Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2025•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04549-2
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a specific type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained easily from adipose tissue (AT). Compared with MSCs, ADSCs are easier to obtain, have fewer ethical issues, and have a higher proliferative capacity, which makes them a promising type of stem cell in regenerative medicine. ADSCs possess impressive capabilities in cell regeneration as well as differentiation, making them promising candidates for injury repair, tissue regeneration and alleviation of inflamed tissues. At present, most clinical studies on ADSCs focus on the treatment of wounds, multiple sclerosis, soft tissue trauma, aging, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, bone and cartilage regeneration, stroke, and spinal cord injury, while its clinical applications in the gastrointestinal tract are relatively few. Therefore, this review summarizes the findings of preclinical experiments, clinical trials, and areas that may require further development of ADSCs in the treatment of digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), colorectal fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis, gastric cancer (GC), gastrostomy closure and radiation-induced proctitis. The review is concluded by discussing the goals for improvement and future directions for ADSCs before large-scale clinical application.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2026•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04851-z
Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease driven by inflammation and oxidative stress. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown protective effects against hyperoxic lung injury. However, few studies have thoroughly examined the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the lungs before and after MSC treatment. In this study, we analyzed the significant DEGs in lung tissues during both in vivo and vitro umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs)-mediated repair of hyperoxic lung injury and investigated their potential mechanisms of action. Methods Neonatal rats were exposed to hyperoxia and subsequently treated with UCMSCs. Inflammatory responses were quantified via ELISA and RT‒qPCR, while Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β expression. Transcriptomic analysis of UCMSC-mediated lung repair revealed 46 DEGs, which were validated by RT‒qPCR, and WB verified the significant differential expression of ALDH1A2. In RLE-6TN cells, Aldh1a2 expression was reduced during MSC-mediated repair of H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury. Functional evaluations were performed. WB further analyzed NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β expression in these processes. A recombinant adenoviral overexpression vector was intratracheally administered to hyperoxia-exposed neonatal rats. Arterial blood gas and RT‒qPCR were performed, and ELISA, WB, and IHC were used to evaluate the impact of Aldh1a2 overexpression on lung inflammation and oxidative stress, focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome. Results UCMSCs ameliorated hyperoxia-induced alveolar simplification and microvessel loss, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress injury, and inhibited the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. RT‒qPCR and WB analyses revealed significant differential expression of Aldh1a2 in UCMSC-treated hyperoxia-induced lung injury. UCMSCs also mitigated H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury in RLE-6TN cells. Inhibition of Aldh1a2 expression exacerbated oxidative stress, upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β expression, and impaired the reparative effects of UCMSCs. Conversely, Aldh1a2 overexpression or UCMSC intervention ameliorated hyperoxia-induced alveolar simplification and microvascular abnormalities, suppressed inflammation, and enhanced lung ventilation and angiogenesis. These findings indicated that Aldh1a2 overexpression inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release. Conclusions Aldh1a2 was significantly differentially expressed in UCMSC-mediated repair of hyperoxic lung injury, and its overexpression ameliorates BPD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for BPD.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2024•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-04111-6
Background hucMSC-exosomes can be engineered to strengthen their therapeutic potential, and the present study aimed to explore whether hypoxic preconditioning can enhance the angiogenic potential of hucMSC-exosomes in an experimental model of POF. Methods Primary hucMSCs and ROMECs were isolated from fresh tissue samples and assessed through a series of experiments. Exosomes were isolated from hucMSCs under normoxic or hypoxic conditions (norm-Exos and hypo-Exos, respectively) and then characterized using classic experimental methods. Based on a series of angiogenesis-related assays, we found that hypo-Exos significantly promoted ROMEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and increased angiogenesis-promoting molecules in vitro. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence experiments in a rat model of POF demonstrated that hypoxia pretreatment strengthens the therapeutic angiogenic effect of hucMSC-exosomes in vivo. Subsequently, high-throughput miRNA sequencing, qRT-PCR analysis, and western blotting were employed to identify the potential molecular mechanism. Results We found that hypo-Exos enhance endothelial function and angiogenesis via the transfer of miR-205-5p in vitro and in vivo. Finally, based on the results of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, and gain- and loss-of-function studies, we found evidence indicating that exosomal miR-205-5p enhances angiogenesis by targeting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. These results indicated for the first time that exosomes derived from hypoxia-conditioned hucMSCs strongly enhance angiogenesis via the transfer of miR-205-5p by targeting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Conclusions Our findings provide a theoretical basis and demonstrate the potential application of a novel cell-free approach with stem cell-derived products in the treatment of POF.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025047
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a complex pathogenesis that was previously thought to involve primarily adaptive immunity. Emerging evidence underscores the role of neutrophils in shaping immune dysregulation and inducing organ damage in lupus. This study aims to investigate the dynamics of neutrophil senescence and its relationship with lupus, an area that remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a significantly elevated proportion of CXCR4hiCD62Llo senescence-like neutrophils in the peripheral blood of SLE patients compare to that in the healthy donors. Increased numbers of senescence-like neutrophils are positively correlated with SLE disease activity and autoantibody production in SLE patients. In addition, senescence-like neutrophils derived from SLE patients exhibit an impaired ability to suppress the proinflammatory activity of natural killer (NK) cells and CD4+ T cells. Further mechanistic exploration suggests that these senescence-like neutrophils might exert their immunosuppressive effects via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under physiological conditions. Our results demonstrate that senescence-like neutrophils could serve as biomarkers for assessing the disease activity of SLE. The compromised immunosuppressive function of senescence-like neutrophils provides a new perspective on SLE pathophysiology and may pave the way for the development of novel therapies.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2026•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025152
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), remains a significant global health threat. However, the licensed Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides only limited protection in adults, underscoring the urgent need for more effective preventive strategies. Recent studies have shown that multi-epitope DNA vaccines are superior to traditional vaccines in terms of immunogenicity, safety and stability. In this study, we develop a multi-epitope DNA vaccine that contains CD8+ T-cell epitopes, CD4+ T-cell epitopes, and B-cell epitopes using bioinformatics tools. These epitopes are derived from three genome-encoded proteins, ESAT-6, Rv2660c, and RpfB, which exhibit stage-specific immunodominance in the early, resting, and convalescent stages of MTB infection. Using reverse vaccinology and computational immunomodulation, we demonstrate that the multiepitope vaccine increases antigen-specific antibody titres, activates CD8+ T and CD4+ T cells, and enhances IFN-γ secretion. In vitro validation studies in HEK293T cells confirm high-yield expression of multi-epitope-encoded antigens, whereas in vivo immunization experiments reveal significant expansion of NK cells and Th1-polarized lymphocytes, with concomitant upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Collectively, these results highlight the potent activation of adaptive immunity through Th1-driven mechanisms and IFN-γ-mediated mycobacterial clearance, which are crucial for defending against MTB.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025010
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), including pigeon breeder’s lung (PBL), often progresses from acute inflammation to fibrosis, impairing lung function and limiting targeted therapeutic strategies. Mechanistic studies on PBL progression are limited by the lack of preclinical animal models and a predominant focus on patient data. This study explores the immunopathological characteristics of all stages of PBL in mice and evaluates the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) during the non-fibrotic stage. PBL models are created in A/J mice through tracheal instillation of pigeon dropping extract (PDE) protein powder. Different doses (0.4 × 106, 0.8 × 106, and 1.6 × 106 cells per animal) and frequencies (1–2 times) are administered to the model. The immunopathological characteristics of PBL and the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs are assessed using micro-CT, pulmonary function, histopathology, cell counts in BALF, HYP levels, inflammatory factor levels, immunohistochemistry, and fibrosis marker expression in lung tissues. The results show that PDE exposure consistently impairs pulmonary function and increases the levels of inflammation and fibrosis markers as the disease progresses. Model mice experience non-fibrotic stages (acute inflammation) from days 0–36, mild fibrosis from days 37–77, and severe fibrosis from day 78 onwards. UC-MSCs, particularly at the highest dose (1.6 × 106 cells), effectively treat non-fibrotic PBL by improving pulmonary function (lung ventilation area recovers) and reducing inflammation and fibrosis. This study successfully establishes PBL mouse models reflecting both the acute (inflammatory) and chronic (fibrotic) stages, and UC-MSCs have the potential to delay fibrosis, providing new therapeutic options for PBL and other inflammation-induced lung fibrotic diseases.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2026•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025086
Liver regeneration is a critical adaptive response to hepatic injury, requiring precise metabolic reprogramming to meet the energetic and biosynthetic demands of proliferating hepatocytes. While the oncoprotein Gankyrin is well-established as a promoter of liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, its role in metabolic adaptations underlying liver regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Gankyrin deficiency in the liver (Gank△Hep/Y) induces hepatic hypertrophy and aberrant glycogen accumulation. Gankyrin expression is significantly upregulated after partial hepatectomy (PHx), whereas Gank△Hep/Y -PHx mice exhibit impaired liver regeneration. This impairment is marked by a delayed restoration of the liver-to-body weight ratio, blunted glycogenolysis, and reduced fatty acid uptake. Mechanistically, Gankyrin activates Pygl and Cd36, key regulators of glycogenolysis and lipid uptake, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of PYGL activity retards liver regeneration. Furthermore, we identify a novel interaction between Gankyrin and FOXO1, wherein Gankyrin promotes FOXO1 ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. This Gankyrin-dependent suppression of FOXO1 leads to the transcriptional upregulation of Pygl and Cd36, thereby fueling hepatocyte proliferation. Collectively, our findings reveal Gankyrin as a master regulator of liver regeneration, integrating metabolic reprogramming with proliferative signaling through the FOXO1-PYGL/CD36 axis. These insights not only elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of liver regeneration but also unveil the therapeutic potential of targeting the Gankyrin/FOXO1 pathway to mitigate hepatic insufficiency and enhance regenerative capacity in clinical settings.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2024•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024088
Cloning short DNA fragments, such as shRNA and sgRNA, is a routine but time-consuming task in molecular biology. Traditional methods require annealing of complementary oligos or PCR amplification, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we report a novel PCR-independent, annealing-free cloning method that enables the insertion of short DNA fragments using a single oligo. The method relies on T4 DNA ligase for ligation and host cell DNA polymerase for complementary strand synthesis. We demonstrate that adding T4 DNA polymerase and dNTPs to the ligation mixture significantly improves cloning efficiency. This approach simplifies the cloning process, reduces time to less than 1 hour, and is compatible with standard laboratory reagents. Our method provides a rapid and efficient alternative for cloning short DNA fragments, with broad applications in gene knockdown and genome editing.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2024•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024073
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a neglected arthropod-borne and anthropogenic alphavirus. Over the past two decades, the CHIKV distribution has undergone significant changes worldwide, from the original tropics and subtropics regions to temperate regions, which has attracted global attention. However, the interactions between CHIKV and its host remain insufficiently understood, which dampens the need for the development of an anti-CHIKV strategy. In this study, on the basis of the optimal overexpression of non-structural protein 4 (nsP4), we explore host interactions of CHIKV nsP4 using mass spectrometry-based protein-protein interaction approaches. The results reveal that some cellular proteins that interact with nsP4 are enriched in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Specifically, the scaffold protein receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is identified as a novel host interactor and regulator of CHIKV nsP4. The inhibition of the interaction between RACK1 and nsP4 by harringtonolide results in the reduction of nsP4, which is caused by the promotion of degradation but not the inhibition of nsP4 translation. Furthermore, the decrease in nsP4 triggered by the RACK1 inhibitor can be reversed by the proteasome inhibitor MG132, suggesting that RACK1 can protect nsP4 from degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which the host factor RACK1 regulates CHIKV nsP4, which could be a potential target for developing drugs against CHIKV.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025080
Macrophages are key players in the pathology of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Existing studies and our previous studies have documented the role of CD206-positive M2 macrophages in the inflammatory process of AAV. Inflammasome activation is a critical pathway through which macrophages release inflammatory factors. In this study, we investigate the role of the inflammasome in macrophages in AAV and explore the role of CD206 in this process. We recruit newly diagnosed AAV patients and disease controls from our department. The expression and localization of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and CD206 in the kidney are determined via immunofluorescence experiments. Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA immunoglobulin G (MPO-ANCA IgG) is purified from new-onset AAV patients with MPO-ANCA and used to treat lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed macrophages in vitro. Our findings reveal that NLRP3 expression is significantly elevated in the kidneys of active AAV patients, accompanied by increased cleaved caspase-1 and N-terminal gasdermin-D (GSDMD) levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In vitro, MPO-ANCA IgG induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin (IL)-1β production in macrophages, which is associated with increased MPO expression and JNK signaling pathway activation. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrates partial colocalization of CD206 and NLRP3 in AAV kidneys. Furthermore, silencing of MRC1 gene, which encodes CD206, reduces inflammasome activation induced by MPO-ANCA IgG. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that MPO-ANCA IgG contributes to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage pyroptosis, with CD206 playing a critical role in this process. These findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying inflammation in AAV and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2024•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024083
LncRNA PRR34-AS1 overexpression promotes the proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, but whether it affects HCC energy metabolism remains unclear. Mitochondrial division and glycolytic reprogramming play important roles in tumor development. In this study, the differential expression of PRR34-AS1 is explored via TCGA analysis, and higher levels of PRR34-AS1 are detected in patients with liver cancer than in healthy individuals. A series of experiments, such as CCK-8, PCR, and immunofluorescence staining, reveal that the proliferation, invasion, glycolysis, and mitochondrial division of PRR34-AS1-overexpressing hepatoma cells are significantly promoted. TCGA analysis and immunohistochemistry reveal high expression of the mitochondrial dynamin MIEF2 in liver cancer tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirm that miR-498 targets and binds to mitochondrial elongation factor 2 (MIEF2). In addition, we show that PRR34-AS1 can sponge miR-498. Therefore, we further investigate the effects of the lncRNA PRR34-AS1/miR-498/MIEF2 axis on the growth, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial division in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. A series of experiments are performed on hepatocellular carcinoma cells after different treatments. The results show that the proliferative activity, invasive ability, and glycolytic level of hepatocellular carcinoma cells are decreased in HCC cells with low PRR34-AS1 expression, and the miR-498 expression level is increased in these cells. Inhibition of miR-498 or overexpression of MIEF2 restored the proliferative activity, invasive ability, glycolysis, and mitochondrial division in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Thus, PRR34-AS1 regulates MIEF2 by sponging miR-498, thereby promoting mitochondrial division, mediating glycolytic reprogramming and ultimately driving the growth and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, in vivo mouse experiments yield results similar to those of the in vitro experiments, verifying the above results.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024170
Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely utilized in the clinical treatment of various cancers. Despite its efficacy, Dox induces numerous adverse effects in humans with significant cardiotoxicity, posing a major limitation to its use. Saussurea involucrata injection (SII), derived from Saussurea involucrata, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties. However, its potential protective effects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remain unexplored. In this study, we investigate the ability of SII to mitigate DIC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms through experimental research and network pharmacology analysis. Results from both in vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that SII treatment significantly improves Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction, reducing pathological alterations and fibrosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, SII has cardioprotective effects by diminishing the inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis triggered by Dox. Network pharmacological analysis further shows that SII downregulates P53 protein expression by activating the AKT/MDM2 signaling pathway, thus attenuating DIC. In conclusion, this study confirms that SII mitigates DIC through downregulation of the AKT/MDM2/P53 signaling pathway, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating DIC.
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026•DOI: 10.12307/2026.21272
BACKGROUND: Patients with cervical spondylosis often exhibit varying kinematic abnormalities due to degenerative structural changes and biomechanical imbalances in the cervical spine. Although previous studies have compared specific kinematic parameters between healthy individuals and cervical spondylosis patients, research on coupled motions and their associated ratios remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in kinematic parameters in cervical spondylosis patients before and after Feng's spinal manipulation therapy. METHODS: Thirty patients with cervical spondylosis and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. Participants completed three standardized motion tasks: lateral flexion, flexion-extension, and axial rotation. Three-dimensional cervical spine kinematics were quantified using stereophotogrammetry upon admission and discharge. The following kinematic parameters were analyzed: primary range of motion, coupled motion range, coupled motion patterns, motion symmetry, motion smoothness, and motion velocity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with healthy controls, patients with cervical spondylosis showed significantly reduced maximal angles in lateral flexion, flexion-extension, and axial rotation (P < 0.05), and significantly increased ratios of coupled flexion-extension during lateral flexion, coupled rotation during lateral flexion, coupled lateral flexion during extension, and coupled lateral flexion during rotation (P < 0.05). After treatment, patients showed significant improvements in visual analog scale score and cervical dysfunction index (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found in maximal lateral flexion angle, lateral flexion symmetry, maximum and average lateral flexion velocity, maximal flexion-extension angle, maximum and average flexion-extension velocity, maximal rotation angle, rotation symmetry, maximum rotation velocity, and average left rotation velocity before and after treatment (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in coupled motion patterns before and after treatment (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the ratios of coupled flexion-extension during right lateral flexion, coupled rotation during lateral flexion, coupled flexion-extension during right rotation, and coupled lateral flexion during rotation before and after treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, patients with cervical spondylosis exhibit increased ratios of some coupled motions relative to primary motions. Feng's spinal manipulation can significantly improve clinical symptoms and effectively restore cervical motor function.
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026•DOI: 10.12307/2026.21544
BACKGROUND: The biomimetic design and functional gradient regulation of bone scaffolds are key to improving the efficacy of bone defect repair. Currently, homogeneous scaffolds struggle to balance mechanical load-bearing and material transport, often leading to stress concentration or inadequate nutrient supply after implantation, thus limiting bone regeneration outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in mechanical performance, mass transport capacity, and cellular microenvironment construction among Primitive (P-type), Gyroid (G-type), and GP composite scaffold structures. METHODS: Based on digital light processing and triply periodic minimal surface theory, a Sigmoid function-driven topological gradient algorithm was proposed to fabricate β-calcium silicate/bioglass radially graded scaffolds with single G-type structure, single P-type structure, and GP type composite structure. The performance of the three types of scaffolds was systematically compared through mechanical simulation, fluid dynamics simulation, and wall shear stress analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Finite element analysis showed that the G-type scaffold had uniform stress distribution and the highest maximum Mises stress, while the GP composite scaffold had the lowest maximum Mises stress and more uniform stress distribution than single-structure scaffolds. The P-type scaffold had the largest maximum displacement, while the GP composite scaffold had the smallest. Static compression tests showed elastic moduli of 2.90, 3.39, and 3.38 GPa for G, P, and GP scaffolds, respectively. Fluid dynamics simulation and permeability tests showed that the GP composite scaffold had a permeability of 3.4×10⁻⁹ m², significantly higher than single-structure scaffolds, and within the optimal range for cancellous bone. The average wall shear stress was 0.86 Pa (max 1.13 Pa) for G, 1.40 Pa (max 2.65 Pa) for P, and 1.01 Pa (max 1.68 Pa) for GP, all within the optimal stimulation range for bone regeneration. These results indicate that the GP composite scaffold, designed with a Haversian-like gradient, effectively balances mechanical support and biological function.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025047
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis historically attributed to adaptive immunity. Emerging data implicate neutrophils in immune dysregulation and organ damage. This study investigates neutrophil senescence dynamics in SLE. We identified a significantly elevated proportion of CXCR4hiCD62Llo senescence-like neutrophils in peripheral blood of SLE patients versus healthy donors. Increased senescence-like neutrophil numbers positively correlated with SLE disease activity and autoantibody production. Functionally, senescence-like neutrophils from SLE patients exhibited impaired suppression of proinflammatory activity in natural killer (NK) cells and CD4+ T cells. Mechanistically, these cells may exert immunosuppressive effects via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under physiological conditions. Our results position senescence-like neutrophils as candidate biomarkers for SLE disease activity. The compromised immunosuppressive function of these cells offers a new perspective on SLE pathophysiology and may inform development of novel therapies. Limitations include small sample size and heterogeneous treatment backgrounds, necessitating further validation. Future studies will address NET release and potential subset markers.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025080
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a life-threatening systemic autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing small vessel vasculitis, with pauci-immune glomerulonephritis being the most severe manifestation. Macrophages, particularly CD206-positive M2 subsets, are central to AAV pathology, yet the mechanistic link between inflammasome activation and CD206 remains undefined. This study investigates NLRP3 inflammasome activity and pyroptosis in CD206+ macrophages exposed to myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA immunoglobulin G (IgG). Newly diagnosed AAV patients and disease controls were recruited; renal NLRP3 and CD206 expression were assessed by immunofluorescence. MPO-ANCA IgG was purified from new-onset AAV patients and applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed macrophages in vitro. Results demonstrate significantly elevated NLRP3 expression in active AAV kidneys, accompanied by increased cleaved caspase-1 and N-terminal gasdermin-D (GSDMD) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In vitro, MPO-ANCA IgG induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin (IL)-1β production, associated with increased MPO expression and JNK signaling pathway activation. Immunofluorescence reveals partial colocalization of CD206 and NLRP3 in AAV kidneys. Silencing of MRC1, encoding CD206, reduces inflammasome activation induced by MPO-ANCA IgG. These findings establish that MPO-ANCA IgG contributes to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage pyroptosis, with CD206 playing a critical role. The study elucidates mechanisms underlying AAV inflammation and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Chinese Journal of New Drugs•2025•DOI: cast_zgxyzz_1236731785313317742
Background: Heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF) is a distinct phenotype with unclear clinical characteristics and prognosis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 1,234 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) from January 2015 to December 2018. After optimal medical therapy, 312 patients (25.3%) achieved recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to ≥50% and were classified as HFrecEF. Clinical characteristics, medication use, and outcomes were compared with those who remained HFrEF. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization. Results: Compared with HFrEF patients, HFrecEF patients were younger, more likely to be female, had a higher prevalence of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, and had a shorter duration of heart failure. They had lower baseline levels of NT-proBNP and smaller left ventricular dimensions. Over a median follow-up of 3.2 years, HFrecEF patients had a significantly lower risk of the primary outcome (adjusted HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.63, p<0.001). However, 23.4% of HFrecEF patients experienced deterioration of LVEF during follow-up, and these patients had a worse prognosis compared with those who maintained recovery. Independent predictors of LVEF deterioration included ischemic etiology, diabetes, and non-adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy. Conclusions: HFrecEF is associated with a better prognosis than HFrEF, but a substantial proportion of patients may experience LVEF deterioration. Continued optimization of medical therapy and close monitoring are essential for this population.