1.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
2.Improvement effects and mechanism of Achyranthes bidentata total saponins extract on vascular endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Ruifeng LIANG ; Wenjing GE ; Xiaobo KOU ; Ping TIAN ; Hongzhi AN ; Zheng WEI ; Mingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):331-337
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Achyranthes bidentata total saponins (ABS) extract on vascular endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) based on cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A)/20-hydroxyeicosatetetraenoic acid (20-HETE)/G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GPR75) axis. METHODS Ten Wistar- Kyoto rats were taken as the normal control group. Forty SHR were first stratified by systolic blood pressure and then, within each stratum, randomly assigned using a random-number table to the model group (MOD group), captopril positive control group (CAP group, 10 mg/kg), ABS low- and high-dose extract groups (ABS-L group, ABS-H group, 60 and 120 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Animals in each group were given the corresponding drug or equal volume of pure water by gavage, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. After the last administration, systolic blood pressure of rats was measured. The levels of vasoactive substances, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators in serum were measured. The pathological changes of rat thoracic aorta were observed. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aortic tissue was analyzed. The expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), CYP4A, GPR75, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphorylated NF-κB p65, p22phox, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4(NOX4) in thoracic aorta tissue were detected. RESULTS After 28 d of treatment, compared with MOD group, the systolic blood pressure of rats in the ABS-L and ABS-H groups decreased significantly. The levels of 20-HETE, angiotensin Ⅱ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and malondialdehyde in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the levels of nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Intimal damage of thoracic aorta was reduced, and endothelial cell morphology was improved. The expressions of ROS, CYP4A, GPR75, p22phox, NOX4 and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 protein in thoracic aorta were down-regulated or reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the expression of eNOS was up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS ABS extract may alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in SHR effectively by down-regulating the expression of CYP4A, reducing the production of 20-HETE, inhibiting the activation of GPR75, and subsequently suppressing the activation of downstream NF-κB and NOX4, thereby improving hypertension-related vascular endothelial dysfunction.
3.Investigation on the microclimate of primary and secondary school classrooms in five provinces and municipalities of China in winter
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):158-162
Objective:
To understand the microclimate in primary and secondary school classrooms for the study period during the winter heating season, so as to provide a reference for the revision and improvement of relevant health standards.
Methods:
In December 2024, stratified random sampling was used to select 30 primary and secondary schools and 180 classrooms from the northern regions with centralized heating (Liaoning Province, Tianjin City) and the southern regions without centralized heating (Shanghai City, Anhui Province, and Jiangxi Province). Indoor temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, CO 2 and other indicators were measured on site. Variance analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the differences in the microclimate of classrooms among regions and urban and rural differences.
Results:
The average temperature in the middle of the classrooms tested on site was (16.47±4.72)℃, and the variance analysis showed that the difference between the regions was statistically significant ( F=27.80, P <0.01). Among them, Tianjin had the highest average temperature of (20.43± 2.12 )℃, followed by Liaoning (19.03±2.23)℃, Shanghai (15.33±5.32)℃, Anhui (12.79±1.74)℃, and Jiangxi (11.69± 1.68 )℃. Horizontal temperature difference was 0.90 (0.50, 1.60)℃, the vertical temperature difference was 0.20 (0.10,0.60)℃, the average relative humidity was (44.39±16.16)%, the wind speed was 0.03(0.01,0.11)m/s, and the differences among different provinces and cities were statistically significant ( H/F =40.62, 82.69, 95.06, 55.28, all P <0.01). The average CO 2 volume concentration in urban areas of Tianjin, Liaoning, and Shanghai was 0.21(0.16,0.30)%, and there was no statistically significant difference ( H=4.65, P =0.10). There were grade differences in relative humidity ( F =3.71, 6.21) and CO 2 ( H =14.72, 12.92) in the north and the south (all P <0.05). In addition, the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and CO 2 in the middle of the classroom were 42.8%, 67.8%, 100.0% and 22.2% respectively.
Conclusions
The temperature in the middle of the classroom in the non centralized heating area is lower than the standard, the relative humidity of classroom in the centralized heating area is lower than the standard,and the CO 2 in the classroom in winter is lower than the standard. It is recommended to install heating facilities in schools with low temperatures to increase the temperature and increase the frequency of ventilation in classrooms or adopt mechanical ventilation strategies to reduce CO 2 volume concentration.
4.Evaluation of public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province
Haiyan LI ; Ting CHEN ; Chengyue LI ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Wei WANG ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Peiwu SHI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):153-158
ObjectiveTo systematically assess the public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province, to conduct an in-depth analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, so as to provide scientific basis and strategic recommendations for further enhancement. MethodsA systematic collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province from 2002 to 2023 was conducted (encompassing a total of 1 263 policy documents, 138 pieces of information reports and 631 research articles). Based on the evaluation criteria suitable for public health systems previously developed by the research team, the basic status and magnitude of change in public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province was evaluated. Additionally, normative gap analyses were employed to identify the strengths and weaknesses. ResultsZhejiang Province ranked 4th nationwide in terms of public health governance capacity with a score of 733.4 points (1 000.0-point maximum). The province has effectively implemented the principle of health first (scoring 698.5 points in the assessment of health-first strategy implementation) and attached sufficient importance to health-related goals (scoring 658.2 points in the scientific rationality of goal setting). However, the implementation of inter-departmental coordination and incentive mechanisms only scored 178.7 points, the feasibility of management and monitoring mechanisms scored even lower at only 144.0 points, and the coverage of incentive mechanisms scored 286.0 points. ConclusionZhejiang Province has effectively implemented its health first strategy and attached great importance to health targets, but still needs to strengthen cross-departmental coordination mechanisms and health-oriented incentives.
5.A Case of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex with Multiple Organ Involvement Caused by TSC2 Gene Mutation
Hongli ZHANG ; Jiayuan DAI ; Yan WANG ; Weihong ZHANG ; Wenbin MA ; Hanhui FU ; Chunxia HE ; Jun ZHENG ; Wenda WANG ; Wei ZUO ; Yaping LIU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):60-67
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the
6.Analysis of serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a Chinese pedigree with a B(A)06 subtype.
Dongdong TIAN ; Ding ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Zhihao LI ; Jiali YANG ; Yongfang ZHANG ; Liuchuang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):220-227
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a family with subtype B(A)06.
METHODS:
A neonatal hyperbilirubinemia patient who was treated at Henan Children's Hospital on June 15, 2023 due to "yellowing of the skin and gradual aggravation", and was found to have inconsistent ABO forward and reverse typing through blood type testing, was selected as the research subject. Six milliliters of peripheral blood were collected from the newborn and her family members (grandfather, grandmother, father, mother and aunt) respectively. ABO blood group identification was performed by the blood group serological method. Human genomic DNA was extracted using the nucleic acid extraction or purification reagent BT-01. ABO gene exons 2 to 7 were amplified by PCR. The PCR-specific products that were successfully amplified were sequenced by Sanger method. Taking ABO*A1.01 as the reference sequence, the ABO gene sequences of the newborn and her family members were analyzed to determine the ABO genotype. The procedures followed in this study were approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Children's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2022-K-L036).
RESULTS:
The serological results of ABO blood group showed that the newborn, her grandfather, father and aunt were all incompatible with the forward and reverse typing. The blood group phenotype of the newborn was AwB or B(A), the blood group phenotype of the grandfather was A2B or B(A), the blood group phenotype of the father and aunt were A2B, and the blood group phenotype of the grandmother and mother were both O. The screening test results of hemolytic disease of the newborn showed that the free test detected IgG anti-A1 antibody, while the elution test, direct antiglobulin test and antibody screening results were all negative. The Sanger sequencing results showed that the newborn had variations of c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.526C>G, c.657C>T, c.703G>A, c.796C>A and c.930G>A. Her grandfather had variations of c.297A>G, C.526C>G, c.657C>T, c.703G>A, c.796C>A, c.803G>C and c.930G>A. Her grandmother had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.646T>A, c.681G>A, c.771C>T and c.829G>A. Her father and aunt had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.526C>G, c.646T>A, c.657C>T, c.681G>A, c.703G>A, c.771C>T, c.796C>A, c.829G>A and c.930G>A. Her mother had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.646T>A, c.681G>A, c.771C>T, and c.829G>A.The genotype of the newborn was ABO*BA.06/ABO*O.01.01, her grandfather was ABO*BA.06/ABO*B.01, her grandmother was ABO*O.01.02/ABO*O.01.02, her father and aunt were ABO*BA.06/ABO*O.01.02, and her mother was ABO*O.01.01/ABO*O.01.02. The ABO*BA.06 allele of the newborn, grandfather, father and aunt was caused by the c.803C>G variation in exon 7 based on the ABO*B.01 allele. The ABO*BA.06 allele can be stably inherited in this family.
CONCLUSION
The blood type of neonatal patients with B(A)06 subtype can be accurately determined by gene sequencing technology. If the forward typing is ≤ 3+ agglutination intensity in newborn ABO blood group identification, the reason should be carefully analyzed, and the molecular biology technology and family gene sequencing results should be used to jointly determine if necessary.
Humans
;
ABO Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
Female
;
Pedigree
;
Male
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genotype
;
China
;
Blood Grouping and Crossmatching
;
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal/blood*
;
East Asian People
7.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
8.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
9.Characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity
Xiaolei LU ; Yiji WANG ; Genlin LIU ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunxia HAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Haiqiong KANG ; Bo WEI ; Qianru MENG ; Hongjun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):393-398
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 patients with spinal cord injury accompanied by spasticity from September, 2019 to December, 2024. Their age, gender, cause of injury, injury site, severity of injury, spasticity severity and other indicators were recorded. The relationships between different characteristics were analyzed, and a correlation analysis of disease duration, spasticity grade, injury level, injury severity and age were conducted. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (Z = 0.806, P = 0.420). The proportions of trauma (χ2 = 3.982, P = 0.046) and tetraplegia (χ2 = 10.559, P = 0.010) were higher in males than in females. Trauma was the main cause of injury in both tetraplegia and paraplegia patients; the proportion of tetraplegia was higher than paraplegia in trauma patients, while paraplegia was higher than tetraplegia in non-trauma patients (χ2 = 11.885, P < 0.001). Patients with tetraplegia was dominated by incomplete injury, whereas patients with paraplegia was dominated by complete injury (χ2 = 10.885, P = 0.012). Grade A injury was predominant in trauma patients (P = 0.003). Spasticity grade showed a very weak positive correlation with disease duration (r = 0.175, P = 0.032) and age (r = 0.168, P = 0.040). Injury severity showed a very weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.183, P = 0.025). ConclusionCharacteristics of patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity is different with gender, cause of injury, injury level, injury severity.
10.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.


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