Quercetin ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammation of vascular endothelial cells via Piezo1 channels.

BACKGROUND: Natural antioxidants, exemplified by quercetin (Qu), have been shown to exert a protective effect against atherosclerosis (AS). However, the precise pharmacological mechanisms of Qu also remain elusive. PURPOSE: Here, we aimed to uncover the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of Qu. METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS: The inflammatory cytokine expression, activity of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB, as well as mechanically activated currents and intracellular calcium levels were measured in endothelial cells (ECs). In addition, to explore whether Qu inhibited atherosclerotic plaque formation via Piezo1 channels, Ldlr-/- and Piezo1 endothelial-specific knockout mice (Piezo1△EC) were established. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that Qu significantly inhibited Yoda1-evoked calcium response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), underscoring its role as a selective modulator of Piezo1 channels. Additionally, Qu effectively reduced mechanically activated currents in HUVECs. Moreover, Qu exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokine expression and reduced the activity of NF-κB/NLRP3 in ECs exposed to ox-LDL or mechanical stretch, and these effects remained unaffected after Piezo1 genetic depletion. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that Qu substantially reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and this effect remained consistent even after Piezo1 genetic depletion. CONCLUSION: These results collectively provide compelling evidence that Qu ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibiting the inflammatory response in ECs by targeting Piezo1 channels. In addition, Qu modulated atherosclerosis via inhibiting Piezo1 mediated NFκB/IL-1ß and NLRP3/caspase1/ IL-1ß axis to suppress the inflammation. Overall, this study reveals the potential mechanisms by which natural antioxidants, such as Qu, protect against atherosclerosis.

Bibliometric analysis of the global trends in immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss research over the last two decades.

PROBLEM: A comprehensive analysis was conducted to explore the scientific output on immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and its key aspects. Despite the lack of clear explanations for most RPL cases, immune factors were found to play a significant role. METHOD OF STUDY: The study utilized a bibliometric approach, searching the Web of Science Core Collection database for relevant literature published between 2004 and 2023. RESULTS: The collected dataset consisted of 2228 articles and reviews, revealing a consistent increase in publications and citations over the past two decades. The analysis identified the United States and China as the most productive countries in terms of RPL research. Among the institutions, Fudan University in China emerged as the top contributor, followed by Shanghai Jiaotong University. Kwak-kim J was the most prolific author, while Christiansen Ob had the highest number of co-citations. The top 25 co-cited references on diagnosis, treatment, and mechanisms formed the foundation of knowledge in this field. By examining keyword co-occurrence and co-citations, the study found that antiphospholipid syndrome and natural killer cells were the primary areas of focus in immune-related RPL research. Additionally, three emerging hotspots were identified: chronic endometritis, inflammation, and decidual macrophages. These aspects demonstrated increasing interest and research activity within the field of immune-related RPL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this comprehensive bibliometric analysis provided valuable insights into the patterns, frontiers, and focal points of global scientific output related to immune-related RPL.