Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized by fatty acid overload, secondary chronic inflammation, and fibrosis, has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally. While no effective pharmacotherapy exists for MAFLD, mitigating inflammatory responses represents a promising approach to preventing the progression from steatosis to severe steatohepatitis. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which detects endogenous danger and stress signals, has emerged as a significant target for inflammatory disease treatment, as transcriptional inactivation of its components demonstrates the therapeutic potential for MAFLD. Natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation have shown promising efficacy in MAFLD therapy. This review synthesizes the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and therapeutic targets for NLRP3 homeostasis. Additionally, natural products reported to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome for MAFLD improvement are categorized according to their mechanisms of action. The review also addresses limitations and future directions regarding natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in MAFLD treatment. Enhanced understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation mechanisms in MAFLD and the identification of novel natural products supported by mechanistic research will significantly advance MAFLD treatment.
Humans ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology* ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Fatty Liver/immunology*

Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is one of the most common pathogens in acute viral hepatitis.There are at least eight distinct genotypes of HEV.Only humans can contract HEV genotypes 1 and 2,but zoonotic viruses like genotypes 3 and 4 are mostly spread by eating undercooked or in-fected pork in some affluent nations.As a result,boars,both domestic and wild,are typically regar-ded as primary hosts of HEV.Nevertheless,during the past few years,a growing body of research has demonstrated that a number of other wild ruminant animals,such as wild deer and goats,are also susceptible to HEV infection.Determining their participation in the epidemiological cycle of hepatitis E thus requires an understanding of the risk variables that influence the transmission be-tween wild ruminants and humans.With an emphasis on published serological and molecular re-search,this review offers a broad summary of the body of knowledge currently available on the epi-demiology of HEV in wild ruminants.It addresses potential risk factors that could impact the spread of HEV among animals as well as their potential to serve as a source of infectious zoonotic illnesses.It presents an overview of the most recent developments in the epidemiology of HEV in wild ruminants and offers a framework for HEV prevention and management based on science.

To identify the intestinal roundworms of Eclectus roratus and Psittacula alexandri from the Guangdong region by morphological analysis and molecular biology techniques,and to amplify the mitochondrial genome of parrot roundworms using PCR,as well as to carry out phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of their mitochondrial genes.The results showed that the parrot roundworms identified in this identification belongs to Ascaridia.nymphii and its mitochondrial genome consists of 12 protein coding genes,22 tRNA genes,2 ribosomal RNA genes and two non-coding regions.Phylogenetic analyses showed that A.nymphii identified in this study is located in the same evolutionary branch as the previously reported Ascaridia sp.,is closely related and con-stitutes a separate clade of avian ascarids with pigeon roundworms and chicken roundworms.This study provides important data for the classification,molecular epidemiology and population genetic evolution of parrot roundworms.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of curcurin in the treatment of Osteoarthritic(OA)based on ferroptosis gene through bioinformatics.Methods Through Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)retrieval,high-throughput sequencing data of curcumin in the treatment of osteoarthritis were downloaded.Principal component analysis was used to investigate the changes of principal components before and after curcumin treatment.limma algorithm was used to investigate the transcriptome changes before and after curcumin treatment.The change of signal pathway before and after curcumin treatment was investigated by gene ontology enrichment algorithm.GeneMANIA online tool was used to construct protein-protein interaction network and screen hub genes.The effect of curcumin therapy on hub gene expression was verified in vitro by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Results After curcumin treatment,the transcriptome expression and signaling pathway activity of chondrocytes were significantly changed(P＜0.05).Protein-protein interaction network showed that GCLC,HMOX1,FTL,FTH1 and SLC7A11 were ferroptosis hub genes.The results of ferrous ion fluorescence probe detection and intracellular Reactive oxygen species(ROS)detection showed that IL-1βsignificantly induced inflammation and increased the accumulation of Fe2+and ROS in chondrocytes compared with the control group.Curcumin treatment significantly alleviated IL-1(3-induced inflammation.The contents of Fe2+and ROS in chondrocytes were significantly decreased.The results of quantitative PCR and western blot showed that curcumin treatment significantly changed the expression level of hub gene(P＜0.05).Conclusion Curcumin may affect the ferroptosis process of chondrocytes by mediating up-regulation of GCLC and SLC7A11 genes and down-regulation of HMOX1,FTL and FTH1 genes,so as to have therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.

Objective To clarify the effects of 5G mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure on male mouse fertility and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Healthy male C57BL/6 mice aged 7-8 weeks were randomly assigned to Sham group, 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation group, and 4.9 GHz radiofrequency radiation group, with 16 mice in each group. The mice were exposed to 3.5 GHz or 4.9 GHz mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 42 consecutive days (1 h per day). The sperm quality was evaluated using sperm count, deformity rate, and motility. H&E staining was performed to assess testicular tissue structure by observing the morphology of spermatogenic cells at various development stages, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the thickness of seminiferous epithelium. The sperm mitochondrial function was assessed using sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and testicular ATP content. The fertility of mice was evaluated through fertility rate, litter size, and survival rate of offspring. The underlying mechanisms were explored by detecting the methylation of LRGUK gene and its mRNA and protein levels. Results Compared with the Sham group, there were no significant changes in sperm count in the 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz groups; however, the sperm abnormality rate significantly increased (P < 0.05) and sperm motility significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The structure of testicular tissue, the function of sperm mitochondria, and fertility of mice showed no significant changes as compared with the Sham group. The methylation level of LRGUK gene in the testes significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels significantly decreased. Conclusion Exposure to 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 42 consecutive days can lead to an increase in sperm deformity rate and a decrease in sperm motility in mice, but has no significant effect on fertility, which may be related to an increase in methylation level of the LRGUK gene in the testes.

ObjectiveTo explore the exposure-lag-response relationship between temperature and risk of varicella incidence，and to provide a scientific evidence for early warning and precise prevention and control of varicella epidemic. MethodsDaily varicella cases and daily meteorological data were collected in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2010 to 2022. A distributed lag nonlinear model was used to determine the exposure-lag-response relationship between temperature and risk of varicella incidence. Furthermore， effect of temperature on the incidence risk was determined across different age groups. ResultsIn 2010‒2022， the total number of notified varicella cases was 26 207 in Minhang District， with the highest incidence in the group aged 3‒14 years （50.35%）. The seasonal pattern of daily varicella cases showed a double peak. The large peak was found in November and December， followed by a smaller peak in May and June. Moreover， the distributed lag nonlinear model showed a unimodal curve in the relationship between temperature and varicella incidence. The RR value reached its maximum peak of 1.90 （95%CI： 1.25‒2.87） at 7 ℃. A reverse U-shape was found in the lag-response curves between temperature and varicella incidence. Furthermore， the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence showed a unimodal pattern in the varicella cases aged 3‒14 years. The RR value reached its peak at 11 ℃ （RR=2.89， 95%CI： 1.33‒6.24）. In contrast， the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence in the cases aged 15 years and above showed a unimodal pattern， with RR value reaching the peak at 5 ℃ （RR=2.14， 95%CI： 1.33‒3.44）. ConclusionThe unimodal curve is found in the relationship between temperature and varicella incidence. Low temperature is associated with increased risk of varicella incidence. Children aged 3‒14 years are more susceptible to the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of curcurin in the treatment of Osteoarthritic(OA)based on ferroptosis gene through bioinformatics.Methods Through Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)retrieval,high-throughput sequencing data of curcumin in the treatment of osteoarthritis were downloaded.Principal component analysis was used to investigate the changes of principal components before and after curcumin treatment.limma algorithm was used to investigate the transcriptome changes before and after curcumin treatment.The change of signal pathway before and after curcumin treatment was investigated by gene ontology enrichment algorithm.GeneMANIA online tool was used to construct protein-protein interaction network and screen hub genes.The effect of curcumin therapy on hub gene expression was verified in vitro by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Results After curcumin treatment,the transcriptome expression and signaling pathway activity of chondrocytes were significantly changed(P＜0.05).Protein-protein interaction network showed that GCLC,HMOX1,FTL,FTH1 and SLC7A11 were ferroptosis hub genes.The results of ferrous ion fluorescence probe detection and intracellular Reactive oxygen species(ROS)detection showed that IL-1βsignificantly induced inflammation and increased the accumulation of Fe2+and ROS in chondrocytes compared with the control group.Curcumin treatment significantly alleviated IL-1(3-induced inflammation.The contents of Fe2+and ROS in chondrocytes were significantly decreased.The results of quantitative PCR and western blot showed that curcumin treatment significantly changed the expression level of hub gene(P＜0.05).Conclusion Curcumin may affect the ferroptosis process of chondrocytes by mediating up-regulation of GCLC and SLC7A11 genes and down-regulation of HMOX1,FTL and FTH1 genes,so as to have therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.

Objective:To investigate the effect of radiofrequency radiation (RF) from 5G mobile phone communication frequency bands (3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz) on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice.Methods:A total of 24 healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Sham, 3.5 GHz RF and 4.9 GHz RF groups, and 8 mice in each group. Mice in the RF groups were systemically exposed to 5G cell phone radiation for consecutive 35 d(1 h/d) with 50 W/m 2 power density. The BBB permeability of mice was detected by Evans Blue (EB) fluorescence experiment. The expression levels of the BBB tight junction-related proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-11) and the gap junction-related protein Connexin 43 were determined by Western blot. Results:The number of spots, fluorescence intensity and comprehensive score of EB were significantly increased in 3.5 GHz RF group and 4.9 GHz RF group compared with the Sham group ( t=12.98, 17.82, P<0.001). Compared with the Sham group, the content of S100B in mouse serum was significantly increased in 3.5 GHz RF group and 4.9 GHz RF group ( t=19.34, 14.68, P<0.001). The BBB permeability was increased in the RF group. The expression level of occludin protein was significantly reduced in the 3.5 GHz RF group ( t=-3.13, P<0.05), and this decrease was much profound in the 4.9 GHz RF group ( t=-6.55, P<0.01). But the protein levels of ZO-1, Claudin-11 and Connexin 43 in the cerebral cortex of the RF groups had no significantly difference in comparison with the Sham group( P>0.05). Conclusions:The continuous exposure of mobile phone RF at 3.5 GHz or 4.9 GHz for 35 d (1 h/d) induces an increase of BBB permeability in the mouse cerebral cortex, perhaps by reducing the expression of occludin protein.

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of a norovirus GII.17 outbreak in Minhang District of Shanghai in 2018， and provide evidence for prevention and control measures of norovirus infection. MethodsDescriptive epidemiological analysis was performed. In addition， a retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the risk factors. ResultsFrom May 30^th to June 1^st of 2018， a total of 132 cases （126 clinical cases and 6 confirmed cases） were documented，with an attack rate of 29.20%（132/452）.All cases were children in a kindergarten， with the average age of 5 years and 43.9% being male. The cases were reported in all the classes， with no clustering by class or floor．The epidemic curve was characterized by a point source exposure， which was estimated to be probably between 7 AM on May 30^thand 0：30 AM on May 31^st. The retrospective cohort study showed that the attack rate significantly differed between the children who had taken and did not take the school lunch （RR=∞） on May 30^th，and those who had taken and did not take seafood noodles （RR=4.11， 95%CI：1.09-15.55） （P<0.05）. Among a total of 73 specimens， six specimens collected in child cases and one specimen in an asymptomatic chef tested positive for GII.17 type of norovirus. In addition， one retained food specimen of seafood noodles was positive for Aeromonas hydrophila. Viral shedding in the asymptomatic chef remained over 30 days. ConclusionThe outbreak was caused by seafood noodles contaminated by norovirus. It warrants enhancement in the regulation of food safety in canteens and regular examination of norovirus infection in catering industry employees.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2005 to 2020， and to provide scientific basis for the investigation and prevention of scarlet fever. MethodsWe collected the scarlet fever incidence data through the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention； used SPSS 17.0 to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis； and used EpiInfo to analyze and compare the differences in incidence rates between different regions. ResultsA total of 12 012 scarlet fever cases were reported in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2005 to 2020. There were more cases in 2011， 2015 and 2017， and the difference in annual incidence was statistically significant （χ²=6 023.977， P<0.001）. Scarlet fever could occur throughout the year， but the peak incidence was from April to June and November to January of the following year. The gender ratio between men and women is 1.57：1， and the patients were concentrated in 4-6 years old. The incidence rate difference in 13 neighborhoods was statistically significant （χ²=2 455.516， P<0.001）. The four communities with the highest average annual incidence rate were Xinzhuang Town， Zhuanqiao Town， Maqiao Town， and Gumei Street. ConclusionFrom 2005 to 2020， the incidence of scarlet fever in Minhang District， Shanghai presents a double peak， which matches well the student semesters， and scarlet fever patients are mainly students. Attention should be paid to infection source management and epidemic surveillance in schools and other collective units， implementation of morning inspections and daily disinfection， and other prevention and control measures.