1.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.
2.Obesogenic effects of perinatal bisphenol AF exposure on prepubertal male offspring rats
Xi LIU ; Zhengli YANG ; Xueqing CHENG ; Jun YANG ; Jing XU ; Xinyu HONG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):139-145
ObjectiveTo investigate the disruptive effects of perinatal exposure to the environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol AF (BPAF) on hepatic lipid metabolism in prepubertal (postnatal day 21, PND21) male offspring rats, and to provide scientific evidence for assessing the obesogenic effect of BPAF. MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats aged 8 weeks were used in this study. Pregnant rats were divided into BPAF dose groups (2, 10, 50 mg·kg⁻¹) and a vehicle control group (corn oil), with 6 confirmed pregnant females per group. Gavage administration started from gestational day 0 and continued until the end of lactation. At PND21, one male offspring per litter was randomly selected. Serum concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin (LEP), free fatty acid (FFA), as well as oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. Pathological changes in liver and adipose tissues were evaluated, and the expression levels of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism were measured. ResultsCompared to the vehicle control group, the 50 mg·kg⁻¹ group showed significantly increased serum LEP and MDA levels in male offspring (P<0.05), and significant upregulation of hepatic lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), fatty acid synthetase (Fas), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparg) gene expression (P<0.05). The 2 mg·kg⁻¹ group exhibited a significant increase in adipocyte length (P<0.05), while the 50 mg·kg⁻¹ group showed significant increases in both adipocyte area and length (P<0.05). No significant abnormalities were observed in liver histopathological examination. ConclusionPerinatal exposure to 50 mg·kg⁻1 BPAF induced adipocyte hypertrophy, elevated leptin levels, upregulation of lipid synthesis gene expression, and enhanced oxidative stress in prepubertal male offspring, suggesting that BPAF may exert environmental obesogenic effects by disrupting lipid metabolism pathways.
3.Effects of galangin on rheumatoid arthritis in rats by regulating the JAK3/STAT3 pathway
Yan HUANG ; Weiming WANG ; Haiying LIU ; Yi ZHAN ; Xi CHEN ; Dehong YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):764-769
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of galangin on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats by regulating the Janus kinase 3 (JAK3)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. METHODS Fifty male SD rats were taken, and an emulsion composed of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and Freund’s complete adjuvant was injected subcutaneously to establish an induced arthritis model. The rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group, low, medium and high dose groups of galangin (1, 5, 15 mg/kg), and methotrexate group (positive control, 2 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were taken as the normal group. Starting from the 15th day of modeling, each group of rats was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution or normal saline containing 0.5% Tween 80 once a day for 28 consecutive days. The arthritis index (AI) scores and paw volume of rats were compared before and after gavage administration. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-4 and IL-10 were determined, the pathological changes in ankle joint synovial tissue were observed, and the protein expressions of UNC-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, JAK3, phosphorylated JAK3 (p-JAK3), STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in the synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected, as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes such as cellular proliferation of ankle joint synovial tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells in rats of each administration group showed improvement. Moreover, their AI scores and paw pad volumes (on day 28 after gavage), the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, the protein expression of Bcl-2, and the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The levels of IL-4 and IL-10, the protein expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1, Bax, caspase-3 and LC3, as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas, were all significantly increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the effect of galangin was in a dose-dependent manner ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Galangin can induce sustained autophagy in synovial tissue cells of RA rats, promote cell apoptosis, inhibit synovial cell proliferation, and alleviate persistent inflammatory responses. The above anti-RA effects may be related to the inhibition of the JAK3/STAT3 pathway.
4.Analysis and prediction of incidence trend of liver cirrhosis caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in China in 1990 - 2021
Xi LIU ; Yamei LI ; Tiancheng ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):7-11
Objective To investigate the incidence trends and influencing factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) -related cirrhosis in China, predict future disease burden, and provide evidence for public health prevention strategies. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, we employed joinpoint regression analysis to analyze NAFLD-related cirrhosis trends in China from 1990 to 2021, quantified influencing factors using age-period-cohort modeling, and predicted future incidence through Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis. Results The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) of NAFLD-related cirrhosis showed a persistent increase from 1990 to 2021, with annual percentage changes (APCs) of 0.70% for male and 0.79% for female(both P<0.05). Age-effects revealed a U-shaped variation pattern, peaking in the 60-69 age group. Period effects indicated an incidence peak during 2017-2021. Cohort effects showed the most prominent risk in the 1992-1996 birth cohort. Projections suggested ASIR would further increase to 578.40 and 930.61 per 100 000 population for males and females, respectively, by 2030. Conclusions The disease burden of NAFLD-related cirrhosis continues to worsen in China, with future incidence rates projected to keep rising. Priority attention should be given to middle-aged and elderly populations and sex differences, with targeted prevention and control measures needing to be developed.
5.Epidemic characteristics and disease burden of brucellosis in Tongliao City in 2018 - 2023
Shanhong LIU ; Tu BA ; Li MA ; Na GUAN ; Lin XI ; Na TA
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):74-78
Objective To comprehensively analyze the current epidemic characteristics and disease burden of brucellosis in Tongliao City, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control strategy of brucellosis in Tongliao City. Methods The report data of brucellosis in Tongliao City from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Descriptive methods were used for data analysis, and the disability-adjusted life years and indirect economic losses were calculated. Results From 2018 to 2023, a total of 22 034 cases were reported in Tongliao City, with an average annual incidence of 136.17/100 000. The incidence was statistically different between men and women ( χ2=12.23, P=0.032). The majority of cases were farmers (94.25%), followed by herdsmen (1.67%). The age group was concentrated between 30-60 years old (79.30%), among which the majority of cases were in the 40-50 years group (6 883/22 034). The onset time had seasonal characteristics, and the peak period was from March to August (the seasonal index was between 115.40%-151.29%). In terms of regional distribution, cases were reported in all counties (banners). The average annual incidence was highest in Kulun Banner (233.85/100 000) and Zalut Banner (210.13/100 000), and lowest in Keerqin District (42.28/100 000) and Holingol City (31.87/100 000). The analysis of disease burden showed that a total of 677.55 person-years (YLD) were lost from 2018 to 2023, with an average annual loss of 112.92 person-years. The total indirect economic loss was 59.3576 million yuan, with an average annual loss of 9.892 9 million yuan, and the people over 60 years old had the lowest annual loss. Conclusion The overall brucellosis epidemic in Tongliao City has shown a fluctuating downward trend. The epidemic prevention and control should be strengthened in farmers, people aged 40-50 years old, and areas such as Zalut Banner and Kulun Banner to further control the epidemic of brucellosis.
6.Mechanisms of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription in Regulating USP51 to Inhibit Progression of Poorly Cohesive Gastric Carcinoma
Sitian LIN ; Yuanjie LIU ; Yi YIN ; Shenlin LIU ; Xi ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):97-111
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng prescription (JPYZXZ) treats poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma (PC-GC) through regulation of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 51 (USP51). MethodsIn vitro experiments: Cell viability and proliferation of PC-GC cell lines (MKN-45 and HGC-27) treated with different concentrations of JPYZXZ (2, 4, 6 g·L-1) were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell migration was evaluated by wound healing (scratch) and Transwell assays. The mRNA and protein expression levels of USP51, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (e.g., E-cadherin) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Subsequently, stable MKN-45 and HGC-27 cell lines with USP51 knockdown (sh-USP51) and overexpression (oe-USP51) were constructed. Their migration ability and EMT-related protein expression were further evaluated by scratch assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo experiments: A subcutaneous xenograft model of MKN-45 human gastric cancer was established in BALB/c nude mice. Thirty mice were randomly divided into six groups (NC, NC + JPYZXZ, sh-USP51, sh-USP51 + JPYZXZ, oe-USP51, and oe-USP51 + JPYZXZ), with five mice in each group. After successful modeling, mice in the treatment groups were administered JPYZXZ (30 g·kg-1) by gavage for 28 days. Body weight and tumor volume were monitored during the experiment. The expression levels of USP51 and EMT-related proteins in tumor tissues were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the colony formation rate, wound healing rate, and number of migrated cells in MKN-45 and HGC-27 cells were significantly reduced in all JPYZXZ groups and the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of USP51 were decreased (P<0.05). The expression of ZEB1 and mesenchymal phenotype proteins (e.g., N-cadherin and vimentin) was reduced (P<0.05), whereas the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, USP51 expression was decreased in the sh-USP51 group and increased in the oe-USP51 group (P<0.05). Compared with the NC group, USP51 knockdown significantly reduced the migration and proliferation of gastric cancer cells (P<0.01), decreased the expression of ZEB1 and EMT-related proteins, and increased E-cadherin expression (P<0.05). In vivo results showed that JPYZXZ significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice (P<0.05) and markedly reversed the abnormal expression of EMT-related proteins in tumor tissues (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanisms of JPYZXZ in PC-GC may be associated with inhibition of the EMT process via regulation of the USP51-ZEB1 signaling pathway.
7.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
8.Cross lagged analysis of association between problematic short video use and executive function among primary school students
WANG Wei, LIU Mengyu, HUANG Ke
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):490-493
Objective:
To explore the association between problematic short video use (PSVU) and executive function among students in grades 3 to 6 of primary school, so as to provide references for intervening in primary school students PSVU.
Methods:
In September 2024 (T1), using a convenience sampling method, 520 students in grades 3 to 6 from a primary school in Xi an City of Shaanxi Province were selected as research subjects. They were followed up at three time points: T1, T2 (January 2025), and T3 (May 2025) using an adapted version of the Internet Addiction Test and Questionnaire of Executive Functioning of Chinese. Pearson correlation and cross lagged model were used to analyze the correlation between PSVU and executive function among primary school students at each time point.
Results:
The mean PSVU scores of primary school students at T1-T3 were (35.51±12.46, 34.86± 12.64 , 35.16±13.37) respectively, and the mean executive function scores were (68.31±12.95, 64.92±12.99, 66.58±14.13) respectively. Correlation analysis results indicated that PSVU scores and executive function scores were positively correlated in all three measurements ( r =0.26~0.62, all P <0.01). Cross lagged analysis results showed that executive function scores at T1 could positively predict PSVU scores at T2 ( β =0.21), and executive function scores at T2 could positively predict PSVU scores at T3 ( β = 0.20) (both P <0.01).
Conclusion
The level of executive function in students from grades 3 to 6 of primary school can unidirectionally predict the severity of their PSVU.
9.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.
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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