Gastrointestinal toxicity induced by microcystins.

Microcystins (MCs) are produced by certain bloom-forming cyanobacteria that can induce toxicity in various organs, including renal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, and immunosuppressive effects. It has been a significant global environmental issue due to its harm to the aquatic environment and human health. Numerous investigators have demonstrated that MC exposure can induce a widespread epidemic of enterogastritis with symptoms similar to food poisoning in areas close to lakes.

[Research in the relation between telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in spermatogenic cells and serum levels of estradiol of fluorotic rats].

Objective: To study the relation between telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activity expression in spermatogenic cells and serum levels of estradiol of fluorotic rats.

Methods: We randomly divided thirty SD male rats into control group, low-dose group and high-dose group, then inject sodium fluoride (0, 10, 20 mg/kg bw) into celiac of rats. We respectively observed changes of estrogen and TERT using methods of radioimmunoassay, in situ hybridization.

[Investigation of algae pollution in Xiliu Lake and identification of toxic cyanobacteria by whole-cell PCR].

Objective: To investigate the contaminative condition of the floating algae (especially toxic cyanobacteria) in Xiliu Lake, and establish a whole-cell PCR method for identifying the toxic cyanobacteria.

Methods: The surface water of Xiliu Lake was sampled by plastic sampler from March, 2004, and the number of algae was counted by using blood cell counter. The phycocyanin intergenic spacer region (PC-IGS) and microcystin synthetase gene B (mcyB) were identified by whole-cell PCR in water samples, and the amplified product of mcyB was inserted into T vector and sequenced.