The deltoid ligament (DL) is the primary stabilizer of the medial ankle, but its injury mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the injury risk and mechanisms of individual DL bundles under both acute and chronic conditions to inform prevention and treatment strategies. A validated finite element model of the human foot was used to examine peak stresses in DL bundles under four acute loading scenarios. Chronic loading was simulated by applying gait loads after transecting the lateral ligaments, and the resulting DL stresses were compared with those of the intact model. Additionally, thirty-nine rats were assigned to three groups: a lateral ligament rupture group (LR, n = 13), a tibialis posterior tendon rupture group (TPR, n = 13), and a sham group (n = 13). After 6 weeks of treadmill running, the mechanical properties and histological characteristics of the DL, along with ankle joint morphology and articular stresses, were evaluated to further verify the hypothesized mechanisms of chronic injury. Under acute loadings, the tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL), anterior tibiotalar ligament (ATTL), and deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTTL) showed the highest stress under pronation-external rotation loading. Lateral ligament rupture increased DL stress during gait. After 6 weeks of treadmill running, the LR and TPR groups showed roughened articular surfaces with osteophyte formation, increased articular stress, decreased talar bone volume fraction, lower failure load and stiffness ratios of the DL (p < 0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of COL1, and elevated levels of COL3, MMP-2 and IL-1β compared with the sham group (p < 0.01). The TCL, ATTL, and dPTTL bundles are particularly susceptible to acute injury, with pronation-external rotation posing the greatest risk. Chronic degeneration of the DL occurs following rupture of the lateral ligament or tibialis posterior tendon, with a more pronounced effect after lateral ligament rupture.
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe complications following hemorrhagic shock, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) has been proposed to improve microcirculation and reduce organ damage, but its effects on lung injury have not yet been fully explored. Does direct peritoneal resuscitation with peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) reduce lung injury in a controlled hemorrhagic shock model in rats? In this randomized experimental study, 32 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group). Group I served as the control group, while Groups II, III, and IV underwent hemorrhagic shock. Group III received peritoneal resuscitation with saline, and Group IV received PDF. Lung tissue samples were harvested after 24 h to assess histopathological damage and inflammatory markers; Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. DPR with PDF significantly attenuated lung injury compared to saline-treated or hemorrhagic shock-only groups. Interstitial polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) infiltration and alveolar septal thickening were reduced in the DPR group. Additionally, IL-6 levels were elevated in the DPR group, suggesting a potentially enhanced localized inflammatory response, while no significant differences were found in IL-10 and TNF-α levels. Direct peritoneal resuscitation with PDF was effective in reducing lung injury in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock by improving microcirculatory function and modulating the inflammatory response. However, the elevated IL-6 levels suggest further investigation is needed to understand the long-term implications of this inflammatory response.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by progressive retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction driven by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, in which NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a critical role. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit therapeutic potential, but their efficacy is limited by poor survival and reduced paracrine activity in hostile microenvironments. Here, we investigated whether three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture enhances the protective effects of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on RPE cells by promoting autophagy and suppressing inflammasome activation. Human UC-MSCs were cultured as 3D spheroids or conventional 2D monolayers and applied in sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced oxidative injury models both in vitro and in vivo. Retinal morphology and function were assessed via histology and electroretinography, while NLRP3/caspase-1 activation, LC3-II/I ratios, and autophagy flux were quantified using immunofluorescence and Western blot. GO/KEGG enrichment was performed to identify pathways associated with 3D MSCs efficacy. Mechanistic involvement of autophagy was validated using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and rapamycin. 3D MSCs formed compact spheroids exhibiting enhanced paracrine potential and significantly outperformed 2D MSCs in protecting RPE cells against NaIO3-induced injury. In vivo, 3D MSC treatment preserved retinal structure, reduced RPE cell loss, and improved retinal function. In vitro, co-culture with 3D MSCs markedly improved ARPE-19 viability, reduced apoptosis, and modulated autophagy-related marker expression, as evidenced by increased LC3-II/I ratios. 3D MSCs significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, effects reversed by 3-MA and further enhanced by rapamycin. 3D spheroid culture substantially augments the therapeutic efficacy of UC-MSCs by boosting autophagy and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, resulting in enhanced protection of RPE cells from oxidative and inflammatory injury. These findings provide preclinical evidence supporting 3D MSCs as a promising therapeutic strategy for AMD.
Kidney ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of acute kidney injury. This study assessed the renooprotective effects of morin hydrate (MH) and its association with inflammatory and mitochondrial regulatory pathways in an I/R rat model. Molecular docking predicted the potential binding of MH with thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)-thioredoxin (TRX) complex. Rats were assigned to four groups: sham, I/R, and I/R + MH (20 or 40 mg/kg). Renal function, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, apoptosis-related proteins, mitochondrial markers, and histopathology were assessed. Docking analysis suggested a potential interaction of MH with the TXNIP-TRX interface (ΔG=-8.0 kcal/mol). In vivo, MH reduced I/R-induced increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. MH restored mitochondrial-related parameters, including NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2, and ATP levels, and mitigated oxidative stress, as indicated by reduced carbonyl protein levels and restored glutathione content. MH was also associated with reduced TXNIP, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Apoptotic markers, including phosphorylated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, caspase-3, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio, were reduced. MH was associated with downregulation of Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and dynamin-related protein-1 and, upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitofusin-1. Histological findings supported these results. MH attenuated renal I/R injury and was associated with reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with improved mitochondrial-related parameters. These findings suggest that MH-mediated renoprotection is associated with coordinated changes in TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling and FOXO1/PGC-1α-related mitochondrial responses. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether individualised intraoperative blood pressure (BP) management improves postoperative outcomes in patients having noncardiac surgery compared with routine BP management. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase for relevant RCTs. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). We performed frequentist (random-effects model with Knapp-Hartung adjustment) and Bayesian meta-analyses. Ten RCTs (n=5842 patients) were included. Although individualised, compared with routine, intraoperative BP management resulted in significantly higher intraoperative BP (reflected by a reduction in the area under a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mm Hg; mean difference -44.5 mm Hg × min, 95% confidence interval [CI] -58.5 to -30.4, P=0.0005), it did not reduce the incidence of AKI (risk ratio [RR] 0.83, 95% CI 0.65-1.07, P=0.13), 30-day mortality (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.35-1.75, P=0.44), or myocardial injury (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.92-1.35, P=0.14). A significant reduction in postoperative delirium was observed (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.83, P=0.02). Bayesian analysis indicated a 91% probability of any degree of AKI protection (RR<1); however, the probability of this benefit reaching a clinically meaningful threshold (RR<0.8) was low (39%). Compared with routine intraoperative BP management (typically targeting MAP ≥60-65 mm Hg), individualised intraoperative BP management resulted in higher intraoperative BP but did not significantly reduce postoperative AKI. Individualised intraoperative BP management might decrease the risk of postoperative delirium. CRD420251186093.
Wild isolates of Toxoplasma gondii may exhibit different virulence characteristics and host adaptability compared with those of laboratory strains. In this study, we isolated a novel rodent-derived T. gondii strain, denoted TgRodGz1, and evaluated its pathogenic features. TgRodGz1 was isolated from T. gondii-positive wild rodents in Guangdong Province and compared with the RH and Me49 strains in C57BL/6 mice. Virulence and intestinal injury were evaluated by survival analysis, brain cyst quantification, histopathology, tight junction assessment and qPCR. Gut microbiota and metabolic alterations were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics. Compared with theT. gondii laboratory strains RH and Me49, TgRodGz1 was associated with more pronounced intestinal injury, including villus atrophy, barrier disruption and downregulation of tight junction proteins and increased gut permeability and inflammation. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant intestinal flora dysbiosis, with a marked reduction in beneficial bacteria and expansion of pathogenic bacteria. Metabolomic analysis revealed suppression of arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolism during TgRodGz1 infection. Supplementation with ARA did not directly inhibit parasite growth but significantly alleviated intestinal lesions, reduced brain cyst burden and attenuated inflammatory responses, including microglial activation. These findings suggest that TgRodGz1 represents a distinct T. gondii genotype associated with pronounced intestinal pathology and suggest that ARA supplementation may alleviate intestinal and neuroinflammatory changes associated with T. gondii infection.
The prehospital management of moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) centers on preventing secondary brain injury. Prehospital emergency anesthesia (PHEA) may be required for optimal neuroprotective care. Continuous invasive arterial blood pressure (IBP) monitoring is increasingly used in this cohort. PHEA can result in significant blood pressure (BP) changes, particularly around induction. IBP allows targeted BP management. This study analyzed hypotension frequency, depth, and duration in patients with suspected TBI monitored with IBP before PHEA. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with suspected TBI attended by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) who received IBP before PHEA between January 6, 2022, and July 6, 2024. The magnitude and duration of "absolute hypotension" (systolic BP [SBP], < 90 mm Hg) were combined to establish a dose of absolute hypotension (mm Hg × minutes). The primary endpoints were incidence and dose of absolute hypotension. A total of 305 patients were identified; 140 (45.9%) were included. The median age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR], 42-73), the predominant sex was male (n = 108; 77%), and the median Glasgow coma scale score was 6/15 (IQR, 4.0-7.5). Thirteen patients (9.3%) had absolute hypotension before PHEA, increasing to 53 (37.9%) after PHEA. Twenty-five patients (47.2%) had initial absolute hypotensive episodes that occurred 5 minutes after PHEA, with a median duration of 3 minutes (IQR, 1.0-4.5). The median dose of absolute hypotension was 144 mm Hg × minutes (IQR, 3.75-1,675.5). Twenty-five patients (17.9%) had "clinically important hypotension" (SBP, < 110 mm Hg) before PHEA, increasing to 80 after PHEA (57.1%). Pre-PHEA absolute and clinically important hypotension were associated with both incidence and dose of post-PHEA absolute hypotension. This study highlights a higher incidence of absolute hypotension using IBP than previous studies using intermittent noninvasive monitoring. Although post-PHEA absolute hypotension was common, more than half of these events were brief (< 5 minutes). These findings highlight the importance of analyzing hypotension depth and duration and suggest the need for prehospital outcome-based studies using continuous IBP.
Liver progenitor-like cells (LPLCs) are essential for liver regeneration during some injury process, yet their epigenetic characters remain poorly understood. Using single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq), we profiled chromatin accessibility in a mouse model of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidin (DDC) diet-induced cholestasis at six time points: homeostasis (D0), injury (D8, D17), and repair (R2, R7, R21). We analyzed 75,452 high-quality nuclei, identifying 15 liver cell types, including LPLCs. Among 221,845 accessible chromatin regions, 192,079 showed differential accessibility. LPLCs exhibited enriched binding motifs for SWI/SNF (SMARCC1) and AP-1 (FOS, JUND and JUNB) complexes, highlighting their roles in transcriptional regulation. This study provides a comprehensive chromatin accessibility landscape of liver injury and regeneration, suggesting SWI/SNF and AP-1 as potential therapeutic targets.
Neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury severely compromises patients' quality of life. The clinical application of ropivacaine is limited by its short duration of action and the significant side effects associated with repeated administration. In this study, we developed a Gelatin methacryloyl/hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel (Ropi-GelMA/HA) to enable localized and controlled delivery of ropivacaine by photo-crosslinking. In a rat model of spinal cord contusion, Ropi-GelMA/HA was associated with lower Nav1.3 and TNF-α expression and higher NGF and BDNF expression, together with improved motor recovery in rats with SCI. In vitro studies further supported the hydrogel's favorable biocompatibility and controlled release behavior during the early phase after administration. Under the tested dosing regimens, Ropi-GelMA/HA was associated with reduced hepatorenal toxicity and more durable analgesic efficacy compared with free ropivacaine, resulting in prolonged analgesic effects and improved functional outcomes under localized controlled delivery conditions. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of Ropi-GelMA/HA in the treatment of neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.
Energy stress-induced dysfunction of granulosa cells (GCs) is a major etiological factor in diminished female reproductive performance. Although vitamin E affords cytoprotection to GCs, its specific mechanisms of action under energy stress conditions in the yak model remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the pathways and cell fate decisions through which vitamin E alleviates energy stress-induced damage in yak GCs. Our results indicate that energy stress triggers a signaling cascade initiated by the AMPK-mTOR pathway, which functions as an upstream regulator for downstream events. Activation of this pathway promotes PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, leading to ferroptosis, characterized by the downregulation of SLC7A11 and GPX4 and the upregulation of ACSL4. This cascade ultimately drives the cells toward apoptosis, as evidenced by an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and elevated levels of Cleaved-caspase-3, along with impaired intercellular communication due to downregulation of Cx43 and Cx37. Vitamin E intervention mitigated apoptosis and rescued the expression of gap junction proteins by intercepting this AMPK-mTOR-mitophagy-ferroptosis axis. Our study suggests a mechanism by which vitamin E modulates GC fate via this pathway. These findings provide insight into ovarian follicular pathophysiology in yaks and may inform strategies targeted at reproductive disorders associated with energy metabolic dysregulation.
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To evaluate finerenone-associated adverse events (AEs) and to investigate the association between finerenone use and renal injury via data mining of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To minimize statistical bias, the data extraction period was set from database inception (2004) to provide a stable background for disproportionality analysis. Four disproportionality algorithms (ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS) and stricter case-screening methods were employed to improve analytical precision. Additionally, a clinical priority evaluation was conducted to rank clinical risks and surveillance levels for these AEs. Supplementary analysis was performed to assess the relationship between finerenone and renal injury, as well as associated risk factors. A total of 1316 finerenone-related reports were identified. 30 AEs were detected as significantly positive signals, with most being related to renal function (15 PTs, 50%), blood pressure (5 PTs, 16.67%), and blood potassium (4 PTs, 13.33%). Among them, blood glucose increased, blood creatine increased, and flank pain were new potential AEs. Acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia, renal impairment, glomerular filtration rate decreased, blood creatinineincreased, blood potassium increased, and hyponatremia exhibited moderate clinical priority levels and warrant further study. Signals reflecting renal injury were detected in patients regardless of baseline nephropathy. Male sex, taking more than 3 drugs, and using amlodipine may be risk factors for finerenone-related nephrotoxicity. These results highlight new finerenone-related AEs, provide ranked guidance for pharmacovigilance through clinical priority evaluation, and clarify factors that influence renal injury, providing guidance for individualized treatment and improved drug safety.
Despite modest improvement, the lifespan of a child on dialysis continues to be 40 years shorter compared to healthy children. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Risk factors for CVD are present even in early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate as the child's renal function deteriorates. As a result, the highest burden of CVD exists in patients on chronic dialysis. Although dialysis is life-sustaining, the dialysis procedure promotes cardiovascular damage. Both traditional and non-traditional CVD risk factors drive this acceleration. More concerning, the dialysis procedure itself is cardiotoxic. Because of coexisting poor cardiac reserve and altered sympathetic tone in this patient population, dialysis induces repetitive contractile, ischemic injury termed myocardial stunning. This ischemia-reperfusion injury is reversible at first. However, with repetitive episodes, this injury will trigger alterations in cardiac function that decrease contractile function in order to preserve viability. Ultimately, these adaptations lead to remodeling and fibrosis. There is no targeted therapy available to reverse cardiovascular damage in these patients. Intensive monitoring and management of modifiable risks such as hypertension and anemia in the early stages of CKD to optimize cardiovascular health is imperative. However, in late CKD, especially in those patients who are not candidates for preemptive renal transplantation, optimization of the dialysis procedure is critical to prevent acceleration of their CVD burden. Improved assessment of dry weight as well as data-driven fluid management programs may decrease some risk. More importantly, standard implementation of intensified dialysis prescriptions by increasing time or through the addition of convective clearance may mitigate progressive cardiovascular damage and enhance survival. In this review, the pathophysiology of dialysis-induced cardiovascular damage will be reviewed. The management strategies to limit the cardiovascular burden in our patients are also discussed.
Human liver tissue-derived organoids recapitulate key hepatic phenotypes but are commonly maintained under static conditions, whereas microfluidic organ-on-chip systems provide controllable perfusion and mass transport. Scalable integration of human liver tissue-derived organoids into a perfused, human-relevant Liver-on-Chip remains limited. We combined healthy human liver tissue-derived organoids with a high-throughput three-lane OrganoPlate microfluidic format to establish a perfused organoid Liver-on-Chip (HepLoC) featuring 3D luminal tubules under continuous flow. After hepatocyte-directed differentiation under perfusion, bioengineered HepLoC formed mature hepatocyte-like architectures with increased mature hepatocyte marker proteins, enrichment of hepatic transcriptomic signatures, and functional bile canaliculi. As a proof-of-concept for drug-induced liver injury, troglitazone induced dose-dependent hepatocyte injury accompanied by tight-junction disruption, MRP2 mislocalization, and impaired bile acid export, recapitulating key features of cholestatic liver injury. To model metabolic liver disease, free fatty acids triggered lipid droplet accumulation, increased triglycerides and reactive oxygen species, and upregulated lipogenic and inflammatory genes while largely preserving viability, consistent with early-stage metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. The high-throughput HepLoC format further enabled parallel testing of reference hepatotoxic drugs and curcumin liposomes by reduced lipid accumulation in fatty-acid-treated HepLoC with minimal hepatotoxicity. Our perfused, organoid-based microfluidic Liver-on-Chip recapitulates essential human liver structure and function and enables integrated, parallel evaluation of hepatotoxicity and optimization of nanotherapeutic strategies, which deciphers the mechanisms of liver diseases, bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical translation.
Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) elicits microglia-driven neuroinflammation and mitochondrial failure that led to retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) loss, yet effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Acarbose (ACA), an α-glucosidase inhibitor widely used for diabetes, has recently been recognized for its dual regulatory potential on immune metabolism and aging-associated neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that intravitreal ACA administration attenuates retinal inflammation and improves RGCs survival following IR injury. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed extensive inflammatory activation and metabolic reprogramming across the retina, characterized by enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) catabolism, particularly in microglia. ACA treatment was associated with reversal of these alterations, replenished NAD levels, and restored mitochondrial integrity. Integrative proteomic and biochemical analyses identified pyruvate kinase, muscle-type 2 (Pkm2) as a candidate regulatory node affected by ACA. Intravitreal delivery of siPkm2 partially protected against IR injury, and co-administration with ACA produced an additive trend in neuroprotection. Mechanistically, ACA upregulated sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and reduced Pkm2 acetylation at lysine 270 (K270), which was linked to pro-inflammatory microglial activation. Structure-based virtual screening further identified HY-113082, a small molecule targeting Pkm2-K270, which synergized with ACA to suppress inflammation and enhance retinal protection. Moreover, Pkm2fl/flCx3cr1-Cre mice conferred partial resistance to IR injury, but blunted the additional benefit of HY-113082 when combined with ACA, consistent with on-target engagement. Our findings support that ACA exerts retinal protection through the Sirt1-Pkm2-NAD axis, suggesting a metabolic checkpoint that integrates immune and mitochondrial regulation. This study provides mechanistic insight into ACA's dual immunometabolic and neuroprotective actions, holding promise for therapeutic insights into neuroinflammation.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a major cause of neonatal disability and mortality. Its core pathology involves extensive neuronal apoptosis and persistent inflammatory responses. Microglia play a crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis and promoting injury repair by recognizing and clearing apoptotic neurons. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. This study employed a co-culture model of apoptotic neurons, phagocytic function assays, cytokine analysis, transcriptome sequencing, Gas6 gene knockout and rescue experiments, combined with a mouse model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, to elucidate the role of microglia in the phagocytic process and the regulatory function of Gas6. Injured neurons induced an early phase of pro-inflammatory activation and enhanced phagocytic capacity in microglia, followed by a shift towards an anti-inflammatory function. Transcriptome analysis suggested that co-culture with injured neurons activated pathways such as PI3K-AKT and NF-κB in microglia, concomitant with a significant upregulation of Gas6. Furthermore, we found that Gas6 deficiency significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of TAM receptors, leading to impaired downstream PI3K/AKT activation and a marked decrease in Rac1-GTP, thereby suppressing cytoskeletal rearrangement and phagocytic function. In parallel, Gas6-deficient microglia exhibited a sustained pro-inflammatory response, with both their efferocytic capacity and ability to regulate inflammation being significantly compromised. In vivo experiments showed that Gas6-KO mice displayed more severe neurological deficits, increased neuronal apoptosis, and stronger inflammatory responses after HIE. Supplementation with exogenous Gas6 elevated TAM receptor phosphorylation and the PI3K/AKT-Rac1 signaling pathway, partially restoring the phagocytic capacity of microglia. This study demonstrates the important role of the Gas6-TAM-PI3K/AKT-Rac1 signaling axis in modulating microglial efferocytic function and inflammatory state transition. It provides a potential therapeutic strategy for improving HIE prognosis by targeting the regulation of microglial phagocytosis.
Dirofilaria repens is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode that causes subcutaneous dirofilariasis in dogs and is closely related to Dirofilaria immitis. Infection with D. immitis can lead to immune-mediated glomerulonephritis characterized by immune complex deposition along the glomerular basement membrane, resulting in proteinuria and renal dysfunction. Reported histopathological changes include membranous glomerulonephritis with potential chronic progression to chronic interstitial nephritis, glomerulosclerosis, and amyloidosis. Despite the close relationship between these two Dirofilaria species, renal clinicopathological changes associated with D. repens infection have been only rarely investigated, and renal ultrastructural and immunofluorescence findings have not been described in naturally infected dogs. The objective of this study was to collect clinicopathological data and evaluate kidneys from dogs naturally infected with D. repens for structural abnormalities using light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Seventy-two shelter dogs from the university neutering program were screened for D. repens infection. Six infected dogs were identified, and renal biopsies were obtained during neutering. Serum urea, creatinine, and SDMA concentrations were measured, and comprehensive urinalysis was performed, including urinary protein-to-creatinine and albumin-to-creatinine ratios. None of the dogs had increased serum creatinine or SDMA; two of six dogs had mildly increased urea. Mean urine specific gravity was 1.029 ± 0.011, and urine sediment was unremarkable in all dogs. Two dogs were borderline proteinuric and one was proteinuric; the mean urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was 0.29 ± 0.15. Microalbuminuria was detected in one case (median: 0.001). Histopathology predominantly demonstrated podocyte injury with variable podocyte foot process effacement, without evidence supporting an immune complex-mediated glomerulopathy. Two dogs had mild focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). IF was available for two dogs and did not support immune complex-mediated disease, in agreement with TEM findings. In this cohort, dogs naturally infected with D. repens showed predominantly mild renal lesions characterized mainly by podocyte injury and, less frequently, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These findings differ from the immune-complex-dominant renal pathology commonly described in D. immitis infection and highlight the value of ultrastructural and immunofluorescence assessment for characterizing renal changes associated with D. repens infection.
The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has expanded for severe respiratory and circulatory failure. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications. Up to 85% of ECMO patients develop AKI and approximately half of them require renal replacement therapy (RRT) making a comprehensive understanding of both therapies and their interaction essential for patient management. However, evidence to guide ECMO-specific RRT strategies remains limited. ECMO-related AKI arises from a complex interplay between patient and circuit factors that promote inflammation, endothelial injury, and tubular damage. Timing of RRT initiation in ECMO patients often relies on criteria used in the general critically ill population. Fluid overload is consistently associated with worse outcomes, and observational data suggest that earlier RRT, primarily to control fluid balance, may improve survival although randomized trials in ECMO patients are lacking. All RRT modalities can theoretically be used, but continuous techniques are preferred. RRT can be delivered via a parallel circuit using a dedicated venous catheter or integrated into the ECMO circuit. Integrated configurations reduce the need for additional vascular access and may prolong filter lifespan but require careful pressure management and team expertise to avoid alarms, hemolysis, and air embolism. Anticoagulation strategies must balance bleeding and thrombosis risk across both circuits; unfractionated heparin remains standard, while regional citrate anticoagulation can safely extend filter lifespan in selected patients although data is lacking in patients under veno-arterial ECMO. RRT during ECMO is associated with higher short-term mortality and an increased burden of chronic kidney disease among survivors. The management of AKI in ECMO patients remains a major clinical challenge. While RRT is often required in this population, optimal strategies for its initiation, modality selection, and integration with ECMO circuits are still evolving. Current evidence underscores the need for individualized approaches based on patient characteristics. Future research should focus on defining standardized protocols for RRT implementation in ECMO, use of regional citrate anticoagulation, optimizing patient selection, and evaluating long-term renal and survival outcomes.
PANoptosis is an emerging programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that integrates the key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, and is coordinately regulated by a multi-protein complex known as the PANoptosome. This pathway plays a significant role in various neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury, glioma, and other neuroinflammatory diseases. By synthesizing the latest bioinformatics and substantial experimental evidence, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the PANoptosome's composition and its dynamic regulatory networks, and further dissect the immunoregulatory functions of PANoptosis. Distinct from previous descriptive summaries, we propose a refined framework focusing on the spatiotemporal and cell-type-specific dynamics of PANoptosis, specifically highlighting the functional transition from acute neuronal stress (VDAC1-mediated) to chronic glial-mediated inflammation (TAK1-dependent). Furthermore, we evaluate the methodological standards for detection and discuss the translational feasibility and safety of targeting this pathway. By outlining these prospective research avenues, this work underscores the critical value of PANoptosis in clinical translation and provides an updated conceptual roadmap for future therapeutic strategies in neurological diseases.