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Objective(s): To investigate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on septic acute kidney injury (SAKI) via regulating Sirtuin3 (SIRT3)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.Materials and Methods: By constructing SIRT3 knockout mice and culturing kidney tubular epithelial cells (KTECs), we assessed the changes of renal function and detected the protein expression of adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cyclophilin (CypD) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) using western-blotting, and simultaneously detected toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKKβ), inhibitor of Kappa Bα (IκBα), and p65 protein expression. We observed mitochondrial damage of KTECs using a transmission electron microscope and assessed apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling and flow cytometry. Results: SIRT3 deficiency led to the deterioration of renal function, and caused a significant increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase production, a decrease in mitochondrial volume, up-regulation of TLR4, IκBα, IKKβ, and p65 proteins, and up-regulation of ANT, CypD and VDAC proteins. However, NAC significantly improved renal function and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, IκBα, IKKβ, and p65 proteins. Furthermore, SIRT3 deficiency led to a significant increase in KTEC apoptosis, while NAC up-regulated the expression of SIRT3 and inhibited apoptosis.Conclusion: NAC has a significant protective effect on SAKI by inhibiting SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of KTECs.

Objective(s): We aimed to study the effect of S-nitroso glutathione (SNG) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic rats by regulating nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3).Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were used to construct the AKI model, and biochemical methods were used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and anti-oxidant enzymes in renal tissue. We observed the ultrastructural changes of renal tissue by transmission electron microscopy and detected the protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain foci (ASC) and Caspase-1 by western-blotting and RT-qPCR. Results: Cecal ligation and puncture induced renal tubular epithelial tissue damage in septic rats, resulting in decreased renal function, increased levels of inflammation and decreased levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in renal tissue, and aggravated mitochondrial damage, significantly decreased mitochondrial density and enzyme complex I/II/III/IV levels (all P

Scientific research needs to get the most results with the lowest cost, hence how to modify the low-cost material to elevate its value is a valuable subject with both distinct scientific significance and extensive potential commercial application. This mini-review reports many achievements on this subject, in which amorphous silica is the starting material. Amorphous silica is a common porous oxide with a relatively low cost, but it can be modified to act as various new functional materials as long as the adopted strategy is smart and accurate. As these achievements are revealed in this review, silica can exert its versatility in environment protection as the efficient trapper of volatile nitrosamines, phenol and organophosphorus pesticide. Besides, silica plays the significant role of a solid strong base and thermal releaser of menthol, providing a clue on how to update the low-cost material into a specific new functional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology examines the association between pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The authors find that both pre-eclampsia and GDM are independent risk factors for CVD, and having both during pregnancy increases the risk even further. The study also suggests that the association between pre-eclampsia and CVD is not influenced by body mass index (BMI). While the study is nationwide and has high credibility, it excludes women with pre-existing diabetes, which may introduce bias. The authors hope that this research will contribute to the development of effective CVD prevention plans for high-risk women. [Extracted from the article]