Human ; Metals, Heavy ; Tobacco ; Tobacco Products

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preparation of nano-silver acupuncture needles and evaluate the appearance, structure and properties. METHODS: Stainless steel acupuncture needles were pretreated by polishing with sandpaper and cleaning with ultrapure water and absolute ethanol. As the working electrodes, the needles were placed in an electrolyte solution contained silver nitrate (AgNO₃), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); and the silver nanoparticles were deposited at a constant voltage of -0.2 V for 1 200 s. The heat-treatment was conducted at 600 ℃ for 15 min in an argon atmosphere to strengthen the adhesion between the nanoparticles and the substrate. The surface appearance and structure of nano-silver acupuncture needles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and biocompatibility of the needles were evaluated. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the sample were assessed using the CCK-8 assay. According to the national standard, Acupuncture Needles (GB 2024-2016), the other physicochemical performances of nano-silver acupuncture needles were tested. RESULTS: ①By controlling the AgNO₃ concentration and the molar ratio of AgNO₃ to PVP, it was found that at an AgNO₃ concentration of 2 mmol/L and a molar ratio of 5∶1, silver nanoparticles with the diameter of 50-100 nm, regular appearance, and uniform distribution were obtained. At a lower concentration, the size of silver nanoparticles was smaller and unevenly distributed particles, whereas a higher concentration tended to produce a dendritic structure. ②By sandpaper polishing, acid etching pretreatment, and heat-treatment at 600 ℃ under argon for 15 min, the adhesion of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the needle body was strengthened, and the simulated pig skin puncture test showed the intact coating without shedding. ③SEM found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly deposited, forming a nanofilm approximately 1.5 μm thick; XRD analysis showed the diffraction peaks corresponding to cubic crystal silver (111), (200), (220) and (311); and XPS detected characteristic peaks of Ag 3d3/2 and Ag 3d5/2, confirming the successful deposition and good crystallinity of the silver nanoparticles. ④Resistivity measurements indicated that the nano-silver acupuncture needles exhibited a resistivity of approximately 0.15 Ω·cm, about three times lower than that of unmodified stainless steel needles. The infrared thermography demonstrated that their thermal conductivity was superior to that of traditional acupuncture needles. In vitro CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay showed that the nano-silver acupuncture needles had no adverse effects on human skin fibroblasts and possessed good biocompatibility. ⑤ The key parameters such as needle tip performance, hardness, and the adhesion between the needle body and handle were in compliance with the requirements in Acupuncture Needles (GB 2024-2016), ensuring a quality guarantee provided for clinical applications. CONCLUSION The preparation of nano-silver acupuncture needles effectively overcomes the insufficient toughness of traditional silver needles and improves the electrical and thermal conductivity of stainless acupuncture needles.
Silver/chemistry* ; Needles ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Humans ; Electric Conductivity ; Animals

BACKGROUND: Iron deposition plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the distribution pattern of iron deposition in the subcortical nuclei has been inconsistent across previous studies. We aimed to assess the difference patterns of iron deposition detected by quantitative iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with PD and patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APSs), and between patients with PD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies investigating the iron content in PD patients using the iron-sensitive MRI techniques (R2 * and quantitative susceptibility mapping [QSM]), up until May 1, 2023. The quality assessment of case-control and cohort studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, whereas diagnostic studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Standardized mean differences and summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for iron content, using a random effects model. We also conducted the subgroup-analysis based on the MRI sequence and meta-regression. RESULTS: Seventy-seven studies with 3192 PD, 209 multiple system atrophy (MSA), 174 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and 2447 HCs were included. Elevated iron content in substantia nigra (SN) pars reticulata ( P <0.001) and compacta ( P <0.001), SN ( P <0.001), red nucleus (RN, P <0.001), globus pallidus ( P <0.001), putamen (PUT, P = 0.021), and thalamus ( P = 0.029) were found in PD patients compared with HCs. PD patients showed lower iron content in PUT ( P <0.001), RN ( P = 0.003), SN ( P = 0.017), and caudate nucleus ( P = 0.017) than MSA patients, and lower iron content in RN ( P = 0.001), PUT ( P <0.001), globus pallidus ( P = 0.004), SN ( P = 0.015), and caudate nucleus ( P = 0.001) than PSP patients. The highest diagnostic accuracy distinguishing PD from HCs was observed in SN (AUC: 0.85), and that distinguishing PD from MSA was found in PUT (AUC: 0.90). In addition, the best diagnostic performance was achieved in the RN for distinguishing PD from PSP (AUC: 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative iron-sensitive MRI could quantitatively detect the iron content of subcortical nuclei in PD and APSs, while it may be insufficient to accurately diagnose PD. Future studies are needed to explore the role of multimodal MRI in the diagnosis of PD. REGISTRISION PROSPERO (CRD42022344413).
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Iron/metabolism*

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed cell death process driven by reactive oxygen species-mediated lipid peroxidation, is regulated by several metabolic processes, including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox system. Macrophages are a group of innate immune cells that are widely distributed throughout the body, and play pivotal roles in maintaining metabolic balance by its phagocytic and efferocytotic effects. There is a profound association between the biological functions of macrophage and ferroptosis. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate three key aspects of the unique relationship between macrophages and ferroptosis, including macrophage metabolism and their regulation of cellular ferroptosis; ferroptotic stress that modulates functions of macrophage and promotion of inflammation; and the effects of macrophage ferroptosis and its role in diseases. Finally, we also summarize the possible mechanisms of macrophages in regulating the ferroptosis process at the global and local levels, as well as the role of ferroptosis in the macrophage-mediated inflammatory process, to provide new therapeutic insights for a variety of diseases.
Ferroptosis/physiology* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Humans ; Animals ; Iron/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Lipid Peroxidation/physiology* ; Inflammation/metabolism*

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in China, with its morbidity and mortality continue to rise. Ferroptosis, a unique form of iron-dependent cell death, plays a major role in many heart diseases. The classical mechanisms of ferroptosis include iron metabolism disorder, oxidative antioxidant imbalance and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have found many additional mechanisms of ferroptosis, such as coenzyme Q10, ferritinophagy, lipid autophagy, mitochondrial metabolism disorder, and the regulation by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). This article reviews recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its role in heart failure, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetic cardiomyopathy, myocardial toxicity of doxorubicin, septic cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of ferroptosis inhibitors/inducers as therapeutic targets for heart diseases, suggesting that ferroptosis may be an important intervention target of heart diseases.
Ferroptosis/physiology* ; Humans ; Heart Diseases/physiopathology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/physiology* ; Animals ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/physiopathology* ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Iron/metabolism* ; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/physiopathology* ; Ubiquinone/analogs & derivatives*

Nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) acts as a selective cargo receptor that binds to ferritin, a cytoplasmic iron storage complex. By mediating ferritinophagy, NCOA4 regulates iron metabolism and releases free iron in the body, thus playing a crucial role in a variety of biological processes, including growth, development, and metabolism. Recent studies have shown that NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy is closely associated with the occurrence and development of iron metabolism-related diseases, such as liver fibrosis, renal cell carcinoma, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a number of clinical drugs have been identified to modulate NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, significantly affecting disease progression and treatment efficacy. This paper aims to review the current research progress on the role of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in related diseases, in order to provide new ideas for targeted clinical therapy.
Humans ; Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/physiology* ; Ferritins/metabolism* ; Animals ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism* ; Iron/metabolism* ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism* ; Kidney Neoplasms/physiopathology*

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of lung zinc ions to pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, lung I/R group (I/R group), lung I/R + low-dose zinc chloride group (LZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + high-dose ZnCl₂ group (HZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + medium-dose ZnCl₂ group (MZnCl₂+I/R group) and TPEN+MZnCl₂+I/R group (n = 8 in each group). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the concentration of zinc ions in lung tissue. The degree of lung tissue injury was analyzed by observing HE staining, alveolar damage index, lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung tissue gross changes. TUNEL staining was used to detect cellular apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to determine the protein expression levels of caspase-3 and ZIP8, as well as the mRNA expression levels of zinc transporters (ZIP, ZNT) in lung tissue. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of lung tissue was detected by JC-1 MMP detection kit. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the lung tissue damage, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index were significantly increased in the I/R group. And in the lung tissue, the concentration of Zn²⁺ was markedly decreased, while the cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio and apoptotic levels were significantly increased. The expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein were down-regulated significantly, while the mRNA expression of other zinc transporters remained unchanged. There was also a significant decrease in MMP. Compared with the I/R group, both MZnCl₂+I/R group and HZnCl₂+I/R group exhibited significantly reduced lung tissue injury, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index, increased Zn²⁺ concentration, decreased ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 and apoptosis, and up-regulated expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein. In addition, the MMP was significantly increased in the lung tissue. Zn²⁺ chelating agent TPEN reversed the above-mentioned protective effects of medium-dose ZnCl₂ on the lung tissue in the I/R group. The aforementioned results suggest that exogenous administration of ZnCl₂ can improve lung I/R injury in rats.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/pathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Chlorides/administration & dosage* ; Lung/pathology* ; Zinc Compounds/administration & dosage* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism*

Humans ; Silver-Russell Syndrome/genetics* ; China ; Consensus

Recent studies have shown that an imbalance in iron metabolism can affect the composition and microstructural changes of bone, disrupting bone homeostasis and leading to osteoporosis(OP). The imbalance in iron metabolism, along with its induced local abnormal microenvironment and cellular iron death, has become a new focal point in OP research, drawing increasing attention from the academic community regarding the regulation of iron metabolism to prevent and manage OP. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), iron metabolism imbalance has potential connections to TCM theories regarding internal organs, as well as treatments aimed at tonifying the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood circulation. Evidence is continually emerging that TCMs and effective components that tonify the kidney, strengthen the spleen, and activate blood circulation can prevent and manage OP by regulating iron metabolism. This article analyzes the relationship between iron and bone, as well as the effects of TCM formulations on improving iron metabolism and influencing bone metabolism, from the perspectives of iron metabolism mechanisms and TCM interventions, aiming to broaden existing clinical strategies for prevention and treatment and inject new momentum into the field of OP as it moves into a new era.
Osteoporosis/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Iron/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Bone and Bones/drug effects*

Metal ion-promoted chemodynamic therapy(CDT) combined with photodynamic therapy(PDT) offers broad application prospects for enhancing anti-tumor effects. In this study, glycyrrhizic acid(GA), copper ions(Cu~(2+)), and norcantharidin(NCTD) were co-assembled to successfully prepare a natural small-molecule, carrier-free hydrogel(NCTD Gel) with excellent material properties. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, NCTD Gel responded to the tumor microenvironment(TME) and acted as an efficient Fenton reagent and photosensitizer, catalyzing the conversion of endogenous hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) within the tumor into oxygen(O_2), and hydroxyl radicals(·OH, type Ⅰ reactive oxygen species) and singlet oxygen(~1O_2, type Ⅱ reactive oxygen species), while depleting glutathione(GSH) to stabilize reactive oxygen species and alleviate tumor hypoxia. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NCTD Gel exhibited significant CDT/PDT synergistic therapeutic effects. Further safety evaluation and metabolic testing confirmed its good biocompatibility and safety. This novel hydrogel is not only simple to prepare, safe, and cost-effective but also holds great potential for clinical transformation, providing insights and references for the research and development of metal ion-mediated hydrogel-based anti-tumor therapies.
Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Animals ; Photochemotherapy ; Humans ; Mice ; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry* ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; Copper/chemistry* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Male