Non-invasive mapping of brown adipose tissue activity with magnetic resonance imaging.

Thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) has a positive impact on whole-body metabolism. However, in vivo mapping of BAT activity typically relies on techniques involving ionizing radiation, such as [F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). Here we report a noninvasive metabolic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach based on creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (Cr-CEST) contrast to assess in vivo BAT activity in rodents and humans.

Lrg1 silencing attenuates ischemia-reperfusion renal injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis through the TGFβ1- Smad1/5 signaling pathway.

Background: Dysfunction in the processes of autophagy and apoptosis within renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEc) contributes to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the factors influencing this dysfunction remain unclear. Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1) plays a role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy and kidney fibrosis by modulating the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1)-Smad1/5/8 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways, respectively.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase inhibitor is a novel therapeutic candidate in LPS-induced neutrophil extracellular traps.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are beneficial antibacterial defense structures. However, excessive NETs have also been linked to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. LPS and Gram-negative bacteria induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent NETs via the JNK pathway.

Neonatal neuron specific enolase, a sensitive biochemical marker of neuronal damage, is increased in preeclampsia: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Preeclampsia leads to chronic intrauterine hypoxia by interfering with placental blood supply. We aimed to investigate whether preeclampsia exposure has an influence on central nervous system of infants, as evaluated by analyzing neonatal serum neuron specific enolase (NSE).

Methods: This was a retrospective study including infants born in Nanfang hospital between Jan 2018 and Feb 2019 without asphyxia.