1.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
2.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.
3.Response to Comments on “Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to Predict the Response to Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma”
Shao-Hao CHEN ; Xiao-Hui WU ; Qian-Ren-Shun QIU ; Shao-Ming CHEN ; Jie ZANG ; Jun-Ming ZHU ; Cheng-Long ZENG ; Wei-Bing MIAO ; Xue-Yi XUE ; Ning XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):188-190
4.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
5.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
6.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
7.Effect of Modified Longdan Xiegan Tang on Wound Healing and Inflammatory Factors after Surgery for Perianal Abscess of Heat-toxin Accumulation Syndrome
Qian MA ; Shanhu CHEN ; Yihua SONG ; Yanshang WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):47-53
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Longdan Xiegan Tang on wound healing and inflammatory factors after surgery for perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled design was adopted. A total of 110 patients with perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome admitted to Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2024 to January 2025 were included and randomly assigned into two groups, each with 55 patients according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment + placebo oral administration after surgery, and the observation group received modified Longdan Xiegan Tang oral administration on the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, with a course of 14 days. Clinical efficacy, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, wound secretion score, TCM symptom score, wound healing rate, wound healing time, wound infection rate, inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], wound healing-related indicators [fibronectin (FN), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and prealbumin (PA)] and adverse reactions were determined in both groups. ResultsThree cases in the observation group and three cases in the control group dropped out, with 104 cases actually completing the study. The repeated measures analysis of variance showed that both groups showed decreased VAS scores, wound secretion scores, TCM syndrome scores, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and increased levels of PA and FN after treatment (P<0.05). During treatment and on day 14 after surgery, the observation group had lower VAS score, wound secretion score, TCM syndrome score, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and higher levels of PA and FN than the control group (P<0.01). The observation group showed higher wound healing rate, shorter wound healing time, and lower wound infection than the control group (P<0.01). The comprehensive efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (χ2=5.216, P<0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in patients during the study, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionModified Longdan Xiegan Tang can ameliorate wound condition, reduce inflammatory response, and promote wound healing in patients with perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome after surgery, with good safety.
8.Effect of Modified Longdan Xiegan Tang on Wound Healing and Inflammatory Factors after Surgery for Perianal Abscess of Heat-toxin Accumulation Syndrome
Qian MA ; Shanhu CHEN ; Yihua SONG ; Yanshang WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):47-53
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Longdan Xiegan Tang on wound healing and inflammatory factors after surgery for perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled design was adopted. A total of 110 patients with perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome admitted to Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2024 to January 2025 were included and randomly assigned into two groups, each with 55 patients according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment + placebo oral administration after surgery, and the observation group received modified Longdan Xiegan Tang oral administration on the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, with a course of 14 days. Clinical efficacy, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, wound secretion score, TCM symptom score, wound healing rate, wound healing time, wound infection rate, inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], wound healing-related indicators [fibronectin (FN), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and prealbumin (PA)] and adverse reactions were determined in both groups. ResultsThree cases in the observation group and three cases in the control group dropped out, with 104 cases actually completing the study. The repeated measures analysis of variance showed that both groups showed decreased VAS scores, wound secretion scores, TCM syndrome scores, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and increased levels of PA and FN after treatment (P<0.05). During treatment and on day 14 after surgery, the observation group had lower VAS score, wound secretion score, TCM syndrome score, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and higher levels of PA and FN than the control group (P<0.01). The observation group showed higher wound healing rate, shorter wound healing time, and lower wound infection than the control group (P<0.01). The comprehensive efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (χ2=5.216, P<0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in patients during the study, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionModified Longdan Xiegan Tang can ameliorate wound condition, reduce inflammatory response, and promote wound healing in patients with perianal abscess of heat-toxin accumulation syndrome after surgery, with good safety.
9.Comparative Analysis of Sex Differences Between Cyclophosphamide- and Paclitaxel-Induced Mouse Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
Qiuming ZHONG ; Liping QIAN ; Yuanyuan CAI ; Deqiang LIU ; Wei LIN ; Chunying YU ; Jindong XIE ; Xunli WANG ; Sheng WU ; Biyin CHEN ; Zhen HUANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):677-688
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of sex on phenotypic stability in mouse models of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) or paclitaxel (PTX), and to explore potential mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in female mice. MethodsTwenty-eight wild-type specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice (half male and half female) aged 6-8 weeks were selected for synchronous back hair removal. On the 9th day after hair removal (T0), the mice were randomly divided into a wild-type female CYP group, a wild-type male CYP group, a female negative control group and a male negative control group. Mice in the CYP groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 120 mg/kg CYP, and mice in the negative control groups were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline. Subsequently, the phenotypic changes of the CIA model induced by CYP were continuously observed and photographed. Eleven 6-week-old SPF female C57BL/6J mice underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX group). Following successful surgery, these mice and five XY (Sry⁻) mice bred from Four Core Genotypes breeding stock were used to establish the chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) model using the same protocol. Serum was collected from mice in the OVX group, wild-type female CYP group, and wild-type male CYP group on T7 after CYP administration for steroid hormone analysis by mass spectrometry to evaluate the effects of gonadal estrogen and sex chromosome background changes on the stability of the CYP-induced female alopecic phenotype. Finally, twenty SPF C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (half male and half female) were randomly divided into a PTX low-dose group and a PTX high-dose group. On the 9th day after simultaneous hair removal, PTX was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 80 mg/kg or 120 mg/kg, respectively. Mice from the PTX low-dose group and the PTX high-dose group were continuously observed and photographed to compare the intra-group consistency of the phenotypes of female and male mice. Six SPF C57BL/6J mice (half male and half female) aged 6-8 weeks were used to repeat the construction method of the PTX low-dose group, and the hair follicle histological examination was performed at T0, T4, T7, T14 and T21, respectively, to observe the damage caused by PTX to hair follicle regeneration. ResultsThe phenotypes of CYP-induced male CIA mice are stable and reproducible. There are obvious individual differences in the alopecia phenotype in the CYP-induced female CIA model mice, which may be mainly caused by the differences in the relevant estrogens in the estrous cycle. The difference between OVX+CYP group and XY (Sry⁻) +CYP group disappeared, suggesting that ovarian-derived hormones and XY (Sry⁻) sex chromosome background may be involved in the formation of phenotypic heterogeneity of CYP-induced alopecia in female mice. The mice in the high-dose PTX group and the low-dose PTX group showed a relatively consistent alopecia and regrowth process, and there was no significant sex difference. ConclusionCYP-induced CIA is strongly influenced by sex, and ovariectomy or alteration of the sex chromosome background can improve the consistency of CYP-induced alopecic phenotypes in female mice. PTX-induced CIA shows good phenotypic consistency in both female and male mice, indicating broad applicability across sexes. Taken together, the choice of animal sex in CIA model construction, mechanistic studies, and evaluation of anti-alopecia interventions should take into account the type of chemotherapeutic agent, the study objective, and the required degree of phenotypic stability. Sex should therefore be considered an important variable in model standardization and interpretation of experimental findings.
10.Roles and Mechanisms of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-related Diseases
Xin PENG ; Yan QIAN ; Long ZHANG ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2684-2702
Systemic chronic inflammation associated with advancing age is closely linked to the onset and progression of multiple age-related diseases. This persistent inflammatory state, commonly termed inflammaging, reflects complex interactions between accumulated cellular damage and dysregulated immune responses. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes of the innate immune system that respond to cellular stress and damage and amplify inflammatory signaling. Their sustained or recurrent activation may contribute to the establishment and maintenance of inflammaging. This review focuses on the NLRP3 inflammasome and summarizes its activation mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and pathological significance within the aging microenvironment. Particular attention is given to neurodegenerative diseases, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes, emphasizing shared activation mechanisms and tissue-specific effects. Although initiating stimuli differ among these conditions, several molecular events can contribute to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Priming mediated by nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) promotes the expression of NLRP3 and pro-interleukin-1β, whereas lysosomal damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial DNA release, and potassium efflux can participate in activation pathways. These events are interconnected rather than obligatory sequential steps in every setting. Inflammasome assembly promotes caspase-1 activation, which facilitates interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 maturation and gasdermin D cleavage, potentially leading to pyroptosis. The relative contributions of these processes depend on cell type, tissue context, and disease stage. Within aging tissues, persistent damage signals and impaired cellular homeostasis may favor repeated inflammasome activation, establishing a cycle of inflammatory amplification and further tissue injury. However, the pathological consequences vary across organs. In neurodegenerative diseases, inflammasome signaling is associated with neuroinflammation and neuronal vulnerability; in osteoarthritis, it may contribute to joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration. In atherosclerosis, it is implicated in vascular inflammation and plaque progression, whereas in type 2 diabetes, it is linked to metabolic inflammation and impaired glucose homeostasis. These distinctions underscore the importance of interpreting shared molecular mechanisms within specific tissue environments. The review further discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting inflammasomes to mitigate inflammaging and associated disease processes. Strategies include inhibiting NLRP3 activation, modulating upstream stress and priming pathways, and limiting downstream inflammatory signaling or pyroptotic cell death. By interrupting shared mechanisms of inflammatory amplification, these approaches may offer opportunities for coordinated intervention across multiple age-related disorders. Nevertheless, mechanistic overlap does not imply uniform therapeutic responses, and benefits observed in experimental models should not be equated with established clinical efficacy or evidence of delayed human aging.Successful clinical translation will require careful consideration of disease stage, tissue specificity, treatment timing, and the consequences of prolonged interference with innate immune defenses. Long-term safety is particularly important for older populations and preventive applications. The limited availability of validated biomarkers of inflammasome activity also complicates patient stratification, assessment of target engagement, and monitoring of therapeutic responses. Future research should clarify causal relationships, identify contexts in which inflammasome inhibition is most beneficial, and establish reliable translational endpoints. Overall, inflammasomes represent an important link between aging-associated damage and chronic inflammatory amplification, supporting their investigation as shared targets for early intervention in multiple age-related diseases, while highlighting the need for disease-specific evaluation and rigorous assessment of benefits and risks.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail