Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical clinical condition with a high mortality rate. It is believed that the inflammatory storm is a critical contributor to the occurrence of ALI. Fucoxanthin is a natural extract from marine seaweed with remarkable biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of Fucoxanthin has not been extensively studied. The current study aimed to elucidate the effects and the molecular mechanism of Fucoxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. In this study, Fucoxanthin efficiently reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-10, IL-6, iNOS, and Cox-2, and down-regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway in Raw264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, based on the network pharmacological analysis, our results showed that anti-inflammation signaling pathways were screened as fundamental action mechanisms of Fucoxanthin on ALI. Fucoxanthin also significantly ameliorated the inflammatory responses in LPS-induced ALI mice. Interestingly, our results revealed that Fucoxanthin prevented the expression of TLR4/MyD88 in Raw264.7 macrophages. We further validated Fucoxanthin binds to the TLR4 pocket using molecular docking simulations. Altogether, these results suggest that Fucoxanthin suppresses the TLR4/MyD88 signaling axis by targeting TLR4, which inhibits LPS-induced ALI, and fucoxanthin inhibition may provide a novel strategy for controlling the initiation and progression of ALI.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by metabolic imbalances and neuroinflammation, posing a formidable challenge in medicine due to the lack of effective treatments. Despite considerable research efforts, a cure for AD remains elusive, with current therapies primarily focused on symptom management rather than addressing the disease's underlying causes. This study initially discerned, through Mendelian randomization analysis that elevating pantothenate levels significantly contributes to the prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease. We explore the therapeutic potential of pantothenate encapsulated in liposomes (Pan@TRF@Liposome NPs), targeting the modulation of CRM1-mediated PKM2 nuclear translocation, a critical mechanism in AD pathology. Additionally, we investigate the synergistic effects of exercise, proposing a combined approach to AD treatment. Exercise-induced metabolic alterations share significant similarities with those associated with dementia, suggesting a potential complementary effect. The Pan@TRF@Liposome NPs exhibit notable biocompatibility, showing no liver or kidney toxicity in vivo, while demonstrating stability and effectiveness in modulating CRM1-mediated PKM2 nuclear translocation, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. The combined treatment of exercise and Pan@TRF@Liposome NP administration in an AD animal model leads to improved neurofunctional outcomes and cognitive performance. These findings highlight the nanoparticles' role as effective modulators of CRM1-mediated PKM2 nuclear translocation, with significant implications for mitigating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Together with exercise, this dual-modality approach could offer new avenues for enhancing cognitive performance and neurofunctional outcomes in AD, marking a promising step forward in developing treatment strategies for this challenging disorder.

The concentration of oxygen (O ₂ ) plays a crucial role in the metabolic respiration, maturation, and ripening processes of fruits. In this study, we propose a novel method for gas detection called light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES), which utilizes a quartz tuning fork (QTf) coated with a thin film of CH ₃ NH ₃ PbI ₃ perovskite. By creating a Schottky junction with silver electrodes on the surface of QTF, the photoelectric and thermoelastic effects was coupled by the CH ₃ NH ₃ PbI ₃ -QTF, thereby enhances the sensor’s detection sensitivity. In addition, encapsulation was taken to ensure the long-term stability of the CH ₃ NH ₃ PbI ₃ -QTF sensor. We applied the LITES technology to investigate O ₂ concentration during the storage and decay process of strawberries. By monitoring the fluctuations in O ₂ concentration, we were able to estimate the degree of strawberry decay. Our findings demonstrate that this low-cost, innovative technique holds promise for replacing conventional photodetectors, and has a great potential to apply in studying gas exchange in food packaging and storaging.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by complex pathophysiology, including dysregulated immune responses, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress, often leading to multi-organ failure and high mortality rates. Traditional therapies, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, face significant limitations due to issues like drug resistance and inadequate immune modulation. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced innovative solutions by leveraging nanomaterial-based encapsulation systems for bioactive substances, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunomodulators. These systems enhance the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, addressing critical challenges in sepsis management. Key nanocarriers, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymer-based systems, and plant-derived exosomes, offer controlled release mechanisms and precise targeting capabilities, enabling superior therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, nanomaterials' multifunctional properties allow for simultaneous modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune responses, presenting a synergistic approach to sepsis therapy. However, challenges persist, including the potential toxicity of nanomaterials, scalability of production, and hurdles in clinical translation. This review comprehensively explores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in reshaping sepsis treatment strategies, highlighting its role in advancing precision medicine and its prospects for overcoming current therapeutic barriers.