Int J Med Sci
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Embryonic development and tumor genesis share numerous similarities, with OCT4 standing out as a pivotal transcription factor in embryonic development. Expression of OCT4 is associated with poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. VEGF-correlated chemokine-1 (VCC-1), also known as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CXCL17), has been suggested to play a role in promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. ⋯ NOD/SCID mice inoculated with VCC-1-knockdown A549 lung cancer cells exhibited significantly smaller tumors than those inoculated with control cells. On the basis of these findings, we highlight the importance of the OCT4-VCC-1 axis in lung cancer progression. Our findings also provide therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the involvement of macrophage ferroptosis in chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) and determine if blocking JNK/JUN/NCOA4 axis could alleviate CAP by regulating macrophage ferroptosis. Materials and Methods: Firstly, the in vitro models of apical periodontitis (AP) and in vivo models of CAP, including clinical specimens and rats' periapical lesions, were utilized to investigate the role of macrophage ferroptosis in CAP by detecting the ferroptosis related factors. The activation of the JNK/JUN/NCOA4 axis was observed in CAP in vivo models. ⋯ Conclusions: The occurrence of ferroptosis in macrophages contributes to the development of CAP. Targeting the JNK/JUN/NCOA4 axis is an effective therapeutic strategy to rescue the periapical lesions from inflammation due to its anti-macrophage ferroptosis function. Consequently, the current study provides support for further investigation on the JNK/JUN/NCOA4 axis as a targeted signaling pathway for CAP treatment.
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Nephrotoxicity remains a significant concern associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as dasatinib (DASA). Previous studies have shown that DASA can induce renal tubular cell death, contributing to its nephrotoxic effects. In contrast, naringenin (NGN) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ⋯ Notably, DASA treatment upregulated the gene expression of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX while downregulating the expression of BCL-2 and Caspase-3 in kidney tissues. These findings suggest that NGN exerts nephroprotective effects against DASA-induced nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation. The diverse pathogenic mechanisms underlying COPD progression remain incompletely understood. Macrophages, serving as the most representative immune cells in the respiratory tract, constitute the first line of innate immune defense and maintain pulmonary immunological homeostasis. ⋯ Notably, the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of macrophage molecular heterogeneity in COPD. Herein, we review principal investigations concerning the sophisticated mechanisms through which pulmonary macrophages influence COPD, encompassing inflammatory mediator production, protease/antiprotease release, and phagocytic activity. Additionally, we synthesize findings from available literature regarding all identified pulmonary macrophage sub-populations in COPD, thereby advancing our comprehension of macrophage heterogeneity's significance in the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD.
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Background: Blood pressure (BP) control can slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and protect against cardiovascular diseases, significantly improving patient survival. Herein, we analyzed the changes in BP control in adult CKD patients with hypertension in the United States from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. Methods: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018 were analyzed, including 5,510 adult CKD patients with BP above 140/90 mmHg or those under an antihypertensive regimen. ⋯ Although adult CKD patients with albumin-creatinine rate (ACR) 30-299 mg/g or ACR ≥300 mg/g were more likely to take antihypertensive medication than those with ACR <30 mg/g (PR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.63-4.79 and PR: 4.59, 95% CI: 2.37-9.51), they were more likely to have uncontrolled BP than those with ACR <30 mg/g ((multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratio (PR): 2.25, 95% CI: 1.39-3.75 and PR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.71-6.07). Adult CKD patients (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) being aware of their high BP diagnosis were less likely to take antihypertensive medication than those with eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73m2 (PR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.65). Conclusions: These results show that BP control should be reinforced in adult CKD patients, particularly in those with ACR ≥300 mg/g, while patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2 should enhance awareness of taking antihypertensive medication.