Radiographic and α-fetoprotein response predict pathologic complete response to immunotherapy plus a TKI in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic complete response (pCR) following preoperative systemic therapy is associated with improved outcomes after subsequent liver transplant/resection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between radiographic and histopathological response remains unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients with initially unresectable HCC who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) plus anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) therapy before undergoing liver resection between March 2019 and September 2021 across 7 hospitals in China. Radiographic response was evaluated using mRECIST. A pCR was defined as no viable tumor cells in resected samples. RESULTS: We included 35 eligible patients, of whom 15 (42.9%) achieved pCR after systemic therapy. After a median follow-up of 13.2 months, tumors recurred in 8 non-pCR and 1 pCR patient. Before resection, there were 6 complete responses, 24 partial responses, 4 stable disease cases, and 1 progressive disease case, per mRECIST. Predicting pCR by radiographic response yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.558-0.902), with an optimal cutoff value of 80% reduction in the enhanced area in MRI (called major radiographic response), which had a 66.7% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity, and a 77.1% diagnostic accuracy. When radiographic response was combined with α-fetoprotein response, the AUC was 0.926 (95% CI: 0.785-0.999); the optimal cutoff value was 0.446, which had a 91.7% sensitivity, 84.6%, specificity, and an 88.0% diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unresectable HCC receiving combined TKI/anti-PD 1 therapy, major radiographic response alone or combined with α-fetoprotein response may predict pCR.

The anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulating effects of taxifolin in C57BL/6J mice fed with a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Taxifolin is a natural dihydroflavonol found in many plants and health products. In the present study, its anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulating effects were studied. C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with taxifolin (0, 0.5 and 1 mg mL-1 , respectively) in drinking water for 15 weeks. RESULTS: Taxifolin supplementation showed no influence on food and water intake. However, it decreased body weight gain, inhibited fat accumulation, and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol level in mice liver. Taxifolin enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice liver, which in turn protected the liver from lipid peroxidation damage. It also improved insulin resistance in obese mice. Metagenomic analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA demonstrated that HFD decreased gut microbiota diversity and caused dysbiosis. However, taxifolin improved the gut microbiota diversity and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. In particular, it inhibited Proteobacteria from blooming, this being a signature of dysbiosis in gut microbiota. CONCLUSION: Taxifolin ameliorated the symptoms of obesity, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in HFD fed C57BL/6J mice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Contrastive analysis of extraction of Polygonatum cyrtonema planting area based on data of "Resource 3"].

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a famous bulk medicinal material which is the medicinal and edible homologous. With the implementation of the traditional Chinese medicine industry to promote precise poverty alleviation, the planting area of P. cyrtonema in Jinzhai is becoming larger and larger in recent years. Jinzhai is located in the Dabie Mountainous area, which is the largest mountain area and county in Anhui Province. The cultivation of P. cyrtonema is scattered, and the traditional Chinese medicine resources investigation is not only inefficient and accurate. In this study,the "Resource 3"(ZY-3) remote sensing image was used as the best observation phase,and the method of support vector machine classification was used. The method of parallelepiped, minimum distance, mahalanob is distance, maximum likelihood classification and neural net were used to classify and recognize the P. cyrtonema in the whole region. In order to determine the accuracy and reliability of classification results, the accuracy of six supervised classification results was evaluated by confusion matrix method, and the advantages and disadvantages of six supervised classification methods for extracting P. cyrtonema field planting area were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the method of support vector machine classification was more appropriate than that using other classification methods. It provides a scientific basis for monitoring the planting area of P. cyrtonemain field.

Knockout of Selenoprotein V Affects Regulation of Selenoprotein Expression by Dietary Selenium and Fat Intakes in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic function of selenoprotein V (SELENOV) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of the Selenov knockout (KO) on selenium concentration and mRNA, protein, and/or activity of 4 major selenoproteins [glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 1, GPX4, thioredoxin reductase-1 (TXNRD1), and selenoprotein P (SELENOP)] in the serum, liver, testis, and/or white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice fed different dietary selenium and fat concentrations. METHODS: In Experiment (Expt) 1, 40 KO and 40 wild-type (WT) mice (males, 8 wk old) were fed (n = 10/genotype) a casein-sucrose basal diet plus 0, 0.3, 1, or 3 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite) for 32 wk . In Expt 2, 20 KO and 20 WT mice (males, 8 wk old) were fed (n  = 10/genotype) a normal-fat diet (NF; 10% calories from fat) or a high-fat diet (HF; 60% calories from fat) for 19 wk. RESULTS: In Expt 1, the KO caused consistent or substantial decreases (P < 0.05) of mRNA amounts of Gpx1, Txnrd1, and Selenop in the testis (≤52%), but selenium concentrations (19-29%) and GPX activities (≤ 50%) were decreased in the liver across different dietary selenium concentrations . Hepatic and testis GPX1 protein was elevated (≤31%) and decreased (≤45%) by the KO, respectively. In Expt 2, the genotype and dietary fat intake exerted interaction effects ( P < 0.05) on Gpx1 mRNA amounts in the WAT; Gpx1, Txnrd1, and Selenop mRNA amounts and TXNRD activities in the testis; and selenium concentrations in the serum and liver. However, these 2 treatments produced largely independent or additive effects (P < 0.05) on the GPX1 and SELENOP protein amounts in the liver and testis (up to ± 50% changes). CONCLUSIONS: The KO-mediated changes in the tissue selenium concentrations and functional expression of 3 major selenoproteins implied potential for SELENOV in regulating body selenium metabolism in the mouse.

Phase evolution of ultra-thin Ni silicide films on CF4 plasma immersion ion implanted Si.

We present a systematic study on the effects of CF4 plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) in Si on the phase evolution of ultra-thin Ni silicides. For 3 nm Ni, NiSi2 was formed on Si substrates with and without CF4 PIII at temperature as low as 400 °C. For 6 nm Ni, NiSi was formed on pure Si, while epitaxial NiSi2 was obtained on CF4 PIII Si. The incorporation of C and F atoms in the thin epitaxial NiSi2 significantly reduces the layer resistivity. Increasing the Ni thickness to 8 nm results in the formation of NiSi, where the thermal stability of NiSi, the NiSi/Si interface and Schottky contacts are significantly improved with CF4 PIII. We suggest that the interface energy is lowered by the F and C dopants present in the layer and at the interface, leading to phase evolution of the thin Ni silicide.

Characterization of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma and High-Grade Dysplastic Nodules on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: Correlation With Histopathologic Findings.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the enhancement features of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, including well-differentiated HCC and high-grade dysplastic nodules with a focus of HCC) and high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), correlated with the histopathologic findings. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 81 patients with 85 pathologically confirmed hepatic lesions (69 early HCCs and 16 HGDNs). All of the hepatic lesions were examined by CEUS with SonoVue (Bracco SpA, Milan, Italy) before surgery or biopsy. The enhancement features of early HCCs and HGDNs were evaluated and compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (55.1%) early HCCs showed arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE). The major enhancement pattern of early HCCs was APHE without portal venous/late-phase wash-out (20 of 69 [29.0%]). Eight (11.6%) early HCCs manifested APHE. Wash-out was observed in 30 (43.5%) early HCCs. Sixteen (23.2%) early HCCs showed very-late wash-out (>120 seconds). Wash-out was not observed in all HGDNs. Of the 16 HGDNs, arterial-phase isoenhancement without portal venous/late-phase wash-out was the major enhancement pattern (n = 7 [43.8%]). The degree of CD34 expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells was more diffuse in early HCCs than in HGDNs (56.5% versus 12.5%; P = .001). Arterial-phase enhancement patterns of early HCCs on CEUS were correlated with the degree of CD34 expression (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement patterns were significantly different between early HCCs and HGDNs on CEUS. Diffuse CD34 expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells in early HCC was correlated with APHE on CEUS.

[Research progress of tissue culture of Aconitum].

Aconitum is a kind of important medicinal plant, which has been used in China for more than 2 000 years, with both a good medicinal and ornamental value. However, due to the lack of effective breeding methods and low seed and root propagation coefficients, the comprehensive development and utilization of Aconitum were greatly restricted. Tissue culture is an important basis for seed selection, germplasm conservation and genetic engineering. Therefore, this paper summarized the research on tissue culture of Aconitum, put forward the main problems and corresponding countermeasures, and provided important references for accelerating the seedling breeding of Aconitum and conducting the basic research of molecular biology.

Tissue-Specific Metabolite Profiling on the Different Parts of Bolting and Unbolting Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Qianhu) by Laser Microdissection Combined with UPLC-Q/TOF⁻MS and HPLC⁻DAD.

BACKGROUND: Qianhu is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that Qianhu roots will harden after bolting and not be suitable for medicinal purposes. Bolting Qianhu and unbolting Qianhu are referred to as "Xiong Qianhu" and "Ci Qianhu," respectively. In this study, the properties, microscopic and chemical characteristics of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu roots were compared using fluorescence microscopy, laser microdissection coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. RESULTS: Microscopy results showed that the area of secondary xylem in the root increased after bolting, with the cork and secretory canals showing strong fluorescence intensity. A total of 34 peaks, mostly pyranocoumarins, were identified in the tissues of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu. The secretory canals contained the highest variability of coumarins, whereas the secondary xylem contained the least coumarins. Moreover, seven coumarins, especially the pyran- coumarin, decreased after bolting. Generally, both before and after bolting, coumarin level was the highest in the bark, followed by the middle part, and the lowest in the inner part. CONCLUSION: Thus, it was indicated that the area of secondary xylem increased after bolting, however the coumarin variant and content decreased in the secondary xylem of Qianhu. The result shows that the quality of Qianhu decreases after bolting, which supports the viewpoint that Xiong Qianhu is not suitable for medicinal use.

[Extracting Paeonia lactiflora planted area in Dangshan of Anhui province based on ZY-3 remote sensing image].

In order to comprehensively monitor the dynamic change of Paeonia lactiflora planting area,the investigation of P. lactiflora planting area in Dangshan was carried out. It can provide reference for the planting detection of P. lactiflora in Huaibei Plain.Based on remote sensing technology,this paper extracts the planting area of P. lactiflora in Dangshan in 2018 by using the minimum distance method,maximum likelihood method,parallel hexahedron method and Mahalanobis distance method,using the remote sensing image of ZY-3 Satellite as the data source,and makes a comparative analysis with the results. The results show that the maximum likelihood method is better than the other three methods. This method can provide reference for remote sensing monitoring of P. lactiflora planting area in China.

Improving Detection of Iron Deposition in Cirrhotic Liver Using Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging With Emphasis on Histopathological Correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detection and quantification of iron deposition in cirrhotic liver. METHODS: Fifty-five cirrhotic patients underwent hepatic magnetic resonance imaging examination including SWI and multiecho T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI). Detection of iron deposition and number of siderotic nodules were compared between SWI and T2*WI. Correlation among SWI phase value, T2* value, and hepatic iron concentration were determined. RESULTS: Susceptibility-weighted imaging significantly improved detection of iron deposition compared with T2*WI (90.7% vs 66.7%, P = 0.002), attributing to grade 1 (73.3% vs 26.7%, P = 0.027) and grade 2 (93.8% vs 56.3%, P = 0.037). Iron deposition of grade 3 and 4 could be detected by both SWI and T2*WI. The number of siderotic nodules visualized on SWI was significantly larger than that on T2*WI (107.5 ± 7.4 vs 62.7 ± 4.6, P = 0.002). There were significantly negative correlation between phase value and iron score (r = -0.803), and positive correlation between phase value and T2* value (r = 0.771). CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility-weighted imaging can improve detection of minimal and mild iron deposition in cirrhotic liver.

[Screening and structure analysis of the aptamer target to Escherichia coli tolC protein].

OBJECTIVE: To screen and characterize the aptamer of Escherichia coli outer member protein tolC. METHODS: By using the recombinant E.coli outer member protein tolC for the screening target, oligonucleotides which were capable of specifically binding to the protein were screened from a random oligonucleotide library through the stematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique. The binding capacity of ssDNA to the targeted protein from each round was detected by the FITC fluorescence labeling technique.The ssDNA from the last cycle was cloned and sequenced,and the second structure was further analyzed by the DNAMan program. RESULTS: After 12 cycles of selection, 40 clones were selected randomly and sequenced. Although a unique conserved sequence was not obtained among the 23 obtained aptamers by the primary structure analysis,three pairs of aptamers and two pairs of aptamers were found to be identical.Analysis of the secondary structure revealed that the stem-loop and bulge loop were the main motifs,indicating that they might play a key role in the binding of aptamers to the target protein. According to the characteristic of the second structure,23 aptamers were divided into four families,and aptamer 20 bore the greatest affinity. CONCLUSION: Aptamers against E.coli outer member protein tolC were successfully identified by the SELEX method. The results laid a foundation for the investigation of the interference to the drug resistance of E. coli and the underlying mechanisms.

A promising Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Leaf proteins with high nutrition, applicable function and excellent antioxidant activity.

The nutritional and functional properties of leaf proteins is a decisive factor for their use in food. This work was aimed to extract defatted Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (ACD) leaf proteins (ACLP), and assess ACLP nutritional quality, functional properties and in vitro antioxidant activity, as well characterize the structure. ACLP had a balanced amino acid profile and high bioavailability (protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) 99.29 %). Solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying ability of ACLP correlated positively with pH. Water and oil holding capacity were increased with temperature. Gel electrophoresis shown the protein molecular size was mainly ∼25 kDa, and random coil was the mainly secondary structure while ß-sheet was dominant regular conformation as indicated by circular dichroism (CD). ACLP performed in vitro antioxidant activity which was better after digestion. All data implied ACLP met the WHO/FAO protein quality expectations and had application potential in food.

Steroidal glycosides from Reineckia carnea herba and their antitussive activity.

Two new steroidal glycosides, 1α,3α-dihydroxy-5ß-pregn-16-en-20-one 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1) and 1ß,3ß,27-trihydroxycholest-16-en-22-one 1,3-di-O-α-L-rhamnoside (2), along with seven known steroidal glycosides (3-9), were isolated from Reineckia carnea herba. Their structures were determined by detailed analysis of their 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS spectra. Compound 9 was isolated for the first time from the Reineckia genus. Except for 8, compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 displayed clear in vitro antitussive activity.

The Interaction between Flavonoids and Intestinal Microbes: A Review.

In recent years, research on the interaction between flavonoids and intestinal microbes have prompted a rash of food science, nutriology and biomedicine, complying with future research trends. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and human health, but once the intestinal flora dysregulation occurs, it may contribute to various diseases. Flavonoids have shown a variety of physiological activities, and are metabolized or biotransformed by gut microbiota, thereby producing new metabolites that promote human health by modulating the composition and structure of intestinal flora. Herein, this review demonstrates the key notion of flavonoids as well as intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding about how flavonoids regulate the diseases by gut microbiota. Emphasis is placed on the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction that affects the metabolic fate of flavonoids and their metabolites, thereby influencing their metabolic mechanism, biotransformation, bioavailability and bioactivity. Potentially by focusing on the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota as well as their metabolites such as bile acids, we discuss the influence mechanism of flavonoids on intestinal microbiota by protecting the intestinal barrier function and immune system. Additionally, the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction plays a crucial role in regulating various diseases. We explain the underlying regulation mechanism of several typical diseases including gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guideline for the promotion of gastrointestinal health as well as the treatment of diseases.

Distinct radiological features of lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: comparison with classical intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEICC) has been recently introduced as a genetically distinct of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We aimed to investigate whether LEICC has distinct radiological characteristics in comparison with classical ICC, and to determine MRI features that can be used to differentiate LEICC from classical ICC. METHODS: Five hundred and sixty-seven consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection or liver transplantation for ICC between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Among them, 30 patients with LEICC (LEICC-cohort) and 116 with stage-matched classical ICC (control-cohort) were finally included. Pre-operative MRI data were compared between the two cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine relevant imaging features suggesting the diagnosis of LEICC over classical ICC. RESULTS: LEICCs showed significantly higher frequencies of a non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE), washout on post-arterial images and a smooth margin, as well as less frequencies of perilesional enhancement and liver capsular retraction when compared with classical ICCs (P < 0.05 for all). The multivariate analysis revealed that non-rim APHE (odds ratio, 10.863; 95% CI [3.295-35.821]; P < 0.001) and the absence of perilesional enhancement (odds ratio, 3.350; 95% CI [1.167-9.619]; P = 0.025) are significant independent imaging features that suggest the diagnosis of LEICCs over classical ICCs. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with classical ICCs, LEICCs do have distinct radiological characteristics. A smooth margin, non-rim APHE, washout on post-arterial images, absent perilesional enhancement and absent liver capsular retraction are useful MRI features that could help to differentiate LEICCs from classical ICCs.

[Study on clinicopathologic grading system and prognosis of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features, criteria for grading and prognostic factors of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. METHODS: Thirty-five cases of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm were retrieved from the archival files over a period of 11 years (with 32 cases having integrated data). According to the 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system, the cases were categorized into three groups: neuroendocrine tumor grade 1 (NET G1), neuroendocrine tumor grade 2 (NET G2) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Statistical correlation between various histologic parameters and survival data was analyzed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant difference between NET [G1 (1 case)/G2 (14 cases)] and NEC (17 cases) groups in terms of tumor differentiation, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and Ki-67 proliferative index (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in tumor size, growth pattern and presence of vascular tumor emboli (P > 0.05). The survival rate of patients correlated with tumor differentiation, growth pattern, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and proliferative index (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between patient survival and tumor size or presence of vascular tumor emboli (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The subdivision of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm according to the 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system helps to evaluate the malignant potential and prognosis of the tumors. Prognostically useful histologic parameters include tumor differentiation, growth pattern, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and proliferative index.

[Effect of acupuncture for dysphagia after stroke based on fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing function evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with regular treatment and swallowing function training on pharyngeal motor, sensory function and penetration-aspiration function in patients with dysphagia after stroke. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, 30 patients in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional treatment and swallowing function training; in addition, the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Lianquan (CV 23), Fengfu (GV 16), Yifeng (TE 17). All the treatments were given once a day, 5 days a week, for totally 4 weeks. In the two groups, the pharyngeal motor and sensory function, penetration-aspiration scores were evaluated by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and the Kubota water swallowing test scores were assessed before and after treatment, and the clinical effects were compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the pharyngeal motor and sensory function in the two groups were all higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were better than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the penetration-aspiration scores and Kubota water swallowing test scores in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was better than 73.3% (22/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with regular treatment and swallowing training could improve the pharyngeal motor and sensory function, and penetration-aspiration scores in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Dihydromyricetin Improves Cognitive Impairments in d-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice through Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase.

SCOPE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with phenomena of cognitive impairments. Oxidative stress and cholinergic system dysfunction are two widely studied pathogenesis of AD. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural dihydroflavonol with many bioactivities. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of DMY on cognitive impairment in d-galactose (d-gal) induced aging mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice are intraperitoneally injected with d-gal for 16 weeks, and DMY is supplemented in drinking water. The results show that DMY significantly improves d-gal-induced cognitive impairments in novel object recognition and Y-maze studies. H&E and TUNEL staining show that DMY could improve histopathological changes and cell apoptosis in mice brain. DMY effectively induces the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and reduces malondialdehyde level in mice brain and liver. Furthermore, DMY reduces cholinergic injury by inhibiting the activity of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in mice brain. In vitro studies show that DMY is a non-competitive inhibitor of AChE with IC50 value of 161.2 µg mL-1 . CONCLUSION: DMY alleviates the cognitive impairments in d-gal-induced aging mice partly through regulating oxidative stress and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.

Quercetin protects against LPS-induced lung injury in mice via SIRT1-mediated suppression of PKM2 nuclear accumulation.

The role of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated macrophages pyroptosis in acute lung injury (ALI) is well-established. Quercetin (Que) is a natural bioflavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that reportedly inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome in sepsis-induced organ dysfunctions such as ALI. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of quercetin on NLRP3 activation remains unclear. In this study, we established an endotoxin-induced ALI mouse model with an in vitro LPS challenge. We demonstrated that the administration of quercetin could significantly reduce pulmonary injury and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, we found that quercetin could inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by suppressing the nuclear accumulation of PKM2 and increasing SIRT1 levels. Importantly, treatment with SRT1720 (a specific SIRT1 activator) could inhibit the nuclear accumulation of PKM2 and the activation of NLRP3. Besides, preventing PKM2 dimerization with ML265 yielded an anti-inflammatory effect, similar to findings observed for SRT1720. In addition, we found that SIRT1 silencing or inhibition by EX527 could increase NLRP3 activation and nuclear accumulation of PKM2 and override quercetin-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. These findings indicated that quercetin could downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of PKM2 and upregulating SIRT1 expression, expanding the treatment landscape for ARDS.