Effect and mechanism of reactive oxygen species-mediated NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome activation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

BACKGROUND The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a significant component of the innate immune system that plays a vital role in the development of various parasitic diseases.However,its role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis(HAE)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanism of activation in HAE.METHODS We assessed the expression of NLRP3,caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-18 in the marginal zone and corresponding normal liver of 60 patients with HAE.A rat model of HAE was employed to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the marginal zone of HAE.Transwell experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis(E.multilocularis)in stimulating Kupffer cells and hepatocytes.Furthermore,immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-18 expression;flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species(ROS).RESULTS NLRP3 inflammasome activation was significantly associated with ROS.Inhibition of ROS production decreased NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway activation and mitigated hepatocyte damage and inflammation.CONCLUSION E.multilocularis induces hepatocyte damage and inflammation by activating the ROS-mediated NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway in Kupffer cells,indicating that ROS may serve as a potential target for the treatment of HAE.

The emerging role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to ameliorate hippocampal NLRP3 inflammation induced by binge-like ethanol treatment in adolescence

Our previous studies have reported that activation of the NLRP3(NOD-,LRR-and pyrin domain-containing protein 3)-inflammasome complex in ethanol-treated astrocytes and chronic alcohol-fed mice could be associated with neuroinflammation and brain damage.Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles(MSC-EVs)have been shown to restore the neuroinflammatory response,along with myelin and synaptic structural alterations in the prefrontal cortex,and alleviate cognitive and memory dysfunctions induced by binge-like ethanol treatment in adolescent mice.Considering the therapeutic role of the molecules contained in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles,the present study analyzed whether the administration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles isolated from adipose tissue,which inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome,was capable of reducing hippocampal neuroinflammation in adolescent mice treated with binge drinking.We demonstrated that the administration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorated the activation of the hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome complex and other NLRs inflammasomes(e.g.,pyrin domain-containing 1,caspase recruitment domain-containing 4,and absent in melanoma 2,as well as the alterations in inflammatory genes(interleukin-1β,interleukin-18,inducible nitric oxide synthase,nuclear factor-kappa B,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,and C–X3–C motif chemokine ligand 1)and miRNAs(miR-21a-5p,miR-146a-5p,and miR-141-5p)induced by binge-like ethanol treatment in adolescent mice.Bioinformatic analysis further revealed the involvement of miR-21a-5p and miR-146a-5p with inflammatory target genes and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways.Taken together,these findings provide novel evidence of the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs to ameliorate the hippocampal neuroinflammatory response associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by binge drinking in adolescence.

Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via modulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein signaling pathway and intestinal flor

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani,HEL)against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo.METHODS:The chemical constituents of HEL were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method.Then,HEL was found to suppress LPS-induced ALI in vivo.Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control,LPS,Dexamethasone(Dex),HEL low dose 6 g/kg(HEL-L),HEL medium dose 18 g/kg(HEL-M)and HEL high dose 54 g/kg(HEL-H)groups.The model rats were intratracheally injected with 3 mg/kg LPS to establish an ALI model.Leukocyte counts,lung wet/dry weight ratio,as well as myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were determined followed by the detection with hematoxylin and eosin staining,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescence.Besides,to explore the effect of HEL on ALI-mediated intestinal flora,we performed 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of intestinal contents.RESULTS:HEL attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in lung tissue and intestinal flora disturbance.Mechanism study indicated that HEL suppressed the lung coefficient and wet/dry weight ratio of LPS-induced ALI in rats,inhibited leukocytes exudation and MPO activity,and improved the pathological injury of lung tissue.In addition,HEL reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factoralpha,interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum,and inhibited nuclear displacement of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κBp65).And 18 g/kg HEL also reduced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88,NF-κBp65,phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B alpha(phospho-IκBα),nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3),IL-1β,and interleukin-18(IL-18)in lung tissue,and regulated intestinal flora disturbance.CONCLUSIONS:In summary,our findings revealed that HEL has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and improving intestinal flora disturbance.

CARMA3: A novel scaffold protein in regulation of NF-κB activation and diseases

CARD recruited membrane associated protein 3 (CARMA3) is a novel scaffold protein. It belongs to the CARMA protein family, and is known to activate nuclear factor (NF)- κB. However, it is still unknown which receptor functions upstream of CARMA3 to trigger NF-κB activation. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that CARMA3 serves as an indispensable adaptor protein in NF-κB signaling under some G protein-coupled receptors (GP- CRs), such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor and angiotensin (Ang) Ⅱ receptor. Mechanistically, CARMA3 recruits its essential downstream molecules Bcl10 and MALT1 to form the CBM (CARMA3-Bcl10-MALT1) signalosome whereby it triggers NF-κB activation. GPCRs and NF-κB play pivotal roles in the regulation of various cellular functions, therefore, aberrant regulation of the GPCR/NF-κB signaling axis leads to the development of many types of diseases, such as cancer and atherogenesis. Recently, the GPCR/CARMA3/NF-κB signaling axis has been confirmed in these specific diseases and it plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of disease progression. In ovarian cancer cell lines, knockdown of CARMA3 abolishes LPA receptor-induced NF-κB activation, and reduces LPA-induced ovarian cancer invasion. In vascular smooth cells, downregulation of CARMA3 substantially impairs Ang-Ⅱ-receptor-induced NF-κB activation, and in vivo studies have confirmed that Bcl10- deficient mice are protected from developing Ang-Ⅱ-receptor-induced atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. In this review, we summarize the biology of CARMA3, describe the role of the GPCR/CARMA3/NF-κB signaling axis in ovarian cancer and atherogenesis, and speculate about the potential roles of this signaling axis in other types of cancer and diseases. With a significant increase in the identification of LPA- and Ang-Ⅱ-like ligands, such as endothelin-1, which also activates NF-κB via CARMA3 and contributes to the development of many diseases, CARMA3 is emerging as a novel therapeutic target for various types of cancer and other diseases.

Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains hepatocellular carcinoma development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cellmediated antitumor immune responses

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies.However,ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC.AIM To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model,aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients.METHODS The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+and CD8+T cells from tumor tissues,ascites,and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry.An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody(mAb)and/or anti-PD-1 mAb.Tumor growth in each group was measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors.The percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry.The percentages of PD-1+CD8+,TIM-3+CD8+,and PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+T cells was accessed by flow cytometry.The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.RESULTS We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+and CD8+T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients.TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight,while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment.Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues,and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+T cells in tumor tissues.Moreover,combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ,and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues.Thus,we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.

乳腺癌组织中IGF-IR、SUSD3的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨胰岛素样生长因子-I受体(IGF-IR)和SUSD3在乳腺癌组织中的表达情况,分析两者与临床病理特征的关系及其两者间的相关性。方法采用Max VisionTM免疫组化法检测100例乳腺癌组织和对应癌旁组织中IGF-IR、SUSD3的表达,并分析其与乳腺癌临床病理特征的关系。结果 IGF-IR在乳腺癌和癌旁组织中的阳性表达率分别为86.0%和3.0%(P<0.05),SUSD3在乳腺癌和癌旁组织中的阳性表达率分别为78.0%和2.0%(P<0.05)。乳腺癌组织中IGF-IR和SUSD3的表达与ER水平和病理类型有关(P<0.05),而与年龄、HER-2表达、Ki-67表达和分期均无关(P>0.05)。IGF-IR和SUSD3在乳腺癌组织中的表达呈正相关(r=0.553,P<0.01)。结论 IGF-IR、SUSD3可能与乳腺癌的发生、发展有关,与ER联合检测对判断乳腺癌预后和指导术后辅助治疗有重要意义。

Qingchi San(青赤散)treats ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome formation

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of Qingchi San(青赤散,QCS),a preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine,on ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice by inhibiting the nuclearfactor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome formation.METHODS:The UC model was established with male C57BL/6J as the animal model.Bodyweight,Disease Activity Index(DAI),colon length and weight were detected.Furthermore,colonic histology was performed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),myeloperoxidase(MPO)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)mRNA expression were conducted by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).NF-κB,inhibitor of NF-κBα(iκBα),Phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κBα(p-iκBα),caspase-1,NLRP3 and Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC)protein expression were conducted by Western blotting.RESULTS:Compared with UC model group,Bodyweight was significantly increased in QCS treatment.At the same time,DAI was significantly decreased in QCS treatment.Colon length and weight and colonic histology were significantly improved in QCS treatment.Furthermore,the expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MPO,SOD,COX2,and iN OS were significantly decreased in QCS treatment.Finally,the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins NF-κB,iκBα,p-iκBα,and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome related proteins caspase-1,NLRP3 and ASC were significantly decreased in QCS treatment.CONCLUSION:Traditional Chinese drug QCS could treat UC by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome formation in mice.

Sini powder ameliorates the inflammatory response in rats with stress-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B/pyrin domain-containing protein 3 pathway

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Sini powder for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in rats and the molecular mechanisms involved.METHODS: A rat model of stress-induced NAFLD was established by a combination of long-term tethering and feeding of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. These rats were then intragastrically administered with either simvastatin, Sini powder, or vehicle for 1 week. The body mass and field test scores for each group were recorded weekly. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and triglyceride, total cholesterol,and free fatty acid concentrations were measured.Liver tissue histopathology was examined on hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin sections and oil red O-stained frozen sections. The hepatic m RNA expression of nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD(ASC), and caspase-1 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The hepatic protein concentrations of NF-κB and NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and the serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Compared with the Blank group, rats in the Compound model group showed significant pathologic manifestations of NAFLD, and the expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1βand IL-6 were significantly higher(all P < 0.01). Both simvastatin and Sini powder significantly ameliorated the NAFLD pathology and the abnormal expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-6(all P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Sini powder inhibits the inflamma-tory response in rats with NAFLD, which is mediated by NF-κB/NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-6, reduces the effects of psychological stress, and improves lipid metabolism. Therefore, Sini powder may be effective for the treatment of stress-related NAFLD through multiple mechanisms.

SH3P2,an SH3 domain-containing protein that interacts with both Pib and AvrPib,suppresses effector-triggered,Pib-mediated immunity in rice

Plants usually keep resistance(R)proteins in a static state under normal conditions to avoid autoimmunity and save energy for growth,but R proteins can be rapidly activated upon perceiving pathogen invasion.Pib,the first cloned blast disease R gene in rice,encoding a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat(NLR)protein,mediates resistance to the blast fungal(Magnaporthe oryzae)isolates carrying the avirulence gene AvrPib.However,the molecular mechanisms about how Pib recognizes AvrPib and how it is inactivated and activated remain largely unclear.In this study,through map-based cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing,we proved that Pib contributes to the blast disease resistance of rice cultivar Yunyin(YY).Furthermore,an SH3 domain-containing protein,SH3P2,was found to associate with Pib mainly at clathrin-coated vesicles in rice cells,via direct binding with the coiled-coil(CC)domain of Pib.Interestingly,overexpression of SH3P2 in YY compromised Pib-mediated resistance to M.oryzae isolates carrying AvrPib and Pib-AvrPib recognition-induced cell death.SH3P2 competitively inhibits the self-association of the Pib CC domain in vitro,suggesting that binding of SH3P2 with Pib undermines its homodimerization.Moreover,SH3P2 can also interact with AvrPib and displays higher affinity to AvrPib than to Pib,which leads to dissociation of SH3P2 from Pib in the presence of AvrPib.Taken together,our results suggest that SH3P2 functions as a“protector”to keep Pib in a static state by direct interaction during normal growth but could be triggered off by the invasion of AvrPib-carrying M.oryzae isolates.Our study reveals a new mechanism about how an NLR protein is inactivated under normal conditions but is activated upon pathogen infection.

PNPLA3 rs738409 underlies treatment response in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has now become the leading cause of chronic liver disease with its growing incidence worldwide.Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3(PNPLA3)rs738409 C>G reflects one of the critical genetic factors that confers high-risk to NAFLD.However,the role of PNPLA3 polymorphism in NAFLD treatment remains uncertain.Here,the present review reveals that NAFLD patients with G-allele at PNPLA3 rs738409(PNPLA3 148M variant)are sensitive to therapies of lifestyle modification,dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors,and bariatric surgery.They exhibit much significant reduction of liver fat content,in concurrence with weigh loss and abolished insulin resistance,as compared to those of C-allele carriers.In contrast,patients bearing PNPLA3 rs738409 C-allele(PNPLA3 148I variant),instead of G-allele,demonstrate greater beneficial effects by omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids and statin intervention.Improved adipose tissue-liver interaction and decrease in intrahepatic triglyceride efflux may contribute to the PNPLA3 rs738409related diversities in therapeutic efficacy.Therefore,PNPLA3 rs738409 underlies the response to a variety of treatments,which warrants a personalized,precise medicine in NAFLD on the basis of genotype stratification.

EDIL3 depletion suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells via transforming growth factor β pathway

AIM： To study the effect of discoidin I-like domaincontaining protein 3（EDIL3） depletion on the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition（EMT） in human lens epithelial cells（LECs）. METHODS： RNA interference was used to inhibit the expression of EDIL3 in human LECs in vitro. The morphology of cells was observed using an inverted microscope. Cell proliferation was assessed using Ed U kit. Cell migration was investigated using Transwell chamber and EMT of LECs was assessed using confocal microscope and Western blotting. The transforming growth factor β（TGFβ） pathway was investigated using Western blotting. RESULTS： The data showed that silencing EDIL3 expression changed LECs morphology and suppressed LECs proliferation（P〈0.05） and migration（P〈0.01）. Furthermore, the result of Western blotting showed that EDIL3 depletion reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）（P〈0.001） and vimentin（P〈0.01）, while increased the expression of E-cadherin（P〈0.001）. EDIL3 depletion could suppress the phosphorylation of Smad2（P〈0.01） and Smad3（P〈0.01） and the activation of exracellular signal regulated kinase（ERK）（P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： The findings indicate that EDIL3 might participate in the proliferation and EMT in LECs via TGFβ pathway and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of posterior capsule opacification.

AstragalosideⅣplays a role in reducing radiation-induced liver inflammation in mice by inhibiting thioredoxin-interacting protein/nod-like receptor protein 3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of Astragaloside IV(AS-IV)on radiation-induced liver inflammation in mice.METHODS:The mice were divided into normal group,dimethyl sulfoxide solvent group,irradiation group(IR),irradiation+AS-IV(20 mg/kg)group(IR+AS-20)and irradiation+AS-IV(40 mg/kg)group(IR+AS-40).One month after intraperitoneal injection of AS-IV,the mice were irradiated with 8Gry Co60γ,the blood was collected for biochemical analysis,and the liver was collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunofluorescence and electron microscopic observation,oxidative stress,and Western blot analysis.RESULTS:The AS-IV treatment significantly ameliorated the pathological morphology of liver and reduced the alanine aminotransferase and aspertate aminotransferase levels in serum induced by radiation;AS-IV treatment also significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 and antagonized malonaldehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity in liver caused by radiation;in addition,AS-IV treatment can significantly inhibited the positive expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)and nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome in liver tissue after radiation;The expression of TXNIP,NLRP3 inflammasome,apoptosisassociated speck-like protein containing a CARD,cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 and interleukin 1beta in the AS-IV prevention group decreased significantly compared to the radiation group.CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggested that Co60γradiation can cause structural and functional damage to the liver,which may be related to the NLRP3 mediated inflammatory pathway;AS-IV may play a protective role by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in the radiation-induced liver injury model.

HFD-exacerbated Metabolic Side Effects of Olanzapine Are Suppressed by ER Stress Inhibitor

Objective Numerous schizophrenic patients are suffering from obesity primarily attributed to antipsychotic medication and poor dietary habits.This study investigated the progressive deterioration of olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders in the presence of a high-fat diet(HFD)and explored the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats fed on a standard chow diet or HFD were treated with olanzapine(3 mg/kg/day)and the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA,1 and 0.5 g/kg/day)for 8 days.Changes in body weight,food intake,and plasma lipids were assessed.Hepatic fat accumulation was evaluated using oil red O staining.Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were employed to examine the expression of ER stress markers,NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3),and proopiomelanocortin(POMC)in the hypothalamus or liver.Results Compared to olanzapine alone,olanzapine+HFD induced greater weight gain,increased hyperlipidemia,and enhanced hepatic fat accumulation(P<0.05).Co-treatment with 4-PBA exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of these effects(P<0.05).Further mechanistic investigations revealed that olanzapine alone activated ER stress,upregulated NLRP3 expression in the hypothalamus and liver,and downregulated hypothalamic POMC expression.The HFD exacerbated these effects by 50%–100%.Moreover,co-administration of 4-PBA dose-dependently attenuated the olanzapine+HFD-induced alterations in ER stress,NLRP3,and POMC expression in the hypothalamus and liver(P<0.05).Conclusion HFD worsened olanzapine-induced weight gain and lipid metabolic disorders,possibly through ER stress-POMC and ER stress-NLRP3 signaling.ER stress inhibitors could be effective in preventing olanzapine+HFD-induced metabolic disorders.

Qingre Jianpi decoction(清热健脾汤)attenuates inflammatory responses by suppressing NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome activation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Qingre Jianpi decoction(清热健脾汤,QRJPD)on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis mice and explore its mechanism.METHODS:All mice were randomly divided into six groups.Weight changes,disease activity index values,and histological damage were detected.Inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA)and immunohistochemistry(IHC)method.The key protein expression levels of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome were detected by western blot analysis,IHC,and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:QRJPD played an anti-inflammatory role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC),reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines,and inhibited the inflammatory infiltration of immune cells by suppressing DSS-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.CONCLUSION:QRJPD exerts protective effects by inhibiting DSS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

A Novel Mutation in the Pyrin Domain of the NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing Protein 3 in Muckle-Wells Syndrome

Background： Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome （CAPS） is a group of rare, heterogeneous autoinflammatory disease characterized by interleukin （IL）-1β-mediated systemic inflammation and clinical symptoms involving skin, joints, central nervous system, and eyes. It encompasses a spectrum of three clinically overlapping autoinflammatory syndromes including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, Muckle-Wells syndrome （MWS）, and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. CAPS is associated with gain-of-function missense mutations in NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 （NLRP3）, the gene encoding NLRP3. Moreover, most mutations leading to MWS occurred in exon 3 ofNLRP3 gene. Here, we reported a novel mutation occurred in exon 1 ofNLRP3 gene in an MWS patient and attempted to explore the pathogenic mechanism. Methods： Genetic sequence analysis of NLRP3 was performed in an MWS patient who presented with periodic lever, arthralgia, and multiform skin lesions. NLRP3 was also analyzed in this patient＇s parents and 50 healthy individuals. Clinical examinations including X-ray examination, skin biopsy, bone marrow aspiration smear, and blood test of C-reactive protein （CRP）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）, serum levels oflL-1β, immunoglobulin E （lgE）, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and extractable nuclear antigen were also analyzed. The protein structure of mutant NLRP3 inflammasome was calculated by SWISS-MODEL software. Proteins of wild type and mutant components ofNLRP3 inflammasome were expressed and purified, and the interaction abilities between these proteins were tested by surface plasmon resonance （SPR） assay. Results： X-ray examination showed no abnormality in the patient＇s knees. Laboratory tests indicated an elevation of CRP （233.24 nag/L） and ESR （67 mm/h） when the patient had fever. Serum IL-1β increased to 24.37 pg/ml, and serum lgE was higher than 2500.00 IU/ml. Other blood tests were normal. Bone marrow aspiration smear was normal. A novel point mutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of NLRP3 gene was identified, which caused a p.D31V mutation in pyrin domain （PYD） of NLRP3. SPR assay showed that this point mutation may strengthen the interaction between the PYD of NLRP3 and the PYD of the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein. The mutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of the NLRP3 gene was not lbund in the patient＇s parents and 50 healthy individuals. Conclusions： The rnutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of the NLRP3 gene is a novel mutation associated with MWS. The p.D31V mutation might promote the activation ofNLRP3 inflammasome and induce MWS in this patient.

Promoting genetics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Combined risk score through polymorphisms and clinical variables

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has a prevalence of approximately 30% in western countries, and is emerging as the first cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Therefore, risk stratification emerges as fundamental in order to optimize human and economic resources, and genetics displays intrinsic characteristics suitable to fulfill this task. According to the available data, heritability estimates for hepatic fat content range from 20% to 70%, and an almost 80% of shared heritability has been found between hepatic fat content and fibrosis. The rs738409 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 gene and the rs58542926 SNP in transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 gene have been robustly associated with NAFLD and with its progression, but promising results have been obtained with many other SNPs. Moreover, there has been proof of the additive role of the different SNPs in determining liver damage, and there have been preliminary experiences in which risk scores created through a few genetic variants, alone or in combination with clinical variables, were associated with a strongly potentiated risk of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH), NASH fibrosis or NAFLD-HCC. However, to date, clinical translation of genetics in the field of NAFLD has been poor or absent. Fortunately, the research we have done seems to have placed us on the right path: We should rely on longitudinal rather than on cross-sectional studies; we should focus on relevant outcomes rather than on simple liver fat accumulation; and we should put together the genetic and clinical information. The hope is that combined genetic/clinical scores, derived from longitudinal studies and built on a few strong genetic variants and relevant clinical variables, will reach a significant predictive power, such as to have clinical utility for risk stratification at the single patient level and even to esteem the impact of intervention on the risk of disease-related outcomes. Well-structured future studies would demonstrate if this vision can become a reality.

Regional differences in genetic susceptibility to nonalcoholic liver disease in two distinct Indian ethnicities

AIM To validate the association of variants in PNPLA3(rs2281135) and TM6SF2(rs58542926) genes with ultrasound detected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS A total of 503 individuals with and without fatty infiltration were recruited. Fatty infiltration was confirmed based on ultrasound findings. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected from the study group. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, quality and quantity was assessed by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometer respectively. Genotyping of the variants in PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 genes was carried out by employing taqman probes(C_15875080_10 for PNPLA3 and C_8946351_10 for TM6SF2 SNP) on real time PCR(Stepone-Lifetechnologies). Genotype data was tested for deviations from Hardy-Weinbergequilibrium. χ~2 test was used to analyze the statistical significance of the difference in genotype distribution of the studied variants in patients and controls and the strength of association was expressed as odds ratio(95%CI). A two-tailed P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study group comprised of 503 individuals of which 256 had fatty infiltration and 247 without fatty infiltration and thus formed the patient and control groups respectively. As the patient group could be divided in to two distinct ethnicities(ancestral South Indians-ASI and North-East Indians-NEI), further recruitment of control cohort and association analyses was carried out based on ethnicities. Of the 256 with fatty infiltration 93 were ASI and 163 were NEI and of the 247 controls 138 were ASI and 109 were NEI. As expected, there were significant differences in the anthropometric and other clinical data between the control and the patient groups. However significant differences within the ethnicities were also noted. While rs2281135 in PNPLA3 gene was significantly associated(P = 0.03) with higher risk(odds 1.9, 95%CI: 1.5-3.14, P = 0.03) of NAFLD in NEI ethnicity, rs58542926 in TM6SF2 gene was significantly associated with NAFLD with a 2.7 fold higher risk(odds 2.7, 95%CI: 1.37-5.3, P = 0.0004) of the disease. There were significantly higher proportions of individuals with variants in both the genes in the patient group in both ASI(patients-14/93 and controls-7/138; P = 0.009) and NEI ethnicities(patients-17/163 and controls-7/109; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Although the study identified distinct genetic susceptibility in the two ethnicities, transheterozygosity of the variants suggests higher risk of NAFLD in individuals with both the variants.

Structural insights of phosphorylated into the recognition FUNDC1 by LC3B in mitophagy

Mitophagy is an essential intracellular process that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and maintains cellular homeostasis. Mitophagy is regulated by the post-translational modification of mitophagy receptors. Fun14 domain-containing protein 1 （FUNDC1） was reported to be a new receptor for hypoxia-induced mitophagy in mammalian cells and interact with micro-tubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta （LC3B） through its LC3 interaction region （LIR）. Moreover, the phosphorylation modification of FUNDC1 affects its binding affinity for LC3B and regulates selective mitophagy. However, the structural basis of this regulation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of LC3B in complex with a FUNDCI LIR peptide phosphorylated at Ser17 （pS17）, demonstrating the key residues of LC3B for the specific recognition of the phosphorylated or dephosphorylated FUNDC1. Intriguingly, the side chain of LC3B Lys49 shifts remarkably and forms a hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction with the phosphate group of FUNDC1 pS17. Alternatively, phosphorylated Tyr18 （PY18） and Ser13 （PS13） in FUNDC1 significantly obstruct their interaction with the hydrophobic pocket and Arg10 of LC3B, respectively. Structural observations are further validated by mutation and isothermal titration calorimetry （ITC） assays. Therefore, our structural and biochemical results reveal a working model for thespecific recognition of FUNDCI by LC3B and imply that the reversible phosphorylation modification of mitophagy receptors may be a switch for selective mitophagy.

Cystathionine-γ-lyase ameliorates the histone demethylase JMJD3-mediated autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis

Cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE),an enzyme associated with hydrogen sulfide(H2S)production,is an important endogenous regulator of inflammation.Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3)is implicated in the immune response and inflammation.Here,we investigated the potential contribution of JMJD3 to endogenous CSE-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Upregulated CSE and JMJD3 were identified in synovial fibroblasts(SFs)from RA patients as well as in the joints of arthritic mice.Knocking down CSE augmented inflammation in IL-1β-induced SFs by increasing JMJD3 expression.In addition,CSE−/−mice with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)developed severe joint inflammation and bone erosion.Conversely,overexpressing CSE inhibited JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 and was accompanied by reduced inflammation in IL-1β-treated SFs.Furthermore,JMJD3 silencing or the administration of the JMJD3 inhibitor GSK-J4 significantly decreased the inflammatory response in IL-1β-treated SFs,mainly by controlling the methylation status of H3K27me3 at the promoter of its target genes.GSK-J4 markedly attenuated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice.In conclusion,suppressing JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 is likely responsible for the ability of CSE to negatively modulate the inflammatory response and reduce the progression of RA.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Reduces D-GalN/LPS-induced Acute Liver Injury by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB Signaling and NLRP3 Inflammasome

Background and Aims:The effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on D-galactosamine(D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute liver injury(ALI)is unknown.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on ALI and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Mice were pretreated with ginsenoside Rb1 by intraperitoneal injection for 3 days before D-GalN/LPS treatment,to induce ALI.The survival rate was monitored every hour for 24 h,and serum biochemical parameters,hepatic index and histopathological analysis were evaluated to measure the degree of liver injury.ELISA was used to detect oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in hepatic tissue and serum.Immunohistochemistry staining,RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factorkappa B(NF-κB),and NLR family,pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3)in liver tissue and Kupffer cells(KCs).Results:Ginsenoside Rb1 improved survival with D-GalN/LPS-induced ALI by up to 80%,significantly ameliorated the increased alanine and aspartate transaminase,restored the hepatic pathological changes and reduced the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines altered by D-GalN/LPS.Compared to the control group,the KCs were increased in the D-GalN/LPS groups but did not increase significantly with Rb1 pretreatment.D-GalN/LPS could upregulate while Rb1 pretreatment could downregulate the expression of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18,NLRP3,apoptosis associated specklike protein containing CARD(ASC)and caspase-1 in isolated KCs.Furthermore,ginsenoside Rb1 inhibited activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome induced by D-GalN/LPS administration.Conclusions:Ginsenoside Rb1 protects mice against D-GalN/LPS-induced ALI by attenuating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.