Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Geometry-driven immunomodulation in 3D-printed bioceramics: Negative curvature promotes macrophage M2 polarization via Ras-MAPK/HIF-1α signaling for vascularized osteogenesis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.001

Figure Lengend Snippet: Macrophage polarization analysis of Raw264.7 on structures with different gaussian curvature: (A, B) Chord Diagram for qPCR analysis of CCR7, IL6, iNOS-inflammatory and M1 marker genes, and Arg-1, CD206, IL10-M2 related protein genes in different Gaussian curvature groups. (C) Protein content of Arg-1 in different Gaussian curvature groups at 1 and 3 days. (D) Integral plots of the five experimental groups. IL4 group is the positive control for CD206 expression and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group is the negative control.

Article Snippet: The reagents used in the experiment included: H-DMEM(11965118, Gibco, USA.), α-DMEM medium(12571063, Gibco, USA.), TritonX-100(ST1723, Beyotime, China), 4 % paraformaldehyde (BL539A, Biosharp, China),FBS(A5256701, Gibco, USA.),ECM medium (Science Cell, USA.),and DAPI staining solution (C1006, Beyotime, China),BCIP/NBT(C3206, Beyotime, China), reactive oxygen species kit (S0033S, Beyotime, China), BSA (B2064, ≥98 %, Sigma-Aldrich, USA.),CD31 antibody (ab28364, Abcam, USA.), secondary anti-IGg (ab175773, Alexa Fluor® 680, Abcam, USA.), Phalloidin-iFluor 488(ab176753, Abcam, USA.), CCR7(AF5293, Bioss, China), CD206 (bsm-60761R, Bioss, China), iNOS (bs-22924R, Bioss, China), RIPA (P0013, Beyotime, China), p-ERK1/2 (AF3687, Affinity, USA.) and ERK1/2 (#AF0155, Affinity, USA), luminol detection reagent (sc-2048, Santa Cruz, USA.), GAPDH (Cat#KC-5G5, Kangchen Biotechnology, China), Trizol(15596026CN, Invitrogen, USA.), DEPC(R0601, Thermo Scientific, USA.), TBST(R017R.0000, Thermo Scientific, USA.), HIF-1a(GTX127309, GeneTex, USA.), β-Tubulin(10094-1-AP, Proteintech, UK) Adezmapimod (SB 203580, MCE, USA.) medium and Paclitaxel (99.88 %, HY-B0015R, MCE), ELISA Arg-1(E-EL-M3092, ELabSci@, China), TNF-α (E-EL-M3063, ELabSci@, China), OPN(22952-1-AP, Proteintech, UK.), F4/80 (GB11027-100, Servicebio, China) Alkaline phosphatase activity kit (P0321S, Beyotime, China), Matrigel (CLS356234, Corning, USA), Microfill MV120 (Flow tech, USA), EDTA(17892, Thermo Scientific, USA.) xylene(X112051, AR,99 %, Aladdin, China), ethanol (107-21-1, AR,99 %, Aladdin, China).

Techniques: Marker, Positive Control, Expressing, Negative Control

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Immunomodulatory effects of biodegradable Mg–Cu–Zn alloy in esophageal cancer

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.02.046

Figure Lengend Snippet: Distribution of CD163 + M2 TAMs in AKR-derived allograft tumor tissues from immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. (a, b) Representative IHC staining images showing CD163 + M2 TAMs in the (a) peritumoral stroma and (b) tumor islets. Lower panels display higher-magnification views of the regions outlined by red dashed boxes. (c, d) Quantification of CD163 + cells in the (c) peritumoral stroma and (d) tumor islets. (e) Comparison of CD163 + cell density between the peritumoral stroma and tumor islets. (f) Total number of CD163 + cells in allograft tumors (peritumoral stroma and tumor islets combined). (g, h) Comparison of the density between iNOS + cells and CD163 + cells in the (g) peritumoral stroma and (h) tumor islets. (i, j) Quantification of iNOS + /CD163 + ratio in the (i) peritumoral stroma and (j) tumor islets. p < 0.05 (∗), p < 0.01 (∗∗), p < 0.001 (∗∗∗). A field of view is ∼0.086 mm 2 in (c−j).

Article Snippet: Tissue sections were then incubated with primary antibodies against iNOS (22226-1-AP, ProteinTech, China), CD163 (A26411PM, Abclone, China), CD8 (SP16, Maixin, China), CD4 (SP35, Maixin, China) or Ki-67 (12202S, Cell Signaling Technology) for 12 h at 4 °C, followed by secondary antibodies (Beyotime Biotechnology, Nantong, China).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Immunohistochemistry, Comparison

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Immunomodulatory effects of biodegradable Mg–Cu–Zn alloy in esophageal cancer

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.02.046

Figure Lengend Snippet: Distribution of CD163 + M2 TAMs in AKR-derived allograft tumor tissues from immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. (a, b) Representative IHC staining images showing CD163 + M2 TAMs in the (a) peritumoral stroma and (b) tumor islets. Lower panels display higher-magnification views of the regions outlined by red dashed boxes. (c, d) Quantification of CD163 + cells in the (c) peritumoral stroma and (d) tumor islets. (e) Comparison of CD163 + cell density between the peritumoral stroma and tumor islets. (f) Total number of CD163 + cells in allograft tumors (peritumoral stroma and tumor islets combined). (g, h) Comparison of the density between iNOS + cells and CD163 + cells in the (g) peritumoral stroma and (h) tumor islets. (i, j) Quantification of iNOS + /CD163 + ratio in the (i) peritumoral stroma and (j) tumor islets. p < 0.05 (∗), p < 0.01 (∗∗), p < 0.001 (∗∗∗). A field of view is ∼0.086 mm 2 in (c−j).

Article Snippet: Tissue sections were then incubated with primary antibodies against iNOS (22226-1-AP, ProteinTech, China), CD163 (A26411PM, Abclone, China), CD8 (SP16, Maixin, China), CD4 (SP35, Maixin, China) or Ki-67 (12202S, Cell Signaling Technology) for 12 h at 4 °C, followed by secondary antibodies (Beyotime Biotechnology, Nantong, China).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Immunohistochemistry, Comparison

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Analysis of macrophage activation in the uterine tissue of cows with endometritis. (A, B) Representative immunofluorescence (IF) staining images (A) and quantitative analysis (B) of iNOS (M1 marker, red) in endometrial tissues from healthy cows and cows with endometritis. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue). (C, D) Representative IF staining images (C) and quantitative analysis (D) of Arg1 (M2 marker, red) in endometrial tissues. (E, F) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS (E) and Arg1 (F) in endometrial tissues, as determined by qPCR. (G, H) Relative expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in endometrial tissues, as determined by IHC. (I, J) Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β (I) and IL-6 (J) in endometrial tissues, as determined by qPCR. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Immunofluorescence, Staining, Marker, Expressing

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Exosomes from LPS-stimulated EECs induce pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. (A) Schematic diagram of the experimental setup for exosome uptake. (B) Fluorescence microscopy images showing the uptake of PKH67-labeled exosomes (green) by macrophages. Cytoskeleton was stained with Phalloidin (red), and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (C) Western blotting analysis of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65) in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (D, E) Representative immunofluorescence (IF) staining images (D) and quantitative analysis (E) of iNOS (greed) in macrophages. (F, G) Representative IF staining images (F) and quantitative analysis (G) of Arg1 (red) in macrophages. (H) Schematic diagram of co-culture experiments. (I, J) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS (I) and Arg1 (J) in macrophages after co-culture with EECs. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Labeling, Staining, Western Blot, Control, Immunofluorescence, Co-Culture Assay, Expressing

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Transcriptomic profiling reveals significant enrichment of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in exosomes derived from LPS-stimulated EECs. (A, B) LPS-exo was treated with RNase A alone or in combination with Triton X-100 for 4 h, and then co-incubated with macrophages. Relative expression levels of iNOS (A) and Arg1 (B) in macrophages. (C) Schematic overview of the RNA sequencing and analysis workflow. (D) Volcano plot showing differentially expressed lncRNAs in LPS-exo compared to Control-exo. (E, F) Gene Ontology (GO) biological process enrichment analysis (E) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis (F) of the differentially expressed lncRNAs. (G) qPCR validation of the 6 upregulated lncRNAs in Control-exo and LPS-exo. (H) LPS-exo was treated with RNase A alone or in combination with Triton X-100 for 4 h, and then co-incubated with macrophages. Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages. (I) A proposed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1, miR-128, and Notch2. (J) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in control and LPS-stimulated EECs. (K, L) RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) showing the subcellular localization of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (red) in EECs (K) and its quantitative cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution (L). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (M – P) Relative mRNA expression levels of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (M − O) and miR-128 (P) in endometrial tissues from healthy cows and cows with endometritis, as determined by qPCR (O, P) and RNA-FISH (M) with quantification (N). (Q) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 protein levels in endometrial tissues. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Incubation, Expressing, RNA Sequencing, Control, Biomarker Discovery, Fluorescence, In Situ Hybridization, Staining, Western Blot

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: EECs-derived exosomes induce pro-inflammatory macrophage activation via delivery of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1. (A) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (B, C) RNA-FISH images (B) and quantitative analysis (C) showing lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (red) transfer to macrophages after co-culture with Control-exo or LPS-exo. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (D) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages after transfection with lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression plasmids (OE-lncRNA) or control plasmids (OE-NC). ( E – I) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (E), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (F, G) and Arg1 (H, I) protein levels in macrophages after transfection with OE-lncRNA or OE-NC. (J – N) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (J), along with IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (K, L) and Arg1 (M, N) protein levels in macrophages after lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 knockdown (si-lncRNA) or control treatment (si-NC). (O) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in exosomes isolated from lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1-knockdown LPS-stimulated EECs (si-lncRNA-LPS-exo) or exosomes from siRNA NC-transfected LPS-stimulated EECs (si-NC-LPS-exo). (P – S) IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (P, Q) and Arg1 (R, S) protein levels in macrophages treated with si-lncRNA-LPS-exo or si-NC-LPS-exo. (T) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS and Arg1 in macrophages treated with exosomes isolated from control EECs overexpressing lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (OE-lncRNA-Control-exo) or exosomes from control plasmids-transfected EECs (OE-NC-Control-exo). ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Activation Assay, Expressing, Control, Co-Culture Assay, Staining, Transfection, Over Expression, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence, Knockdown, Isolation

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 acts as a ceRNA by sponging miR-128 to facilitate pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. (A) Relative mRNA expression level of miR-128 in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (B) Luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells co-transfected with wild-type (WT) or mutant (MUT) lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 reporter plasmids and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (C) RNA pull-down detection of the enrichment of miR-128 to lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1. (D) Ago2 RIP assay analysis of the enrichment of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 pulled-down from the Ago2 protein. (E) Relative mRNA expression level of miR-128 in macrophages transfected with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA. (F – J) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (F), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (G, H) and Arg1 (I, J) protein levels in macrophages co-transfected with OE-lncRNA and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (K, L) Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β (K) and IL-6 (L) in macrophages co-transfected with OE-lncRNA and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Expressing, Control, Luciferase, Reporter Assay, Transfection, Mutagenesis, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Notch2 mediates the regulatory effect of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1/miR-128 axis on macrophage activation. (A) Predictive analysis of miR-128 targets using multiple databases. (B) Western blotting analysis of Notch2 protein levels in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (C) Western blotting analysis of Notch2 protein levels in macrophages transfected with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA. (D – H) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (D), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (E, F) and Arg1 (G, H) protein levels in macrophages treated with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA and the Notch2 inhibitor DAPT. (I) Luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells co-transfected with WT or MUT Notch2 3′UTR reporter plasmids and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (J, K) Relative protein (J) and mRNA (K) expression levels of Notch2 in macrophages transfected with miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (L – P) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (L), along with IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (M, N) and Arg1 (O, P) protein levels in macrophages co-treated with miR-128 inhibitor or inhibitor NC and DAPT. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Western Blot, Control, Transfection, Immunofluorescence, Luciferase, Reporter Assay, Expressing

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Analysis of macrophage activation in the uterine tissue of cows with endometritis. (A, B) Representative immunofluorescence (IF) staining images (A) and quantitative analysis (B) of iNOS (M1 marker, red) in endometrial tissues from healthy cows and cows with endometritis. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue). (C, D) Representative IF staining images (C) and quantitative analysis (D) of Arg1 (M2 marker, red) in endometrial tissues. (E, F) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS (E) and Arg1 (F) in endometrial tissues, as determined by qPCR. (G, H) Relative expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in endometrial tissues, as determined by IHC. (I, J) Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β (I) and IL-6 (J) in endometrial tissues, as determined by qPCR. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Immunofluorescence, Staining, Marker, Expressing

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Exosomes from LPS-stimulated EECs induce pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. (A) Schematic diagram of the experimental setup for exosome uptake. (B) Fluorescence microscopy images showing the uptake of PKH67-labeled exosomes (green) by macrophages. Cytoskeleton was stained with Phalloidin (red), and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (C) Western blotting analysis of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65) in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (D, E) Representative immunofluorescence (IF) staining images (D) and quantitative analysis (E) of iNOS (greed) in macrophages. (F, G) Representative IF staining images (F) and quantitative analysis (G) of Arg1 (red) in macrophages. (H) Schematic diagram of co-culture experiments. (I, J) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS (I) and Arg1 (J) in macrophages after co-culture with EECs. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Labeling, Staining, Western Blot, Control, Immunofluorescence, Co-Culture Assay, Expressing

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Transcriptomic profiling reveals significant enrichment of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in exosomes derived from LPS-stimulated EECs. (A, B) LPS-exo was treated with RNase A alone or in combination with Triton X-100 for 4 h, and then co-incubated with macrophages. Relative expression levels of iNOS (A) and Arg1 (B) in macrophages. (C) Schematic overview of the RNA sequencing and analysis workflow. (D) Volcano plot showing differentially expressed lncRNAs in LPS-exo compared to Control-exo. (E, F) Gene Ontology (GO) biological process enrichment analysis (E) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis (F) of the differentially expressed lncRNAs. (G) qPCR validation of the 6 upregulated lncRNAs in Control-exo and LPS-exo. (H) LPS-exo was treated with RNase A alone or in combination with Triton X-100 for 4 h, and then co-incubated with macrophages. Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages. (I) A proposed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1, miR-128, and Notch2. (J) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in control and LPS-stimulated EECs. (K, L) RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) showing the subcellular localization of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (red) in EECs (K) and its quantitative cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution (L). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (M – P) Relative mRNA expression levels of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (M − O) and miR-128 (P) in endometrial tissues from healthy cows and cows with endometritis, as determined by qPCR (O, P) and RNA-FISH (M) with quantification (N). (Q) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 protein levels in endometrial tissues. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Incubation, Expressing, RNA Sequencing, Control, Biomarker Discovery, Fluorescence, In Situ Hybridization, Staining, Western Blot

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: EECs-derived exosomes induce pro-inflammatory macrophage activation via delivery of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1. (A) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (B, C) RNA-FISH images (B) and quantitative analysis (C) showing lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (red) transfer to macrophages after co-culture with Control-exo or LPS-exo. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). (D) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in macrophages after transfection with lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression plasmids (OE-lncRNA) or control plasmids (OE-NC). ( E – I) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (E), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (F, G) and Arg1 (H, I) protein levels in macrophages after transfection with OE-lncRNA or OE-NC. (J – N) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (J), along with IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (K, L) and Arg1 (M, N) protein levels in macrophages after lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 knockdown (si-lncRNA) or control treatment (si-NC). (O) Relative mRNA expression level of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 in exosomes isolated from lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1-knockdown LPS-stimulated EECs (si-lncRNA-LPS-exo) or exosomes from siRNA NC-transfected LPS-stimulated EECs (si-NC-LPS-exo). (P – S) IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (P, Q) and Arg1 (R, S) protein levels in macrophages treated with si-lncRNA-LPS-exo or si-NC-LPS-exo. (T) Relative mRNA expression levels of iNOS and Arg1 in macrophages treated with exosomes isolated from control EECs overexpressing lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 (OE-lncRNA-Control-exo) or exosomes from control plasmids-transfected EECs (OE-NC-Control-exo). ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Activation Assay, Expressing, Control, Co-Culture Assay, Staining, Transfection, Over Expression, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence, Knockdown, Isolation

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 acts as a ceRNA by sponging miR-128 to facilitate pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. (A) Relative mRNA expression level of miR-128 in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (B) Luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells co-transfected with wild-type (WT) or mutant (MUT) lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 reporter plasmids and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (C) RNA pull-down detection of the enrichment of miR-128 to lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1. (D) Ago2 RIP assay analysis of the enrichment of lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 pulled-down from the Ago2 protein. (E) Relative mRNA expression level of miR-128 in macrophages transfected with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA. (F – J) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (F), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (G, H) and Arg1 (I, J) protein levels in macrophages co-transfected with OE-lncRNA and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (K, L) Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β (K) and IL-6 (L) in macrophages co-transfected with OE-lncRNA and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Expressing, Control, Luciferase, Reporter Assay, Transfection, Mutagenesis, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence

Journal: Materials Today Bio

Article Title: Exosomal lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 as a pathogenic nanocarrier promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization in endometritis via a targetable ceRNA circuit

doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103027

Figure Lengend Snippet: Notch2 mediates the regulatory effect of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1/miR-128 axis on macrophage activation. (A) Predictive analysis of miR-128 targets using multiple databases. (B) Western blotting analysis of Notch2 protein levels in macrophages treated with Control-exo or LPS-exo. (C) Western blotting analysis of Notch2 protein levels in macrophages transfected with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA. (D – H) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (D), along with immunofluorescence (IF) quantitative analysis of iNOS (E, F) and Arg1 (G, H) protein levels in macrophages treated with OE-NC or OE-lncRNA and the Notch2 inhibitor DAPT. (I) Luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells co-transfected with WT or MUT Notch2 3′UTR reporter plasmids and miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (J, K) Relative protein (J) and mRNA (K) expression levels of Notch2 in macrophages transfected with miR-128 mimic or mimic NC. (L – P) Western blotting analysis of Notch2, RBP-Jκ, and p-p65 (L), along with IF quantitative analysis of iNOS (M, N) and Arg1 (O, P) protein levels in macrophages co-treated with miR-128 inhibitor or inhibitor NC and DAPT. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.

Article Snippet: The antibodies used include iNOS (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Arg1 (Proteintech, Cat # 18985-1-AP), Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0295G) and Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Bioss, Cat # bs-0296Gs).

Techniques: Activation Assay, Western Blot, Control, Transfection, Immunofluorescence, Luciferase, Reporter Assay, Expressing

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Stromal cell-derived itaconate promotes endometriosis via macrophage NRF2 and lysosomal pH modulation

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104101

Figure Lengend Snippet: Itaconate-mediated modulation of macrophage activity alters endometriotic lesion p rogression (A) mRNA expression of IL1B , IL6 , TNFA , and iNOS in peritoneal macrophages from endometriosis (EM) and non-EM patients, as well as non-EM macrophages co-cultured with either nor-ESC or ectopic ec-ESC for 12 h (n = 3/group).(B) Migration of si- Irg1 or NC-treated ectopic ESCs was assessed after co-culture with PBMCs for 48 h. Quantification of migrated cells in five random fields per group are shown (n = 3/group). (C-D) PKH67-labeled human ectopic ESCs pretreated with si- Irg1 or NC were co-cultured with PBMCs for 8 h. Phagocytosis of ESCs by macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry with representative gating (C), PKH67 signal and quantification of PKH67-positive macrophages (D) (n = 6/group).(E,G) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + peritoneal macrophages from mouse model in E (E), A (G). (n = 6/group). (F,H) mRNA levels of Il1b , Il6 , Nos2 , and Tnf in peritoneal macrophages from mouse model in E (E), A (G) (n = 6/group).(I)Quantification of itaconate in endometriotic lesion tissue by LC–MS from mice treated with IRG1-IN-1 or vehicle. (n = 3/group).(J) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + peritoneal macrophages from mouse model in J (n = 6/group).(K,L) Migration of mESCs induced by peritoneal macrophages from PBS- or 4-OI-treated mice was assessed by transwell assay; representative images and quantification of migrated cells are shown (n = 5/group). (M) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of phagocytosis of PKH67-labeled mESCs by peritoneal macrophages (n = 6/group).(N) Schematic of the experimental design for clodronate liposome-mediated macrophage depletion and 4-OI intervention in EM mice. (O, P) Representative images (O) and gross morphology (P) of endometriotic lesions in control, clodronate, PBS, and 4-OI groups. (Q) Quantification of lesion weight in mice treated with clodronate liposomes or control liposomes, with or without 4-OI (n = 6/group). (Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.) E2, estradiol benzoate; EM, endometriosis; LNP, lipid nanoparticle; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; 4-OI, 4-octyl itaconate; Clod, clodronate liposome; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; si- Irg1 , small interfering RNA targeting Irg1.

Article Snippet: After blocking in 5% milk in TBST, membranes were incubated overnight at 4 °C with primary antibodies: Beta Actin Monoclonal antibody(1:20000, 66009-1-Ig; Proteintech), Beta Tubulin Recombinant antibody (1:5000, 80713-1-RR; Proteintech), Anti-IRG1 antibody (1:1000; ab222411; abcam; Cambridge, UK), Nrf2 monoclonal antibody (1:2000; A21176; abclonal; Wuhan, China), iNOS Polyclonal antibody (1:500; 22226-1-AP; Proteintech), NOX2 Polyclonal antibody (1:3000; 19013-1-AP; Proteintech), p-p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:2000; 28796-1-AP; Proteintech), and p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:4000; 14064-1-AP; Proteintech).

Techniques: Activity Assay, Expressing, Cell Culture, Migration, Co-Culture Assay, Labeling, Flow Cytometry, Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy, Transwell Assay, Control, Liposomes, Saline, Small Interfering RNA

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Stromal cell-derived itaconate promotes endometriosis via macrophage NRF2 and lysosomal pH modulation

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104101

Figure Lengend Snippet: Inhibition of NRF2 Signaling Reverses the Anti-inflammatory and Anti-endometriotic Effects of Itaconate in Macrophages and a Mouse Model of End ometriosis (A,B) Western blot analysis (A) and quantification (B) of NRF2 protein levels in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) pretreated with LPS (100 ng/mL), 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI, 250 μM), or both for 12 h (n = 3/group). (C,D) Western blot analysis (C) and quantification (D) of NRF2 in BMDMs treated with LPS, 4-OI, and the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 (2.5 μM) for 12 h (n = 3/group). (E) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + BMDMs after indicated treatments (n = 3/group). (F) mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes ( Il1b , Il6 , Nos2 , Tnf ) in BMDMs under different conditions (n = 3/group). (G) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + BMDMs following NRF2 knockdown (si Nrf2 ) with or without 4-OI, compared to negative control (NC) (n = 3/group).(H) Schematic of the experimental design for ML385 administration in a mouse model of endometriosis. (I) Representative images of endometriotic lesions in PBS- and ML385-treated mice (lesions marked by red circles). (J) Gross morphology of lesions in both groups(n = 6/group). (K) Quantification of lesion weight (n = 6/group). (L) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + peritoneal macrophages from EM mice treated with PBS or ML385 (n = 6/group). (M) mRNA expression of Il1b , Il6 , Nos2 , and Tnf in peritoneal macrophages from each group (n = 6/group). (Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.) E2, estradiol benzoate; EM, endometriosis; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; 4-OI, 4-octyl itaconate; ML385, NRF2 inhibitor.

Article Snippet: After blocking in 5% milk in TBST, membranes were incubated overnight at 4 °C with primary antibodies: Beta Actin Monoclonal antibody(1:20000, 66009-1-Ig; Proteintech), Beta Tubulin Recombinant antibody (1:5000, 80713-1-RR; Proteintech), Anti-IRG1 antibody (1:1000; ab222411; abcam; Cambridge, UK), Nrf2 monoclonal antibody (1:2000; A21176; abclonal; Wuhan, China), iNOS Polyclonal antibody (1:500; 22226-1-AP; Proteintech), NOX2 Polyclonal antibody (1:3000; 19013-1-AP; Proteintech), p-p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:2000; 28796-1-AP; Proteintech), and p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:4000; 14064-1-AP; Proteintech).

Techniques: Inhibition, Western Blot, Derivative Assay, Flow Cytometry, Expressing, Knockdown, Negative Control

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Stromal cell-derived itaconate promotes endometriosis via macrophage NRF2 and lysosomal pH modulation

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104101

Figure Lengend Snippet: Itaconate Regulates Lysosomal Function, Calcium Signaling, and p38 MAPK Pathway in Macrophages (A) Lysosomal acidification in ascites-derived macrophages from non-endometriosis (NC) and endometriosis (EM) patients assessed by LysoSensor fluorescence intensity (n = 6/group). (B) Lysosomal acidification in PBMC-derived macrophages after LPS,IL-4 and 4-OI treatment (n = 3/group). (C) Lysosomal pH value of BMDMs after LPS and 4-OI treatment (n = 3/group). (D, E) Effect of chloroquine (CQ) on LysoSensor intensity (D) and proportion of iNOS + BMDMs (E) after LPS and 4-OI treatment (n = 3/group). (F) mRNA levels of Il1b , Il6 , Nos2 , and Tnf in BMDMs under indicated treatments (n = 3/group). (G) Intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics in BMDMs after treatments, measured by Fluo-4. (H) Intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics in ascites-derived macrophages from NC and EM patients. (I) Quantification of intracellular calcium in peritoneal macrophages from NC and EM patients (n = 3/group). (J) Quantification of intracellular calcium in BMDMs (n = 5/group). (K) mRNA expression of lysosomal calcium channel genes ( MCOLN1 , MCOLN2 , TPC1 , TPC2 ) in ascites-derived macrophages from NC and EM patients (n = 3/group). (L) lysosomal calcium channel genes mRNA in PBMC-derived macrophages co-cultured with normal ESCs (Nor-ESC), eutopic ESCs (Eu-ESC), or ectopic ESCs (Ec-ESC) from patients (n = 5/group). (M − N) Fluo-4-based Ca 2+ dynamics in BMDMs treated with LPS, 4-OI, ML-SA1 (M), or CQ (N). (O) Flow cytometry analysis and quantification of iNOS + BMDMs after indicated treatments (n = 3/group). (P) mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes in BMDMs under different treatments (n = 3/group). (Q) Western blot and quantification of p-p38 and total p38 in BMDMs with LPS ± 4-OI (n = 3/group). (R–S) Western blot and quantification of iNOS, p-p38, and total p38 in BMDMs treated with LPS, 4-OI, and CQ (R), or ML-SA1 (S) (n = 3/group). (Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001.) EM, endometriosis; NC, non-EM control; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; 4-OI, 4-octyl itaconate; CQ, chloroquine; ML-SA1, MCOLN channel agonist; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell; ESC, endometrial stromal cell.

Article Snippet: After blocking in 5% milk in TBST, membranes were incubated overnight at 4 °C with primary antibodies: Beta Actin Monoclonal antibody(1:20000, 66009-1-Ig; Proteintech), Beta Tubulin Recombinant antibody (1:5000, 80713-1-RR; Proteintech), Anti-IRG1 antibody (1:1000; ab222411; abcam; Cambridge, UK), Nrf2 monoclonal antibody (1:2000; A21176; abclonal; Wuhan, China), iNOS Polyclonal antibody (1:500; 22226-1-AP; Proteintech), NOX2 Polyclonal antibody (1:3000; 19013-1-AP; Proteintech), p-p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:2000; 28796-1-AP; Proteintech), and p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:4000; 14064-1-AP; Proteintech).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Fluorescence, Expressing, Cell Culture, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, Control

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Stromal cell-derived itaconate promotes endometriosis via macrophage NRF2 and lysosomal pH modulation

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104101

Figure Lengend Snippet: Itaconate Suppresses NOX2-Derived ROS to Regulate Macrophage Function and Lesion Progression in End ometriosis (A-B) qPCR analysis of NOX2 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from human (A) and mouse (B) NC and EM groups (n = 3/group). (C-D) Western blot and quantification of NOX2 protein in PBMC-derived macrophages treated with LPS or LPS + 4-OI (n = 5/group). (E) NOX2 enzyme activity in BMDMs (n = 4/group). (F, G) Flow cytometry and quantification of ROS production in BMDMs after LPS or LPS + 4-OI (n = 3/group). (H, I) Flow cytometry and quantification of iNOS + BMDMs after LPS, LPS + 4-OI, or LPS + 4-OI + DPI treatment (n = 4/group). (J) Intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics in BMDMs measured by Fluo-4 after LPS, 4-OI, or DPI treatment. (K) Schematic of 4-OI and DPI intervention in the mouse endometriosis model. (L, M) Representative images (L) and gross morphology (M) of endometriotic lesions after PBS, 4-OI, or DPI treatment. (N) Quantification of lesion weight (n = 6/group). (O, P) Flow cytometry and quantification of iNOS + peritoneal macrophages (percentage and MFI) in peritoneal lavage (n = 6/group). (Q) mRNA levels of Il1b , Il6 , Nos2 , and Tnf in peritoneal macrophages after treatments (n = 6/group). (Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001, ns: not significant.) E2, estradiol benzoate; EM, endometriosis; NC, non-EM control; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; 4-OI, 4-octyl itaconate; DPI, NOX2 inhibitor.

Article Snippet: After blocking in 5% milk in TBST, membranes were incubated overnight at 4 °C with primary antibodies: Beta Actin Monoclonal antibody(1:20000, 66009-1-Ig; Proteintech), Beta Tubulin Recombinant antibody (1:5000, 80713-1-RR; Proteintech), Anti-IRG1 antibody (1:1000; ab222411; abcam; Cambridge, UK), Nrf2 monoclonal antibody (1:2000; A21176; abclonal; Wuhan, China), iNOS Polyclonal antibody (1:500; 22226-1-AP; Proteintech), NOX2 Polyclonal antibody (1:3000; 19013-1-AP; Proteintech), p-p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:2000; 28796-1-AP; Proteintech), and p38 MAPK Polyclonal antibody (1:4000; 14064-1-AP; Proteintech).

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Western Blot, Activity Assay, Flow Cytometry, Control