Search Results (584)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder leading to increased cardiovascular risk and vascular dysfunction. Hyperglycemia, a hallmark of T2D, drives hypercontractility, thereby compromising vascular function. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has emerged as an important player in vascular reactivity under physiological conditions via its interaction with calcium mobilization, and in T2D, blocking this protein prevents hypercontractility. Circulating extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) has also been proposed as a biomarker in chronic diseases, as it can function as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) to activate the innate immune system and promote low-grade inflammation. Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to attenuate vascular contraction by modulating intracellular calcium handling. Yet the link between HSP70 and BBR in modulating vascular contraction in T2D remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether acute and/or chronic BBR treatment modulates HSP70 to prevent vascular hypercontractility in the T2D mouse model. For acute ex vivo treatment, db/+ and db/db aortic rings were incubated for 30 min with or without the HSP70 inhibitor VER155008, in the presence or absence of BBR or vehicle. For chronic in vivo treatment, db/+ and db/db mice received intraperitoneal BBR injections (10 mg/kg, 3 times per week) and BBR in their drinking water (0.5 mg/mL) for 28 days. Following chronic (4 weeks, in vivo) or acute ex vivo (30 min) BBR treatment, vascular function was assessed in aortic rings isolated from male T2D (db/db) and age-matched non-diabetic (db/+) mice using wire myography. Rings were incubated with or without the HSP70 inhibitor VER155008, in the presence or absence of BBR or vehicle. Overt hyperglycemia and hypercontractility were observed in diabetic animals compared with non-diabetic controls. While acute BBR treatment attenuated vasoconstriction in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups, the combination of BBR and VER155008 produced a stronger inhibitory effect only in the diabetic group. Chronic BBR treatment prevented aortic hypercontractility in diabetic mice; however, the synergistic effect with VER155008 was no longer observed. Additionally, BBR reduced systemic HSP70 levels. Collectively, these findings indicate that BBR improves vascular smooth muscle cells’ function in T2D, at least in part, through HSP70-dependent mechanisms during chronic treatment. Full article

Objectives: Neuroinflammation is recognized as a significant characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Currently, there is a notable absence of effective pharmacological agents to prevent or treat neuroinflammatory processes associated with AD. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is pivotal in the progression of neuroinflammation. In this study, we explored the potential of maltol, a Maillard reaction product derived from red ginseng, as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation. Methods: In vitro, HMC3 microglial cell models were developed to examine the regulatory effects of gradient concentrations of maltol (12.5, 25, 50 μM) on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, neuroinflammation, and pyroptosis. Analyses of the GEO database and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify the core targets of maltol, followed by HSP70 gene silencing experiments to validate the targeted regulatory mechanism. Results: Maltol significantly mitigated LPS-induced neuronal damage and cognitive deficits in mice. It effectively suppressed microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and pyroptosis, reversed oxidative stress-induced neuronal ferroptosis, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that maltol obstructed TLR4/MyD88 binding, thereby inhibiting NF-κB p65-mediated neuroinflammation and pyroptosis, while also alleviating excessive ROS accumulation to enhance oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Bioinformatics analysis identified HSP70 as a crucial target for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of maltol. Subsequent gene silencing experiments confirmed that maltol exerted its inhibitory effects on LPS-induced neuroinflammation and pyroptosis in an HSP70-dependent manner. Conclusions: Maltol exhibits significant protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease-related neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis through the targeting of HSP70. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which maltol improves neuroinflammatory injury and provides a novel theoretical foundation and therapeutic strategy for the intervention of Alzheimer’s disease neuroinflammation using traditional Chinese medicine. Full article

The integration of collaborative robots into industrial environments requires rigorous safety validation under the Power and Force Limiting (PFL) regime. This review article systematically maps the technological and normative development of certified Pressure and Force Measurement Devices (PFMDs) and experimental biofidelic instruments for Physical Human–Robot Interaction (pHRI) between the years 2011 and 2026. A quantitative screening of 68 studies revealed a publication peak in impact metrology in 2021. This peak occurred with a five-year latency after the release of the ISO/TS 15066 technical specification. Although global interest in collaborative robotics steadily grows, the publication trend indicates a gradual shift in scientific focus from reactive testing toward proactive prevention. A methodological deconstruction of four Research Questions (RQs) identifies persistent limitations in safety evaluation. The findings demonstrate that the internal structure of conventional sensors induces nonlinear shock filtering and parasitic oscillations (RQ1). Furthermore, the rigid fixation of test stands generates unrealistic pressure spikes. This physical limitation forces a transition to flexible and pendulum-based configurations (RQ2). Commercial flat films physically fail due to sensor saturation and introduced stiffness. Such failures accelerate the development of conformable electronic skins (e-skins) and multimodal test manikins (RQ3). To ensure interlaboratory reproducibility within the current ISO 10218-2:2025 standard, the text defines imperative metrological parameters. These parameters strictly include frequency response, calibration protocols, and volumetric mapping of inertial masses (RQ4). Furthermore, the analysed publications were systematically stratified into distinct technological categories, strictly reflecting their primary engineering domains, ranging from empirical metrological evaluation and sensor hardware design to advanced numerical modeling. Finally, the vision for future research anticipates a definitive shift toward proactive anti-collision technologies, encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine vision, and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality/Mixed reality (AR/VR/MR). Future methodologies must also consider demographic anisotropies and the cognitive fatigue of the human operator. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tordylium trachycarpum Boiss. (Apiaceae) is traditionally used in Kurdish ethnomedicine for the management of gastrointestinal disorders; however, its pharmacological efficacy and safety profile remain insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated, for the first time, the gastroprotective activity and associated antioxidant, inflammatory, and apoptotic responses of the methanolic extract of T. trachycarpum using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, coumarins, and glycosides. Acute oral toxicity testing demonstrated no signs of toxicity at doses up to 5 g/kg. Gastric ulceration was induced by absolute ethanol, and animals were pretreated with the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) or omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Results: The extract significantly decreased the gastric lesion area from 258.50 ± 6.38 mm² in the ulcer control group to 143.70 ± 0.76 mm² and 115.50 ± 0.76 mm², corresponding to ulcer inhibition rates of 44.41% and 55.31%. Additionally, the extract increased mucus production, maintained mucosal structure, and raised stomach pH. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] and a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. In addition, the extract modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Blood-based ELISA analysis demonstrated increased expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and reduced Bax levels, suggesting anti-apoptotic activity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that T. trachycarpum exerts significant gastroprotective activity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for the management of gastric ulcers. Full article

High-performance thermal protection materials are urgently required in harsh thermal environments, such as hypersonic vehicles, the thermal runaway of energy batteries and high-temperature equipment. Conventional aerogels only exhibit passive thermal insulation and fail to resist instantaneous high-temperature attack. Herein, a cooling material of ammonium oxalate (AO) was introduced to achieve efficient, active endothermic protection. A cellular isolation effect induced by graphene nanosheets combined with anti-solvent crystallization was adopted to significantly decrease the size of AO crystals by over 93%. Based on superfine morphology and the constructed conduction network, the decomposition rate and heat absorption capacity of obtained graphene-doped AO powders (GdAPs) are improved by 41.2% and 30.4%, respectively. The mechanisms of morphology regulation and enhanced heat absorption are explored specifically in this study. Furthermore, GdAPs are embedded in phenolic resin to prepare thermal protection composite materials. Benefiting from their nearly complete thermal decomposition, GdAPs serve as a sacrificial template to generate discrete micropores in pyrolyzed resin. So, the as-prepared carbon aerogels (CAs) with a regulable microstructure exhibit an extremely low thermal conductivity of 0.056 W/(m·K), which is lower than those of reported CAs with the same density. Based on the above advantages, a synergistic endothermic-insulating thermal protection material is reported for the first time, and its heating rate is only 28.6% of that of commercial silica aerogel under identical high-temperature shock. Therefore, a new accessible strategy is demonstrated to provide high-efficiency thermal protection for resisting both abrupt and prolonged high temperature. Full article

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most prevalent allergic disorders worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments are often limited by suboptimal efficacy and notable adverse effects. Herbal medicines, with their multi-component and multi-target therapeutic characteristics, have attracted increasing attention. Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (AOK), a traditional Chinese/Mongolian medicine has demonstrated immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-AR potential of AOK extract fractions was evaluated using in vitro mast cell degranulation inhibition assays, network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate underlying pharmacological mechanisms. The P815 mast cell model induced by compound 48/80 was employed to assess the inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity of different extract fractions. Among the tested fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation without significant cytotoxicity. Network pharmacology analysis identified 254 potential AR-related targets of AOK, with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3(STAT3), Src protein(SRC), Tumor protein 53(TP53), AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1(AKT1), Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Family Class A Member 1(HSP90AA1), Estrogen Receptor 1(ESR1), and Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha(PIK3CA) identified as key hub proteins. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that AOK primarily modulated inflammatory and oxidative stress-related processes through the lipid and atherosclerosis, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated strong binding affinities and stable interactions between major active constituents, particularly hydroxygenkwanin, and key targets such as SRC. The ethyl acetate fraction of AOK extract exhibited significant mast cell degranulation inhibitory activity, likely mediated via a synergistic multi-component, multi-target mechanism involving regulation of inflammatory and immune-related signaling pathways. These findings provide a pharmacological basis for the potential application of AOK in AR treatment. Full article

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is frequently defined as the failure of the fetus to reach its genetically predetermined growth potential. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are extreme-temperature-resistant molecules that help proteostasis. The aim of this prospective case–control immunohistochemistry study is to evaluate the expression of HSP90 and HSP70 in the placentas of pregnancies complicated with FGR and compare their levels with the control placentas of normal-growth pregnancies. A prospective case–control study was conducted including people undergoing singleton pregnancies who gave birth in a tertiary university hospital in Central Greece. Participants were divided into two equal groups: an FGR pregnancy group and a control group with normal growth. Immunohistochemistry of placental samples was assessed using anti-HSP90 alpha/beta antibody (clone F-8, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Dallas, TX, USA) and anti-HSC70/HSP70 antibody (clone W27, sc-24, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Dallas, TX, USA). A scoring system was created to quantify the expression of HSP90 and HSP70 in each sample, and the grade of staining was measured at four points. A total of 80 pregnant people were prospectively enrolled in our study, with 40 in each group. Both constitutive (HSP90β and HSC70/HSPA8) and stress-inducible (HSP90α and HSP70/HSPA1A/B) isoforms were analyzed. When comparing the total score of HSP expression, a statistically significant difference was observed for both HSP90 and HSP70. For HSP90 expression, only the Hofbauer cell’s stain was identified as a statistically significant independent factor, meaning that its positive expression was observed in Hofbauer cells. For HSP70 expression, only the staining of syncytiotrophoblasts was identified as an independent factor. FGR is a common pregnancy complication and a leading cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and short- and long-term neonatal morbidity worldwide. Based on our findings, the lower expression levels of both HSP90 and HSP70 are associated with FGR, revealing a possible association with stress response in FGR pathophysiology. However, more robust data from larger-scale prospective studies are needed to elucidate the possible role of HSPs as potential FGR biomarkers. Full article

Background: Aspirin, initially recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties, holds a prominent role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The utility of aspirin in cancer therapeutics has been explored and stratified into COX-dependent and -independent mechanisms. COX2 gene expression has been demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer and various other gastrointestinal malignancies including pancreatic, esophageal, and gastric cancer. This study investigates the relationship of aspirin use and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2017 to 2022 was analyzed for patients age > 18 who were hospitalized for colorectal cancer and its decompensations using ICD-10 diagnostic codes. These patients were further stratified based on the long-term use of aspirin. The principal outcome of this investigation are the odds of in-hospital mortality, with secondary outcomes including odds of pulmonary embolism, portal vein thrombosis, acute kidney injury, septic shock, requiring an ICU level of care and odds of hepatic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and peritoneal or retroperitoneal metastatic disease. Multivariate logistic regression accounting for hospital and patient characteristics was implemented for analysis, with the Charlson Comorbidity Index used to adjust for coexisting comorbidity burden; a p-value (p) of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our analysis of the NIS, 596,160 patients were identified with colorectal cancer and 11.7% (69,750) of this population were identified with long-term use of aspirin. Aspirin use was identified to have a significantly reduced odds of in-patient mortality (adjusted odds ratio) [aOR] 0.530, p value < 0.001 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.460–0.617. Patients with aspirin use also demonstrated significantly reduced odds of adverse outcomes and gastrointestinal, hepatic, pulmonary and retroperitoneal/peritoneal metastasis; (aOR 0.606, 95% CI: 0.564–0.653, p < 0.001), (aOR 0.628, 95% CI: 0.582–0.678, p < 0.001), (aOR 0.676, 95% CI: 0.605–0.755, p < 0.001) and (aOR 0.751, 95% CI: 0.685–0.825, p < 0.001) respectively. Conclusions: In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in incidence of colorectal cancer, particularly amongst younger individuals with increased associated mortality. This mortality increase, albeit alarming, is a driving force for treatment innovation with continual examination of our repertoire of medications for possible repurposed applications. COX2-mediated signaling serves as a key promotor of tumorigenic molecular signaling that directly contributes to tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Aspirin use and its inhibitory action on COX2 demonstrated a significantly reduced odds of in-hospital mortality. Aspirin use is also associated with significantly reduced odds of developing metastatic disease to the liver, gastrointestinal system, lungs and peritoneum in patients with colorectal cancer. These findings convey that aspirin use reduces the likelihood of in-hospital mortality, major comorbid conditions and of developing metastatic disease as compared to those who do not use aspirin. Full article

To explore the damage mitigation mechanism of steel fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (SFR-CC) under underwater explosion loading, this study systematically analyzes two key variables: steel fiber volume fraction (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) and protective layer thickness (100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm, and 200 mm). Based on underwater explosion numerical simulation, the influences of different variable combinations on damage evolution process, structural failure characteristics, dynamic mechanical response behavior, and energy dissipation capacity are investigated. The research results reveal that SFR-CC can effectively mitigate the energy of explosion shock waves. Both the steel fiber volume fraction and protective layer thickness exert significant influences on its underwater anti-explosion performance. The SAP20S15 protective layer exhibits excellent underwater protection performance. Under this specific engineering configuration, it achieves a remarkable attenuation of shock wave pressure acting on the protected structure. Increasing the thickness of the protective layer can substantially enhance its energy absorption capacity and markedly reduce the shock wave energy imposed on the protected structure. In addition, the energy dissipation sharing ratio, structural spalling angle, and peak velocity vector sum (PVS) were employed to conduct a systematic evaluation on the protective performance of the structure under various protective schemes. When the volume fraction of steel fibers is 1.5%, the energy dissipation ratio of the protective layer accounts for 80.49%, with the corresponding structural spalling angle and PVS of the protected plate being 59.5° and 21.4 m/s, respectively. When the protective layer thickness increases to 200 mm, the energy dissipation sharing rate rises by 54.8%, while the spalling angle and PVS of the RC slab decrease by 33.1% and 33.6%, respectively. This further verifies the superior underwater protection performance of the SAP20S15 protective layer under the same parametric conditions. Prediction curves for the damage grade of protected structures with different steel fiber volume fractions and protective layer thicknesses were established. The predicted values of the curves are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results, which can provide a theoretical reference for the rapid evaluation of the underwater anti-explosion performance of SFR-CC protective layers. The research findings can offer theoretical support for the engineering application of SFR-CC protective layers under identical parameter conditions in underwater explosion scenarios. Full article

Background: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties beyond their lipid-lowering effects, but their impact on skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) remains unclear. This study evaluated whether statins improve clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised with SSTIs. Methods: Adults aged ≥18 years hospitalised with SSTIs at a tertiary hospital in Australia between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes. Patients were categorised into two groups based on statin use at admission. Multivariable regression models assessed differences in clinical outcomes including length of hospital stay (LOS), septic shock, Medical Emergency Response Team (MET) calls, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality and 30-day readmissions, adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and C-reactive protein levels. Results: Of 387 admissions, complete data were available for 381 patients. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 58.5 years (21.9 years), and 55.9% were male. Statins were used by 110 patients (28.9%) at admission. Statin users were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to have positive culture results than statin non-users (p < 0.05). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) LOS was significantly longer for statin users compared to non-users (4 [2, 7] versus 3 [2, 5] days, p < 0.05). However, after adjusted analysis, LOS was not significantly different between the two groups (adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.20, p = 0.134). Other clinical outcomes were also similar between the two groups. Conclusions: This study found that statin use at admission was not associated with statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes among patients hospitalised with SSTIs. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of scallion white and ginger extracts on stress indicators, gene expression, tissue structure, and muscle quality in crucian carp during transportation. Compared with the control group, ginger extract effectively alleviated long-term transportation stress (48 h), as evidenced by lower levels of glucose and lactate dehydrogenase activity, along with reduced pathological damage in gill, liver, and muscle tissues. Consequently, muscle quality parameters including shear force, glycogen content, and inosine monophosphate levels were notably improved. These improvements were associated with the suppression of heat shock responses, inflammation, and apoptosis, supported by the downregulation of hsp70, il-6, caspase 3, caspase 8 and bax gene expression. Similar trends were observed in the scallion white extract group, though its anti-stress effects and muscle quality enhancement were comparatively weaker. The findings suggest that natural extracts offer a promising approach to mitigating stress and improving muscle quality during live fish transportation. Full article

Dengue infection remains a major global health concern, with a subset of patients progressing from self-limited dengue fever to severe disease characterised by plasma leakage, shock, and organ dysfunction. The dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1), a multifunctional glycoprotein expressed on infected cells and secreted into circulation, has emerged as a key mediator linking viral infection to immune-driven vascular pathology. This review synthesises experimental, animal, and human clinical evidence on NS1-driven immunopathogenesis, focusing on mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular permeability. NS1 modulates the complement system in a context-dependent manner, contributing to immune evasion by inhibiting terminal complement complex formation, while also promoting antibody-dependent complement activation associated with severe disease. Additionally, NS1 directly disrupts endothelial barrier integrity through disruption of adherens and tight junction architecture, Ang-2/Tie2 imbalance, activation of RhoA/ROCK (RhoA/Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase) signalling, and enzymatic degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx, with further amplification through inflammatory mediators. In addition, evidence shows that NS1 activates innate immune signalling, perturbs platelet biology and haemostasis, and forms pro-inflammatory complexes with lipoproteins. Moreover, anti-NS1 antibodies may be both protective and pathogenic. Collectively, these data position NS1-linked pathways as rational targets for adjunctive therapies and next-generation vaccines aimed at preventing vascular leakage and severe dengue infection. Full article

This paper examines the interaction between fiscal and monetary policies in Myanmar under ongoing political and economic uncertainty. We estimate a small open-economy New Keynesian DSGE model using Bayesian methods, combining the Kalman filter with Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling on quarterly data from 2013Q1 to 2022Q1. The results show a persistent regime of monetary and fiscal policy conflict. While the central bank follows an active anti-inflationary interest rate rule that satisfies the Taylor principle, fiscal policy shows weak responsiveness to public debt, providing limited fiscal backing for monetary stabilization. As a result, monetary tightening aimed at controlling inflation exacerbates fiscal stress through the debt-service channel, undermining the overall effectiveness of macroeconomic stabilization. Political instability emerges as a key structural driver of macroeconomic fragility. Political shocks are highly persistent and are transmitted primarily through increases in the country risk premium, accounting for more than 50% of real exchange rate volatility and generating exchange rate depreciation, higher inflation, and output contraction. Overall, the findings indicate that monetary tightening alone is insufficient to restore macroeconomic stability in fragile and conflict-affected economies. Credible fiscal adjustment and improvements in political stability are necessary to contain external vulnerabilities and restore the effectiveness of monetary policy. Full article

Background: Chlorophyll (Chl), widespread in fruits and vegetables, has been shown to have numerous nutritional functions, including beneficial effects on obesity. However, whether Chl has an anti-aging effect remains unclear. Methods: Here, we studied the beneficial effects and mechanism of Chl on delaying aging using a Drosophila model. Results: The results showed that dietary supplementation of Chl in an appropriate dose (3.925 mg/L) significantly extended the lifespan (7.66–13.94%), improved climbing ability, increased CAT activity, reduced MDA content, enhanced stress resistance to starvation, heat stress, and cold shock in Drosophila. Notably, lifespan extension was not associated with dietary restriction, reproductive sacrifice, or circadian rhythm regulation. RNA-Seq analysis showed that Chl supplementation led to differential expression of 723 genes in female flies and 435 genes in male flies. KEGG analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the xenobiotic metabolism (XM) pathway. Within this pathway, phase II detoxifying enzyme genes associated with the CncC (Nrf2) signaling pathway (GstD10, GstE7, Ugt37A3, and AOX2) were significantly downregulated in both sexes. In contrast, protective target genes from the same pathway (cat, Mrp4, Hsp68) were significantly upregulated, as confirmed by qPCR. Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate that Chl supplementation delays aging in Drosophila melanogaster via enhanced stress resistance and remodeling of the detoxification network. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Helminth infections are known to modulate host immunity and intestinal microbial composition; however, the therapeutic use of live parasites poses safety challenges. The recombinant Fasciola hepatica fatty acid-binding protein Fh15 is a helminth-derived molecule with anti-inflammatory effects in models of septic shock and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Whether Fh15 also influences gut microbial composition during colitis remains unknown. Male C57BL/6 mice received 4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis and were treated intraperitoneally with Fh15 (2 mg/kg) on days 1, 3, and 5. Fecal samples were collected on days 2, 4, and 7 for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Standard microbiota pipelines were used to evaluate community diversity. Acute DSS treatment disrupted gut microbial diversity and community structure compared with non-colitic controls. Fh15 treatment partially restored early microbial balance by shifting microbial composition toward that of healthy mice and reducing microbial dispersion, indicating enhanced community stability despite severe dysbiosis. Although alpha diversity did not return to control levels, Fh15 mitigated the expansion of pro-inflammatory genera (Enterococcus and Turicibacter) and preserved beneficial taxa, including Adlercreutzia. Full article