Yan'an University

The cure rate for chronic neurodegenerative diseases remains low, creating an urgent need for improved intervention methods. Recent studies have shown that enhancing mitochondrial function can mitigate the effects of these diseases. This paper comprehensively reviews the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to uncover the potential use of targeted mitochondrial interventions as viable therapeutic options. We detail five targeted mitochondrial intervention strategies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases that act by promoting mitophagy, inhibiting mitochondrial fission, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, applying mitochondria-targeting antioxidants, and transplanting mitochondria. Each method has unique advantages and potential limitations, making them suitable for various therapeutic situations. Therapies that promote mitophagy or inhibit mitochondrial fission could be particularly effective in slowing disease progression, especially in the early stages. In contrast, those that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and apply mitochondria-targeting antioxidants may offer great benefits during the middle stages of the disease by improving cellular antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism. Mitochondrial transplantation, while still experimental, holds great promise for restoring the function of damaged cells. Future research should focus on exploring the mechanisms and effects of these intervention strategies, particularly regarding their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. Additionally, the development of innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches, such as gene editing and nanotechnology, may provide new solutions for treating chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Implementing combined therapeutic strategies that integrate multiple intervention methods could also enhance treatment outcomes.

This study presents a novel method for simultaneous identification of Hg²⁺, In³⁺, and Zr⁴⁺ ions in solution using a double-emission fluorescence MOFs composite (EY@MOF-1) as a probe. The new pure zinc-based metal-organic framework ({[Zn₃(TPPO)₂(1,4-IYI)₂]·3H₂O}_n, MOFs-1, Tri(p- carboxyphenyl) phosphorus oxide = H₃TPPO,1-(4-imidazol-1-ylphenyl)-imidazole = 1,4-iyi, Eosin Y = EY) produces strong single emission fluorescence at 364 nm when excited at 320 nm. Utilizing its unique fluorescent properties, MOFs-1 can effectively identify Hg²⁺, In³⁺, and Zr⁴⁺ ions in solution. However, the fluorescence quenching effect caused by the three ions is identical, making it impossible to accurately determine which metal is the identified ion. To address this issue, a post-modification synthesis strategy was used to construct EY doped dual-emission fluorescent material EY@MOF-1. As expected, EY@MOF-1 can effectively identify and differentiate Hg²⁺, In³⁺, and Zr⁴⁺ ions in solution based on their different fluorescence quenching changes. The probe has a limit of detection of 0.18 μM (Zr4+), 0.20 μM (In3+), and 0.13 μM (Hg2+) within a certain concentration range. The mechanism of fluorescence recognition was investigated in depth. This double emission fluorescence probe, with its high sensitivity and selectivity, is the first of its kind and provides a simple and reliable method for effective identification of Hg²⁺, In³⁺, and Zr⁴⁺. It has potential applications in environmental monitoring and is a valuable tool for ion identification.

A Ti(III)-mediated cleavage of β-O-4 linkages in lignin to yield aromatic phenols and styrenes is reported. Under mild reaction conditions, this method achieves efficient and highly selective degradation of 28 structurally distinct lignin model compounds. Mechanistic studies indicate that the titanium-mediated cleavage proceeds via a radical pathway, rather than involving carbocation intermediates, offering a promising route for sustainable conversion of lignin into useful aromatic monomers.