Halloysite nanotubes enhanced polyimide/oxidized-lignin nanofiber separators for long-cycling lithium metal batteries.

The high energy density and robust cycle properties of lithium-ion batteries contribute to their extensive range of applications. Polyolefin separators are often used for the purpose of storing electrolytes, hence ensuring the efficient internal ion transport. Nevertheless, the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries is constrained by its limited interaction with electrolytes and poor capacity for cation transport. This work presents the preparation of a new bio-based nanofiber separator by combining oxidized lignin (OL) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with polyimide (PI) using an electrospinning technique. Analysis was conducted to examine and compare the structure, morphology, thermal characteristics, and EIS of the separator with those of commercially available polypropylene separator (PP). The results indicate that the PI@OL and PI-OL@ 10 % HNTs separators exhibit higher lithium ion transference number and ionic conductivity. Moreover, the use of HNTs successfully impeded the proliferation of lithium dendrites, hence exerting a beneficial impact on both the cycle performance and multiplier performance of the battery. Consequently, after undergoing 300 iterations, the battery capacity of LiFePO4|PI-OL@ 10 % HNTs|Li stays at 92.1 %, surpassing that of PP (86.8 %) and PI@OL (89.6 %). These findings indicate that this new bio-based battery separator (PI-OL@HNTs) has the great potential to serve as a substitute for the commonly used PP separator in lithium metal batteries.

SGLT2 inhibition, plasma proteins, and heart failure: a proteome-wide Mendelian Randomization and colocalization study.

Objective: To investigate the causal contributions of Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition on Heart Failure (HF) and identify the circulating proteins that mediate SGLT2 inhibition's effects on HF. Methods: Applying a two-sample, two-step Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we aimed to estimate: (1) the causal impact of SGLT2 inhibition on HF; (2) the causal correlation of SGLT2 inhibition on 4,907 circulating proteins; (3) the causal association of SGLT2 inhibition-driven plasma proteins on HF. Genetic variants linked to SGLT2 inhibition derived from the previous studies. The 4,907 circulating proteins were derived from the deCODE study. Genetic links to HF were obtained through the Heart Failure Molecular Epidemiology for Therapeutic Targets (HERMES) consortium. Results: SGLT2 inhibition demonstrated a lower risk of HF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, 95% CI [0.26, 0.76], P = 0.003). Among 4,907 circulating proteins, we identified leucine rich repeat transmembrane protein 2 (LRRTM2), which was related to both SGLT2 inhibition and HF. Mediation analysis revealed that the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on HF operates indirectly through LRRTM2 [ß = -0.20, 95% CI (-0.39, -0.06), P = 0.02] with a mediation proportion of 24.6%. Colocalization analysis provided support for the connections between LRRTM2 and HF. Conclusion: The study indicated a causative link between SGLT2 inhibition and HF, with plasma LRRTM2 potentially serving as a mediator.

SGLT2 inhibition, venous thrombolism, and death due to cardiac causes: a mediation Mendelian randomization study.

Objective: To investigate the causal role of venous thrombolism mediating sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition in death due to cardiac causes using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: A two-sample two-step MR was used to determine (1) the causal effects of SGLT2 inhibition on death due to cardiac causes; (2) the causal effects of venous thrombolism on death due to cardiac causes; and (3) the mediation effects of venous thrombolism. Genetic proxies for SGLT2 inhibition were identified as variants in the SLC5A2 gene that were associated with both levels of gene expression and hemoglobin A1c. Additionally, employing MR to investigate the causal association between SGLT2 inhibition and cardiac arrest as well as coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: SGLT2 inhibition was associated with a lower risk of death due to cardiac causes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.983, [95% CI = 0.972, 0.993], P = 0.0016). Venous thrombolism was associated with death due to cardiac causes ([OR] = 1.031, [95% CI = 1.005, 1.057], P = 0.0199). Mediation analysis showed evidence of indirect effect of SGLT2 inhibition on death due to cardiac causes through venous thrombolism [ß = -0.0015, (95% CI = -0.0032 -0.0002), P = 0.042], with a mediated proportion of 8.9% (95% CI = 1.2%, 18.7%) of the total. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibition was linked to a lower risk of cardiac arrest ([OR] = 0.097, [95% CI = 0.013, 0.742], P = 0.025). SGLT2 inhibition was linked to a lower risk of CHD ([OR] = 0.957, [95% CI = 0.932, 0.982], P = 0.0009). Conclusions: Our study identified the causal roles of SGLT2 inhibition in venous thrombolism. SGLT2 inhibition may influence death due to cardiac causes through venous thrombolism. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibition was associated with reduced risk of cardiac arrest and CHD.

Cardiac-specific PFKFB3 overexpression prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy via enhancing OPA1 stabilization mediated by K6-linked ubiquitination.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) is a glycolysis regulator. However, the potential effects of PFKFB3 in the DCM remain unclear. In comparison to db/m mice, PFKFB3 levels decreased in the hearts of db/db mice. Cardiac-specific PFKFB3 overexpression inhibited myocardial oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, suppressed mitochondrial fragmentation, and partly restored mitochondrial function in db/db mice. Moreover, PFKFB3 overexpression stimulated glycolysis. Interestingly, based on the inhibition of glycolysis, PFKFB3 overexpression still suppressed oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in vitro, which indicated that PFKFB3 overexpression could alleviate DCM independent of glycolysis. Using mass spectrometry combined with co-immunoprecipitation, we identified optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) interacting with PFKFB3. In db/db mice, the knockdown of OPA1 receded the effects of PFKFB3 overexpression in alleviating cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 stabilized OPA1 expression by promoting E3 ligase NEDD4L-mediated atypical K6-linked polyubiquitination and thus prevented the degradation of OPA1 by the proteasomal pathway. Our study indicates that PFKFB3/OPA1 could be potential therapeutic targets for DCM.

SGLT2 inhibition, circulating proteins, and insomnia: A mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) initially emerged as oral antidiabetic medication but were subsequently discovered to exhibit pleiotropic actions. Insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating sleep disorder. To date, the causality between SGLT2 inhibitors and insomnia remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the causality between SGLT2 inhibitors and insomnia and identify potential plasma protein mediators. METHODS: Using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we estimated the causality of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia and sleep duration. Additionally, employing a two-step and proteome-wide MR analysis, we evaluated the causal link of SGLT2 inhibition on 4907 circulating proteins and the causality of SGLT2 inhibition-driven plasma proteins on insomnia. We applied a false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, mediation analyses were used to identify plasma proteins that mediate the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia. RESULTS: SGLT2 inhibition was negatively correlated with insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.791, 95 % confidence interval [CI] [0.715, 0.876], P = 5.579*10^-6) and positively correlated with sleep duration (ß = 0.186, 95 % CI [0.059, 0.314], P = 0.004). Among the 4907 circulating proteins, diadenosine tetraphosphatase (Ap4A) was identified as being linked to both SGLT2 inhibition and insomnia. Mediation analysis indicated that the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on insomnia partially operates through Ap4A (ß = -0.018, 95 % CI [-0.036, -0.005], P = 0.023), with a mediation proportion of 7.7 %. CONCLUSION: The study indicated a causality between SGLT2 inhibition and insomnia, with plasma Ap4A potentially serving as a mediator.

Construction of a pH- and viscosity-switchable near-infrared fluorescent probe and its imaging application.

Viscosity is a parameter used to measure the fluidity of liquids and a key indicator in evaluating the states of body fluid in biological tissues and lesions. Most traditional detection methods have many drawbacks such as a short emission wavelength and interference by background fluorescence. Inspired by the multiple double bond structure of retinal, a novel pH and viscosity dual-response fluorescent probe (Rh-TR) was constructed in this study. Rh-TR exhibited two emission signals centered at 510 and 660 nm. As the pH of the phosphate-buffered saline increased, the fluorescence at 510 nm increased by about 124-fold, while the change in fluorescence at 660 nm was not obvious. When detecting the change in viscosity using the probe, the fluorescence at 510 nm decreased by about 85 %, while the fluorescence at 660 nm increased by over 20-fold. The probe also showed high selectivity and little toxicity. As demonstrated by the biological imaging experiment, the probe successfully imaged changes in the pH and viscosity of cells and in a live animal model of zebrafish. Considering the unique structure of Rh-TR with retinal and its pH- and viscosity-switchable spectral property, the probe may find further application in detecting viscosity-related diseases and industrial detection.

APOB and CCL17 as mediators in the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibition against myocardial infarction: Insights from proteome-wide mendelian randomization.

AIMS: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer a novel therapeutic avenue for myocardial infarction (MI). However, the exact nature of this relationship and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS: Utilizing a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we elucidated the causal effects stemming from the inhibition of SGLT2 on MI. Then, The pool of 4907 circulating proteins within the plasma proteome were utilized to explore the mediators of SGLT2 inhibitors on MI. Protein-protein network and enrichment analysis were conducted to clarify the potential mechanism. Finally, employing MR analysis and meta-analysis techniques, we systematically assessed the causal associations between SGLT2 inhibition and coronary heart diseases (CHD). RESULTS: SGLT2 inhibition (per 1 SD decrement in HbA1c) was associated with reduced risk of MI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.462, [95% CI 0.222, 0.958], P = 0.038). Among 4907 circulating proteins, we identified APOB and CCL17 which were related to both SGLT2 inhibition and MI. Mediation analysis showed evidence of the indirect effect of SGLT2 inhibition on MI through APOB (ß = -0.557, 95%CI [-1.098, -0.155]) with a mediated proportion of 72%, and CCL17 (ß = -0.176, 95%CI [-0.332, -0.056]) with a mediated proportion of 17%. The meta-analysis result showed that SGLT2 inhibition was associated with a lower risk of CHD. CONCLUSION: Based on proteome-wide mendelian randomization, APOB and CCL17 were seen as mediators in the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibition against myocardial infarction.

The protective role of ginsenoside Rg3 in heart diseases and mental disorders.

Ginsenoside Rg3, a compound derived from Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., is increasingly recognized for its wide range of pharmacological effects. Under the worldwide healthcare challenges posed by heart diseases, Rg3 stands out as a key subject in modern research on Chinese herbal medicine, offering a novel approach to therapy. Mental illnesses are significant contributors to global disease mortality, and there is a well-established correlation between cardiac and psychiatric conditions. This connection is primarily due to dysfunctions in the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system (SAM), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor impairment. This review provides an in-depth analysis of Rg3's therapeutic benefits and its pharmacological actions in treating cardiac and mental health disorders respectively. Highlighting its potential for the management of these conditions, Rg3 emerges as a promising, multifunctional therapeutic agent.

Impact of continuous care on cardiac function in patients with lung cancer complicated by coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite sharing similar pathogenic factors, cancer and coronary heart disease (CHD) occur in comparable populations at similar ages and possess similar susceptibility factors. Consequently, it is increasingly commonplace for patients to experience the simultaneous occurrence of cancer and CHD, a trend that is steadily rising. AIM: To determine the impacts of continuing care on lung cancer patients with CHD following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: There were 94 lung cancer patients with CHD following PCI who were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 38) and the control group (n = 41). In the intervention group, continuing care was provided, while in the control group, routine care was provided. An evaluation of cardiac and pulmonary function, medication compliance, a 6-min walk test, and patient quality of life was performed. RESULTS: Differences between the two groups were significant in left ventricular ejection fraction, 6-min walk test, oxygen uptake, quality of life and medication compliance (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the enhancement in the intervention group was more significant. The intervention group had more patients with high medication compliance than the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After undergoing PCI, lung patients with CHD could benefit from continued care in terms of cardiac and pulmonary function, medications compliance, and quality of life.

Lentinan alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by suppressing CAV1/SDHA-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energetics as contributing factors, significantly contributes to high mortality in patients with diabetes. Targeting key proteins involved in mitochondrial dysfunction might offer new therapeutic possibilities for DCM. Lentinan (LNT), a ß-(1,3)-glucan polysaccharide obtained from lentinus edodes, has demonstrated biological activity in modulating metabolic syndrome. In this study, the authors investigate LNT's pharmacological effects on and mechanisms against DCM. The results demonstrate that administering LNT to db/db mice reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby preventing DCM. Notably, these effects are fully negated by Caveolin-1 (CAV1) overexpression both in vivo and in vitro. Further studies and bioinformatics analysis uncovered that CAV1 bound with Succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA), triggering the following ubiquitination and degradation of SDHA, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-derived apoptosis under PA condition. Silencing CAV1 leads to reduced apoptosis and improved mitochondrial function, which is blocked by SDHA knockdown. In conclusion, CAV1 directly interacts with SDHA to promote ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-derived apoptosis, which was depressed by LNT administration. Therefore, LNT may be a potential pharmacological agent in preventing DCM, and targeting the CAV1/SDHA pathway may be a promising therapeutic approach for DCM.

Construction of a novel chitosan-based macromolecular nanoprobe for specific fluorescent detection of H2S in live animals.

H2S is one of the signal molecules in live organisms and a poisonous gas, which is closely related to our life. The traditional synthetic small molecular organic probes often have the disadvantages of low biocompatibility. In this paper, a fluorescent nanoprobe for detecting H2S in live organisms was constructed based on chitosan. The structure of CH-CN was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the presence of Na2S, the fluorescence intensity at 560 nm was significantly enhanced, and showed high selectivity and sensitivity toward H2S. Based on the good fluorescence response of CH-CN, the probe was also successfully applied to H2S imaging in HepG2 cells and zebrafish. These experimental results indicate that the probe has lower cytotoxicity and excellent stability. The present research shows a typical example of construction of chitosan-based macromolecular fluorescent materials and their bio-imaging application.

Dual Targeted Nanoparticles for the Codelivery of Doxorubicin and siRNA Cocktails to Overcome Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells.

Most anticancer treatments only induce the death of ordinary cancer cells, while cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the quiescent phase of cell division are difficult to kill, which eventually leads to cancer drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse. Therefore, CSCs are also important in targeted cancer therapy. Herein, we developed dual-targeted and glutathione (GSH)-responsive novel nanoparticles (SSBPEI-DOX@siRNAs/iRGD-PEG-HA) to efficiently and specifically deliver both doxorubicin and small interfering RNA cocktails (siRNAs) (survivin siRNA, Bcl-2 siRNA and ABCG2 siRNA) to ovarian CSCs. They are fabricated via electrostatic assembly of anionic siRNAs and cationic disulfide bond crosslinking-branched polyethyleneimine-doxorubicin (SSBPEI-DOX) as a core. Interestingly, the SSBPEI-DOX could be degraded into low-cytotoxic polyethyleneimine (PEI). Because of the enrichment of glutathione reductase in the tumor microenvironment, the disulfide bond (-SS-) in SSBPEI-DOX can be specifically reduced to promote the controlled release of siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX) in the CSCs. siRNA cocktails could specifically silence three key genes in CSCs, which, in combination with the traditional chemotherapy drug DOX, induces apoptosis or necrosis of CSCs. iRGD peptides and "sheddable" hyaluronic acid (HA) wrapped around the core could mediate CSC targeting by binding with neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and CD44 to enhance delivery. In summary, the multifunctional delivery system SSBPEI-DOX@siRNAs/iRGD-PEG-HA nanoparticles displays excellent biocompatibility, accurate CSC-targeting ability, and powerful anti-CSC ability, which demonstrates its potential value in future treatments to overcome ovarian cancer metastasis and relapse. To support this work, as exhaustive search was conducted for the literature on nanoparticle drug delivery research conducted in the last 17 years (2007-2023) using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Development of a novel chitosan-based two-photon fluorescent nanoprobe with enhanced stability for the specific detection of endogenous H2O2.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) acts as an important reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintains the redox equilibrium in organisms. Imbalance of H2O2 concentration is associated with the development of many diseases. Traditional small molecular based fluorescent probes often show drawbacks of cytotoxicity and easily metabolic clearance. Herein, a chitosan-based two-photon fluorescent nanoprobe (DC-BI) was constructed and applied for H2O2 detection in live organisms. DC-BI was composed by chitosan nanoparticles and a two-photon fluorophore of naphthalimide analogues (BI) with H2O2-responsive property. The structure of DC-BI was characterized by NMR, FTIR, XPS, XRD, DLS and MLS analyses. As study shown, the nanoprobe DC-BI exhibited improved distribution stability and smaller cytotoxicity. In the presence of H2O2, both the absorption and emission spectra show dramatic changes, the fluorescence intensity at 580 nm obviously enhanced. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging results indicate that DC-BI is capable of imaging endogenous H2O2 in cells and zebrafish. The design and development of chitosan-based nanoprobe DC-BI has provided a general example of nanoprobe construction with excellent distribution stability, two-photon property, and biocompatibility.

11,12-EET suppressed LPS induced TF expression and thrombus formation by accelerating mRNA degradation rate via strengthening PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting p38-TTP pathway.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are synthesized from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, function primarily as autocrine and paracrine effectors in the cardiovascular system. So far, most research has focused on the vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and mitogenic properties of EETs in the systemic circulation. However, whether EETs could suppress tissue factor (TF) expression and prevent thrombus formation remains unknown. Here we utilized in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of exogenously EETs on LPS induced TF expression and inferior vein cava ligation induced thrombosis. We observed that the thrombus formation rate and the size of the thrombus were greatly reduced in 11,12-EET treated mice，accompanied by decreased TF and inflammatory cytokines expression. Further in vitro studies showed that by enhancing p38 MAPK activation and subsequent tristetraprolin (TTP) phosphorylation, LPS strengthened the stability of TF mRNA and induced increased TF expression. However, by strengthening PI3K-dependent Akt phosphorylation, which acted as a negative regulator of p38-TTP signaling pathway，11,12-EET reduced LPS-induced TF expression in monocytes. In addition, 11,12-EET inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Further study indicated that the inhibitory effect of 11,12-EET on TF expression was mediated by antagonizing LPS-induced activation of thromboxane prostanoid receptor. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that 11,12-EET prevented thrombosis by reducing TF expression and targeting the CYP2J2 epoxygenase pathway may represent a novel approach to mitigate thrombosis related diseases.

Inulin-type fructans change the gut microbiota and prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease, and few treatment options that prevent the progressive loss of renal function are available. Studies have shown that dietary fiber intake improves kidney diseases and metabolism-related diseases, most likely through short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The present study aimed to examine the protective effects of inulin-type fructans (ITFs) on DN through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The results showed that ITFs supplementation protected against kidney damage in db/db mice and regulated the composition of the gut microbiota. Antibiotic treatment and FMT experiments further demonstrated a key role of the gut microbiota in mediating the beneficial effects of ITFs. The ITFs treatment-induced changes in the gut microbiota led to an enrichment of SCFA-producing bacteria, especially the genera Akkermansia and Candidatus Saccharimonas, which increased the fecal and serum acetate concentrations. Subsequently, acetate supplementation improved glomerular damage and renal fibrosis by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing toxic glucose metabolite levels. In conclusion, ITFs play a renoprotective role by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing acetate production. Furthermore, acetate mediates renal protection by regulating glucose metabolism, decreasing glycotoxic product levels and improving mitochondrial function.

Sacubitril/Valsartan for heart failure: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril-valsartan has been shown to have superior effects over angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the effects of sacubitril-valsartan have never been systematically evaluated. Therefore, we performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan in patients with HF. METHODS: We selected 8 databases, including PubMed, the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Science Journal Database, Wanfang Data, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. The search time was from database establishment to March 2022. Two reviewers will screen the records and include quality studies according to inclusion criteria independently. Two reviewers will assess the risk of bias of the included studies by the "Risk of Bias Assessment Tool" of the Cochrane Handbook for randomized controlled trials. Statistical analysis will be performed with Review Manager software 5.3. RESULTS: A synthesis of current evidence of sacubitril-valsartan for treating HF will be provided in this protocol. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical use of sacubitril-valsartan to treat HF.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase deletion attenuated nicotine-induced arterial stiffness via limiting the loss of SIRT1.

Arterial stiffness, a consequence of smoking, is an underlying risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), hydrolyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), have beneficial effects against vascular dysfunction. However, the role of sEH knockout in nicotine-induced arterial stiffness was not characterized. We hypothesized that sEH knockout could prevent nicotine-induced arterial stiffness. In the present study, Ephx2 (the gene encodes sEH enzyme) null (Ephx2-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) littermate mice were infused with or without nicotine and administered with or without nicotinamide [NAM, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) inhibitor] simultaneously for 4 wk. Nicotine treatment increased sEH expression and activity in the aortas of WT mice. Nicotine infusion significantly induced vascular remodeling, arterial stiffness, and SIRT1 deactivation in WT mice, which was attenuated in Ephx2 knockout mice (Ephx2-/- mice) without NAM treatment. However, the arterial protective effects were gone in Ephx2-/- mice with NAM treatment. In vitro, 11,12-EET treatment attenuated nicotine-induced matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) upregulation via SIRT1-mediated yes-associated protein (YAP) deacetylation. In conclusion, sEH knockout attenuated nicotine-induced arterial stiffness and vascular remodeling via SIRT1-induced YAP deacetylation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We presently show that sEH knockout repressed nicotine-induced arterial stiffness and extracellular matrix remodeling via SIRT1-induced YAP deacetylation, which highlights that sEH is a potential therapeutic target in smoking-induced arterial stiffness and vascular remodeling.

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase alleviates insulin resistance and hypertension via downregulation of SGLT2 in the mouse kidney.

The epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) exerts beneficial effects on insulin resistance and/or hypertension. EETs could be readily converted to less biological active diols by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). However, whether sEH inhibition can ameliorate the comorbidities of insulin resistance and hypertension and the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were rendered hypertensive and insulin resistant through a high-fat and high-salt (HF-HS) diet. The sEH inhibitor, 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU), was used to treat mice (1 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, followed by analysis of metabolic parameters. The expression of sEH and the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) was markedly upregulated in the kidneys of mice fed an HF-HS diet. We found that TPPU administration increased kidney EET levels, improved insulin resistance, and reduced hypertension. Furthermore, TPPU treatment prevented upregulation of SGLT2 and the associated increased urine volume and the excretion of urine glucose and urine sodium. Importantly, TPPU alleviated renal inflammation. In vitro, human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were used to further investigate the underlying mechanism. We observed that 14,15-EET or sEH knockdown or inhibition prevented the upregulation of SGLT2 upon treatment with palmitic acid or NaCl by inhibiting the inhibitory kappa B kinase α/ß/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, sEH inhibition by TPPU alleviated insulin resistance and hypertension induced by an HF-HS diet in mice. The increased urine excretion of glucose and sodium was mediated by decreased renal SGLT2 expression because of inactivation of the inhibitory kappa B kinase α/ß/NF-κB-induced inflammatory response.

Support with Impella versus intra-aortic balloon pump in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The survival benefit and safety of Impella support versus intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock were investigated in several observational trials that revealed mixed results. Thus, in order to provide new evidence-based medical evidence for clinical treatment, we undertook a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of Impella versus IABP in AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We will search the EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library from inception to Mar 2021 to retrieve relevant studies. Two independent authors will extract the information from the selected studies. Disagreements will be resolved through a discussion with a third review author. The outcomes include mortality and complications. The quality of randomized trials will be assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of Interventions for non-randomized, observational studies. Review Manager software (v 5.4; Cochrane Collaboration) will be used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The present meta-analysis will compare the efficacy and safety of Impella versus IABP in AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our review will be reported strictly following the PRISMA criteria and the review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/SKEQ7. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and patient consent are not required because this study is a literature-based study. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids improve glucose homeostasis by preventing NF-κB-mediated transcription of SGLT2 in renal tubular epithelial cells.

Studies have shown that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) can regulate glucose homeostasis, but the specific mechanisms need further exploration. The sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) is highly expressed in diabetic kidneys, which further promotes renal reabsorption of glucose to respond to the hyperglycemic state of diabetes. Herein, whether EETs can be a latent inhibitor of SGLT2 to regulate glucose homeostasis in diabetic state needs to be elucidated. Our study demonstrated that EETs attenuated the glucose reabsorption via renal tubular epithelial cells in diabetic mice, which partly accounted for the beneficial effects of EETs on glucose homeostasis. Moreover, 14,15-EET suppressed SGLT2 expression in both diabetic kidney and renal tubular epithelial cells. Further, inhibition of NF-κB with BAY 11-7082 decreased insulin-induced SGLT2 expression while NF-κB overexpression reversed the above effects. In addition, 14,15-EET attenuated SGLT2 expression via inactivating NF-κB. Mechanistically, 14,15-EET attenuated NF-κB mediated SGLT2 transcription at the -1821/-1812 P65-binding site. These results showed that EETs ameliorated glucose homeostasis via preventing NF-κB-mediated transcription of SGLT2 in renal tubular epithelial cells, providing a unique therapeutic strategy for insulin resistance and diabetes.