Related Articles
Different types of cell death and their interactions in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a multifaceted process observed in patients with coronary artery disease when blood flow is restored to the heart tissue following ischemia-induced damage. Cardiomyocyte cell death, particularly through apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, is pivotal in myocardial I/R injury. Preventing cell death during the process of I/R is vital for improving ischemic cardiomyopathy. These multiple forms of cell death can occur simultaneously, interact with each other, and contribute to the complexity of myocardial I/R injury. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the key molecular mechanisms and regulatory patterns involved in these five types of cell death in myocardial I/R injury. We will also discuss the crosstalk and intricate interactions among these mechanisms, highlighting the interplay between different types of cell death. Furthermore, we will explore specific molecules or targets that participate in different cell death pathways and elucidate their mechanisms of action. It is important to note that manipulating the molecules or targets involved in distinct cell death processes may have a significant impact on reducing myocardial I/R injury. By enhancing researchers’ understanding of the mechanisms and interactions among different types of cell death in myocardial I/R injury, this review aims to pave the way for the development of novel interventions for cardio-protection in patients affected by myocardial I/R injury.
Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects
The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.
Magnetic hydrochar for sustainable wastewater management
Sustainable wastewater treatment requires economical, high-performance materials. Magnetic hydrochar, synthesized from low-cost feedstocks, combines tunable surface properties and magnetic functionality, enabling efficient pollutant removal, facile magnetic separation, and cost-effectiveness. This review explores recent advancements in the synthesis and application of magnetic hydrochar for wastewater treatment. Magnetic hydrochar is promising for practical wastewater treatment, as demonstrated by sustainability assessments, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical implementation in environmental remediation.
Incretin-based therapies for the treatment of obesity-related diseases
Obesity-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are expected to increase by approximately 40% from 2020 to 2030. DALYs and mortality related to obesity are the consequence of multiple comorbidities such as cardiovascular (i.e., heart failure) and metabolic diseases (i.e. type 2 diabetes [T2D], metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease [MASLD]). Lifestyle interventions represent the foundation of obesity treatment, yet an escalation to pharmacological and/or surgical interventions is often needed. Liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide are incretin-based therapies currently approved by FDA for the management of obesity, while triple GIPR/GCGR/GLP-1R agonist retatrutide (LY3437943), the cagrilintide/semaglutide (CagriSema) 2.4 mg combination, high-dose oral semaglutide, and oral orforglipron are in advanced stages of development. Incretin-based therapies have been associated with a body weight (BW) reduction of ≥5% in at least half of patients in most randomized controlled trials (RCT) and real-world studies (RWS). Semaglutide and tirzepatide have also displayed a mean 60–69% 10-years relative risk reduction of T2D development. In line with evidence accrued in patients with T2D, incretin-based therapies produced a favorable effect on traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipids and blood pressure, and even reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events and heart failure-related events in individuals with obesity, as recently demonstrated for the first time in the SELECT trial with semaglutide 2.4 mg once-weekly. Moreover, incretin-based therapies have also been proven beneficial on obesity-related comorbidities, such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, and MASLD. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of their effects on obesity-related comorbidities and the underlying mechanism, whether involving direct effects on target tissues or mediated by improvement in BW, glucose levels and other CV risk factors.
Structural flexible magnetic films for biometric encryption and tactile interaction in wearable devices
Human fingers have fingerprints and mechanoreceptors for biometric information encryption and tactile perception. Ideally, electronic skin (e-skin) integrates identity information and tactile sensing, but this remains challenging. Research on encryption and tactile sensing rarely overlaps. Here, we report using magnetization structures and combinations of magnetic materials to achieve two types of functions: 6n × n invisible secure encryption is achieved through a n × n dipole magnetic array, and multipole magnets are used to achieve decoupling of pressure at various positions and sliding in different directions. The sliding distance ranges from 0 to 2.5 mm, with speeds between 5 and 25 mm/s. This study is based on flexible magnetic films, which have the potential to be used in wearable devices. The magnetic ring and signal detection modules verify the prospects of this fundamental principle in human-computer interaction (HCI) and demonstrate its applications in user identity recognition and tactile interaction.
Responses