Efficacy of tranilast in preventing exacerbating cardiac function and death from heart failure in muscular dystrophy patients with advanced-stage heart failure: a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study.

Background: Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) functions as a stretch-sensitive calcium channel, with overexpression in the sarcolemma of skeletal and cardiac myocytes leading to detrimental calcium influx and triggering muscle degeneration. In our previous pilot study, we showed that tranilast, a TRPV2 inhibitor, reduced brain natriuretic peptide levels in two patients with muscular dystrophy and advanced heart failure. Building on this, we performed a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study herein to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tranilast in the treatment of advanced heart failure in patients with muscular dystrophy.

Formation of I+III supercomplex rescues respiratory chain defects.

Mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes partition between free complexes and quaternary assemblies known as supercomplexes (SCs). However, the physiological requirement for SCs and the mechanisms regulating their formation remain controversial. Here, we show that genetic perturbations in mammalian ETC complex III (CIII) biogenesis stimulate the formation of a specialized extra-large SC (SC-XL) with a structure of I+III, resolved at 3.

Regulates the Immune Response and Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Background: Cactus contains dietary fiber and minerals and is expected to have preventive effects against diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, cactus intake induces the production of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota, which might influence immune functions. In this study, we examined the effects of a cactus (: NC)-supplemented diet on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses and intestinal barrier function.

Plasma-engineered sugarcane bagasse: a novel strategy for efficient mercury removal from aqueous solutions.

Metal ion adsorption using agro-industrial residues has shown promising results in remediating contaminated waters. However, adsorbent effectiveness relies on their properties, often necessitating processing for modification. Considering this, plasma treatment is effective in modifying material surfaces physically and chemically.