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.

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.

Objective: To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures. Methods: A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test. Results: Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05). Conclusions Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and safety profile of a novel cuboid orientation-guided frontal horn ventriculostomy technique in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Methods:It was conducted a retrospective cohort study of 48 consecutive LHI patients who underwent the innovative ventriculostomy procedure between time period. Primary outcomes included procedural accuracy (success rates, catheter positioning) and safety indicators (complication rates).Results:All the punctured ventricles were small or of normal size. The success rate of puncture was 100%, the success rate of one-time puncture was 87% (42/48), and the average number of puncture was 1.13 times per case. The ratio of well-positioned tube heads was 87.5% (42/48). The actual angle of the inward deviation of the puncture ranged from -2o to 5o, with an average of 0o±0.3o. The depth of puncture was 7.0-8.0 cm ( 7.3±0.3) cm. The incidence of bleeding around the puncture path was 1.3% (2/48 ) and no massive bleeding occurred. At the 6-month follow-up, one case (2.94%) among the 34 survivors had epilepsy.Conclusions:The cuboid orientation-guided frontal horn ventriculostomy technique demonstrates exceptional procedural accuracy and an excellent safety profile in LHI patients, with high first-pass success rates (87.5%) and minimal complications (4.2% minor hemorrhage). These findings support its clinical adoption for this patient population.

Objective: To investigate the association between overweight, obesity, central obesity and hypertension, so as to provide the basis for formulating targeted hypertension prevention and control strategies. Methods: Permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from June 2023 to August 2024 by a multistage cluster random sampling method. Data on demographic information, lifestyle, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. The prevalence of hypertension was calculated and standardized using the data of the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine overweight and obesity, while WC was used to identify central obesity. The association between overweight, obesity, central obesity and hypertension were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 38 593 residents were surveyed, including 19 481 (50.48%) males and 19 112 (49.52%) females. The median age was 46.00 (interquartile range, 26.00) years. The rates of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 32.74% (12 634 individuals), 10.27% (3 963 individuals), and 27.87% (10 755 individuals), respectively. There were 11 813 cases of hypertension, with a prevalence and standardized prevalence of 30.61% and 24.41%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic information, lifestyle, diabetes and dyslipidemia, the likelihood of hypertension in the overweight and obesity groups was 1.927 (95%CI: 1.815-2.045) times and 3.724 (95%CI: 3.404-4.073) times that of the normal BMI group, respectively. The likelihood of hypertension in the central obesity group was 2.346 (95%CI: 2.214-2.486) times that of the normal WC group. The likelihood of hypertension in the central obesity only, overweight only, overweight with central obesity, obesity only and obesity with central obesity groups was 1.586 (95%CI: 1.391-1.809), 1.704 (95%CI: 1.582-1.835), 2.433 (95%CI: 2.254-2.626), 1.768 (95%CI: 1.424-2.194), and 4.466 (95%CI: 4.053-4.921) times that of the normal BMI and WC group, respectively. Conclusions Overweight, obesity and central obesity were all associated with hypertension among adult residents. The highest likelihood of hypertension was observed among adult residents with both general obesity and central obesity.

Aim To elucidate the molecular mecha-nism underlying the inhibitory effect of liquidambaric acid(LDA)targeting TNF receptor associated factor 6(TRAF6)in colorectal cancer.Methods This study employed microscale thermophoresis(MST),drug af-finity responsive target stability assay(DARTS)and cellular thermal shift assay(CETSA)to confirm the direct binding of LDA to TRAF6.Additionally,we generated TRAF6 knockout colorectal cancer HCT116 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,and assessed the impact of LDA on TRAF6-regulated Hippo/YAP and Wnt signaling pathways through immunofluorescence a-nalysis and TOPFlash/Renilla luciferase reporter sys-tem.Co-IP and proximity ligation assays(PLA)were conducted to investigate LDA-regulated TRAF6 pro-tein-protein interactions and elucidate molecular mech-anisms.Results The direct binding of LDA to TRAF6 was confirmed in cell lysates and living cells.LDA promoted TRAF6-dependent nuclear translocation of YAP in colorectal cancer cells,and inhibited Wnt signaling by overexpressing TRAF6.Co-IP and PLA revealed that TRAF6 formed a tripartite complex with YAP and β-catenin in colon cancer cells,where TRAF6 was a key scaffolding protein of the tripartite complex.LDA disrupted the interactions between the TRAF domain of TRAF6 and YAP,as well as YAP and β-catenin.Conclusion LDA regulates Hippo/YAP signaling pathway by targeting TRAF6 and inhib-its colorectal cancer.

Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training(IMT)on weaning outcomes in patients with weaning failure.Methods Literatures in Chinese and English were retrieved from databases such as PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang data and CBM for researches on the effect of IMT in mechanical ventila-tion weaning failure,from the inception of the databases to October 22,2024.The methodological quality of the researches was evaluated with PEDro scale,and data were extracted for a systematic review.Results Nine randomized controlled trials were included,published between 2011 and 2023,from Brazil,China,the United States,Iran and Australia,with a total of 499 patients.The scores of the PEDro scale ranged five to eight.The population included patients with prolonged weaning,difficult weaning and tracheostomy.The IMT methods included threshold load training and tapered flow resistance training.The training intensity was 30%to 80%of maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP),and some researches did not set the training intensity based on MIP.The pro-gression of intensity varied widely across researches.The intervention frequency ranged from five to 30 breaths per set,with at least one minute rest between sets,two to six sets per session,one to two sessions per day,and five to seven days per week.The duration of the intervention ranged from successful weaning,one week after weaning,extubation,or four days to eight weeks.Regarding the efficacy of the intervention,IMT was not benefi-cial for the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit(ICU)length of stay on weaning failure pa-tients.However,the effect of IMT on weaning successful rates,duration of weaning,MIP and mortality was in-consistent.Conclusion IMT can not improve the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay for weaning failure pa-tients,and there is still debate regarding its effect on successful rate of weaning,duration of weaning,MIP and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the anti-photoaging properties of salvianolic acid B (Sal B). METHODS: The optimal photoaging model of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were constructed by expose to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The cells were divided into control, model and different concentrations of Sal B groups. Cell viability was measured via cell counting kit-8. Subsequently, the levels of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyproline (Hyp), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected using the relevant kits. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein level was detected using Western blot. The binding pattern of Sal B and SIRT1 was determined via molecular docking. RESULTS: Sal B significantly increased the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Sal B effectively scavenged the accumulation of ROS induced by UVB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, Sal B modulated oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular concentrations of Hyp and CAT and the activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The Western blot results revealed a substantial increase in SIRT1 protein levels following Sal B administration (P<0.05). Moreover, Sal B exhibited good binding affinity toward SIRT1, with a docking energy of -7.5 kCal/mol. CONCLUSION Sal B could improve the repair of photodamaged cells by alleviating cellular oxidative stress and regulating the expression of SIRT1 protein.
Humans ; Sirtuin 1/metabolism* ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Oxidative Stress/radiation effects* ; Keratinocytes/metabolism* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Benzofurans/pharmacology* ; Skin Aging/radiation effects* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Cell Survival/radiation effects* ; HaCaT Cells ; Hydroxyproline/metabolism* ; Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism* ; Catalase/metabolism* ; Depsides

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has high morbidity and mortality, but effective clinical drugs and management are lacking. Previous studies have suggested that macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammatory response to AKI and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in mediating macrophage activation and polarization in various diseases, but the specific mechanisms by which FoxO1 regulates macrophages during AKI remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FoxO1 in macrophages in the pathogenesis of AKI. We observed a significant upregulation of FoxO1 in kidney macrophages following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856-encapsulated liposome (AS-Lipo), mainly acting on macrophages, effectively mitigated renal injury induced by I/R injury in mice. By generating myeloid-specific FoxO1-knockout mice, we further observed that the deficiency of FoxO1 in myeloid cells protected against I/R injury-induced AKI. Furthermore, our study provided evidence of FoxO1's pivotal role in macrophage chemotaxis, inflammation, and migration. Moreover, the impact of FoxO1 on the regulation of macrophage migration was mediated through RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARHGEF1), indicating that ARHGEF1 may serve as a potential intermediary between FoxO1 and the activity of the RhoA pathway. Consequently, our findings propose that FoxO1 plays a crucial role as a mediator and biomarker in the context of AKI. Targeting macrophage FoxO1 pharmacologically could potentially offer a promising therapeutic approach for AKI.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of Haematococcus pluvialis (HP) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and on TGF-β1-induced human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL1). METHODS: Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis model group, low- and high-dose HP treatment groups (3 and 21 mg/kg, respectively), and 300 mg/kg pirfenidone (positive control) group. The effects of drug treatment for 21 days were assessed by examining respiratory function, lung histopathology, and expression of fibrosis markers in the lung tissues of the mouse models. In TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cell cultures, the effects of treatment with 120, 180 and 240 μg/mL HP or 1.85 μg/mL pirfenidone for 48 h on expression levels of fibrosis markers were evaluated. Transcriptome analysis was carried out using the control cells and cells treated with TGF-β1 and 240 μg/mL HP. RESULTS: HP obviously alleviated BLM-induced lung function damage and fibrotic changes in mice, evidenced by improved respiratory function, lung tissue morphology and structure, inflammatory infiltration, and collagen deposition and reduced expressions of fibrotic proteins. HP at the high dose produced similar effect to PFD. In TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cells, treatment with 240 μg/mL HP significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA and FN. Transcriptome analysis revealed that multiple key genes and pathways mediated the protective effect of HP against pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS HP alleviates pulmonary fibrosis in both the mouse model and cell model, possibly as the result of the synergistic effects of its multiple active components.
Animals ; Pulmonary Fibrosis/chemically induced* ; Bleomycin/adverse effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Mice ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Lung/pathology* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology* ; Myofibroblasts/drug effects* ; Humans ; Pyridones