Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by lysosomal storage of free cholesterol. 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide derivative that is being developed to treat NPC1. Recently, metformin was reported to be beneficial in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of combined treatment with HPβCD and metformin on Npc1^−/− mice. Unfortunately, body weight and survival rates showed that cotreatment with metformin did not extend survival time and increase the body weight of HPβCD-treated Npc1^−/− mice. However, cotreatment with metformin reduced inflammatory response and inhibited the proinflammatory cytokine release in the brain, liver and spleen of HPβCD-treated Npc1^−/− mice. Furthermore, metformin did not reduce the free cholesterol levels in Npc1^−/− brain tissue or fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that metformin does not show beneficial effects on body weight or survival time but reduced the inflammatory response in a mouse model of NPC1 when combined with HPβCD.

This research paper investigates a novel triangular honeycomb thermochemical energy storage reactor for low- and medium-temperature applications in buildings, emphasizing its potential to enhance sustainable heating. Using a validated 3D numerical model, the reactor’s performance is analyzed in depth across various configurations, focusing on key parameters such as energy storage density, pressure drop, internal air flow distribution, and round-trip efficiency. Results show that the reactor achieved an energy storage density of 872 kJ/kg and a round-trip thermal efficiency of 41.51% under optimal conditions. Additionally, the triangular honeycomb reactor (30°, 60, and 90°) configuration achieved the highest temperature lift of 48.7 °C. In a feasibility analysis for residential heating in northern China, the reactor with 30°, 60°, and 90° angles required 24.91% less volume to meet daily heating demands compared to other configurations. This study contributes valuable insights for the development of efficient, low-carbon heating solutions for low- and medium-temperature applications in buildings, offering interesting advancements in the field of thermochemical energy storage technology.