Unveiling the flames: macrophage pyroptosis and its crucial role in liver diseases.

Macrophages play a critical role in innate immunity, with approximately 90% of the total macrophage population in the human body residing in the liver. This population encompasses both resident and infiltrating macrophages. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of liver macrophages in various aspects such as liver inflammation, regeneration, and immune regulation. A novel pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, pyroptosis, initially identified in macrophages, has garnered substantial attention since its discovery. Studies investigating pyroptosis and inflammation progression have particularly centered around macrophages. In liver diseases, pyroptosis plays an important role in driving the inflammatory response, facilitating the fibrotic process, and promoting tumor progression. Notably, the role of macrophage pyroptosis cannot be understated. This review primarily focuses on the role of macrophage pyroptosis in liver diseases. Additionally, it underscores the therapeutic potential inherent in targeting macrophage pyroptosis.

[Value of three capsular antigen detection methods in diagnosis and efficacy assessment in patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of different kinds of cryptococcal capsular antigen detection methods in diagnosis and efficacy assessment in the patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. METHODS: From October 2012 to March 2015, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 57 patients withcentral nervous system infection who hospitalized in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. The cryptococcal capsular antigen in CSF was detected by Lateral flow assay (LFA), Latex agglutination test(LA) and Enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Follow-up study was achieved in 10 patients by detecting the samples of their CSF using LA and EIA, so that the dynamic changes of the antigen level could be obtained and observed during the treatment. RESULTS: The sensitivity of LFA and LA were both 95%, meanwhile the specificity were both 100%; the sensitivity and specificity of EIA were both 100%. The level of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen decreased gradually with patients recovering. CONCLUSIONS: All the three different methods could beof great importance for the early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. LFA should be recommended for screening the disease. Follow-up study by detecting the antigen level of CSF is valued in assessing the treatment efficacy of cryptococcal diseases.