Deregulated miR-146a-3p alleviates disease progression in atherosclerosis through inactivating NF-κB: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis (AS), as a complex chronic inflammatory disease, is 1 of the main causes of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to confirm the direct interaction between miR-146a-3p and NF-κB, and explore the role of miR-146a-3p/NF-κB in the regulation of inflammation in AS. METHODS: Bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the interaction between miR-146a-3p and NF-κB. Lipopolysaccharides stimulation was performed to establish AS inflammatory cell model, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were estimated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. miR-146a-3p and NF-κB expression were evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and their clinical value was examined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Inflammatory cell model showed increased IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. NF-κB was a target gene of miR-146a-3p, and mediated the inhibitory effects of miR-146a-3p on inflammatory responses in the cell model. In patients with AS, miR-146a-3p/NF-κB was associated with patients' clinical data and inflammatory cytokine levels, and aberrant miR-146a-3p and NF-κB showed diagnostic accuracy to distinguish AS patients from healthy populations. CONCLUSION: miR-146a-3p might inhibit inflammation by targeting NF-κB in AS progression, and miR-146a-3p/ NF-κB might provide novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention of AS and related vascular events.

Ion Implantation Combined with Heat Treatment Enables Excellent Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates for Hydrogen Fuel Cells.

316 L stainless steel is an ideal bipolar plate material for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). However, the thickening of the passivation film on the stainless steel surface and the dissolution of corrosive ions during operation will affect the durability of the PEMFC. Herein, a heterogeneous layer is prepared on the surface of 316 L stainless steel through dual ion implantation of molybdenum ion and carbon ion combined with heat treatment to promote the corrosion resistance and conductivity of the bipolar plate. The ion implantation technique resulted in a uniform distribution of Mo and C elements on the surface of 316 L stainless steel, with a modified layer depth of about 70-80 nm. The electrical conductivity of the ion implanted samples was significantly improved, and the interfacial contact resistance was reduced from 464.25 mΩ × cm2 to 42.49 mΩ × cm2. Heat treatment enhances the surface homogenization, repairs the defects of irradiation damage, and improves the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. The corrosion current density of (Mo+C)-600 samples decreased from 1.21 × 10-8 A/cm2 to 2.95 × 10-9 A/cm2 under the long-term corrosion condition of 4 h. These results can provide guidance for the modification of stainless steel bipolar plates.