BACKGROUND: Heavy metals are significant risk factors for kidney function. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to heavy metals negatively correlates with kidney function through oxidative stress pathways, and serum α-klotho is linked to oxidative stress. However, the role of α-klotho in the relationship between blood lead, mercury, and kidney function remains unclear. METHOD: This study evaluated the mediating role of alpha-klotho in the relationship between lead, mercury and renal function, using data from the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in U.S. adults aged 40-79. The sample included 11,032 participants, with blood lead, mercury, α-klotho, and other relevant covariates measured. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to assess blood lead and mercury levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure serum α-klotho. Kidney function was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine levels. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to analyze the relationships between blood lead, mercury, α-klotho, and eGFR. A mediation analysis model was used to assess whether α-klotho influenced these associations. RESULTS: We observed a significant association between blood lead and eGFR. Mediation analysis revealed that α-klotho accounted for 12.76% of the relationship between serum lead and eGFR in the NHANES population. Subgroup analysis showed that α-klotho mediated 12.43%, 6.87%, 21.50% and 5.44% of the relationship between blood lead and eGFR in women, middle-aged adults (40-59 years old), without cardiovascular disease and hypertension, respectively. However, α-klotho did not mediate the relationship between blood mercury and eGFR in terms of gender or age. This newly identified pathway may provide valuable insights for the prevention and treatment mechanisms related to kidney function impairment. CONCLUSION We found that blood lead was associated with renal function. According to the results of subgroup analysis, for blood lead, serum α-klotho mediated the association in females, middle aged 60-79 years. The relationship between blood mercury and renal function was not clinically significant, and serum α-Klotho mediated the relationship between blood mercury and renal function without significant clinical significance.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Lead/blood* ; Female ; Klotho Proteins ; Male ; Aged ; Adult ; Mercury/blood* ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Nutrition Surveys ; United States ; Kidney/physiology* ; Glucuronidase/blood* ; Environmental Pollutants/blood*

SoxR, one of bacterial transcriptional regulators, plays a crucial role in bacterial responses to oxidative stress induced by unfavorable environmental conditions. So far, the understanding of bacterial responses to oxidative stress mainly stems from a handful model bacteria such as Escherichia coli and the studies on non-model bacterial responses to oxidative stress are limited. In this study, Citrobacter braakii JPG1, a commonly occurring strain of enterobacteria, was used as a model for the first time to explore the role of SoxR in the responses to aerobic/anaerobic-menadione stress. First, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationship of SoxR based on the whole genome and constructed the soxR-deleted strain (ΔsoxR). Then, the cell counts of the wild type (WT) and ΔsoxR were compared under aerobic/anaerobic-menadione stress. The results showed that the cell count of WT exposed to the aerobic-low concentration menadione (0.1 mmol/L) stress for 24 h increased by 4.2 times compared with that at the time point of 0 h, while that of ΔsoxR only increased by 1.3 times. The vast majority of WT and ΔsoxR cells died after exposure to the aerobic-high concentration menadione (0.3 mmol/L) stress for 24 h, with the cell counts only 29% and 0.2% of those at the time point of 0 h, respectively. Interestingly, the cell counts of WT showed no significant difference between the anaerobic-menadione stress and the control (P > 0.05), and the same was true for ΔsoxR. All these results indicated that SoxR of C. braakii JPG1 only has a regulatory effect on the redox cycling compound menadione under aerobic conditions and enhance the antioxidant capacity. Under anaerobic conditions, menadione failed to activate SoxR. The findings from this study provide new insights into understanding both the physiological responses to menadione stress and the regulatory role of SoxR under different oxygen conditions.
Bacterial Proteins/physiology* ; Anaerobiosis ; Aerobiosis ; Vitamin K 3/pharmacology* ; Citrobacter/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/physiology* ; Oxidative Stress ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

Objective:To explore the differential flora between depression group and control group Based on the GMrepo database of intestinal flora,after excluding the factors such as gender,age,body mass index(BMI),and country,and to further clarify the characteristics of differential intestinal flora in the depression patients with different ages and genders.Methods:The subjects were selected from the GMrepo database with phenotypes of"depression"and"health",and the relevant microbial abundance datasets of the screened research subjects were downloaded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Using the case matching function of SPSS 27.0 statistical software,95 control subjects and 95 depression patients were matched into two groups based on gender(1∶1),age(±5 years),BMI(±1.5 kg·mn-2),and country(1∶1);univariate analysis on intestinal flora using non-parametric tests was conducted to screen the differential intestinal flora with a P＜0.05 under hypothesis testing;Wald's forward stepwise selection method was used to construct a binary Logistic regression model,stratified analysis was conducted based on gender(male,female)and age(≤65 years,＞65 years)and the significantly differential flora between the subjects in control group and the patients in depression group were determined based on odds ratio(OR)and P-value within different subpopulatious.Results:Compared with control group,Paraprevotella[OR=0.661,95％confidence interval(CI)=0.489-0.893,P=0.007]and Prevotella(OR=0.946,95％CI=0.903-0.992,P=0.022)showed significantly lower abundance in the patients in depression group,which were the protective factors for the occurrence of depression.Paraprevotella(OR=0.358,95％CI=0.146-0.883,P=0.026)was identified as the differential flora in the male population between depression group and control group,while Faecalibacterium(OR=0.565,95％CI=0.322-0.990,P=0.046)and Alistipes(OR=0.513,95％CI=0.289-0.911,P=0.023)were the differential flora in the female population.Prevotella(OR=0.654,95％CI=0.476-0.899,P=0.009)was the differential flora among the individuals'age≤65 years between depression group and control group.Conclusion:Paraprevotella,Prevotella,Faecalibacterium,and Alistipes are the characteristic intestinal flora associated with depression,and the changes in their abundances may have significant impacts on the occurrence and development of depression.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-155-5p targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1)in regulating the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcrip-tion 3(STAT3)signaling pathway in renal injury associated with lupus nephritis(LN).Methods Thirty female MRL-faslpr lupus model mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=6 per group):the model group,the antagomir NC group,the miR-155-5p antagomir group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,and the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group.The mice were treated with adeno-associated virus vectors carrying miR-155-5p antagomir,antagomir NC,SOCS1 shRNA,or shRNA control.Additionally,six age-matched C57BL/6 mice served as a control group and received an equivalent volume of saline.Serum blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Scr)levels,renal histopathological changes,and the expression levels of miR-155-5p,SOCS1,phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2),and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)in renal tissues were evaluated.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins in the kidneys(P<0.01),while the expression level of SOCS1 was markedly reduced(P<0.01).Compared with both the model group and the antagomir NC group,the miR-155-5p antagomir group showed decreased levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins(P<0.01),along with a significant increase in SOCS1 expression(P<0.01).Similarly,compared with the miR-155-5p antagomir group and the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group demon-strated significantly higher levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins(P<0.01),while SOCS1 expression was notably decreased(P<0.01).Renal pathology analysis revealed that,compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited glomerular atrophy,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the renal tubulointerstitial region,and partial renal tubular necrosis.In contrast,the miR-155-5p antagomir group showed marked improvements in glomerular atrophy,tubular necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the model group and antagomir NC group.Furthermore,compared with the miR-155-5p antagomir group and the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group exhibited more severe glomerular atrophy,tubular necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusion MiR-155-5p exacerbates renal damage in MRL-faslpr lupus model mice by targeting SOCS1,potentially through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-155-5p targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1)in regulating the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcrip-tion 3(STAT3)signaling pathway in renal injury associated with lupus nephritis(LN).Methods Thirty female MRL-faslpr lupus model mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=6 per group):the model group,the antagomir NC group,the miR-155-5p antagomir group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,and the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group.The mice were treated with adeno-associated virus vectors carrying miR-155-5p antagomir,antagomir NC,SOCS1 shRNA,or shRNA control.Additionally,six age-matched C57BL/6 mice served as a control group and received an equivalent volume of saline.Serum blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Scr)levels,renal histopathological changes,and the expression levels of miR-155-5p,SOCS1,phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2),and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)in renal tissues were evaluated.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins in the kidneys(P<0.01),while the expression level of SOCS1 was markedly reduced(P<0.01).Compared with both the model group and the antagomir NC group,the miR-155-5p antagomir group showed decreased levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins(P<0.01),along with a significant increase in SOCS1 expression(P<0.01).Similarly,compared with the miR-155-5p antagomir group and the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group demon-strated significantly higher levels of BUN,Scr,miR-155-5p,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 proteins(P<0.01),while SOCS1 expression was notably decreased(P<0.01).Renal pathology analysis revealed that,compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited glomerular atrophy,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the renal tubulointerstitial region,and partial renal tubular necrosis.In contrast,the miR-155-5p antagomir group showed marked improvements in glomerular atrophy,tubular necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the model group and antagomir NC group.Furthermore,compared with the miR-155-5p antagomir group and the miR-155-5p antagomir+shRNA control group,the miR-155-5p antagomir+SOCS1 shRNA group exhibited more severe glomerular atrophy,tubular necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusion MiR-155-5p exacerbates renal damage in MRL-faslpr lupus model mice by targeting SOCS1,potentially through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive proliferation of the synovium. Currently, treatment options focus on either reducing inflammation or inhibiting synovial hyperplasia. However, these modalities are unsatisfactory in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes. Halofuginone hydrobromide (HF), an herbal active ingredient, has demonstrated pharmacological effects of both anti-inflammation and inhibition of synovial hyperplasia proliferation. However, HF's medical efficacy is limited due to its poor water solubility, short half-life (t _1/2), and non-target toxicity. In the current study, by using the advantages of nanotechnology, we presented a novel dual-targeted nanocomplex, termed HA-M@P@HF NPs, which consisted of a hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified hybrid membrane (M)-camouflaged poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanosystem for HF delivery. These nanocomplexes not only overcame the limitations of HF but also achieved simultaneous targeting of inflammatory macrophages and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-RA (HFLS-RA). In vivo experiments demonstrated that these nanocomplexes effectively suppressed immune-mediated inflammation and synovial hyperplasia, safeguarding against bone destruction in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Remarkable anti-arthritic effects of these nanocomplexes were accomplished through promoting repolarization of M1-to-M2 macrophages and apoptosis of HFLS-RA, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.

Objective:To explore the expression levels and significance of programmed death factor 1 (PD-1)/programmed death factor ligand 1 (PDL-1) in T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and regulatory B cells (Bregs) in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).Methods:Forty-two URSA patients (as patient group), 34 healthy pregnant women (as normal pregnancy group) and 30 unpregnant healthy examination patients (as control group) were collected for retrospective analysis,all study subjects were from patients who were treated in Taizhou Hospital affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University from February 2020 to February 2022. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression level of PD-1/PDL-1 in Treg cells, Breg cells and [T cells, B cells and natural killer cells (TBNK)] lymphocyte subsets, as well as the expression level of serum Th1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α)/Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10)/Th17 (IL-17) cytokine expression. The patients were treated with lymphocyte immunotherapy, the changes of PD-1/PDL-1 levels were detected at the end of treatment, and the pregnancy outcome was recorded during follow-up. Comparisons between multiple groups were performed by ANOVA, comparisons before and after treatment in URSA patients were performed by paired T-test, and correlation of each test index by bivariate correlation analysis.Results:The expression levels of PD-1/PDL-1 in Treg, Breg cells and T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients with URSA was significantly lower than that of healthy pregnant women(all P<0.01). The expression level of PD-1/PDL-1 in CD4+T cells was negatively correlated with the expression of serum Th1 cytokines Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (The r values were -0.44, -0.85, -0.33, and -0.94, respectively, all P<0.01). The expression level of PD-1/PDL-1 in CD4+T cells was positively correlated with the expression of serum Th2 cytokines interleukin 4(IL-4), interleukin 6(IL-6) and interleukin 10(IL-10)(The r values were 0.55, 0.47, 0.41, 0.33, 0.46, and 0.69, respectively,all P<0.01). The proportion of Breg cells and Treg cells were positively correlated with the level of serum IL-10 expression(The r values were 0.97, and 0.95 respectively, all P<0.01). The proportion of Treg cells was negatively correlated with the expression of IL-17( r=?0.95, P<0.01). The expression of PD-1/PDL-1 in Breg cells and Treg cells was positively correlated with the expression of serum IL-10(The r values were 0.95, 0.36, 0.96, and 0.95, respectively, all P<0.01). There was a negative correlation between serum IL-10 expression level and IL-17 expression level( r=?0.58, P<0.01). After URSA treatment, pregnancy was successful in 23 cases and failed in 19 cases. The expression of PD-1/PD-L1 on CD4, CD8, Tregs cells and Bregs cells in USRA treatment group was significantly higher than that before treatment( P<0.01), but there was no significant change in treatment failure group( P>0.05). Conclusion:The low expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in Treg cells, Breg cells and T cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with URSA results in the immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tregs/Th17, and the damage of maternal-fetal immune tolerance leads to pregnancy failure, which may be a potential therapeutic target.

Renal fibrosis is a devastating consequence of progressive chronic kidney disease,representing a major public health challenge worldwide.The underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis remain unclear,and effective treatments are still lacking.Renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs)maintain kidney function,and their dysfunction has emerged as a critical contributor to renal fibrosis.Cellular quality control comprises several components,including telomere homeostasis,ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),autophagy,mitochondrial homeostasis(mitophagy and mitochondrial metabolism),endoplasmic reticulum(ER,unfolded protein response),and lysosomes.Failures in the cellular quality control of RTECs,including DNA,protein,and organelle damage,exert profibrotic functions by leading to senescence,defective autophagy,ER stress,mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction,apoptosis,fibro-blast activation,and immune cell recruitment.In this review,we summarize recent advances in un-derstanding the role of quality control components and intercellular crosstalk networks in RTECs,within the context of renal fibrosis.

Objective To compare and explore the differences between the eight batches of drugs in the centralized procurement list and the 2018 edition of the national essential medicine list,and to provide reference for updating and improving the national essential medicine list and the national centralized procurement list of drugs.Methods The category,generic name variety,specification,and other information of drugs included in the centralized drug procurement were collected and compared with the 2018 edition of the national essential medicine list,and the reasons for differences were analyzed.Results A proportion of 39%of centralized procurement drugs were listed in national essential medicines.Forty pharmacological classifications were not involved in the drugs of centralized procurement.Only anticoagulant and thrombolytic drugs with dual attributes accounted for a smaller variety proportion than the specification proportion.Conclusion There are some differences between the centralized procurement list and the 2018 edition of the national essential medicine list,which have some rationality,but also some problems to be solved.

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive proliferation of the synovium.Currently,treatment options focus on either reducing inflam-mation or inhibiting synovial hyperplasia.However,these modalities are unsatisfactory in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes.Halofuginone hydrobromide(HF),an herbal active ingredient,has demonstrated pharmacological effects of both anti-inflammation and inhibition of synovial hyperplasia proliferation.However,HF's medical efficacy is limited due to its poor water solubility,short half-life(ti/2),and non-target toxicity.In the current study,by using the advantages of nanotechnology,we presented a novel dual-targeted nanocomplex,termed HA-M@P@HF NPs,which consisted of a hyaluronic acid(HA)-modified hybrid membrane(M)-camouflaged poly lactic-co-glycolic acid(PLGA)nanosystem for HF delivery.These nanocomplexes not only overcame the limitations of HF but also achieved simultaneous targeting of inflammatory macrophages and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-RA(HFLS-RA).In vivo experiments demonstrated that these nanocomplexes effectively suppressed immune-mediated inflam-mation and synovial hyperplasia,safeguarding against bone destruction in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis(AIA).Remarkable anti-arthritic effects of these nanocomplexes were accomplished through promoting repolarization of M1-to-M2 macrophages and apoptosis of HFLS-RA,thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.