UBC9-associated SUMOylation contributes to β-catenin activation and kidney fibrosis.

Introduction: SUMOylation is a form of post-translational modification that conjugates a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to specific lysine residues of target proteins. The role and regulation of SUMOylation in kidney physiology and pathogenesis are largely unknown. Here, we report that SUMOylation promotes kidney fibrosis by enhancing β-catenin signaling.

B-cell depletion therapy reduces retinal inflammation in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis.

Objective: Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is recognized as a group of autoimmune sight-threatening disorders with complex pathogenesis. This study aims to analyze the pathogenic role of B cells in NIU and evaluate the effectiveness of B cell depletion therapy in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) mice.

Methods: We performed high throughput transcriptome sequence on peripheral blood samples from healthy individuals (n = 6) and NIU patients (n = 12), and reanalyzed single-cell RNA transcriptome data of aqueous humor in NIU patients (n = 5).

Deep learning for the prediction of acute kidney injury after coronary angiography and intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease: a model development and validation study.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered the primary population at risk for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), yet there are few predictive tools specifically designed for this vulnerable population.

Methods: Adult CKD patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention at the Second Xiangya Hospital (2015-2021) were enrolled. The patients were divided into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort based on their admission dates.

Emerging and stirring Amoebic liver abscess in HIV seropositive men who have sex with men in South-Eastern China.

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is rare in Chinese population due to dietary habit. Nine Chinese HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) with occurrence of amebic liver abscess (ALA) was retrospectively studied. Six participants had concurrent HIV/Syphilis and two had HIV/HCV.

Effects of sarcopenic obesity on incident chronic kidney disease and rapid kidney function decline: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

Study Purpose: Evidence on the effects of sarcopenic obesity (SO) on incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) in the Chinese population is limited. This study aimed to prospectively examine the associations of SO with incident CKD and RKFD among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Study Design And Methods: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative longitudinal study of Chinese adults aged 45 and older.

Regulatory role of the mTOR signaling pathway in autophagy and mesangial proliferation in IgA nephropathy.

Objectives: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease in China, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in autophagy and mesangial proliferation during renal injury in IgA.

Methods: The activity of mTOR and autophagy was evaluated in kidney samples from IgAN patients and in an IgAN mouse model induced by oral bovine serum albumin and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection.

Unravelling T-cell dynamics and immune responses in initial and recurrent uveitis.

This study aimed to identify novel serological targets and investigate immune responses in patients with non-infectious uveitis, focusing on differences between initial onset and recurrent episodes. Differential gene expression analysis, immunocyte typing and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene analysis were conducted on RNA-sequenced peripheral blood samples from healthy individuals (n = 6) and non-infectious uveitis patients (n = 12), divided into 6 patients each at initial onset and recurrent stages. Peripheral blood T-cell types were analysed using flow cytometry.

Mechanistic study of celastrol-mediated inhibition of proinflammatory activation of macrophages in IgA nephropathy via down-regulating ECM1.

Increasing evidence suggests that the mononuclear/macrophage system is vital in amplifying the inflammatory cascade in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). However, the pathogenic mechanism of macrophages in IgAN and targeted treatment strategies still need to be explored. This study found that botanical triterpene celastrol (CLT) effectively alleviated renal lesions, M1-like macrophage infiltration, inflammatory factors production, and improved renal function in IgAN mice.

Zotarolimus alleviates post-trabeculectomy fibrosis via dual functions of anti-inflammation and regulating AMPK/mTOR axis.

Objective: Postoperative scar formation is the primary cause of uncontrolled intraocular pressure following trabeculectomy failure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zotarolimus as an adjuvant anti-scarring agent in the experimental trabeculectomy.

Methods: We performed differential gene and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on rabbit follicular transcriptome sequencing data (GSE156781).

Dietary sodium modulates mTORC1-dependent trained immunity in macrophages to accelerate CKD development.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant global health issue linked to dietary habits, especially high salt intake. However, the precise mechanisms driving this progression remain incompletely understood. This study reveals that a high-salt diet intensifies macrophage trained immunity, leading to a marked pro-inflammatory response upon repeated pathogenic exposures, as evidenced by increased renal damage and fibrosis.

microRNAs in kidney diseases: Regulation, therapeutics, and biomarker potential.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by inhibiting the translation of their specific target messenger RNAs. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated changes in the expression of miRNAs in the kidneys throughout the progression of both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both human patients and experimental models. The role of specific microRNAs in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases has also been demonstrated.

A short-term functional recovery comparison of therapeutic plasma exchange and immunoadsorption in severe acute neuroimmune diseases.

Objective: To compare the differential impact of recombinant protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA) or therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on neurological functional improvement and quality of life in patients afflicted with severe acute neuroimmune diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), myasthenia gravis (MG), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARE).

Methods: The retrospective study included 29 patients with moderate to severe disability (modified Rankin scale, mRS≥3) due to acute neuroimmune diseases at the second Xiangya hospital from January 2021 to January 2023. The clinical efficacy of PAIA and TPE in improving neurological function (ΔmRS≥1) and the difference in favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) at three months were evaluated.

Lactylation of NAT10 promotes N-acetylcytidine modification on tRNA to boost oncogenic DNA virus KSHV reactivation.

N-acetylcytidine (acC), a conserved but recently rediscovered RNA modification on tRNAs, rRNAs and mRNAs, is catalyzed by N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10). Lysine acylation is a ubiquitous protein modification that controls protein functions. Our latest study demonstrates a NAT10-dependent acC modification, which occurs on the polyadenylated nuclear RNA (PAN) encoded by oncogenic DNA virus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), can induce KSHV reactivation from latency and activate inflammasome.

A potential defensive role of TIM-3 on T lymphocytes in the inflammatory involvement of diabetic kidney disease.

Objective: The aberrant mobilization and activation of various T lymphocyte subpopulations play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), yet the regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood. Our study is premised on the hypothesis that the dysregulation of immune checkpoint molecules on T lymphocytes disrupts kidney homeostasis, instigates pathological inflammation, and promotes DKD progression.

Methods: A total of 360 adult patients with DKD were recruited for this study.

KSHV vIL-6 promotes SIRT3-induced deacetylation of SERBP1 to inhibit ferroptosis and enhance cellular transformation by inducing lipoyltransferase 2 mRNA degradation.

Ferroptosis, a defensive strategy commonly employed by the host cells to restrict pathogenic infections, has been implicated in the development and therapeutic responses of various types of cancer. However, the role of ferroptosis in oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-induced cancers remains elusive. While a growing number of non-histone proteins have been identified as acetylation targets, the functions of these modifications have yet to be revealed.

Rituximab Combined with Steroid and Tacrolimus Treats Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal IgG Deposits: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Due to the confounding heterogeneity, the therapeutic strategy for proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID) remains to be defined.

Case Representation: We report a 38-year-old man with recurrent swelling of the eyelids and lower limbs, undergoing rituximab combined with steroid and tacrolimus treatment, who achieved an improved renal outcome. Underlying solid malignant tumours were excluded from the diagnosis.

Enhanced STAT3/PIK3R1/mTOR signaling triggers tubular cell inflammation and apoptosis in septic-induced acute kidney injury: implications for therapeutic intervention.

Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe form of renal dysfunction associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying septic AKI remain incompletely understood. Herein, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in septic AKI using the mouse models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Carboxymethyl potato starch hydrogels encapsulated cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks for enantioselective loading of S-naproxen and its programmed release.

A natural polysaccharide-based vehicle is facilely prepared for enantioselective loading of S-naproxen (S-NPX) and its programmed release. Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOF) are synthesized through the coordination of K with γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD). Compared with R-NPX, the CD-MOF preferably combines with S-NPX, which can be confirmed by the thermodynamic calculations.

Comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of rituximab and traditional tacrolimus regimens in membranous nephropathy in China.

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets CD20 and is frequently used in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN). Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and safety of RTX in treating MN in practice and a comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of the RTX and traditional tacrolimus (TAC) regimens can provide valuable insights to aid decision-making by the government and relevant medical insurance departments. We conducted a statistical analysis of medical records from patients diagnosed with MN who underwent RTX treatment between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2023.

Conformal Fabrication of Thick Film Platinum Strain Gauge Via Error Regulation Strategies for In Situ High-Temperature Strain Detection.

Monitoring high-temperature strain on curved components in harsh environments is a challenge for a wide range of applications, including in aircraft engines, gas turbines, and hypersonic vehicles. Although there are significant improvements in the preparation of high-temperature piezoresistive film on planar surfaces using 3D printing methods, there are still difficulties with poor surface compatibility and high-temperature strain testing on curved surfaces. Herein, a conformal direct ink writing (CDIW) system coupled with an error feedback regulation strategy was used to fabricate high-precision, thick films on curved surfaces.

Voriconazole plus flucytosine is not superior to amphotericin B deoxycholate plus flucytosine as an induction regimen for cryptococcal meningitis treatment.

Background: The efficacy and side effects of voriconazole plus 5-flucytosine (Vori + 5-FC) versus amphotericin B deoxycholate plus 5-flucytosine (AmBd + 5-FC) as an induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis are unknown.

Methods: Forty-seven patients treated with Vori + 5-FC and 92 patients treated with AmBd + 5-FC were included in the current study after propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1:2. Two-week laboratory test results and 90-day mortality were compared between the two groups.

EIF2α/ATF4 pathway enhances proliferation of mesangial cell via cyclin D1 during endoplasmic reticulum stress in IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an essential cause of kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Mesangial hypercellularity is an important characteristic of IgAN, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a series of stress responses to restore the function of endoplasmic reticulum.

All-Three-Dimensionally-Printed AgPd Thick-Film Strain Gauge with a Glass-Ceramic Protective Layer for High-Temperature Applications.

A high-temperature thin/thick-film strain gauge (TFSG) shows development prospects for in situ strain monitoring of hot-end components due to their small perturbations, no damage, and fast response. Direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing is an emerging and facile approach for the rapid fabrication of TFSG. However, TFSGs prepared based on 3D printing with both high thermal stability and low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) over a wide temperature range remain a great challenge.