The inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cell death. The sensor proteins in the inflammasome complex detect various microbial and endogenous stimuli, leading to subsequent caspase activation. The activation of caspases results in the maturation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18 or pyroptosis. Inflammasome dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disease and cancer. It appears that the interactions between the gut microbiota and the inflammasome play crucial roles in the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota induces the expression and activation of inflammasome proteins, which contribute to both homeostasis and disease in the gut. Likewise, although controversial, mounting evidence suggests that inflammasome activation can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, which, in turn, affects disease progression. In this review, we summarize the current concepts and recent insights linking the inflammasome and gut commensal microorganisms. We describe how the reciprocal interaction between the inflammasome and the commensal microbiota relates to physiological and pathophysiological consequences in the host.

Background: Human cationic antibacterial peptide hCAP18/LL-37 is the only known cathelicidin, which is part of the innate immune system of humans. The antimicrobial activity of LL-37 against multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has been reported recently, however, whether LL-37 and its analogues (LL/CAP18 and FF/CAP18) have antimicrobial activity against pan-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDRAB) is still unknown. Objectives: This study aims to clarify the antimicrobial activity of LL-37 and its analogues against PDRAB. Methods: In this study, we evaluated LL-37 and its truncated analogs inhibitory effect on the growth of PDRAB by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) analysis, we also examined the effect of LL-37 and its analogs on bacterial biofilm formation by using a quantitative crystal violet assay. Results: LL-37 and its truncated analogs were effective in inhibiting the growth of PDRAB and had a rapid killing ability. After exposure to the peptides, the development of the PDRAB biofilm was inhibited. Strong inhibitory and dispersion effects of FF/CAP18 on the biofilm were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions: This results show that FF/CAP18 is a potential antimicrobial agent for treating pan-drug–resistant bacterial infections. Keywords: Drug Resistant; Antibacterial Peptide LL-37; Acinetobacter baumannii

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading global health burden, with lead exposure identified as a significant environment risk factor contributing to its prevalence.Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 were used to analyze deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of IHD due to lead exposure at global, regional, and national levels. Decomposition analysis, frontier analysis, and Bayesian age-period cohort (BAPC) models were applied to assess trends from 1990 to 2021.Results: In 2021, deaths and DALYs attributable to lead exposure reached 590,370.03 and 11,854,611.43, respectively, though age-standardized rates (ASRs) declined. Males and the older adult exhibited higher ASRs. At regional level, South Asia had the highest number of deaths and DALYs, while North Africa and the Middle East had the highest ASRs. Certain countries showed increasing ASRs over time, with a negative correlation between socio-demographic index (SDI) and ASRs. Decomposition analysis identified that population growth as the primary driver of increasing deaths and DALYs, particularly in middle-SDI regions. Frontier analysis suggested that middle and low-SDI regions have the greater potential to reduce the IHD burden. BAPC projections indicated a global decrease in IHD burden due to lead exposure by 2050.Conclusions: The burden remains disproportionately high in males, the older adult and low- and middle-SDI regions, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and lead exposure control efforts in these populations.