplastic.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15064381 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

153: Ann Ig. 2003 Nov/​Dec;15(6):1077/​84.

[Genotoxic effects of pesticide/​treated vegetable extracts using the Allium cepa
chromosome aberration and micronucleus tests]

[Article in Italian]

Biscardi D, De Fusco R, Feretti D, Zerbini I, Izzo C, Esposito V, Nardi G,
Monarca S.

Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, II Universita degli Studi di Napoli.

The presence of chemical residues in vegetables and fruit is a source of human
exposure to toxic and genotoxic chemicals. The mutagenic and carcinogenic action
of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides on experimental animals is already
known. Several studies have shown that chronic exposure to low levels of
pesticides can cause adverse health effects and that many pesticides are
mutagenic/carcinogenic. In the present research we monitored concurrently the
presence of pesticides and genotoxic compounds extracted from 21 treated
vegetables and 8 types of grapes sampled from the markets of a region in
Southern Italy. The extracts were analysed for pesticides by gas/​chromatography
and HPLC, and for genotoxicity with two plant tests in Allium cepa roots: the
micronucleus test and the chromosomal aberration test. We found 33 pesticides,
some of which are outlawed. Genotoxicity was found in some of the vegetables and
grapes tested. Allium cepa tests were sensitive for monitoring genotoxicity in
food extracts. The micronucleus test in interphase cells gave much higher
mutagenicity than the chromosomal aberration test in anaphase/​telophase cells.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 15049565 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

154: Ann Ig. 2003 Nov/​Dec;15(6):959/​63.

[Evaluation of genotoxicity of sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide and
peracetic acid using plant tests]

[Article in Italian]

Feretti D, Zani C, Alberti A, Copetta L, Nardi G, Monarca S.

Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale ed Applicata, Universita degli Studi di
Brescia.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of
three drinking water disinfectants by means of in vivo short/​term mutagenicity
tests using plants. The study was carried out in laboratory using distilled
water disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and
peracetic acid (PAA) at different concentrations both in neutral and acid
conditions. Untreated distilled water was used as a negative control.
Micronuclei test in Tradescantia pollen cells and chromosomal aberration test in
root cells of Allium cepa were the bioassays performed by exposing directly
plant bioindicators to treated and untreated distilled water. The
Tradescantia/micronuclei test gave positive results in most of the ClO2/​treated
water samples but only at acid pH. The Allium cepa test showed genotoxicity in
NaClO/​treated samples at acid pH and in a ClO2/​treated sample at pH 7.
PAA/​treated samples were always nongenotoxic. Since the concentrations tested of
free disinfectants are usually present in drinking water for biocidal purposes,
genotoxicity of these compounds could be a public health problem.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15049554 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

155: Ann Ig. 2003 Nov/​Dec;15(6):953/​7.

[Genotoxicity of surface water treated with different disinfectants using in
situ plant tests]

[Article in Italian]

Alberti A, Tizzoni M, Zani C, Feretti D, Gustavino B, Zerbini I, Nardi G,
Monarca S.

Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale ed Applicata, Universita degli Studi di
Brescia.

Disinfection of surface drinking water, in particular water chlorination,
produces many by/​products with genotoxic and/or carcinogenic activity. The aim
of this research was to evaluate the genotoxicity of surface water after
treatment with different disinfectants by means of in situ plant genotoxicity
assays. The study was carried out in a pilot plant using lake water after
sedimentation and filtration, which supplied four stainless steel basins: three
basins were disinfected with sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide and peracetic
acid, respectively, and the fourth basin contained untreated lake water and was
used as a control. The study was carried out using water collected in different
seasons over a period of about one year in order to assess the treatments under
different physical and chemical lake water conditions. Plant genotoxicity tests
were performed by exposing plant bioindicators directly to raw and disinfected
water. The Tradescantia micronucleus test in pollen cells of the flowers of an
hybrid of Tradescantia and the Allium cepa test, a chromosome aberration test in
root cells of Allium cepa, showed genotoxic effects only in some disinfected
samples and revealed genotoxicity also in raw water in one experiment. The Vicia
faba test, a micronucleus test in root cells of Vicia faba, revealed
genotoxicity in many samples of disinfected water. The results of the study
indicated that the Vicia faba/MCN test was the most sensitive plant assay for
disinfected water, and that peracetic acid disinfection produced lower
genotoxicity than sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide treatment.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15049553 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

156: Environ Mol Mutagen. 2004;43(2):137/​41.

Clastogenicity of atrazine assessed with the Allium cepa test.

Bolle P, Mastrangelo S, Tucci P, Evandri MG.

Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology,
University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Atrazine is classified as a restricted use pesticide and it is currently
included in an international revision program for re/​evaluating the human and
ecological (non/​human populations) health risks associated with its release into
the environment. The present study was undertaken to add new data on the
genotoxic potential of atrazine using the Allium cepa chromosome aberration
test. The test concentrations were based on the Maximum Contaminant Levels in
water intended for human consumption set by European and US regulations.
Atrazine produced a concentration/​related increase in the number of total
somatic chromosome aberrations, although this increase was statistically
significant (p<0.05) only at the highest test concentration (5 microg/L).
Analysis of the categories of structural chromosome damage indicated that breaks
were the predominant lesion induced; the percent of cells per bulb with breaks
also increased in a concentration/​related manner, and the increase was
statistically significant at the two highest test concentrations (1 and 5
microg/L) (p<0.05). The Allium cepa plant assay detected the clastogenicity of
atrazine at concentrations that are likely to be encountered in water, a common
site of atrazine contamination. Copyright 2004 Wiley/​Liss, Inc.

PMID: 14991755 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

157: Environ Res. 2004 Feb;94(2):221/​6.

Cytotoxicity and mode of action of maleic hydrazide in root tips of Allium cepa
L.

Marcano L, Carruyo I, Del Campo A, Montiel X.

Urbanizacion Monte Bello, AV 12 con calle Q No. 12/​21, Maracaibo, Estado Zulian,
Venezuela. letty@iamnet.com

Maleic hydrazide (MH) is an herbicide and is a regulator of the growth of buds
in vegetables during storage. It is used in agriculture/​in despite its known
effect as a mutagenic and clastogenic agent. In this research the effect of MH
on the root tips of Allium cepa L. was determined; correlations between the
effects of different concentrations and exposure times on the mitotic index (MI)
and induction of chromosomal aberrations (ChA) were also examined. Experiments
were carried out in triplicate, using aqueous solutions of MH to concentrations
of 10(/​6), 10(/​5), 10(/​4) and 10(/​3)M, at intervals of 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48
h, with a control for each combination (with the MH substituted by distilled
water). The results revealed an inhibition of the MI linked to the concentration
and time of treatment (F=845.51, P<0.01 and F=427.58, P<0.01, respectively). For
all the concentrations used and exposure periods longer than 12 h, different
types of ChA were present, with significantly increased frequencies with
increases in the concentration and time of exposure (P<0.01). To determine the
mechanism through which the herbicide exerts its toxicity, ultrastructural
electron microscopy was conducted. The results reveal nucleolar alterations,
suggesting an inhibitory effect of biosynthetic activity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14757385 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

158: Br J Nutr. 2004 Feb;91(2):211/​8.

Consumption of brown onions (Allium cepa var. cavalier and var. destiny)
moderately modulates blood lipids, haematological and haemostatic variables in
healthy pigs.

Ostrowska E, Gabler NK, Sterling SJ, Tatham BG, Jones RB, Eagling DR, Jois M,
Dunshea FR.

Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Institute of Animal Science, 600
Sneydes Road, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.

Although garlic and onions have long been associated with putative
cardiovascular health benefits, the effects of different commercially available
onions and level of intake have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the
present study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of raw onions using
the pig as a biomedical model. Twenty/​five female (Large White x Landrace) pigs
were used in a (2 x 2)+1 factorial experiment. Pigs were fed a standard grower
diet supplemented with 100 g tallow/kg with the addition of Allium cepa var.
cavalier or var. destiny at 0, 10 or 25 g/MJ digestible energy for 6 weeks.
Overall, the consumption of onions resulted in significant reductions in plasma
triacylglycerol; however, the reductions were most pronounced in pigs fed
destiny onions (/​26 %, P=0.042). Total plasma cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratios
were not significantly different. Onion supplementation, regardless of the
variety, resulted in dose/​dependent reductions in erythrocyte counts and Hb
levels, while the white blood cell concentrations, particularly lymphocytes,
were increased in pigs that consumed onions. Furthermore, indices of blood
clotting were largely unaffected by onion consumption. In conclusion, dietary
supplementation with raw brown onions has moderate lipid/​modulating and
immunostimulatory properties. However, daily onion intake >25 g/MJ digestible
energy could be detrimental to erythrocyte numbers.

PMID: 14756906 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

159: Cell Biol Toxicol. 2003 Oct;19(5):299/​311.

Subcellular localization of chromium and nickel in root cells of Allium cepa by
EELS and ESI.

Liu D, Kottke I.

Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal
University, Tianjin, PR China. donghua@mail.zlnet.com.cn

The ultrastructural investigation of the root cells of Allium cepa L. exposed to
two different concentrations of chromium + nickel (Cr+Ni) (10 micromol/L and 100
micromol/L) revealed that toxic symptoms were induced by increasing heavy metal
concentration and treatment time. Several significant ultrastructural changes
were caused by 100 micromol/L Cr+Ni /​ deposition of electron dense material in
cell walls; larger vacuolar precipitates surrounded by membranes inside
vacuoles; increment of disintegrated organelles and high vacuolization in
cytoplasm. The localization of the precipitates in which the metal ions were
detected by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and electron spectroscopic
imaging (ESI) was investigated. Chromium and nickel were localized in the
electron dense precipitates of the root cells exposed to only 100 micromol/L
Cr+Ni. None were found in the root cells exposed to 10 micromol/L Cr+Ni. Higher
amounts of Cr+Ni were mainly accumulated in the cell walls and vacuoles of the
fourth or fifth cortical layer.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14703117 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

160: Phytochemistry. 2004 Jan;65(1):31/​41.

Bio/​fermentation of modified flavonoids: an example of in vivo diversification
of secondary metabolites.

Willits MG, Giovanni M, Prata RT, Kramer CM, De Luca V, Steffens JC, Graser G.

Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., 3054 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC
27709, USA.

A bio/​fermentation technique was used for the in vivo diversification of
flavonoid structures based on expression in Escherichia coli of six
O/​methyltransferases (OMTs) from Mentha x piperita and one O/​glucosyltransferase
(GT) each from Arabidopsis thaliana and Allium cepa. Enzymes were shown to be
regio/​specific in in vitro experiments and modified a broad range of flavonoid
substrates at various positions. Using the flavonol quercetin as a model
substrate, we show that the product spectrum produced with the in vivo approach
is identical to that found in vitro. Additionally, using mixed cultures of E.
coli expressing different classes of modifying genes (OMTs and GTs), the
production of polymethylated flavonoid glucosides was observed. This report
demonstrates the potential to increase the structural diversity of plant
secondary metabolites using a multi/​enzyme, bio/​fermentation approach.

PMID: 14697269 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

161: J Environ Qual. 2003 Nov/​Dec;32(6):1965/​77.

Spatial variability of nitrous oxide emissions and their soil/​related
determining factors in an agricultural field.

Yanai J, Sawamoto T, Oe T, Kusa K, Yamakawa K, Sakamoto K, Naganawa T, Inubushi
K, Hatano R, Kosaki T.

Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake, Sakyo,
Kyoto 606/​8502, Japan. yanai@kais.kyoto/​u.ac.jp

To evaluate spatial variability of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and to
elucidate their determining factors on a field/​scale basis, N2O fluxes and
various soil properties were evaluated in a 100/​ x 100/​m onion (Allium cepa L.)
field. Nitrous oxide fluxes were determined by a closed chamber method from the
one/​hundred 10/​ x 10/​m plots. Physical (e.g., bulk density and water content),
chemical (e.g., total N and pH), and biological (e.g., microbial biomass C and
N) properties were determined from surface soil samples (0/​0.1 m) of each plot.
Geostatistical analysis was performed to examine spatial variability of both N2O
fluxes and soil properties. Multivariate analysis was also conducted to
elucidate relationships between soil properties and observed fluxes. Nitrous
oxide fluxes were highly variable (average 331 microg N m(/​2) h(/​1), CV 217%)
and were log/​normally distributed. Log/​transformed N2O fluxes had moderate
spatial dependence with a range of >75 m. High N2O fluxes were observed at sites
with relatively low elevation. Multivariate analysis indicated that an organic
matter factor and a pH factor of the principal component analysis were the main
soil/​related determining factors of log/​transformed N2O fluxes. By combining
multivariate analysis with geostatistics, a map of predicted N2O fluxes closely
matched the spatial pattern of measured fluxes. The regression equation based on
the soil properties explained 56% of the spatially structured variation of the
log/​transformed N2O fluxes. Site/​specific management to regulate organic matter
content and water status of a soil could be a promising means of reducing N2O
emissions from agricultural fields.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14674518 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

162: Genome. 2003 Dec;46(6):1098/​103.

Transmission of alien chromosomes from selfed progenies of a complete set of
Allium monosomic additions: the development of a reliable method for the
maintenance of a monosomic addition set.

Shigyo M, Wako T, Kojima A, Yamauchi N, Tashiro Y.

Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture,
Yamaguchi University, Japan. shigyo@yamaguchi/​u.ac.jp

Selfed progeny of a complete set of Allium fistulosum /​ Allium cepa monosomic
addition lines (2n = 2x + 1 = 17, FF+1A/​FF+8A) were produced to examine the
transmission rates of respective alien chromosomes. All eight types of the
selfed monosomic additions set germinable seeds. The numbers of chromosomes (2n)
in the seedlings were 16, 17, or 18. The eight extra chromosomes varied in
transmission rate (%) from 9 (FF+2A) to 49 (FF+8A). The complete set of
monosomic additions was reproduced successfully by self/​pollination. A reliable
way to maintain a set of Allium monosomic additions was developed using a
combination of two crossing methods, selfing and female transmission. FF+8A
produced two seedlings with 18 chromosomes. Cytogenetical analyses, including
GISH, showed that the seedlings were disomic addition plants carrying two entire
homologous chromosomes from A. cepa in an integral diploid background of A.
fistulosum. Flow cytometry analysis showed that a double dose of the alien 8A
chromosome caused fluorescence intensity values spurring in DNA content, and
isozyme analysis showed increased glutamate dehydrogenase activity at the gene
locus Gdh/​1.

PMID: 14663528 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

163: J Econ Entomol. 2003 Oct;96(5):1510/​3.

Honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foraging in response to preconditioning with
onion flower scent compounds.

Silva EM, Dean BB, Hiller LK.

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State
University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, 24106 North Bunn
Road, Prosser, WA 99350, USA. emsilva@wisc.edu

Onion (Allium cepa L.) seed production has long been plagued with yield problems
because of lack of pollination by the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. To attempt to
attract more pollinators to the onion seed production field, honey bees were
conditioned to associate onion floral odor components with a reward. Isolated
nucleus hives of honey bees were fed 30% sucrose solutions scented with a 0.2%
solution of onion floral odor compounds. After feeding on these solutions for 6
wk, bees were not found to prefer onion flowers to two competing food sources,
carrot and alfalfa flowers, at the 5% significance level. However, there was an
overall trend indicating a change in honey bee behavior, with fewer "trained"
bees visiting alfalfa and carrot and more visiting onion. Thus, it may be
possible to alter honey bee behavior with preconditioning but probably not to a
degree that would be economically significant.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.

PMID: 14650525 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

164: Biol Res. 2003;36(3/​4):381/​8.

p53/​independent checkpoint controls in a plant cell model.

Pelayo HR, Pincheira J, Gimenez/​Abian JF, Clarke DJ, de la Torre C.

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu, 9. E/​28040/​Madrid,
Spain.

Allium cepa L. meristems were used as a plant model to study the p53/​independent
control of S and G2 phases by checkpoint pathways, in eukaryotic cells.
Checkpoint blocks were induced at early and mid S by hydroxyurea. After their
spontaneous override, cells became accumulated in G2/​prophase, giving rise later
on to a delayed mitotic wave. Cell growth was maintained during the checkpoint
blocks, as the delayed mitoses were larger in size than the control ones. Under
continuous hydroxyurea treatment, the delayed mitotic was formed by two
subpopulations: normal mitoses corresponding to cells having properly recovered
from the checkpoint block, and abnormal ones resulting from checkpoint
adaptation. These latter cells displayed broken chromatids as they had unduly
overriden the G2 checkpoint block, without completing DNA repair. The frequency
of the checkpoint/​adapted mitoses increased with the hydroxyurea concentration
from 0.25 to 1.0 mM. However, from 1 mM hydroxyurea upwards, some of the cells
lost their competence for checkpoint adaptation. Therefore, the dose of a
genotoxic agent that still allows G2 checkpoint adaptation should always be
applied in order to get rid of uncontrolled proliferating cells. This is
specially suitable for cells lacking a functional p53 protein.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14631870 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

165: Biol Cell. 2003 Nov;95(8):521/​6.

G2 checkpoint targets late replicating DNA.

Campo D, Samaniego R, Gimenez/​Abian JF, Gimenez/​Martin G, Lopez/​Saez JF, Diaz de
la Espina SM, De la Torre C.

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC. Velazquez, 144. E/​28006/​ Madrid,
Spain.

In the multinucleate cells induced in Allium cepa L. meristems, the nuclei
surrounded by the largest cytoplasm environment complete replication earlier
(advanced nuclei), but have a longer G2, than the others (delayed nuclei). Thus,
all nuclei break down the nuclear envelope and start metaphase simultaneously.
The present report shows that this synchronization relies on a checkpoint
mechanism. When completion of replication was prevented in the delayed nuclei
(due to in vivo 5/​aminouracil feeding initiated when the advanced nuclei were
already in G2), the metaphase was also further delayed in the advanced ones. In
turn, some of the delayed nuclei overrode the G2 checkpoint (adaptation) and
entered into mitosis with broken chromatids (Del Campo et al., 1997). Anoxic UVA
(313 nm) irradiation apparently prevents the binding of regulatory proteins to
Br/​DNA. The present report shows that late replicating sequences are the targets
of the checkpoint signal produced by the still replicating nuclei. This signal
delays metaphase in the advanced nuclei, whose DNA is already fully replicated.
Thus, when the already replicated sequences of late replicating DNA was modified
in the advanced nuclei by bromosubstitution followed by anoxic UVA irradiation,
they entered into mitosis without any delay, ignoring the inhibitory signals
produced by the still replicating nuclei.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14630389 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

166: Phytochemistry. 2003 Dec;64(8):1381/​7.

Cinnamic acid amides from Chenopodium album: effects on seeds germination and
plant growth.

Cutillo F, D'Abrosca B, DellaGreca M, Di Marino C, Golino A, Previtera L,
Zarrelli A.

Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biochimica, Universita Federico II, Complesso
Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, I/​80126, Naples, Italy.

Seven cinnamic acid amides have been isolated from Chenopodium album. The
structures have been attributed by means of their spectral data. One of them,
N/​trans/​4/​O/​methylferuloyl 4'/​O/​methyldopamine, is described for the first time.
Their effects on germination and growth of dicotyledons Lactuca sativa L.
(lettuce) and Lycopersicon esculentum L. (tomato) and of monocotyledon Allium
cepa L. (onion) as standard target species have been studied in the range
concentration 10(/​4)/​10(/​7) M.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14630003 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

167: Phytochemistry. 2003 Dec;64(8):1367/​74.

Anthocyanins with 4'/​glucosidation from red onion, Allium cepa.

Fossen T, Slimestad R, Andersen M OM.

Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Allegt. 41, N/​5007, Bergen,
Norway.

The anthocyanins, cyanidin
3/​O/​(3"/​O/​beta/​glucopyranosyl/​6"/​O/​malonyl/​beta/​glucopyranoside)/​4'/​O/​beta/​gluco
pyranoside, cyanidin
7/​O/​(3"/​O/​beta/​glucopyranosyl/​6"/​O/​malonyl/​beta/​glucopyranoside)/​4'/​O/​beta/​gluco
pyranoside, cyanidin 3,4'/​di/​O/​beta/​glucopyranoside, cyanidin
4'/​O/​beta/​glucoside, peonidin
3/​O/​(6"/​O/​malonyl/​beta/​glucopyranoside)/​5/​O/​beta/​glucopyranoside and peonidin
3/​O/​(6"/​O/​malonyl/​beta/​glucopyranoside) have been isolated in minor amounts from
pigmented scales of red onion, Allium cepa, in addition to six known
anthocyanins. The structures were established mainly by extensive use of 2D NMR
spectroscopy and electrospray LC/​MS. With exception of cyanidin 4'/​glucoside and
cyanidin 3,4'/​diglucoside reported from Hibiscus esculentus with inadequate
documentation, this is the first identification of anthocyanins with
4'/​glycosidation. Compared to cyanidin 3/​glycosides the cyanidin 4'/​glucoside
derivatives showed hypsochromic shifts of visible lambda(max) and hyperchromic
effects on wavelengths around 440 nm, similar to pelargonidin 3/​glycosides.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14630001 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

168: Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Oct/​Dec;17(5/​6):525/​32.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of carbamazepine using six different model systems
with eighteen endpoints.

Jos A, Repetto G, Rios JC, Hazen MJ, Molero ML, del Peso A, Salguero M,
Fernandez/​Freire P, Perez/​Martin JM, Camean A.

National Institute of Toxicology, PO Box 863, 41080/​Sevilla, Spain.

The occurrence of pharmaceutically active compounds in the aquatic environment
has been recognized as one of the emerging issues in environmental chemistry.
However, the ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals have still not been
researched adequately. Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant commonly present in
surface and groundwater, was studied, using six ecotoxicological model systems
with eighteen endpoints evaluated at different exposure time periods. The
battery included the immobilization of Daphnia magna, bioluminescence inhibition
in the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, growth inhibition of the alga Chlorella
vulgaris, and micronuclei induction and root growth inhibition in the plant
Allium cepa. Cell morphology, neutral red uptake, total protein content, MTS
metabolization, lactate dehydrogenase leakage and activity and
glucose/​6/​phosphate dehydrogenase activity were studied in the salmonid fish
cell line RTG/​2. The total protein content, LDH activity, neutral red uptake and
MTT metabolization in Vero monkey kidney cells were also investigated. The most
sensitive system to carbamazepine was the Vero cell line, followed by Chlorella
vulgaris, Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Allium cepa, and RTG/​2 cells. EC50
values from 19 microM in Vero cells at 72 h to more than 1200 microM in other
systems, were obtained. Comparing the concentrations in water and the toxicity
quantified in our assay systems, carbamazepine is not expected to produce acute
toxic effects in the aquatic biota under these circumstances, but chronic and
synergistic effects with other chemicals cannot be excluded.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14599440 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

169: Tsitol Genet. 2003 Jul/​Aug;37(4):20/​5.

[The number of aberrations in aberrant cells as a parameter of chromosomal
instability. 1. Characterization of dose dependency]

[Article in Ukrainian]

Kutsokon' NK, Bezrukov VF, Lazarenko LM, Rashydov NM, Hrodzyns'kyi DM.

Analysis of chromosome instability (CI) is of great importance in view of
pollution of the environment by genotoxic factors. Frequency of aberrant cells,
spectrum of chromosome aberrations, damages of aberrant cell and distribution of
aberrations in the cells are the most conventional parameters of CI. We have
carried out the comparative analysis of the frequency of aberrant cells and the
dynamics of aberrant cell damages induced by different mutagenic factors
(alpha/​irradiation from 241Am, gamma/​irradiation from 60Co and tioTEPA) in
Allium/​test. This comparative analysis denotes that the studied parameters have
different dynamics characterizing different mechanisms of CI in Allium cepa L.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 14569619 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

170: Phytochemistry. 2003 Nov;64(6):1069/​76.

Cloning and regiospecificity studies of two flavonoid glucosyltransferases from
Allium cepa.

Kramer CM, Prata RT, Willits MG, De Luca V, Steffens JC, Graser G.

Syngenta Biotechnology Incorporated, 3054 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709, USA.

Two UDP/​glucose/​dependent flavonoid glucosyltransferases (EC 2.4.1./​) isolated
from the epidermal layer of yellow onion (Allium cepa) were functionally
expressed in Escherichia coli and their substrate specificity investigated. The
two enzymes exhibited different substrate/​ and regio/​specificity profiles. A.
cepa UGT73G1 used a wide range of different flavonoid substrates including
flavonoids not naturally occurring in onion. Regiospecificity was indicated for
hydroxyl/​groups of the C/​3, C/​7 and C/​4' positions of the flavan backbone
structure to yield flavonoid mono/​ and diglucosides. In contrast, A. cepa
UGT73J1 showed activity only with the flavonoid mono/​glucoside isoquercitrin and
the isoflavone aglycone genistein, with regiospecificity for the C/​7 position.
The regiospecificity for both enzymes included positions that are glucosylated
in flavonoids of onion bulbs, indicating their involvement in flavonoid
biosynthesis in A. cepa.

PMID: 14568073 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

171: Ann Ig. 2003 Jul/​Aug;15(4):277/​302.

[Genotoxic and ecotoxic effects of urban waste water disinfected with sodium
hypochlorite or peracetic acid]

[Article in Italian]

Crebelli R, Conti L, Marchini S, Monarca S, Feretti D, Zerbini I, Zani C,
Veschetti E, Cutilli D, Ottaviani M.

Lab. di Tossicologia Comparata ed Ecotossicologia, 1st. Superiore di Sanita,
Roma.

Genotoxic and ecotoxicologic effects of urban wastewater disinfected with sodium
hypochlorite or peracetic acid were analyzed. The formation of genotoxic species
was studied by determining clastogenic and mutagenic activity of aqueous samples
and their extracts with in vivo and in vitro tests, respectively. In particular,
we have applied citogenetic tests to Allium cepa roots and Tradescantia
inflorescence (Allium cepa test and Tradescantia/micronuclei test) and reversion
test to Salmonella typhimurium according to the microsuspension procedure (Kado
test). The latter is the method of choice for the analysis of complex matrices
due to its high sensitivity and specificity. The mutagenic activity of
disinfected effluents was similar to the corresponding untreated wastewater both
sampled in four different periods. Therefore, the disinfection process did not
seem to contribute to aquatic mutagenicity in the examined range of biocide
concentration. The potential toxicity of disinfected wastewater for aquatic
organisms was evaluated using Daphnia magna. The acute toxicity of peracetic
acid in sewage was 0.4 mg/L (24 h E(L)C50). By comparing this value with
peracetic acid concentrations detected in effluents from a pilot plant it is
expected that treated wastewater would show acute toxic effects on aquatic
organisms. Dissociation compounds (hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid) and
possible by/​products of peracetic acid did not seem to contribute significantly
to the toxicity of sewage treated with peracetic acid.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14552196 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

172: J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Oct 8;51(21):6165/​72.

Lignans and neolignans from Brassica fruticulosa: effects on seed germination
and plant growth.

Cutillo F, D'Abrosca B, DellaGreca M, Fiorentino A, Zarrelli A.

Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biochimica, Universita Federico II, Complesso
Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, I/​80126 Naples, Italy..

Five lignans, five neolignans, two sesquilignans, and a dilignan were identified
from a phytotoxic extract of Brassica fruticulosa L. Compounds 8, 9, 12, and 13
have been isolated for the first time. Structures were determined on the basis
of their spectroscopic features. Their effects on the germination and growth of
two dicotyledons, Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato),
and a monocotyledon, Allium cepa (onion), as standard target species have been
studied.

PMID: 14518939 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

173: Cell Biol Int. 2003;27(10):837/​43.

Effect of caffeine on in vivo processing of alkylated bases in proliferating
plant cells.

Pincheira J, Lopez/​Saez JF, Carrera P, Navarrete MH, de la Torre C.

Programa de Genetica Humana, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile,
Santiago, Chile.

DNA damage was induced by either 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate or 1 Gy of
gamma/​irradiation in Allium cepa L. root meristems. The percentage of DNA that
migrated towards the anode during microelectrophoresis after alkali denaturation
(pH approximately 13.5) of the isolated nuclei (comet assay) reflects the amount
of single strand breaks present in them. There was some DNA migration
(12.8+//​2.4%) in untreated roots. This percentage doubled at the end of 1.5 h
treatment with the mono/​functional alkylating agent 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate,
and trebled after a single exposure to 1 Gy of gamma/​rays. A proportion of the
DNA migration caused by these two treatments was reversed (repaired) by a 2 h
long period of in vivo recovery. However, when 5 mM caffeine was applied after
removal of the alkylating agent, the amount of DNA migrating to the comet tail
over the same 2 h period was almost double that at the onset of recovery. In
both control and irradiated nuclei, caffeine also increased the initial level of
DNA migration in the comet assay, but to a lesser extent. These results indicate
that caffeine increases the DNA damage that accumulates during the processing of
alkylated bases and, to a lesser extent, of the DNA bases damaged by
gamma/​irradiation. Thus, the potentiation effect of caffeine on induced
chromosomal damage may not just be due to caffeine/​induced cancellation of the
G2 checkpoint, but also to a direct effect this methylxantine has on the
processing of DNA damage.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14499664 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

174: J Radiat Res (Tokyo). 2003 Jun;44(2):171/​7.

Energy/​dependent RBE of neutrons to induce micronuclei in root/​tip cells of
Allium cepa onion irradiated as dry dormant seeds and seedlings.

Zhang W, Fujikawa K, Endo S, Ishikawa M, Ohtaki M, Ikeda H, Hoshi M.

International Radiation Information Center, Research Institute for Radiation
Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734/​8553, Japan.

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of various energy neutrons produced
from a Schenkel/​type accelerator at the Research Institute for Radiation Biology
and Medicine, Hiroshima University (HIRRAC), compared with 60Co gamma/​ray
radiation was determined. The neutron radiations and gamma/​ray radiation
produced good linear changes in the frequency of micronuclei induced in the
root/​tip cells of Allium cepa onion irradiated as dry dormant seeds (seed assay)
and seedlings (seedling assay) with varying radiation doses. Therefore the RBE
for radiation/​induced micronuclei can be calculated as the ratio of the slopes
of the fitted linear dose response for the neutron radiations and the 60Co
gamma/​ray radiation. The RBE values by seed assay and seedling assay decreased
to 174 +//​ 7, from 216 +//​ 9, and to 31.4 +//​ 1.0, from 45.3 +//​ 1.3 (one
standard error), respectively, when neutron energies increased to 1.0 MeV, from
0.2 MeV, in the present study. Furthermore, the ratio of the micronucleus
induction rates of seed assay to seedling assay by gamma/​ray radiation was much
lower than that by neutron radiations.

PMID: 13678347 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

175: Plant Physiol. 2003 Oct;133(2):580/​8. Epub 2003 Aug 21.

An ATP/​binding cassette transporter GhWBC1 from elongating cotton fibers.

Zhu YQ, Xu KX, Luo B, Wang JW, Chen XY.

National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant
Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, 300 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of
China.

We have isolated a cDNA (GhWBC1) from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) that encodes
an ATP/​binding cassette transporter of the WBC (white/brown complex) subfamily.
Members of this subfamily are half/​sized transporters and are reported to
mediate lipid and drug excretion in human (Homo sapiens). GhWBC1 is highly
expressed in developing fiber cells, but transcripts were also detectable in
other tissues except roots. The transcript level peaked in rapidly expanding
fibers from 5 to 9 DPA and then decreased. The GhWBC1 expression was weak in
fiber cells of an li (ligon/​lintless) mutant, which is defective in fiber cell
elongation. These data indicate that GhWBC1 gene expression correlates with
cotton fiber elongation. Transient expression of enhanced green fluorescence
protein/​GhWBC1 fusion protein in onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells revealed
plasma membrane localization. The GhWBC1 cDNA driven by a constitutive 35S
promoter was introduced into Arabidopsis. About 13% of the transformants
produced short siliques (SSs), whereas others had normal siliques (long siliques
[LSs]). In siliques of SS lines, most embryos were severely shriveled, and only
several seeds per silique could be found at maturity. The transgene expression
level was higher in SS lines than in LS lines. Expression of AtWBC11, the
closest homolog of GhWBC1 in Arabidopsis, was not altered in either SS or LS
transgenic plants examined. These data suggest that GhWBC1 interferes with
substance translocation that is required for Arabidopsis seed and silique
development. Characterization of Arabidopsis WBC members, particularly AtWBC11,
will help to dissect the role of GhWBC1 in cotton fiber development and
elongation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12972649 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

176: Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003 Aug;67(8):1653/​9.

Purification, amino acid sequence, and cDNA cloning of trypsin inhibitors from
onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs.

Deshimaru M, Watanabe A, Suematsu K, Hatano M, Terada S.

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, 8/​19/​1
Nanakuma, Jonan/​ku, Fukuoka 814/​0180, Japan.

Three protease inhibitors (OTI/​1/​3) have been purified from onion (Allium cepa
L.) bulbs. Molecular masses of these inhibitors were found to be 7,370.2,
7,472.2, and 7,642.6 Da by matrix/​assisted laser desorption/ionization
time/​of/​flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/​TOF/​MS), respectively. Based on amino
acid composition and N/​terminal sequence, OTI/​1 and /​2 are the N/​terminal
truncated proteins of OTI/​3. All the inhibitors are stable to heat and extreme
pH. OTI/​3 inhibited trypsin, chymotrypsin, and plasmin with dissociation
constants of 1.3 x 10(/​9) M, 2.3 x 10(/​7) M, and 3.1 x 10(/​7) M, respectively.
The complete amino acid sequence of OTI/​3 showed a significant homology to
Bowman/​Birk family inhibitors, and the first reactive site (P1) was found to be
Arg17 by limited proteolysis by trypsin. The second reactive site (P1) was
estimated to be Leu46, that may inhibit chymotrypsin. OTI/​3 lacks an S/​S bond
near the second reactive site, resulting in a low affinity for the enzyme. The
sequence of OTI/​3 was also ascertained by the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA
clone encoding a 101/​residue precursor of the onion inhibitor.

PMID: 12951496 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

177: Tsitol Genet. 2003 May/​Jun;37(3):61/​6.

[Comparative evaluation of early and long/​term plant cell reactions under the
combination of short/​time and chronic impact of 232Th and Cd ]

[Article in Russian]

Evseeva TI, Geras'kin SA, Khramova ES.

The short/​time (30 hours) and chronic (30 days) 232Th and Cd combined effects on
Tradescantia and Allium cepa plants were investigated. The 232Th ion
concentration was equal to 0.18 mg/l and Cd ion/​/​to 60 mg/l. The early response
of both somatic and generative plant cells on Th and Cd combined action was
shown to appear in synergic increase of cytogenetic damage frequency. The level
of genotoxic and cytotoxic long/​term effects turned out to be lower than of the
additive one both under the chronic as under the short/​time action. These
similar in result responses occur on different biological organization levels:
in the case of short/​time action the effects observed are detected by the
intracellular compensatory processes, and in the case of chronic action by the
mass death of the most damaged buds in the inflorescence.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 12945185 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

178: Tsitol Genet. 2003 May/​Jun;37(3):30/​5.

[Role of active forms of oxygen in the induction of phytoalexin synthesis in
Allium cepa cells]

[Article in Ukrainian]

Kravchuk ZhM, Perkovs'ka HIu, Dmytriiev OP.

The results of studies on the role of plant superoxidesynthase signal system in
elicitation of antimicrobial phytoalexin (PA) synthesis in cultured Allium cepa
cells are presented. Exogenic application of O2/​ and H2O2 generators results in
formation of PA/​/​Tcibulins 1D and 2 [symbol: see text] in A. cepa cells. The
mechanism of PA elicitation does not require peroxidase activity. However, the
inhibition of one of the possible sources of the reactive oxygen, HADPH oxidase,
suppresses elicitor/​stimulated PA production. "Oxidative burst" modulation by
different chemical compounds in A. cepa cells results in changes of PA synthesis
elicitation. The results obtained suggest the tough correlation between
"oxidative burst" and elicitation of defense responses, PA synthesis in
particular.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12945180 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

179: Planta. 2003 Dec;218(2):204/​16. Epub 2003 Aug 21.

The association of peroxisomes with the developing cell plate in dividing onion
root cells depends on actin microfilaments and myosin.

Collings DA, Harper JD, Vaughn KC.

Plant Cell Biology Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian
National University, GPO Box 475, ACT 2601 Canberra, Australia.
collings@rsbs.anu.edu.au

We have investigated changes in the distribution of peroxisomes through the cell
cycle in onion ( Allium cepa L.) root meristem cells with immunofluorescence and
electron microscopy, and in leek ( Allium porrum L.) epidermal cells with
immunofluorescence and peroxisomal/​targeted green fluorescent protein. During
interphase and mitosis, peroxisomes distribute randomly throughout the
cytoplasm, but beginning late in anaphase, they accumulate at the division
plane. Initially, peroxisomes occur within the microtubule phragmoplast in two
zones on either side of the developing cell plate. However, as the phragmoplast
expands outwards to form an annulus, peroxisomes redistribute into a ring
immediately inside the location of the microtubules. Peroxisome aggregation
depends on actin microfilaments and myosin. Peroxisomes first accumulate in the
division plane prior to the formation of the microtubule phragmoplast, and
throughout cytokinesis, always co/​localise with microfilaments.
Microfilament/​disrupting drugs (cytochalasin and latrunculin), and a putative
inhibitor of myosin (2,3/​butanedione monoxime), inhibit aggregation. We propose
that aggregated peroxisomes function in the formation of the cell plate, either
by regulating hydrogen peroxide production within the developing cell plate, or
by their involvement in recycling of excess membranes from secretory vesicles
via the beta/​oxidation pathway. Differences in aggregation, a phenomenon which
occurs in onion, some other monocots and to a lesser extent in tobacco BY/​2
suspension cells, but which is not obvious in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana
(L.) Heynh., may reflect differences within the primary cell walls of these
plants.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12937986 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

180: Environ Mol Mutagen. 2003;42(2):85/​90.

In vitro assessment of mutagenicity and clastogenicity of BDE/​99, a
pentabrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant.

Evandri MG, Mastrangelo S, Costa LG, Bolle P.

Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology,
University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are widely used as flame
retardants, are considered persistent organic pollutants. To date, the available
toxicological data on PBDEs are limited and were primarily obtained by studying
technical blends. The present study was undertaken to investigate the
genotoxicity of the pure congener 2,2',4,4',5/​brominated diphenyl ether
(BDE/​99), one of the major isomers present in penta/​commercial products.
Bacterial reverse mutation assays in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and
TA100 and in Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA, and the Allium cepa chromosome
aberration test were carried out to evaluate mutagenicity and clastogenicity.
The experimental design also involved testing a well/​known polychlorinated
biphenyl (PCB) mixture, Aroclor(R) 1254, which is structurally related to PBDEs.
BDE/​99 was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assays, with and without S9
mix. Also, the frequency of structural chromosome aberrations was not
significantly higher than the control and no signs of cytotoxicity were observed
in BDE/​99/​treated A. cepa. Aroclor(R) 1254 was not mutagenic, but it induced a
significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa. In conclusion,
BDE/​99 was not mutagenic in S. typhimurium or E. coli, or clastogenic in A.
cepa; however, the possibility that PBDEs might act through an epigenetic
mechanism cannot be excluded. Copyright 2003 Wiley/​Liss, Inc.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12929120 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

181: Plant Physiol. 2003 Aug;132(4):1989/​97.

Three nicotianamine synthase genes isolated from maize are differentially
regulated by iron nutritional status.

Mizuno D, Higuchi K, Sakamoto T, Nakanishi H, Mori S, Nishizawa NK.

Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and
Life Science, University of Tokyo, 1/​1/​1 Yayoi, Bunkyo/​ku, Tokyo 113/​8657,
Japan.

Nicotianamine synthase (NAS) is an enzyme that is critical for the biosynthesis
of the mugineic acid family of phytosiderophores in graminaceous plants, and for
the homeostasis of metal ions in nongraminaceous plants. We isolated one genomic
NAS clone, ZmNAS3, and two cDNA NAS clones, ZmNAS1 and ZmNAS2, from maize (Zea
mays cv Alice). In agreement with the increased secretion of phytosiderophores
with Fe deficiency, ZmNAS1 and ZmNAS2 were positively expressed only in
Fe/​deficient roots. In contrast, ZmNAS3 was expressed under Fe/​sufficient
conditions, and was negatively regulated by Fe deficiency. This is the first
report describing down/​regulation of NAS gene expression in response to Fe
deficiency in plants, shedding light on the role of nicotianamine in
graminaceous plants, other than as a precursor in phytosiderophore production.
ZmNAS1/​green fluorescent protein (sGFP) and ZmNAS2/​sGFP were localized at spots
in the cytoplasm of onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells, whereas ZmNAS3/​sGFP was
distributed throughout the cytoplasm of these cells. ZmNAS1 and ZmNAS3 showed
NAS activity in vitro, whereas ZmNAS2 showed none. Due to its duplicated
structure, ZmNAS2 was much larger (65.8 kD) than ZmNAS1, ZmNAS3, and previously
characterized NAS proteins (30/​38 kD) from other plant species. We reveal that
maize has two types of NAS proteins based on their expression pattern and
subcellular localization.

PMID: 12913155 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

182: Plant Physiol. 2003 Jul;132(3):1475/​88.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of VR/​EILs encoding mung bean
ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3/​LIKE proteins.

Lee JH, Kim WT.

Department of Biology, College of Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120/​749,
Korea.

ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) is a transcription factor involved in the ethylene
signal transduction pathway in Arabidopsis. Two full/​length cDNA clones,
pVR/​EIL1 and pVR/​EIL2, encoding EIN3/​LIKE proteins were isolated by reverse
transcriptase/​polymerase chain reaction and by screening the cDNA library of
mung bean (Vigna radiata) hypocotyls. VR/​EIL1 and VR/​EIL2 share 70% identity and
display varying degrees of sequence conservation (39%/​65%) with previously
isolated EIN3 homologs from Arabidopsis, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum) plants. Gel retardation assay revealed that both
VR/​EILs were able to interact specifically with optimal binding sequence/​1, the
recently identified optimal binding sequence for tobacco TEIL, with the binding
of VR/​EIL2 being more efficient than that of VR/​EIL1. Transient expression
analysis using a VR/​EIL::smGFP fusion gene in onion (Allium cepa) epidermal
cells indicated that the VR/​EIL proteins were effectively targeted to the
nucleus. The fusion protein of VR/​EIL2 with GAL4 DNA/​binding domain strongly
activated transcription of a reporter gene in yeast cells, and an essential
domain for transcription/​stimulating activity was localized to the
amino/​terminal acidic region that consists of 50 amino acid residues. In
contrast with what has been previously found in EIN3/​ and TEIL/​overexpressing
Arabidopsis plants, transgenic tobacco seedlings expressing the VR/​EIL genes
under the control of cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter did not exhibit a
constitutive triple response. Instead, they displayed a markedly enhanced
proliferation of root hairs, one of the typical ethylene response phenotypes,
and increased sensitivity to exogenous ethylene. In addition, the
pathogenesis/​related (PR) genes encoding beta/​1,3/​glucanase, osmotin, and PR1
were constitutively expressed in 35S::VR/​EIL lines without added ethylene, and
were hyperinduced in response to ethylene treatment. These results indicate that
VR/​EILs are functional in tobacco cells, thereby effectively transactivating the
GCC/​box/​containing PR genes and enhancing sensitivity to ethylene. The possible
physiological role of VR/​EILs is discussed in the light of the suggestion that
they are active components of the ethylene/​signaling pathway and their
heterologous expressions constitutively turn on a subset of ethylene responses
in tobacco plants.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12857828 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

183: Theor Appl Genet. 2003 Jun;107(1):162/​7. Epub 2003 Mar 14.

A PCR/​based marker system monitoring CMS/​(S), CMS/​(T) and (N)/​cytoplasm in the
onion ( Allium cepa L.).

Engelke T, Terefe D, Tatlioglu T.

Abteilung Angewandte Genetik, Universitat Hannover, Herrenhauser Strasse 2,
D/​30419 Hannover, Germany. thomas.engelke@genetik.uni/​hannover.de

The chimerical mitochondrial CMS(1)/​specific sequence in chives ( Allium
schoenoprasum) was used to develop a PCR/​marker that distinguishes both
male/​sterility inducing cytoplasms, CMS/​(S) and CMS/​(T), from the normal
cytoplasm in onion ( Allium cepa). In combination with a previously described
marker for CMS/​(S), which anchors in the upstream region of the mitochondrial
gene cob, all of the three known cytoplasms in the onion are distinguishable.
The PCR/​marker system was tested in 361 onion plants, which were selected from
F(1)/​hybrids and different open/​pollinated varieties. The latter are mainly
landraces from Turkey, in which all three cytoplasm types were detected.

PMID: 12835941 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

184: Mutat Res. 2003 Jul 8;538(1/​2):51/​61.

Persistence and prevention of aluminium/​ and paraquat/​induced adaptive response
to methyl mercuric chloride in plant cells in vivo.

Patra J, Sahoo MK, Panda BB.

Genecology and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Botany, Berhampur
University, India.

Induction and persistence of adaptive response by aluminium (Al), 1 or 10
microM, and paraquat (PQ), 5 or 10 microM, against genotoxicity of methyl
mercuric chloride (MMCl), 1.26 microM, a standard environmental genotoxin, was
investigated in root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Subsequently, three
metabolic inhibitors, namely, 3/​aminobezamide (3/​AB, 10 or 100 microM), an
inhibitor of poly(ADP/​ribose) polymerase (PARP) implicated in DNA repair and/or
apoptosis, cycloheximide (CH, 0.1 or 1 microM), an inhibitor of protein
synthesis, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 100 microM or 1mM), an inhibitor of
glutathione synthesis were tested for their ability to prevent the adaptive
response induced by conditioning doses of Al, 10 or 100 microM; and PQ, 5 or 100
microM, against MMCl/​challenge, 1.26 or 100 microM, in root meristems of A. cepa
or embryonic shoots of Hordeum vulgare, respectively. The findings demonstrated
that once triggered, the Al/​ or PQ/​adaptive response to MMCl could persist for
at least 48h in root meristems of A. cepa. Furthermore, the adaptive response
could effectively be prevented by 3/​AB, to a lesser degree by CH, and the least
by BSO, suggesting primarily the involvement of PARP and implicating DNA repair
in the underlying mechanisms of adaptive response in plant cells in vivo.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12834754 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

185: Theor Appl Genet. 2003 Aug;107(4):757/​67. Epub 2003 Jun 25.

The development and evaluation of consensus chloroplast primer pairs that
possess highly variable sequence regions in a diverse array of plant taxa.

Chung SM, Staub JE.

USDA/ARS, Vegetable Crops Unit, Department of Horticulture, 1575 Linden Drive,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 USA.

Although universal or consensus chloroplast primers are available, they are
limited by their number and genomic distribution. Therefore, a set of consensus
chloroplast primer pairs for simple sequence repeats (ccSSRs) analysis was
constructed from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) chloroplast sequences. These
were then tested for their general utility in the genetic analysis of a diverse
array of plant taxa. In order to increase the number of ccSSRs beyond that
previously reported, the target sequences for SSR motifs was set at A or T ( n
>/= 7) mononucleotide repeats. Each SSR sequence motif, along with +//​200/​bp
flanking sequences from the first of each mononucleotide base repeat, was
screened for homologies with chloroplast DNA sequences of other plant species in
GenBank databases using BLAST search procedures. Twenty three putative marker
loci that possessed conserved flanking sequence spans were selected for
consensus primer pair construction using commercially available computer
algorithms. All primer pairs produced amplicons after PCR employing genomic DNA
from members of the Cucurbitaceae (six species) and Solanaceae (four species).
Sixteen, 22 and 19 of the initial 23 primer pairs were successively amplified by
PCR using template DNA from species of the Apiaceae (two species), Brassicaceae
(one species) and Fabaceae (two species), respectively. Twenty of 23 primer
pairs were also functional in three monocot species of the Liliaceae [onion
(Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.)], and the Poaceae [oat (Avena
sativa L.)]. Sequence analysis of selected ccSSR fragments suggests that ccSSR
length and sequence variation could be useful as a tool for investigating the
genetic relationships within a genus or closely related taxa (i.e., tribal
level). In order to provide for a marker system having significant coverage of
the cucumber chloroplast genome, ccSSR primers were strategically "recombined"
and named recombined consensus chloroplast primers (RCCP) for PCR analysis.
Successful amplification after extended/​length PCR of 16 RCCP primer pairs from
cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) DNA suggested that the amplicons detected are
representative of the cucumber chloroplast genome. These RCCP pairs, therefore,
could be useful as an initial molecular tool for investigation of traits related
to a chloroplast gene(s) in cucumber, and other closely related species.

Publication Types:
Evaluation Studies

PMID: 12827249 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

186: Ann Bot (Lond). 2003 Jul;92(1):21/​9.

Analysis of nuclear DNA content in Capsicum (Solanaceae) by flow cytometry and
Feulgen densitometry.

Moscone EA, Baranyi M, Ebert I, Greilhuber J, Ehrendorfer F, Hunziker AT.

Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal (IMBIV), Casilla de Correo 495,
5000 Cordoba, Argentina. moscone@imbiv.unc.edu.ar

Flow cytometric measurements of nuclear DNA content were performed using
ethidium bromide as the DNA stain (internal standard, Hordeum vulgare 'Ditta',
1C = 5.063 pg) in 25 samples belonging to nine diploid species and four
varieties of Capsicum: C. chacoense, C. parvifolium, C. frutescens, C. chinense,
C. annuum var. annuum, C. baccatum var. baccatum, C. baccatum var. pendulum, C.
baccatum var. umbilicatum, C. eximium and C. pubescens, all with 2n = 24, and C.
campylopodium with 2n = 26. In addition, one sample each of C. annuum var.
annuum and C. pubescens were also analysed using Feulgen densitometry (standard,
Allium cepa 'Stuttgarter Riesen', 1C = 16.75 pg). Both staining methods resulted
in very similar relative values. Genome size displays significant variation
between but not within species (except in C. campylopodium), and contributes to
their taxonomic grouping. 1C/​values range from 3.34/​3.43 pg (3273/​3361 Mbp) in
C. chacoense and the C. annuum complex to 4.53/​5.77 pg (4439/​5655 Mbp) in C.
campylopodium and C. parvifolium. The data obtained support conclusions on
phylogenetic relationships in the genus derived from karyotype analyses using
chromosome banding approaches. In Capsicum, constitutive heterochromatin amount
is correlated with genome size, except in C. parvifolium, and is regarded as an
additive genomic component.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12824068 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

187: Environ Mol Mutagen. 2003;41(5):353/​9.

Genotoxicity of surface water treated with different disinfectants using in situ
plant tests.

Monarca S, Rizzoni M, Gustavino B, Zani C, Alberti A, Feretti D, Zerbini I.

Department of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Perugia, Italy.
monarca@unipg.it

Disinfection of surface drinking water, in particular water chlorination,
results in many by/​products with potential genotoxic and/or carcinogenic
activity. In the present study, we evaluated the genotoxicity of surface water
after treatment with different disinfectants by means of in situ plant
genotoxicity assays (micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests) which can
detect both clastogenic and aneugenic effects. The study was carried out at a
pilot plant using lake water after sedimentation and filtration. This water
supplied four stainless steel basins: three basins were disinfected with sodium
hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and peracetic acid and the fourth basin
containing untreated lake water was used as a control. Plants were exposed in
situ in the basins. The study was carried out using water collected in different
seasons over a period of about 1 year in order to assess the treatments in
different physical and chemical lake water conditions. The micronucleus test in
root cells of Vicia faba (Vicia faba/MCN test) revealed genotoxicity in many
samples of disinfected water. The micronucleus test in Tradescantia pollen cells
and the chromosome aberration test in root cells of Allium cepa showed genotoxic
effects only in some disinfected samples, but also revealed genotoxicity in raw
water. The results of the study indicated that the Vicia faba/MCN test was the
most sensitive plant assay for disinfected water and that peracetic acid
disinfection produced similar or lower genotoxicity than sodium hypochlorite or
chlorine dioxide treatment. Copyright 2003 Wiley/​Liss, Inc.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12802806 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

188: Plant Cell Rep. 2003 Jun;21(9):905/​10. Epub 2003 Apr 3.

Chromosome doubling procedures of onion (Allium cepa L.) gynogenic embryos.

Jakse M, Havey MJ, Bohanec B.

Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000,
Ljubljana, Slovenia.

A novel approach for chromosome doubling that consists of treating embryos
instead of parts of micropropagated plants was investigated. Following 2/​year
trials, amiprofos/​methyl (APM) was found to be superior to oryzalin on the basis
of a lower toxicity, and we were able to narrow the range of concentrations of
APM. The addition of 2% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and 1% Triton X/​100 to 25
microM APM had no effect in all treatments. A final experiment with 6,658
embryos demonstrated that a 2/​day treatment in liquid media supplemented with 50
microM APM was the most successful with respect to chromosome doubling/​36.7% of
the plants were diploid/​but the survival rate was reduced to 52.5% of that of
the non/​treated control. A 2/​day treatment in liquid medium supplemented with 25
microM APM or a 2/​day treatment on solid medium with 50 microM APM resulted in
the production of diploids at a frequency of 28.9% and 21.3%, respectively.
These may represent alternative methods for chromosome doubling since compared
to the untreated control these two treatments reduced the survival rate by only
about 24%. Final ploidy and fertility of the large proportion of induced
mixoploid plants (up to 30.3%) need to be evaluated in further studies.

PMID: 12789509 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

189: Planta. 2003 Jun;217(2):283/​9. Epub 2003 Feb 11.

Atomic force microscopy of microfibrils in primary cell walls.

Davies LM, Harris PJ.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019,
Auckland, New Zealand.

Examination of angiosperm primary cell walls by transmission electron microscopy
shows that they contain microfibrils that probably consist of cellulose
microfibrils surrounded by associated non/​cellulosic polysaccharides. Previous
studies using solid/​state (13)C NMR spectroscopy have shown that the cellulose
is all crystalline with crystallites of cross/​sectional dimensions of 2/​3 nm.
However, it is not known if each microfibril contains only one, or more than one
crystallite because there is no agreement about the dimensions of the
microfibrils. Partially hydrated primary cell walls isolated from onion ( Allium
cepa L.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were examined by atomic force
microscopy and the microfibril diameters determined. The cell walls of both
species contained tightly interwoven microfibrils of uniform diameter:
4.4+//​0.13 nm in the onion and 5.8+//​0.17 nm in A. thaliana. The effect was also
examined of extracting the A. thaliana cell walls to remove pectic
polysaccharides. The microfibrils in the extracted cell walls of A. thaliana
were significantly narrower (3.2+//​0.13 nm) than those in untreated walls. The
results are consistent with the microfibrils containing only one cellulose
crystallite.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12783336 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

190: Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2003 May;54(3):241/​6.

Hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects of onion, Allium cepa: dietary onion
addition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycaemic effects on diabetic rats.

Campos KE, Diniz YS, Cataneo AC, Faine LA, Alves MJ, Novelli EL.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences,
University of Sao Paulo State, UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The purpose of the present study was to discover the relative potency of onion,
Allium cepa, with respect to its hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects on the
diabetic situation, and the association of these effects with the potential
against oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. A
normal control (group A), and a non/​diabetic group (group B) were treated daily
with 1 ml A. cepa solution (0.4 g A. cepa/rat). Groups C and D were made
diabetic by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg body
weight) in citrate buffer (pH 6.3). These animals (groups C and D) were the STZ
diabetic control and STZ diabetic rats with onion intake, respectively. Onion
increased the fasting serum high/​density lipoprotein levels, and demonstrated
alleviation of hyperglycaemia in STZ diabetic rats. The hypoglycaemic and
hypolipidaemic actions of A. cepa were associated with antioxidant activity,
since onion decreased superoxide dismutase activities while no increased lipid
hydroperoxide and lipoperoxide concentrations were observed in diabetic rats
treated with A. cepa.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12775373 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

191: Eur J Cancer Prev. 2003 Jun;12(3):195/​200.

Tomato and garlic can modulate azoxymethane/​induced colon carcinogenesis in
rats.

Sengupta A, Ghosh S, Das S.

Department of Cancer Chemoprevention, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute 37,
Kolkata, India. archanadi1@rediffmail.com

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and garlic (Allium cepa) are important
constituents of the human diet. Compounds like diallyl sulfides, diallyl
disulfides and quercetin, which are active components of garlic, have known
anti/​inflammatory, antimutagenic activities. Similarly, active components in
tomato, such as kaempferol and chlorogenic acid, have antimutagenic activities
and lycopene is the most active oxygen quencher with potential chemopreventive
activities. In view of this, an endeavour was made to evaluate the
anticarcinogenic effect, if any, of tomato and garlic consumption individually
and in combination on azoxymethane/​induced colonic precancerous lesion, the
aberrant crypt foci in animal model. Sprague/​Dawley rats (4/​5 weeks old) were
injected with azoxymethane (15 mg/kg b.w.) and orally administered with 2% (w/v)
of tomato, garlic and a combination of both. After 12 weeks of first
azoxymethane injection, colons were assessed for aberrant crypt foci and
compared with the carcinogen control group. Lipid peroxidation level and
glutathione/​S/​transferase (GST) activity were assessed in liver as well as in
colon. Furthermore, in situ cell proliferation and apoptosis were estimated
using the Brdu incorporation method and TUNEL method respectively. It was
observed that aberrant crypt foci were reduced in all treated groups (by 32.11%
in garlic, by 76.14% in tomato and by 55.96% in the combination group). Among
treated groups, GST activity was found to be induced in both liver and colon,
whereas considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation level was observed in liver
as well as in colon with respect to the carcinogen control group. Significant
reduction in Brdu labelling index and increase in apoptotic index in colon was
noted in the treated groups. These results suggest that tomato and garlic
suspensions have a protective effect on colon carcinogenesis, which is mediated
by modulation of different biological pathways during carcinogenesis.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 12771557 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

192: Protoplasma. 2003 May;221(1/​2):57/​65.

Differential distribution of ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, and hydrogen
peroxide along the root axis in Allium cepa L. and its possible relationship
with cell growth and differentiation.

Cordoba/​Pedregosa Mdel C, Cordoba F, Villalba JM, Gonzalez/​Reyes JA.

Departamento de Biologia Celular, Fisiologia e Inmunologia, Universidad de
Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.

In this paper we show an asymmetrical distribution of apoplastic and symplastic
ascorbic acid content, peroxidase activities and hydrogen peroxide along the
root axis in Allium cepa L. For most of these metabolites, a marked gradient
from the root apex to the onion base was observed and was different for
apoplastic and symplastic compartments. In total homogenates, ascorbic acid
content was higher in the zones closer to the apex and decreased towards the
root base. However, an opposite pattern was observed in the apoplastic fraction.
Peroxidase activities with guaiacol, ferulic acid, ascorbic acid, and coniferyl
alcohol were also different depending on the evaluated zone and the fraction
used (apoplastic or symplastic). In general, each activity had a specific and
unique pattern. Immunodetection of peroxidase proteins in Western blots using
anti/​horseradish peroxidase and anti/​ascorbate peroxidase antibodies revealed
different bands at the different zones of the root. Hydrogen peroxide was
detected by electron microscopy and was mainly found in cell walls of epidermis
(or rhizodermis), meristem, and elongating cells. The number of cell walls
showing hydrogen peroxide decreased dramatically towards the root base. The
results suggest that the different zones of the root show specific requirements
for ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, each fragment of the root seems
to express specific peroxidase proteins. Different processes that take place at
every part of the root, as cell proliferation and elongation near the root apex
and gradual lignification and differentiation towards the root base are the key
to explain the results.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12768342 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

193: Ann Bot (Lond). 2003 Jul;92(1):73/​7. Epub 2003 May 21.

Fracture of plant tissues and walls as visualized by environmental scanning
electron microscopy.

Donald AM, Baker FS, Smith AC, Waldron KW.

Cambridge University, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE,
UK.

The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) provides a highly relevant
and controllable environment in which to study hydrated systems without the
artefacts of other highly prepared specimens. The instrument facilitates control
of turgor through hydration using different chamber vapour pressures.
Deformation of a simple plant tissue/​upper epidermal layers in Allium cepa
(onion)/​was observed at the scale of the two principal failure mechanisms: cell
breakage; and cell separation induced by treatment with a chelating agent. Cell
rupture and release of contents occurred at cellular junctions ahead of an
imposed growing notch, indicating that disruption of cells occurred remotely
from the creation of a new surface. Cells that separated usually maintained
their turgor and the separation process took place through progressive failure
of middle lamellar material seen as strands between separating cells. These
mechanisms were compared with the rupture of excised Chara corallina walls that
occurred by formation and breakage of strands between separating wall layers.
This study provides in situ visual characterization of wall rupture and cell
separation at the microscopic level in hydrated plant material.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12763757 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

194: Plant Physiol. 2003 May;132(1):161/​73.

A novel family in Medicago truncatula consisting of more than 300
nodule/​specific genes coding for small, secreted polypeptides with conserved
cysteine motifs.

Mergaert P, Nikovics K, Kelemen Z, Maunoury N, Vaubert D, Kondorosi A, Kondorosi
E.

Institut des Sciences du Vegetal, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique,
Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif/​sur/​Yvette, France.

Transcriptome analysis of Medicago truncatula nodules has led to the discovery
of a gene family named NCR (nodule/​specific cysteine rich) with more than 300
members. The encoded polypeptides were short (60/​90 amino acids), carried a
conserved signal peptide, and, except for a conserved cysteine motif, displayed
otherwise extensive sequence divergence. Family members were found in pea (Pisum
sativum), broad bean (Vicia faba), white clover (Trifolium repens), and Galega
orientalis but not in other plants, including other legumes, suggesting that the
family might be specific for galegoid legumes forming indeterminate nodules.
Gene expression of all family members was restricted to nodules except for two,
also expressed in mycorrhizal roots. NCR genes exhibited distinct temporal and
spatial expression patterns in nodules and, thus, were coupled to different
stages of development. The signal peptide targeted the polypeptides in the
secretory pathway, as shown by green fluorescent protein fusions expressed in
onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells. Coregulation of certain NCR genes with
genes coding for a potentially secreted calmodulin/​like protein and for a signal
peptide peptidase suggests a concerted action in nodule development. Potential
functions of the NCR polypeptides in cell/​to/​cell signaling and creation of a
defense system are discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12746522 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

195: Planta. 2003 May;217(1):21/​31. Epub 2003 Jan 25.

Sm and U2B" proteins redistribute to different nuclear domains in dormant and
proliferating onion cells.

Cui P, Moreno Diaz de la Espina S.

Nuclear Matrix Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology, Centro de
Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Velazquez 144, 28006, Madrid, Spain.

Monoclonal antibodies against the spliceosomal proteins Sm and U2B", and against
p105, a protein component of interchromatin granules, were used to investigate
the nuclear distribution of the splicing factors in Allium cepa L. meristematic
cells. Confocal microscopy showed that in steady/​state proliferating cells, the
spliceosomal components were distributed into two nuclear domains: (i) a diffuse
nucleoplasmic network similar to that formed by interchromatin granules and (ii)
numerous Cajal bodies. These domains were the counterpart of the perichromatin
fibrils and granules, interchromatin granules and Cajal bodies observed by
electron microscopy after EDTA and bismuth oxynitrate stainings. Dormant cells
showed a nuclear distribution of the proteins in small Cajal bodies and numerous
micro/​speckles, correlated with the distribution of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs)
observed by electron microscopy. The spliceosomal proteins relocated to the
diffuse nucleoplasmic network and Cajal bodies when the cells were released from
dormancy by water soaking and they re/​started their proliferative activity.
Inhibition of RNA synthesis by 5,6/​dichloro/​1/​beta/​ d/​ribofuranosylbenzimidazole
(DRB) treatment in proliferating cells demonstrated that the micro/​speckles were
not the morphological expression of a transcription block. Fractionation and
confocal microscopy studies showed a differential association of the splicing
factors with the nuclear matrix depending not only on the protein, but also on
nuclear activity. Our results suggest a reversible relocation of the
spliceosomal proteins between different sub/​nuclear domains in physiological
conditions. We report here an unusual nuclear domain in dormant nuclei, the
micro/​speckles, corresponding to storage sites for RNPs, which were rapidly
mobilised after water imbibition.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12721845 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

196: Cell Biol Int. 2003;27(3):193/​5.

Heavy metals have a different action from aluminium in disrupting microtubules
in Allium cepa meristematic cells.

Dovgalyuk A, Kalynyak T, Blume YB.

Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, Arcad Zabolotnogo str, 148,
03143, Kiev, Ukraine.

PMID: 12681305 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

197: J Radiat Res (Tokyo). 2002 Dec;43(4):397/​403.

Relative biological effectiveness of fission neutrons for producing micronuclei
in the root/​tip cells of onion seedlings after irradiation as dry seeds.

Zhang W, Endo S, Ishikawa M, Ikeda H, Hoshi M.

International Radiation Information Center, Research Institute for Radiation
Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734/​8553, Japan.

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of mixed neutron and gamma/​ray
radiation emitted at a 252Cf source at the Research Institute for Radiation
Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, compared with 60Co gamma/​ray
radiation was determined. The tissue/​absorbed dose contribution of the
accompanying gamma radiation was about 35.7% to the total tissue/​absorbed dose
from the 252Cf mixed radiation. The 252Cf mixed radiation and 60Co gamma rays
produced approximate linear changes in the frequency of micronuclei induced in
root/​tip cells of Allium cepa L. onion seedlings after irradiation as dry
dormant seeds with varying absorbed doses in onion seeds. Therefore, the RBE for
radiation/​induced micronuclei was calculated as the ratio of the slopes for the
252Cf mixed radiation and the 60Co gamma rays. The deduced RBE value of 252Cf
mixed radiation to 60Co gamma rays to induce micronuclei in dry dormant onion
seed cells was about 90.5 +//​ 3.6 (+//​ 1sigma); the RBE of neutrons from the
252Cf mixed radiation was about 150 +//​ 6 (+//​ 1sigma). Furthermore, the
sensitivity ratio of the induction rate of micronuclei in dry dormant seeds to
that in seedlings by neutrons from 252Cf mixed radiation was significantly
different from that by 60Co gamma rays. From these results, we concluded that
the repair efficiency of DNA damage induced by neutrons may be different from
that by gamma rays.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 12674204 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

198: Protoplasma. 2003 Mar;220(3/​4):219/​25.

On the mechanism of callose synthesis induction by metal ions in onion epidermal
cells.

Kartusch R.

Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna,
Austria. robert.kartusch@univie.ac.at

Metal ions induce the synthesis of callose in Allium cepa epidermal cells.
Callose is deposited as single knoblike local accumulations, aggregates of
knobs, or furrowed clusters tightly attached to the cell wall. The most
effective metal is copper, it induces callose formation at micromolar
concentrations. Agents acting on inositolphosphate metabolism, phospholipase
inhibitors, calcium channel inhibitors, modulators of cytoplasmic calcium, or
receptor antagonists influence callose synthesis. It is concluded that metal
ions, especially Cu(2+), initiate a signal transduction chain by activation of
phospholipases and generation of inositol 1,4,5/​trisphosphate, and that callose
synthesis is a cellular defence reaction caused by the disturbance of
intracellular calcium homeostasis.

PMID: 12664286 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

199: Phytochemistry. 2003 Apr;62(8):1217/​20.

Anthocyanins from red onion, Allium cepa, with novel aglycone.

Fossen T, Andersen OM.

Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Allegt 41, N/​5007 Bergen, Norway.

Four anthocyanins with the same novel 4/​substituted aglycone,
carboxypyranocyanidin, have been isolated from acidified, methanolic extracts of
the edible scales as well as from the dry outer scales of red onion, Allium cepa
L. The structures of 1 and 2 were identified as the 3/​O/​beta/​glucopyranoside and
3/​O/​(6"/​O/​malonyl/​beta/​glucopyranoside) of 5/​carboxypyranocyanidin,
respectively. This aglycone,
5/​carboxy/​2/​(3,4/​dihydroxyphenyl)/​3,8/​dihydroxy/​pyrano[4,3,2/​de]/​1/​benzopyrylium
, is with exception of the substitution pattern on the phenyl ring similar to
carboxypyranomalvidin (vitisidin A) recently isolated from red wines. In
addition to 1 and 2, two analogues of 2 methylated at the terminal carboxyl
group of the acyl moiety (3) or at the aglycone carboxyl (4), respectively, were
also identified. These latter compounds are most probably formed by
esterification of 2 with the solvent (acidified methanol) during the isolation
process. The structures were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and LC/​MS.
Copyright 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12648539 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

200: J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Mar 12;51(6):1586/​91.

Protein glycation inhibitory and antioxidative activities of some plant extracts
in vitro.

Kim HY, Kim K.

Food Function Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, San 46/​1
Baekhyun/​dong, Bundang/​gu, Songnam/​si, Kyonggi/​do 463/​420, Republic of Korea.
khyey@kfri.re.kr

The protein glycation inhibitory activity of aqueous ethanolic extracts from 25
plant tissues was evaluated in vitro using the model system of bovine serum
albumin and fructose. The most bioactive plant tissue was Allium cepa (skin),
followed by Illicium religiosum (bark and wood), Fagopyrum esculentum (hull),
Origanum officinalis (leaf), Rosmarinus officinalis (leaf), Pyrus pyrifolia
(bark),Acanthopanax senticosus (bark), Eugenia caryophllata (leaf), and Erigeron
annuus (whole). The extracts with glycation inhibitory activity also showed
antioxidative activity when a micellar linoleic acid peroxidation system was
applied followed by 2,2'/​azinobis(3/​ethylbenzothiazoline/​6/​sulfonic acid)
radical cation decolorization and 1,1/​diphenyl/​2/​picrylhydrazyl free radical
scavenging assays. The glycation inhibitory activity was significantly
correlated with the antioxidative potency of the extracts. The positive
glycation inhibitory and antioxidative activities of these plants might suggest
a possible role in targeting aging and diabetic complications.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12617589 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

201: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 Mar 7;302(2):397/​402.

Inhibition of peroxynitrite/​mediated cellular toxicity, tyrosine nitration, and
alpha1/​antiproteinase inactivation by 3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol, a novel
compound isolated from Allium cepa.

Rose P, Widder S, Looft J, Pickenhagen W, Ong CN, Whiteman M.

Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Peroxynitrite formation in vivo is implicated in numerous human diseases and
there is considerable interest in the use of antioxidants and natural products
such as thiols as "peroxynitrite scavengers". We therefore investigated the
effects of a recently identified constituent of onions,
3/​mercapto/​2/​methylpentan/​1/​ol (3/​MP), for its ability to inhibit
peroxynitrite/​mediated processes in vitro and using cultured human cells and
compared its effectiveness against glutathione. 3/​MP significantly inhibited
peroxynitrite/​mediated tyrosine nitration and inactivation of
alpha(1)/​antiproteinase to a greater extent than glutathione at each
concentration tested (15/​500 microM). 3/​MP also inhibited peroxynitrite/​induced
cytotoxicity, intracellular tyrosine nitration, and intracellular reactive
oxygen species generation in human HepG2 cells in culture to a greater extent
than glutathione. These data suggest that 3/​MP has the potential to act as an
inhibitor of ONOO(/​)/​mediated processes in vivo and that the antioxidant action
of 3/​MP deserves further study.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12604361 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

202: Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Sep;40(9):1005/​9.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of S/​methyl cysteine sulfoxide isolated
from onions (Allium cepa Linn) as compared to standard drugs in alloxan diabetic
rats.

Kumari K, Augusti KT.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom,
Thiruvananthapuram 695581, India.

Antidiabetic and antoxidant effects of S/​methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCS)
isolated from A. cepa and two standard drugs, glibenclamide and insulin were
studied and compared in alloxan diabetic rats after using each of them for
treatment for two months. These drugs ameliorated the diabetic condition
significantly, viz. maintenance of body weight and control of blood sugar in
rats. Further they lowered the levels of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxide and
conjugated dienes in tissues exhibiting antioxidant effect on lipid peroxidation
in experimental diabetes. This is achieved by their stimulating effects on
glucose utilization and the antioxidant enzymes, viz. superoxide dismutase and
catalase. The probable mechanism of action of SMCS and glibenclamide may be
partly dependent on the stimulation of insulin secretions and partly due to
their individual actions. In the amelioration of diabetes the standard drugs
showed a better action, but as an antioxidant SMCS proved to be a better one.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12587728 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

203: Plant Physiol. 2003 Feb;131(2):697/​706.

Zonal changes in ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide contents, peroxidase, and
ascorbate/​related enzyme activities in onion roots.

Del Carmen Cordoba/​Pedregosa M, Cordoba F, Villalba JM, Gonzalez/​Reyes JA.

Departamento de Biologia Celular, Fisiologia e Inmunologia, University of
Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain.

Onion (Allium cepa) roots growing hydroponically show differential zonal values
for intra/​ (symplastic) and extra/​ (apoplastic) cellular ascorbate (ASC) and
dehydroascorbate (DHA) contents and for related enzyme activities. In whole
roots, ASC and DHA concentrations were higher in root apex and meristem and
gradually decreased toward the root base. Guaiacol peroxidase, ASC peroxidase,
monodehydroascorbate oxidoreductase, DHA reductase, catalase, and glutathione
reductase activities showed differential activity patterns depending on the zone
of the root and their apoplastic or symplastic origin. An in vivo staining of
peroxidase activity also revealed a specific distribution pattern along the root
axis. Using electron microscopy, hydrogen peroxide was found at different
locations depending on the root zone but was mainly located in cell walls from
epidermal and meristematic cells and in cells undergoing lignification. A
balanced control of all of these molecules seems to exist along the root axis
and may be directly related to the mechanisms in which the ASC system is
involved, as cell division and elongation. The role of ASC on growth and
development in relation to its presence at the different zones of the root is
discussed.

PMID: 12586893 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

204: Plant Physiol. 2003 Feb;131(2):454/​62.

Osmotic stress tolerance of transgenic tobacco expressing a gene encoding a
membrane/​located receptor/​like protein from tobacco plants.

Tamura T, Hara K, Yamaguchi Y, Koizumi N, Sano H.

Research and Education Center for Genetic Information, Nara Institute of Science
and Technology, Nara 630/​0192, Japan.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) genes regulated during the early stage of responses
to wounding were screened by a modified fluorescence differential display
method. Among 28 genes initially identified, a particular clone designated NtC7
was subjected to further analysis. Its transcripts were found to accumulate
rapidly and transiently within 1 h upon treatments with not only wounding but
also salt and osmotic stresses. However, jasmonic and abscisic acids and
ethylene did not effectively induce NtC7 transcripts. Amino acid sequence
analysis suggested NtC7 to be a new type of transmembrane protein that belongs
to the receptor/​like protein family, and a membrane location was confirmed in
onion (Allium cepa) epidermis cells transiently expressing an NtC7/​green
fluorescent protein fusion protein. Seeds of transgenic tobacco overexpressing
NtC7 normally germinated and grew in the presence of 500 mM mannitol, but not in
the presence of 220 mM sodium chloride or 60 mM lithium chloride. Cuttings of
mature transgenic leaf exhibited a marked tolerance upon treatment with 500 mM
mannitol for 12 h, at which concentration wild/​type counterparts were seriously
damaged. These results suggested that NtC7 predominantly functions in
maintenance of osmotic adjustment independently of ion homeostasis.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12586870 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

205: Theor Appl Genet. 2002 Aug;105(2/​3):173/​181. Epub 2002 Jun 11.

Transfer of a male/​sterility/​inducing cytoplasm from onion to leek ( Allium
ampeloprasum).

Peterka H, Budahn H, Schrader O, Havey J.

Federal Centre for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants, Institute of
Horticultural Crops, Neuer Weg 22/23, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany,
h.peterka@bafz.de

Two interspecific triploid (AAC) hybrids (84/1/​94 and 99/1/​94) from crosses
between onion [ Allium cepa (2 n=2 x=16, CC)] and leek [ A. ampeloprasum (2 n=4
x=32, AAAA)] were backcrossed to leek in order to transfer a
male/​sterility/​inducing cytoplasm from onion that would enable the production of
hybrid leek. GISH evaluations of meiosis in the interspecific hybrids revealed
irregularities due to univalent onion chromosomes producing micronuclei from
onion chromatin, whereas the pairing of the two sets of leek chromosomes was
nearly normal. Attempts to use colchicine to double the chromosome number of the
hybrids failed. Backcrosses of 84/1/​94 to leek as the pollen parent were not
successful. The first backcross of 99/1/​94 to tetraploid leek produced 11 BC(1)
plants with chromosome numbers between 38 and 41. Identification of parental
chromosomes by GISH showed that all eight onion chromosomes and 30/​33 leek
chromosomes were transmitted to the backcross progenies due to unreduced egg
cells. Onion chromosomes were eliminated during the second backcross. Southern
hybridization confirmed the transfer of the T/​cytoplasm like source of CMS from
onion to the BC(2) progenies. After the third backcross to leek, 158 plants were
obtained with varying numbers of onion chromosomes and some intergenomic
recombinant chromosomes. Alloplasmic leek plants without onion chromatin were
selected for further characterization of male sterility and quality traits.

PMID: 12582517 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

206: Theor Appl Genet. 2002 Aug;105(2/​3):167/​172. Epub 2002 Jun 21.

Evolution of 5S rDNA units and their chromosomal localization in Allium cepa and
Allium schoenoprasum revealed by microdissection and FISH.

Shibata F, Hizume M.

Biological Institute, Faculty of Science, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790/​8577,
Japan, shibatafukashi@hotmail.com

Allium cepa and Allium schoenoprasum each possess 5S rDNA units of two different
sizes. The evolution of the two repeat units and their chromosomal localization
were investigated. A. cepa has 5S rDNA loci in the proximal and distal regions
of the short arm of chromosome 7. When the proximal and distal segments of the
short arm of chromosome 7 were microdissected separately, and used as templates
for PCR, the short and long 5S rDNA fragments were amplified predominantly from
the proximal and distal segments, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of the
long 5S rDNA unit resulted from partial duplication of a non/​transcribed spacer
(NTS) and the insertion of a unique sequence. FISH using a probe consisting of
the unique sequence demonstrated that the long unit was distally localized. In
A. cepa, the long 5S rDNA unit is only present distally and the short unit is
predominantly located proximally on the short arm of chromosome 7. In A.
schoenoprasum, the NTSs of the two different/​sized 5S rDNAs had quite different
sequences. The two 5S rDNA loci were localized very close together in the
interstitial region of chromosome 6. FISH, using long and short 5S rDNA unit
probes with a competitor of a 120/​bp sequence of the 5S rRNA gene, indicated
that the long 5S rDNA unit was localized proximally and the short unit distally.
Although the NTSs of the 5S rDNA of A. cepa and A. schoenoprasum had quite
different nucleotide sequences, the long 5S rDNA units of A. cepa and A.
schoenoprasum share a common 75/​bp sequence. This sequence might act in the
formation of the long 5S rDNA unit in Allium species.

PMID: 12582516 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

207: Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 1999 Jun;32(2):185/​95.

[Localization with BrUTP labeling technique of RNA polymerase II transcription
in meristematic cells of Allium cepa]

[Article in Chinese]

Hu B, Xing M.

Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun
130024.

The technique of pulse/​labeling of cells with 5/​bromouridine/​5'/​triphosphate
(BrUTP) and immunological detection of the incorporated BrUTP is a
newly/​developed experimental approach to localize nascent RNA polymerase II
transcripts in the nucleus. This technique has been widely used since it was
first reported in 1993, but most of the studies were carried out with
fluorescence microscopy and animal cells, we are still limited in the knowledge
about ultrastructural localization of RP II transcripts in the nucleus of
eukaryotes, especially in that of plant cells. Attempts have been made in this
paper to localize nascent RP II transcripts in the nucleus of meristematic cells
of Allium cepa with the technique of pulse/​labeling of BrUTP and immunoelectron
microscopy. After labeling with BrUTP and detection with anti/​BrdU antibody, a
large number of gold particles representing RP II transcripts were observed in
the periphery of chromatin domains, the gold particles in the periphery
accounted for 92.70% of the total gold particles in the extranucleolar regions,
and the gold density of the periphery was 75.42/micron 2, much higher than that
of the center of the chromatin domains and the interchromatin domains which were
only 5.89/micron 2 and 2.00/micron 2 respectively, indicating that RP II
transcripts were being actively synthesized in the periphery of the chromatin
domains. When the specimens were treated with alpha/​amanitin which can
specifically inhibits the activity of RP II, gold particles in the
extranucleolar regions of the specimens were decreased dramatically and the gold
density of the regions dropped strikingly from 44.60/micron 2 to 2.67/micron 2,
confirming that the gold particles in the regions represent RP II transcripts.
The distribution of nascent RP II transcripts in the nucleus of the intact plant
cells is discussed.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12548785 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

208: Arch Virol. 2002 Dec;147(12):2349/​63.

Subcellular targeting domains of Abutilon mosaic geminivirus movement protein
BC1.

Zhang SC, Ghosh R, Jeske H.

Department of Molecular Biology and Plant Virology, Institute of Biology,
University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.

Abutilon mosaic geminivirus (AbMV) encodes two movement proteins, BV1 and BC1,
which mediate the intra/​ and intercellular transport of viral DNA in plants
cooperatively. It has been shown previously that singly expressed BC1, fused to
green fluorescent protein (GFP), accumulates preferentially either at the cell
periphery or around the nucleus in separate plant cells. To define the BC1
domains responsible for understanding the subcellular sorting, deletion mutants
were fused to GFP and expressed transiently in epidermal cells of non/​host
(Allium cepa) as well as of host (Nicotiana benthamiana) plants with basically
the same results in both species. BC1/​mediated intracellular sorting was
dependent on two protein domains, an "anchor domain" (amino acids 117 to 180)
which is necessary and sufficient to fix GFP:BC1 at the cell periphery and the
nuclear environment, and a "pilot domain" (amino acids 1 to 49) in the absence
of which the fusion proteins were found at both sites in the same cell
simultaneously.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12491102 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

209: Plant Physiol. 2002 Nov;130(3):1172/​80.

A novel nucleus/​targeted protein is expressed in barley leaves during senescence
and pathogen infection.

Krupinska K, Haussuhl K, Schafer A, van der Kooij TA, Leckband G, Lorz H, Falk
J.

Institute of Botany, University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D/​24098 Kiel,
Germany. kkrupinska@bot.uni/​kiel.de

The barley (Hordeum vulgare) cDNA HvS40 represents a gene with enhanced mRNA
level during leaf senescence. Biolistic transformation of onion (Allium cepa)
epidermal cell layers with a glucuronidase fusion protein construct provided
evidence that the 15.4/​kD protein encoded by HvS40 is localized to the nucleus.
Expression of the gene is induced by jasmonate and salicylic acid; both are
known to act as signaling compounds during senescence and defense toward
pathogens. Transcript levels of HvS40 were observed to be particularly high in
leaf sectors that undergo necrosis and chlorosis after infection with
Pyrenophora teres. This pathogen/​related expression is, in contrast, clearly
reduced in transgenic barley plants expressing a stilbene synthase from grape
(Vitis vinifera), whereas the mRNA level of a gene encoding the pathogen/​related
protein HvPR1 is unaffected. In situ hybridization with HvS40 antisense RNA
revealed that during leaf senescence, the HvS40 transcript predominantly
accumulates in the mesophyll. Taken together, the findings suggest a connection
between the nuclear protein encoded by HvS40 and the degeneration of
chloroplasts occurring during senescence and during infection of barley
wild/​type plants with P. teres.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12427984 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

210: Protoplasma. 2002 Oct;220(1/​2):69/​78.

Differential localisation of GFP fusions to cytoskeleton/​binding proteins in
animal, plant, and yeast cells. Green/​fluorescent protein.

Timmers AC, Niebel A, Balague C, Dagkesamanskaya A.

Laboratoire de Biologie Moleculaire des Relations Plantes/​Microorganismes, Unite
Mixte de Recherche du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut
National de la Recherche Agronomique, Castanet/​Tolosan. timmers@uni/​bonn.de

The structure and functioning of the cytoskeleton is controlled and regulated by
cytoskeleton/​associated proteins. Fused to the green/​fluorescent protein (GFP),
these proteins can be used as tools to monitor changes in the organisation of
the cytoskeleton in living cells and tissues in different organisms. Since the
localisation of a specific cytoskeleton protein may indicate a particular
function for the associated cytoskeletal element, studies of
cytoskeleton/​binding proteins fused to GFP may provide insight into the
organisation and functioning of the cytoskeleton. In this article, we focused on
two animal proteins, human T/​plastin and bovine tau, and studied the
distribution of their respective GFP fusions in animal COS cells, plant
epidermal cells (Allium cepa), and yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Plastin/​GFP localised preferentially to membrane ruffles, lamellipodia and focal
adhesion points in COS cells, to the actin filament cytoskeleton within
cytoplasmic strands in onion epidermal cells, and to cortical actin patches in
yeast cells. Thus, in these 3 very different types of cells plastin/​GFP
associated with mobile structures in which there are high rates of actin
turnover. Chemical fixation was found to drastically alter the distribution of
plastin/​GFP. Tau/​GFP bound to microtubules in COS cells and onion epidermal
cells but failed to bind to yeast microtubules. Thus, animal and plant
microtubules appear to have a common tau binding site which is absent in yeast.
We conclude that the study of the distribution patterns of microtubule/​ and
actin/​filament/​binding proteins fused to GFP in heterologous systems should be a
valuable tool in furthering our knowledge about cytoskeleton function in
eukaryotic cells.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12417938 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

211: Phytother Res. 2002 Nov;16(7):603/​15.

Onions/​/​a global benefit to health.

Griffiths G, Trueman L, Crowther T, Thomas B, Smith B.

Department of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Horticulture Research
International, Wellesbourne CV35 9EF, UK. gareth.griffiths@hri.ac.uk

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is botanically included in the Liliaceae and species are
found across a wide range of latitudes and altitudes in Europe, Asia, N. America
and Africa. World onion production has increased by at least 25% over the past
10 years with current production being around 44 million tonnes making it the
second most important horticultural crop after tomatoes. Because of their
storage characteristics and durability for shipping, onions have always been
traded more widely than most vegetables. Onions are versatile and are often used
as an ingredient in many dishes and are accepted by almost all traditions and
cultures. Onion consumption is increasing significantly, particularly in the USA
and this is partly because of heavy promotion that links flavour and health.
Onions are rich in two chemical groups that have perceived benefits to human
health. These are the flavonoids and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides (ACSOs).
Two flavonoid subgroups are found in onion, the anthocyanins, which impart a
red/purple colour to some varieties and flavanols such as quercetin and its
derivatives responsible for the yellow and brown skins of many other varieties.
The ACSOs are the flavour precursors, which, when cleaved by the enzyme
alliinase, generate the characteristic odour and taste of onion. The downstream
products are a complex mixture of compounds which include thiosulphinates,
thiosulphonates, mono/​, di/​ and tri/​sulphides. Compounds from onion have been
reported to have a range of health benefits which include anticarcinogenic
properties, antiplatelet activity, antithrombotic activity, antiasthmatic and
antibiotic effects. Here we review the agronomy of the onion crop, the
biochemistry of the health compounds and report on recent clinical data obtained
using extracts from this species. Where appropriate we have compared the data
with that obtained from garlic (Allium sativum L.) for which more information is
widely available. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 12410539 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

212: Chromosoma. 2002 Sep;111(3):184/​91. Epub 2002 Jun 14.

The identification and analysis of the sequences that allow the detection of
Allium cepa chromosomes by GISH in the allodiploid A. wakegi.

Shibata F, Hizume M.

Biological Institute, Faculty of Science, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790/​8577,
Japan. shibatafukashi@hotmail.com

In Allium wakegi, which is an allodiploid species between Allium cepa and Allium
fistulosum, each genome can be clearly distinguished using genomic in situ
hybridization (GISH). Genomic DNA of A. cepa and A. fistulosum is differentiated
both qualitatively and quantitatively. We wanted to isolate nucleotide sequences
that give genome/​specific signals on A. cepa chromosomes in GISH experiments in
A. wakegi. We isolated 23 clones that show GISH/​like signal patterns in
fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and analyzed their distribution in the
A. cepa/​ and A. fistulosum/​derived genomes of A. wakegi. There was considerable
variation in the abundance and distribution of these cloned sequences on the
chromosomes of the two species. The degree of A. cepa specificity varied among
the clones. Twenty/​two of the clones showed an even distribution over most
chromosome arms with some clustering in the pericentromeric regions, but one
clone showed very distinct terminal signals on some chromosomes. Whereas these
sequences are not specific for A. cepa, changes in bases in nucleotide sequences
and in their amount result in genome/​specific characteristics in GISH
experiments.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12355208 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

213: Biotech Histochem. 2002 May;77(3):145/​52.

Determination of the fraction of S/​phase cells in root meristems using
bromodeoxyuridine labeling.

Hervas JP, de la Flor J, Santa/​Cruz MC.

Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of
Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.

The use of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and subsequent immunocytochemical
visualization for studying cell proliferation in plant meristems was
investigated in Allium cepa L. root/​tips. We describe the optimization of an
indirect immunoperoxidase method for detecting incorporation of this DNA
precursor in pulse/​labeled cells. The basic object of this study is to quantify
the extent to which the fraction of S/​phase cells can reliably be estimated in
asynchronous populations. A matrix of parallel labeling schedules with
tritiated/​thymidine or BrdU was developed, and the labeling indices provided by
autoradiography or immunocytochemistry were compared. Thus, 0.5 mM BrdU assured
saturation S/​phase labeling after an exposure time of 30 min, and the mean
length of the S/​phase determined under such conditions was similar to that
previously reported for this plant system. Interestingly, Feulgen staining did
not interfere with subsequent detection of the BrdU probe. This allowed
comparative evaluations of the nuclear DNA content by Feulgen/​microdensitometry
and the position of a given cell in G1, S or G2 compartments. We also explored
the possibility of quantifying BrdU/​incorporation in single nuclei by
densitometry measurement of the peroxidase label.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12229935 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

214: J Electron Microsc (Tokyo). 2002;51(4):231/​9.

Combination of electron microscopic in situ hybridization and anti/​DNA antibody
labelling reveals a peculiar arrangement of ribosomal DNA in the fibrillar
centres of the plant cell nucleolus.

Yano H, Sato S.

Department of Biology and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ehime University,
Matsuyama, Japan.

The fibrillar centres (FCs) in the nucleoli of Allium cepa usually contained
compact dense chromatin, which was always surrounded with light fibrous material
(LFM). Distribution of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in the FCs was examined by in
situ hybridization at the light and electron microscopic levels and the results
were compared with those obtained by immunogold labelling with anti/​DNA
antibodies. Anti/​DNA antibodies heavily labelled the dense chromatin of the FCs
but scarcely labelled the LFM. However, electron microscopic in situ
hybridization using the 18S rDNA probe showed that the label in the dense
chromatin was extremely weak compared with that obtained by the anti/​DNA
antibody labelling: the specific label with anti/​DNA antibodies of the dense
chromatin was about 15 times as much as that of the LFM, whereas the specific
label with in situ hybridization in the dense chromatin was only about 1.7 times
higher than in the LFM. These results suggest that the rDNA encoding rRNA is
preferentially released from the dense chromatin and that non/​transcribed
intergenic spacers remain in the dense chromatin as the anchoring sites of rDNA.

PMID: 12227553 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

215: Plant Physiol. 1997 Oct;115(2):593/​598.

Molecular Rigidity in Dry and Hydrated Onion Cell Walls.

Ha MA, Apperley DC, Jarvis MC.

Chemistry Department, Glasgow University, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United
Kingdom (M./​A.H., M.C.J.).

Solid/​state nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation experiments can provide
information on the rigidity of individual molecules within a complex structure
such as a cell wall, and thus show how each polymer can potentially contribute
to the rigidity of the whole structure. We measured the proton magnetic
relaxation parameters T2 (spin/​spin) and T1p (spin/​lattice) through the
13C/​nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of dry and hydrated cell walls from onion
(Allium cepa L.) bulbs. Dry cell walls behaved as rigid solids. The form of
their T2 decay curves varied on a continuum between Gaussian, as in crystalline
solids, and exponential, as in more mobile materials. The degree of molecular
mobility that could be inferred from the T2 and T1p decay patterns was
consistent with a crystalline state for cellulose and a glassy state for dry
pectins. The theory of composite materials may be applied to explain the
rigidity of dry onion cell walls in terms of their components. Hydration made
little difference to the rigidity of cellulose and most of the xyloglucan shared
this rigidity, but the pectic fraction became much more mobile. Therefore, the
cellulose/xyloglucan microfibrils behaved as solid rods, and the most
significant physical distinction within the hydrated cell wall was between the
microfibrils and the predominantly pectic matrix. A minor xyloglucan fraction
was much more mobile than the microfibrils and probably corresponded to
cross/​links between them. Away from the microfibrils, pectins expanded upon
hydration into a nonhomogeneous, but much softer, almost/​liquid gel. These data
are consistent with a model for the stress/​bearing hydrated cell wall in which
pectins provide limited stiffness across the thickness of the wall, whereas the
cross/​linked microfibril network provides much greater rigidity in other
directions.

PMID: 12223827 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

216: Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2002 Oct;43(3):284/​91.

Cytogenetic damage in shallot ( Allium cepa) root meristems induced by oil
industry "high/​density brines".

Vidakovic/​Cifrek Z, Pavlica M, Regula I, Papes D.

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg
6, HR/​10000 Zagreb, Croatia. zcifrek@zesoi.fer.hr

Saturated water solutions of calcium chloride, calcium bromide (densities 1.30
kg x dm(/​3) and 1.61 kg x dm(/​3), respectively) and their 1:1 mixture have been
commonly used as oil industry "high/​density brines." In our experiment they were
added to tap water in amounts appropriate to achieve concentrations of 0.025,
0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 mol x dm(/​3) to study their cytotoxic effect on the root
tip cells of shallot ( Allium cepa L. var. ascalonicum). All tested solutions in
concentrations of 0.075 and 0.1 mol x dm(/​3) caused significant inhibition of
shallot root growth. CaBr (2) showed this effect in concentration 0.05 mol x
dm(/​3). The investigated solutions in all concentrations applied decreased
mitotic activity in root tip cells. The most of mitotic abnormalities were the
consequence of spindle failure and chromosome stickiness. Furthermore, the cell
microtubules were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence to confirm that
most abnormalities observed were the consequence of spindle failure. The present
study, as well as previously done Lemna tests and Chlorella tests showed that
investigated samples have certain effects on plants, so constant control of
their presence in the environment is needed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12202923 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

217: J Chromatogr A. 2002 Jul 19;963(1/​2):89/​93.

Aroma analysis of fresh and preserved onions and leek by dual solid/​phase
microextraction/​liquid extraction and gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry.

Mondy N, Duplat D, Christides JP, Arnault I, Auger J.

University Francois Rabelais, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de
l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 6035, Tours, France.

The lachrymatory factor (thiopropanal/​S/​oxide) was directly analysed on fresh
onion (Allium cepa) juice by solid/​phase microextraction (polyacrylate fibre)
using a fast routine GC/​MS method on a 10 m x 0.32 mm I.D. (4 microm thick
polydimethylsiloxane film) column with splitless mode injection. The
identification and quantification of thiosulphinates and zwiebelanes were
obtained on the same juice extracted by diethyl ether after 80 min maceration
using the same GC/​MS method. Selected ion recording enhanced the differentiation
possibilities and the detection limits. This dual method was used to evaluate
flavour differences between onion and shallot varieties as it provides accurate
profiles of all initially formed compounds. Moreover, this method allowed us to
compare qualitatively and quantitatively transformed products: frozen,
freeze/​dried powders and sterilised products. Excepting the lachrymatory factor,
frozen onion compounds were similar compared to those of fresh onion sample.
Conversely, the other transformed samples have lost most of the initially formed
compounds and produced mainly di/​ and trisulphides corresponding to the
degradation of thiosulphinates and zwiebelanes. These dramatic changes can
explain the very different flavours of these manufactured products compared to
fresh material.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12188005 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

218: Hereditas. 2002;136(1):13/​8.

Genotoxicity of maleic hydrazide, acridine and DEHP in Allium cepa root cells
performed by two different laboratories.

Rank J, Lopez LC, Nielsen MH, Moretton J.

Department of Environment, Technology and Social Studies, Roskilde University,
Denmark. jr@ruc.dk

The purpose of this paper was to compare the results of the Allium cepa
chromosome aberration assay between two laboratories under the same test
protocol and at the same time, use chemicals and onions obtained in their own
homeland. For this study three chemicals were selected:
di(2/​ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), maleic hydrazide, and acridine. Both
laboratories found genotoxicity with a positive dose/​response relationship for
maleic hydrazide and acridine. However, for DEHP the results were quite
different/​/​one of the laboratories found this compound not genotoxic but the
other found a positive response. Although the comparative study was inconclusive
for DEHP, it was successful for the maleic hydrazide, acridine and also for the
positive control (methyl methanesulfonate). Further studies need to be performed
in the case of DEPH.

PMID: 12184484 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

219: J Dermatol. 2002 Jun;29(6):343/​6.

Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata.

Sharquie KE, Al/​Obaidi HK.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq.

Alopecia areata is a patchy, non/​scarring hair loss condition. Any hair/​bearing
surface may be involved, and different modalities of treatment have been used to
induce hair regrowth. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of
topical crude onion juice in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata in
comparison with tap water. The patients were divided into two groups. The first
group [onion juice treated] consisted of 23 patients, 16 males (69.5%) and 7
females (30.5%). Their ages ranged between 5/​42 years with a mean of 22.7 years.
The second group [control; tap/​water/​treated] consisted of 15 patients, 8 males
(53.3%) and 7 females (46.6%). Their ages ranged between 3/​35 years with a mean
of 18.3 years. The two groups were advised to apply the treatment twice daily
for two months. Re/​growth of terminal coarse hairs started after two weeks of
treatment with crude onion juice. At four weeks, hair re/​growth was seen in 17
patients (73.9%), and, at six weeks, the hair re/​growth was observed in 20
patients (86.9%) and was significantly higher among males (93.7%) compared to
females (71.4%) P<0.0001. In the tap/​water treated/​control group, hair re/​growth
was apparent in only 2 patients (13%) at 8 weeks of treatment with no sex
difference. The present study showed that the use of crude onion juice gave
significantly higher results with regard to hair re/​growth than did tap water
(P<0.0001), and that it can be an effective topical therapy for patchy alopecia
areata.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Controlled Clinical Trial

PMID: 12126069 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

220: Environ Toxicol. 2002;17(3):250/​7.

Quality of water types in Ukraine evaluated by WaterTox bioassays.

Arkhipchuk VV, Malinovskaya MV.

Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Ukrainian Academy of
Sciences, Vernadsky Boulevard 42, 03680, Kiev 142, Ukraine. arvic@nbi.com.ua

The quality of river, ground/​, and tap water was analyzed using the basic set of
WaterTox bioassays [Daphnia (Daphnia magna), Hydra (Hydra attenuata), and
lettuce (Lactuca sativa)] as well as two additional bioassays, onion (Allium
cepa) and microalga (Selenastrum gracile). Samples of these waters were also
concentrated fivefold using a solid/​phase procedure. The results of the Daphnia
and Hydra bioassays showed that the winter and spring concentrated and
nonconcentrated samples from the Dnieper and Desna rivers, the main water supply
sources for Kiev, were nontoxic. In spring, after concentration, the two river
samples brought about the same relative decrease in the lettuce root length (by
35%, p < 0.001), where the Desna River sample considerably reduced (by 79.1%, p
< 0.001) the number of microalga cells. Samples of groundwater from countryside
wells studied in autumn in several villages of the Kiev region were toxic mainly
to Hydra (sublethal effects were found in 11%/​78%) and lettuce (the root length
decreased 15%/​56%). Studies of tap water samples from two of the largest cities
of Ukraine, Kiev and Kharkiv, were found to be nontoxic to both plants, lettuce
and onion, but showed increased sublethal and lethal effects on both animals,
Daphnia and Hydra, as well as a reduced number of microalgae. Different
bioassays were sensitive to varying degrees to different water types. This
reinforces the necessity of using sets of bioassays in toxicity evaluation. In
general, all the tested water samples demonstrated some toxicity. These data
suggest that drinking water quality in Ukraine needs improvement. Copyright 2002
Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12112633 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

221: Environ Toxicol. 2002;17(3):187/​94.

A novel nucleolar biomarker in plant and animal cells for assessment of
substance cytotoxicity.

Arkhipchuk VV, Garanko NN.

Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Ukrainian Academy of
Sciences, Vernadsky Boulevard 42, 03680, Kiev 142, Ukraine. arvic@nbi.com.ua

The cytotoxicity of three substances (mercury(II), metolachlor, and
4/​nitroquinoline/​N/​oxide) was assessed with a set of nucleolar parameters: the
average number of nucleoli, the average volume of a single nucleolus, and the
proportion of cells with heteromorphic/​paired nucleoli (PNhet). Their toxic
impact was studied on cells of animal and plant test organisms: onion (Allium
cepa), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and hydra (Hydra attenuata). In general, at
concentrations near IC/LC(50) the three chemicals produced similar cytogenetic
effects after 30/​360 min of contact. For instance, in plant cells (Allium cepa
and Lactuca sativa) the toxicants increased the percentage of cells with PNhet,
decreased the volume of single nucleoli, and exerted no significant impact on
the nucleolar number. In animal cells (Hydra attenuata), they reduced the size
of nucleoli, produced no effect on the number of nucleoli, but decreased the
share of cells with PNhet. Also, the chemicals affected the cells of the three
test organisms to different degrees. Thus, the effectiveness of our approach of
using nucleolar biomarker (use of the proposed set of parameters and time
schedule of several determinations in the first hours of toxicant contact, etc.)
as a means of assessing cytotoxicity was confirmed. Copyright 2002 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 12112626 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

222: Ann Bot (Lond). 2002 Apr;89(4):419/​25.

In vitro bulb development in shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum Group): effects
of anti/​gibberellins, sucrose and light.

Le Guen/​Le Saos F, Hourmant A, Esnault F, Chauvin JE.

Universite de Bretagne Occidentale, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Physiologie
Vegetales, Brest, France.

Bulbing was studied in shallot plants cultured in vitro. Bulbing occurred under
a 16 h photoperiod with fluorescent + incandescent light and 30/​50 g 1(/​1)
sucrose in the culture medium. Exogenous gibberellin (10 microM GA3) inhibited
leaf and root growth and bulbing. When added to the medium at a concentration of
10 microM, three inhibitors of gibberellin biosynthesis (ancymidol, flurprimidol
and paclobutrazol) promoted bulb formation and the percentage of bulbing. When
ancymidol was used in combination with GA3, it did not reverse the effect of GA3
applied alone. Under treatments with 30/​70 g l(/​1) sucrose, bulbing ratios
greater than those found in control plants were achieved by addition of
ancymidol, and bulb fresh weight was increased in the same way. Ancymidol caused
a 66% decrease in sucrose content in leaf bases but greatly increased the
glucose, fructose and fructan contents. The increase in fructan content by
ancymidol could result from the three/​fold rise in total [14C]sucrose uptake per
plant from the culture medium associated with a marked increase in leaf base
labelling at the expense of root labelling. The possible role of ancymidol is
discussed and evidence supports a major regulatory role for gibberellins in
bulbing.

PMID: 12096802 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

223: Mutat Res. 2002 Jul;511(3):207/​37.

Lycopersicon assays of chemical/radiation genotoxicity for the study of
environmental mutagens.

Grant WF, Owens ET.

Department of Plant Science, P.O. Box 4000, McGill University, Macdonald Campus,
Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que., Canada H9X 3V9.

From a literature survey, 21 chemicals are tabulated that have been evaluated in
39 assays for their clastogenic effects in Lycopersicon. Nineteen of the 21
chemicals are reported as giving a positive reaction (i.e. causing chromosome
aberrations). Of these, five are reported positive with a dose response. In
addition, 23 assays have been recorded for six types of radiation, all of which
reacted positively. The results of 102 assays with 32 chemicals and seven types
of radiation tested for the induction of gene mutations are tabulated, as well
as 20 chemicals and/or radiation in combined treatments. The Lycopersicon
esculentum (2n=24) assay is a very good plant bioassay for assessing chromosome
damage both in mitosis and meiosis and for somatic mutations induced by
chemicals and radiations. The Lycopersicon bioassay has been shown to be as
sensitive and as specific an assay as other plant genotoxicity assays, such as
Hordeum vulgare, Vicia faba, Crepis capillaris, Pisum sativum and Allium cepa
and should be considered in further studies in assessing clastogenicity. Tests
using L. esculentum can be made for a spectrum of mutant phenotypes of which
many are identifiable in young seedlings.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/​P.H.S.
Review

PMID: 12088718 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

224: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Jul;110(1):177/​83; discussion 184/​6.

Effect of Mederma on hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model.

Saulis AS, Mogford JH, Mustoe TA.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University Medical
School, Galter Pavilion, 675 N Saint Claire, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Currently accepted conservative treatments of hypertrophic scars are limited to
steroid injections, radiation therapy, and silicone occlusive therapy. However,
the use of Mederma for these problematic lesions has become quite prevalent in
the clinical setting. Little scientific evidence exists to support the efficacy
of this product in reducing hypertrophic scars. The aim of this study was to
study the effects of Mederma on hypertrophic scars in the rabbit hypertrophic
scar model, allowing the histologic quantification of scar elevation, dermal
collagen organization, vascularity, and inflammation and the gross examination
of scar erythema. Full/​thickness wounds down to cartilage, four per ear, were
created in four New Zealand White rabbits, for a total of 32 scars. Twenty/​eight
days after the initial wounding, the hypertrophic scars were photographed, and
treatment of half of the scars on each ear was begun with Mederma three times
per day for a total of 4 weeks. The untreated scars served as control scars and
were left exposed to air. After 4 weeks of treatment, the scars were once again
photographed. The rabbits were then killed, and the scars were analyzed
histologically. The pretreatment and posttreatment photographs were compared by
using computer quantification of magenta, yellow, and cyan expression within the
scars.Histologic analysis demonstrated no significant reduction in scar
hypertrophy or scar elevation index. However, a significant improvement in
dermal collagen organization was noted on comparing Mederma/​treated scars with
untreated control scars (p < 0.05). No significant difference in dermal
vascularity or inflammation was noted. Computer analysis of the scar photographs
demonstrated no significant reduction in scar erythema with Mederma treatment.
The active product in Mederma, allium cepa, has as its derivative quercetin, a
bioflavonoid noted for its antiproliferative effects on both normal and
malignant cells, and its antihistamine release effects. These properties could
theoretically prove beneficial in reversing the inflammatory and proliferative
responses noted in hypertrophic scars. Despite the authors' inability to
demonstrate a reduction in scar hypertrophy, the improvement in collagen
organization noted in the Mederma/​treated scars suggests it may have an effect
on the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scar formation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12087249 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

225: Tsitologiia. 2002;44(2):120/​30.

[Disruption of organization of mitotic microtubules in root meristem cells of
Allium cepa induced by chloral hydrate]

[Article in Russian]

Smirnova EA, Svetlitskaia OM, Chentsov IuS.

Cytology and Histology Group, Biology Department, Moscow State University.

Data are presented on the effect of chlorahydrate on microtubule organization in
the root meristem of Allium cepa. Our studies show that an incomplete
preprophase band commonly appears during G2/​prophase transition, yet the major
effect is the lack of perinuclear microtubules, leading to inhibition of the
prophase spindle formation and transition to C/​mitosis. Upon chloralhydrate
treatment of metaphase cells, we found cells with chromosomes regularly aligned
within the metaphase plate and differently disorganized mitotic spindles.
Concurrently, C/​metaphase cells with remnants of kinetochore fibers were
present. In addition, normal bipolar and abnormal irregular types of chromosome
segregation were detected, this representing multipolar and diffuse anaphases.
The major difference between them is the presence of polar microtubules during
multipolar anaphase, and their lacking during diffuse anaphase. Alternatively,
microtubule clusters between segregated groups of chromosomes are typical for
cells with diffuse anaphase. During bipolar anaphase, excessive aster/​like
microtubules emanate from the spindle poles, and in telophase accessory
phragmoplasts are observed at the cell periphery. The formation of incomplete
phragmoplasts was observed after normal bipolar and abnormal chromosome
segregation. We conclude that chloralhydrate may affect the nuclear surface
capability to initiate the growth of perinuclear microtubules, thus blocking the
prophase spindle formation. It also disturbs the spatial interaction between
microtubules, which is crucial for the formation and functioning of various
microtubular systems (preprophase band, spindle and phragmoplast).

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12053762 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

226: J Theor Biol. 2002 Mar 21;215(2):201/​13.

Modelling complex populations formed by proliferating, quiescent and
quasi/​quiescent cells: application to plant root meristems.

Lopez/​Sanchez J, Murciano A, Lahoz/​Beltra R, Zamora J, Gimenez/​Abian NI,
Lopez/​Saz JF, De La Torre C, Canovas JL.

Departamento de Matematica Aplicada (Biomatematica), Universidad Complutense,
Madrid, 28040, Spain. lopezj@eucmax.sim.ucm.es

A proliferating population of cells may be considered complex when its
proliferative or growth fraction P is lower than 1 and/or when it is formed by
subpopulations with different mean cycle times. The present paper shows that in
such complex populations exponential growth is consistent with a steady/​state
distribution of cells. Obviously, when P=1 then cell distribution is only a
function of cell age. An analytical model has been developed to study complex
populations including both quiescent fractions formed by cells with unreplicated
genome (G(0) cells) and cells with fully duplicated chromosomes (Q(2) cells).
The model also considers those quasi/​quiescent cells in their last transit
through G(1) and S (Q(1) and Q(s) cells) before becoming quiescent. In order to
solve the difficulties of a direct analysis of the whole population, its kinetic
parameters have been obtained by studying the negative exponential distribution
of two subpopulations: one formed by the proliferating cells and another formed
by the quasi/​quiescent cells. Additionally, the model could be applied when
quiescence is initiated at any other cycle phase different from G(1) and G(2),
for instance, cells in the process of replicating their DNA or being at any
other mitotic phases. The utility of the method was illustrated in populations
which constitute the root meristems of both Allium cepa L. and Pisum sativum L.
Three facts should be stressed: (1) the method seems to be rather powerful
because it can be carried out from different sets of experimentally measured
parameters; (2) the rate of division and, therefore, the population doubling
time can be easily estimated by this method; and (3) it also allows the
determination of the amount of cells that had become quiescent either before
they had replicated their DNA (G(0)) or after having completed their replication
(Q(2)), as well as those quasi/​quiescent cells which are progressing throughout
their last pre/​replicative and replicative periods (thus Q(1) and Q(s),
respectively). Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12051974 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

227: J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2002 Apr;32(1):271/​83.

Effect of Allium cepa and Allium sativum feeding on glucose, glycogen, protein
bands profile and phenol oxidase activity in Biomphalaria alexandrina.

Mantawy MM, Mahmoud AH.

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo,
Egypt.

Feeding B. alexandrina on onion and garlic powder (Allium cepa and Allium
sativum) separately exert some biological and biochemical changes. The effect of
the two plants on glucose and glycogen which are the energy fuel of the snails,
and on phenol oxidase (PO) activity after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days were studied.
Different protein bands were separated from the control and treated snails
haemolymph after 24 hours and one week by using SDS/​electrophoresis. The study
revealed that glucose and glycogen were decreased significantly after feeding on
onion and garlic. Also phenol oxidase (PO) activity was highly significantly
decreased after 2 and 7 days of feeding on garlic while feeding on onion
decreased the activity of the enzyme at all periods. Data obtained from
SDS/​electrophoresis showed variations in the different protein bands reflect the
enzymatic change in the snails' tissue. So, the snails' fecundity may be reduced
and in turn disturb the life cycle of schistosome parasite.

PMID: 12049262 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

228: Planta. 2002 Jun;215(2):220/​8. Epub 2002 Apr 20.

Accumulation of plant small heat/​stress proteins in storage organs.

Lubaretz O, Zur Nieden U.

Institut fur Pflanzenbiochemie, Halle, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle, Germany.

Plant small heat/​stress proteins (sHSPs) have been shown to be expressed not
only after exposure to elevated temperatures, but also at particular
developmental stages such as embryogenesis, microsporogenesis, and fruit
maturation. This paper presents new data on the occurrence of sHSPs in
vegetative tissues, their tissue/​specific distribution, and cellular
localization. We have found sHSPs in 1/​year/​old twigs of Acer platanoides L. and
Sambucus nigra L. and in the liana Aristolochia macrophylla Lamk. exclusively in
the winter months. In tendrils of Aristolochia, sHSPs were localized in vascular
cambium cells. After budding, in spring, these proteins were no longer present.
Furthermore, accumulation of sHSPs was demonstrated in tubers and bulbs of
Allium cepa L., Amaryllis ( Hippeastrum hybridum hort.), Crocus albiflorus L.,
Hyacinthus orientalis L., Narcissus pseudonarcissus L., Tulipa gesneriana L.,
and Solanum tuberosum L. (potato). In potato tubers and bulb scales of Narcissus
the stress proteins were localized in the central vacuoles of storage parenchyma
cells. In order to obtain more information on a possible functional correlation
between storage proteins and sHSPs, the accumulation of both types of protein in
tobacco seeds during seed ripening and germination was monitored. The expression
of sHSPs and globulins started simultaneously at about the 17th day after
anthesis. During seed germination the sHSPs disappeared in parallel with the
storage proteins. Furthermore, in embryos of transgenic tobacco plants, which do
not contain any protein bodies or storage proteins, no sHSPs were found. Thus,
the occurrence of sHSPs in perennial plant storage organs seems to be associated
with the presence of storage proteins.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12029471 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

229: Planta. 2002 Jun;215(2):195/​204. Epub 2002 Mar 13.

Dynamics of replication foci and nuclear matrix during S phase in Allium cepa L.
cells.

Samaniego R, de la Torre C, Moreno Diaz de la Espina S.

Nuclear Matrix Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Velazquez
114, 28006 Madrid, Spain.

The sequential organisation of replication foci during S phase in onion ( Allium
cepa) and their relationship to the nuclear matrix were investigated. To discern
their structural features and temporal firing sequence, immunodetection of
5/​bromo/​2'/​deoxyuridine (BrdU) was carried out after in vivo feeding in
synchronised cells released from a 14/​h/​long hydroxyurea block. Replication foci
consisted of small replication granules, called replisomes, which clustered
together. Analysis of synchronous binucleate cells that maintained in their two
nuclei the specular symmetry of distribution of sister chromosomes in anaphase,
showed that replication starts in small replication foci at the telomeric pole
(pattern I), though the telomeres themselves formed large foci that were
late/​replicating. The rDNA replication foci (pattern II) also become replicated
in early S phase. Replication of large foci, including the heterochromatin (IV),
occurred in late S phase and finished at the centromeric nuclear pole (pattern
V). Labelling of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in nuclear matrices,
prepared from S/​phase nuclei after extensive DNase digestion, demonstrated that
replication foci were always stably anchored to the nuclear matrix. Thus,
association with the nucleoskeleton is not exclusively mediated by the
replicating or nascent DNA. The overlapping of patterns I, II and III in the
nuclear matrix, in contrast to the results of BrdU localisation in nuclei,
suggests that PCNA becomes associated with the nuclear matrix before the
replication foci are operative, and remains bound during replication.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12029468 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

230: Indian J Exp Biol. 2001 Aug;39(8):760/​6.

A comparative study on the beneficial effects of garlic (Allium sativum Linn),
amla (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn)and onion (Allium cepa Linn) on the
hyperlipidemia induced by butter fat and beef fat in rats.

Augusti KT, Arathy SL, Asha R, Ramakrishanan J, Zaira J, Lekha V, Smitha S,
Vijayasree VM.

Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Education, M.G.
University, Kottayam, India.

Three months feeding of butter fat (BUF) and beef (BF) separately as components
of diet at a level of 21% by weight for albino rats, significantly raised their
serum and tissue lipids, lipid peroxidation and activities of certain enzymes.
BUF was found to be more atherogenic than BF. On incorporation of 5% garlic,
amla or onion separately in the above diets, each of them ameliorated the
deleterious effects of the animal fats. A higher hyperlipidemic effect of BUF as
compared to that of BF may be due to the fact that the ratio of unsaturated to
saturated fats is lower for the former (0.56) than for the latter (0.75) and
also that the former is richer in cholesterol content than the latter. The order
of the curative effects of the vegetables are garlic>amla>onion. The better
hypolipidemic effects and correction of elevated levels of certain enzymes shown
by garlic and amla may be due to the facts that they contain comparatively
better active principles than that found in onions.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 12018576 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

231: Genetika. 2002 Apr;38(4):489/​96.

[Chromosome CPD(PI/DAPI)/​ and CMA/DAPI/​banding patterns in Allium cepa L.]

[Article in Russian]

Kim ES, Punina EO, Rodionov AV.

Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 197376
Russia.

Chromosome banding patterns of Allium cepa L. were obtained by using
fluorochrome combinations chromomycin A3 (CMA) + 4',6/​diamidino/​2/​phenylindole
(DAPI), DAPI + actinomycin D (AMD) and propidium iodide (PI) + DAPI. In A. cepa,
telomeric heterochromatin displayed dull fluorescence after staining with DAPI
and DAPI/AMD. After staining with the GC/​specific CMA and AT/​specific DAPI, the
CMA/​positive fluorescence of the NOR region and the telomeric bands of
C/​heterochromatin was observed. In combination with DAPI, PI, a dye with low
AT/GC specificity, produced almost uniform fluorescence of chromosomal arms and
heterochromatin, whereas the NOR/​adjoining regions displayed bright
fluorescence. Denaturation of chromosomal DNA (95 degrees C for 1/​3 min)
followed by renaturation in the 2 x SSC buffer (37 degrees C, 12 h) altered the
chromosome fluorescence patterns: specific PI/​positive bands appeared and the
contrast of CMA/​banding increased. Bright fluorescence of the NOR and adjoining
regions was also observed in the case. Three/​minute denaturation led also to a
bright PI/​positive fluorescence of telomeric heterochromatin. The denaturation
of chromosomal DNA before staining results in changes of the DAPI fluorescence
pattern and in the appearance of DAPI fluorescence in GR/​rich NOP regions. The
mechanisms underlying the effects of denaturation/renaturation procedures on
chromosome banding patterns obtained with different fluorochromes are discussed.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 12018166 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

232: J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jun;81(1):81/​100.

Medicinal plants of India with anti/​diabetic potential.

Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari
Nagar, New Delhi/​110049, India. jkgrover@hotmail.com

Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda
and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in treatment of various
human ailments. India has about 45000 plant species and among them, several
thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal properties. Research conducted
in last few decades on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used
traditionally for diabetes have shown anti/​diabetic property. The present paper
reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural principles and crude
extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the Indian traditional system of
medicine and have shown experimental or clinical anti/​diabetic activity. Indian
plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to
diabetes and their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera,
Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus bengalenesis,
Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium,
Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum
graecum. Among these we have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna
pruriens, T. cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya
koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree of
hypoglycemic and anti/​hyperglycemic activity.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 12020931 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

233: J Agric Food Chem. 2002 May 8;50(10):2884/​90.

Characterization of some Allium hybrids by aroma precursors, aroma profiles, and
alliinase activity.

Keusgen M, Schulz H, Glodek J, Krest I, Kruger H, Herchert N, Keller J.

Institut fur Pharmazeutische Biologie, Universitat Bonn, Nussallee 6, D/​53115
Bonn, Germany. M.Keusgen@uni/​bonn.de

Various Allium hybrids, obtained by the crossbreeding of Allium cepa (onion) as
the mother plant and six taxonomically distant wild species obtained by embryo
rescue, were investigated with special respect to their individual profiles of
cysteine sulfoxides as well as enzymically and nonenzymically formed aroma
substances. Alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4) catalyzes the conversion of odorless
(+)/​S/​alk(en)yl/​L/​cysteine sulfoxides into volatile thiosulfinates. These
thiosulfinates were converted to a variety of sulfides by steam distillation.
SPME/​gas chromatography (GC) and high/​performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
used for the analysis of aroma components and their precursors permitted a high
sample throughput, so that numerous gene bank accessions and Allium breeding
materials were analyzed within a comparatively short time. Cysteine sulfoxides
as well as alliinase activity were found in all investigated samples at
different levels, but (+)/​S/​methyl/​L/​cysteine sulfoxide (methiin) was the most
abundant sulfoxide present. (+)/​S/​(trans/​1/​Propenyl)/​L/​cysteine sulfoxide
(isoalliin) is typical for onion and was found in all investigated hybrids. The
pattern of the other cysteine sulfoxides depended strongly on the parent plants
used. The profile of aroma components corresponded with the related pattern of
aroma precursors (cysteine sulfoxides). Successful hybridization was proven by
randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Together with these established
marker techniques, HPLC and SPME/​GC analysis provide support to breeding
projects designed to improve the health and aroma properties of Allium hybrids.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11982415 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

234: Protoplasma. 2002 Feb;219(1/​2):82/​8.

Sesquiterpene lactone dehydroleucodine selectively induces transient arrest in
G2 in Allium cepa root meristematic cells.

Lopez ME, Giordano OS, Lopez LA.

Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad
Nacional de Cuyo, Casilla de correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.

Dehydroleucodine is a sesquiterpene lactone recently isolated from aerial parts
of a medicinal herb, Artemisia douglasiana Besser. We have previously shown that
25 and 100 microM dehydroleucodine slowed down onion root growth by 30 and 70%,
respectively, affecting neither cell viability nor cell elongation. In the
present study we analyze the effect of dehydroleucodine on cell cycle phases in
onion (Allium cepa L.) root meristematic cells synchronized with caffeine or
caffeine and hydroxyurea. Synchronized root cells treated with 100 and 200
microM dehydroleucodine present an interphase lengthening of 5.2 h and 8.2 h,
respectively. The S/​phase length, estimated by [3H]thymidine incorporation
assay, was 6 h for both control roots and roots that had been immersed in
dehydroleucodine. The peak of [3H]leucine incorporation was observed 6 h after
release from synchronization in controls and in dehydroleucodine/​treated roots,
indicating that protein synthesis in G2 was not affected. Thus, these results
show that dose/​dependently dehydroleucodine selectively induces a transient
arrest of meristematic cell in G2 and that dehydroleucodine can be used
experimentally as a cell cycle suppressor.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11926070 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

235: J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Mar 27;50(7):1904/​10.

Flavonoid and carbohydrate contents in Tropea red onions: effects of homelike
peeling and storage.

Gennaro L, Leonardi C, Esposito F, Salucci M, Maiani G, Quaglia G, Fogliano V.

Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione, Via Ardeatina
546, 00178 Roma, Italy. laura.gen@libero.it

The content of anthocyanins, flavonols, and carbohydrates of Tropea red onions
(Allium cepa L.) was determined by HPLC and HPLC/​MS. Cyanidin derivatives
constitute >50% of total anthocyanins, but delphinidin and petunidin
derivatives, which have not been reported in red onions thus far, were also
detected. The flavonoid distribution in the different layers of the bulbs
indicates that, after homelike peeling, the edible portion contains 79% of the
total content of quercetin 4'/​glucoside but only 27% of the anthocyanins.
Storage of onions for 6 weeks in different conditions, all of them mimicking
home storage habits, resulted in a decrease to 64/​73% of total anthocyanins. The
same trend was verified for the total antioxidant activity, which was reduced to
29/​36%. A decrease in glucose and fructose content correlated with anthocyanin
degradation was also observed. Storage at low temperature seems to better
preserve the onion anthocyanins.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11902931 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

236: Environ Res. 2002 Jan;8