Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, crucial in maintaining normal physiological functions. Recent studies have identified iron ions as a significant factor in initiating the ferroptosis process, a novel mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxide accumulation. The iron metabolism pathway is one of the primary mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, as it maintains iron homeostasis within the cell. Numerous studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in iron metabolism can trigger the Fenton reaction, exacerbating oxidative stress, and leading to cell membrane rupture, cellular dysfunction, and damage to tissue structures. Therefore, regulation of iron metabolism represents a key strategy for ameliorating ferroptosis and offers new insights for treating diseases associated with iron metabolism imbalances. This review first summarizes the mechanisms that regulate iron metabolic pathways in ferroptosis and discusses the connections between the pathogenesis of various diseases and iron metabolism. Next, we introduce natural and synthetic small molecule compounds, hormones, proteins, and new nanomaterials that can affect iron metabolism. Finally, we provide an overview of the challenges faced by iron regulators in clinical translation and a summary and outlook on iron metabolism in ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future exploration and optimization of iron metabolism regulation strategies.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Objective To analyze the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine compound patents for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection(UTI)through data mining technology.Methods The patents of traditional Chinese medicine compounds for the prevention and treatment of UTI in patent announcement module of China National Intellectual Property Administration website as data sources.The statistical analysis platforms of Excel 2021,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 were used for frequency of use,medicinal properties,association rule analysis,and systematic clustering analysis and finally visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2,RStudio.Results Through screening,a total of 179 compound patents met the inclusion criteria,involving 466 kinds of Chinese materia medica,and the top 5 high-frequency drugs were Pugongying,Huangbai,Gancao,Jinyinhua,Bianxu.The medicinal properties are mainly cold and mild;The medicinal taste is characterized by sweetness,bitterness,and bitterness;The main meridians of drugs are liver,lung and kidney meridians.Common couplet medicines included Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Bianxu and the three herb drug combinations included Cheqianzi-Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Qumai-Bianxu.A total of 5 high-frequency combinations of traditional Chinese medicine were obtained by cluster analysis.Conclusion This study preliminarily reveals the compatibility and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UTI,which provides data support for the optimization of clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment system and the development of new prescriptions.

Objective To systematically analyze the changes in clinical indicators including blood leukocytes and neutrophils,liver and kidney functions,coagulation function,lipids,and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies in Graves'ophthalmopathy(GO)patients who had undergone effective treatment with tocilizumab(TCZ)and to explore their clinical significance.Methods Eighty-five patients with moderately or severely active GO who were effectively treated with TCZ were enrolled.Early morning fasting blood was collected and tested for routine blood,biochemical routine,coagulation function,thyroid hormone and antibodies,and basic information such as gender,age,duration of the disease,history of smoking,comorbidities,and medications were also collected from all patients,so changes in the clinical indicators before and after the treatment could be analyzed and correlation analyses could be carried out.Results Patients with moderately to severely active GO treated with TCZ showed a significant decrease in absolute blood leukocyte and neutrophil values compared with before,and a significant decrease in liver function(alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine),cholesterol(total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein)levels were significantly higher than before,and concentrations of coagulation parameters[prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer]were significantly decreased.The concentrations of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly,and the antibody titer of thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAB)was significantly down-regulated after treatment.TRAB levels were significantly correlated with FIB before treatment.Conclusion Thyroid function and antibody levels improved after TCZ treatment in patients with moderately to severely active GO,but blood leukocytes,liver function and coagulation function changed significantly compared with before.The results of this study confirm the therapeutic effect of TCZ on immune disorders in GO ophthalmopathy,while underscoring the importance of monitoring potential adverse effects in clinical treatment.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of dietary hesperidin and naringin on ather-osclerosis in rabbits.Twenty-four adult healthy male New Zealand Large White rabbits were ran-domly assigned to four groups based on one factor:control(Con),model(Mod),hesperidin(HP),and naringenin(NG),each containing six rabbits and housed in solitary cages.During the experi-mental period,the control group received normal feed;the model group was fed high-fat for 30 d to establish the atherosclerosis,(AS)model and continued to be fed high-fat feed;the hesperidin and naringenin groups were fed high-fat for 30 d and then underwent AS modeling,and at a later stage,150 mg of hesperidin(or naringenin)was added to the diets at a rate of 1.5 mg per kg of di-et,respectively,for 30 d.Relative body quality,blood lipids,oxidation,and inflammatory factor lev-els were all assessed.At the end of the test period,the test rabbits were sacrificed to obtain the common carotid artery for histopathological section HE staining,Oil red O staining,and Sirius red staining in order to observe vascular tissue structure,lipid and inflammatory cell infiltration,and e-lastic plate and elastic fiber damage.The results indicated that the relative body quality of the mod-el,HP and NG groups increased rapidly,and the difference with the control group within the same period was highly significant(P＜0.01);The HP and NG interventions significantly decreased to-tal cholesterol(TC)and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels(P＜0.01),while also leading to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels(P＜0.01);MDA levels exhibited a significant decrease(P＜0.01),while SOD levels showed a notable in-crease(P＜0.01)following the HP and NG interventions;After HP and NG interventions,TNF-α and IL-1 were regressed(P＜0.01)and IL-10 was significantly elevated(P＜0.01);Compared with the control group,the model group showed approximately 41.8 and 2.5 fold thickening of the maximal endo-medial membrane,respectively,and the HP and NG interventions showed approxi-mately 13 and 15 fold thickening of the maximal endo-medial membrane,and both of the maximal medial membranes thickened by approximately 1.4 fold;Staining of pathological sections showed that HP and NG intervened to significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration,deposition of lipid components,slight thickening of the endothelium,and intact fibroblastic components.The results showed that the addition of HP and NG to diets could regulate blood lipids and exert anti-inflam-matory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and oxidizing factors,showing significant anti-AS effects,and the two effects were comparable.

Objective To systematically analyze the changes in clinical indicators including blood leukocytes and neutrophils,liver and kidney functions,coagulation function,lipids,and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies in Graves'ophthalmopathy(GO)patients who had undergone effective treatment with tocilizumab(TCZ)and to explore their clinical significance.Methods Eighty-five patients with moderately or severely active GO who were effectively treated with TCZ were enrolled.Early morning fasting blood was collected and tested for routine blood,biochemical routine,coagulation function,thyroid hormone and antibodies,and basic information such as gender,age,duration of the disease,history of smoking,comorbidities,and medications were also collected from all patients,so changes in the clinical indicators before and after the treatment could be analyzed and correlation analyses could be carried out.Results Patients with moderately to severely active GO treated with TCZ showed a significant decrease in absolute blood leukocyte and neutrophil values compared with before,and a significant decrease in liver function(alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine),cholesterol(total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein)levels were significantly higher than before,and concentrations of coagulation parameters[prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer]were significantly decreased.The concentrations of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly,and the antibody titer of thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAB)was significantly down-regulated after treatment.TRAB levels were significantly correlated with FIB before treatment.Conclusion Thyroid function and antibody levels improved after TCZ treatment in patients with moderately to severely active GO,but blood leukocytes,liver function and coagulation function changed significantly compared with before.The results of this study confirm the therapeutic effect of TCZ on immune disorders in GO ophthalmopathy,while underscoring the importance of monitoring potential adverse effects in clinical treatment.

To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of dietary hesperidin and naringin on ather-osclerosis in rabbits.Twenty-four adult healthy male New Zealand Large White rabbits were ran-domly assigned to four groups based on one factor:control(Con),model(Mod),hesperidin(HP),and naringenin(NG),each containing six rabbits and housed in solitary cages.During the experi-mental period,the control group received normal feed;the model group was fed high-fat for 30 d to establish the atherosclerosis,(AS)model and continued to be fed high-fat feed;the hesperidin and naringenin groups were fed high-fat for 30 d and then underwent AS modeling,and at a later stage,150 mg of hesperidin(or naringenin)was added to the diets at a rate of 1.5 mg per kg of di-et,respectively,for 30 d.Relative body quality,blood lipids,oxidation,and inflammatory factor lev-els were all assessed.At the end of the test period,the test rabbits were sacrificed to obtain the common carotid artery for histopathological section HE staining,Oil red O staining,and Sirius red staining in order to observe vascular tissue structure,lipid and inflammatory cell infiltration,and e-lastic plate and elastic fiber damage.The results indicated that the relative body quality of the mod-el,HP and NG groups increased rapidly,and the difference with the control group within the same period was highly significant(P＜0.01);The HP and NG interventions significantly decreased to-tal cholesterol(TC)and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels(P＜0.01),while also leading to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels(P＜0.01);MDA levels exhibited a significant decrease(P＜0.01),while SOD levels showed a notable in-crease(P＜0.01)following the HP and NG interventions;After HP and NG interventions,TNF-α and IL-1 were regressed(P＜0.01)and IL-10 was significantly elevated(P＜0.01);Compared with the control group,the model group showed approximately 41.8 and 2.5 fold thickening of the maximal endo-medial membrane,respectively,and the HP and NG interventions showed approxi-mately 13 and 15 fold thickening of the maximal endo-medial membrane,and both of the maximal medial membranes thickened by approximately 1.4 fold;Staining of pathological sections showed that HP and NG intervened to significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration,deposition of lipid components,slight thickening of the endothelium,and intact fibroblastic components.The results showed that the addition of HP and NG to diets could regulate blood lipids and exert anti-inflam-matory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and oxidizing factors,showing significant anti-AS effects,and the two effects were comparable.

Objective To analyze the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine compound patents for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection(UTI)through data mining technology.Methods The patents of traditional Chinese medicine compounds for the prevention and treatment of UTI in patent announcement module of China National Intellectual Property Administration website as data sources.The statistical analysis platforms of Excel 2021,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 were used for frequency of use,medicinal properties,association rule analysis,and systematic clustering analysis and finally visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2,RStudio.Results Through screening,a total of 179 compound patents met the inclusion criteria,involving 466 kinds of Chinese materia medica,and the top 5 high-frequency drugs were Pugongying,Huangbai,Gancao,Jinyinhua,Bianxu.The medicinal properties are mainly cold and mild;The medicinal taste is characterized by sweetness,bitterness,and bitterness;The main meridians of drugs are liver,lung and kidney meridians.Common couplet medicines included Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Bianxu and the three herb drug combinations included Cheqianzi-Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Qumai-Bianxu.A total of 5 high-frequency combinations of traditional Chinese medicine were obtained by cluster analysis.Conclusion This study preliminarily reveals the compatibility and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UTI,which provides data support for the optimization of clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment system and the development of new prescriptions.