Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Chronic Kidney Disease through Crosstalk between the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway and Ferroptosis in GMCs

Objective Porphyromonas gingivalis(P.gingivalis)is a gram-negative bacterium found in the human oral cavity and is a recognized pathogenic bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases,including chronic kidney disease(CKD),but the roles and molecular mechanism of P.gingivalis in CKD pathogenesis are unclear.Methods In this study,an animal model of oral P.gingivalis administration and glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)cocultured with M1-polarized macrophages and P.gingivalis supernatant were constructed.After seven weeks of P.gingivalis gavaged,peripheral blood was collected to detect the changes in renal function.By collecting the teeth and kidneys of mice,H&E staining and IHC were used to analyze the expression of periodontal inflammatory factors in mice,PAS staining was used to analyze glomerular lesions.The supernatant of macrophages was treated with 5%P.gingivalis supernatant.H&E staining,IHC,Western blot and RT-PCR were applied to analyze renal inflammatory factors,macrophage M1 polarization,NF-κB,NLRP3 and ferroptosis changes in vitro.Results We found that oral P.gingivalis administration induced CKD in mice.P.gingivalis supernatant induced macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor upregulation,which triggered the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs.By inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs,cell viability and the inflammatory response were partially alleviated in vitro.Conclusion We demonstrated that P.gingivalis induced CKD in mice by triggering crosstalk between the NFκB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs.Overall,our study suggested that periodontitis can promote the pathogenesis of CKD in mice,which provides evidence of the importance of periodontitis therapy in the prevention and treatment of CKD.

Elaidic acid-induced intestinal barrier damage led to gut-liver axis derangement and triggered NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver of SD rats

Previous studies have shown that trans fatty acids(TFA) are associated with several chronic diseases,the gut microbiota is directly influenced by dietary components and linked to chronic diseases.Our research investigated the effects of elaidic acid(EA),a typical TFA,on the gut microbiota to understand the underlying mechanisms of TFA-related chronic diseases.16S rDNA gene sequencing on faecal samples from Sprague-Dawley rats were performed to explore the composition change of the gut microbiota by EA gavage for 4 weeks.The results showed that the intake of EA increased the abundance of well-documented harmful bacteria,such as Proteobacteria,Anaerotruncus,Oscillibacter and Desulfovibrionaceae.Plus,EA induced translocation of lipopolysaccharides(LPS) and the above pathogenic bacteria,disrupted the intestinal barrier,led to gut-liver axis derangement and TLR4 pathway activation in the liver.Overall,EA induced intestinal barrier damage and regulated TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/MAPK pathways in the liver of SD rats,leading to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory liver damage.

Branched-chain fatty acids from goat milk alleviate ulcerative colitis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

Branched-chain fatty acids(BCFAs)are new bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of BCFAs in alleviating ulcerative colitis has not been clarified.Herein,we evaluated the protective effect of BCFAs from goat milk in mice with colitis induced using dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)and explored the corresponding mechanism.These results show that BCFAs extracted from goat milk can significantly alleviate weight loss in mice,and reduce the disease activity index and the activity of myeloperoxidase while increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes in colon tissue and reducing the oxidation stress response.These data also show that BCFAs can down-regulate the gene and protein expression of the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factorκB p65(NF-κB p65)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway,and at the same time significantly reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and IL-18 in colon tissue,and significantly increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.In conclusion,these results demonstrated that BCFAs in goat milk exerted effects on colitis-related inflammatory cytokines and inhibited inflammation by inducing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.This study provides evidence for the potential of BCFAs as bioactive fatty acids in food products and to ameliorate ulcerative colitis development in mice.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

Mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis by NLRP3 inflammasome

Objective:To observe the effect of Sanshi decoction on P2X7R/PKR pathway-mediated activation of macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Methods:THP-1 macrophages were divided into control group,model group,low dose group,medium dose group,high dose group of Sanshi decoction and inhibitor group.The remaining groups were induced with monosodium urate crystals to establish a gouty arthritis cell model except the control group.Flow cytometry was used to detect macrophage ROS levels in each group,ELISA to detect MDA levels and SOD and GSH-PX activities in each group,and Western blot to detect P2X7R/PKR pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-associated protein expression.We also used CCK-8 and flow cytometry to measure MH7A activity and apoptotic levels.Results:Compared with the control group,the ROS level,the content of MDA,the activities of SOD and GSH-PX were significantly increased,and the expression levels of NLRP3,full-length IL-1β,pro-IL-1β,full-length IL-18,pro-IL-18,full-length caspase-1,GSDMD-NT,P2X7R and p-PKR protein expression levels were significantly upregulated,and GSDMD-FL protein expression was significantly downregulated in the model group,and that the differences between them were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Sanshi decoction could reduce macrophage ROS levels,MDA content,SOD and GSHPX activities,and downregulate macrophage NLRP3,mature IL-1β,pro IL-1β,mature IL-18,pro IL-18,mature caspase-1,GSDMD-NT,P2X7R and p-PKR protein expression,and upregulate GSDMD-FL protein expression,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05 and P<0.01).In addition,MH7A activity was downregulated,and apoptosis level was upregulated in the model group in comparison with the control group,and differences were all significantly different(P<0.05).As compared to the model group,Sanshi decoction could significantly increase the activity of MH7A and inhibit the level of apoptosis,and that the differences between them were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Conclusion:Sanshi decoction can achieve the therapeutic effect of gouty arthritis by inhibiting P2X7R/PKR pathway activation,thus reducing the activation level of NLRP3.

Mechanism of Sanshi decoction inhibits macrophage pyroptosis by inhibiting BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in the treatment of gouty arthritis

Objective:To observe the effect of Sanshi decoction on BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathwaymediated macrophage pyroptosis,so as to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Methods:THP-1 was induced into macrophages with foboside and the divided into the control group,model group,low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose group of Sanshi decoction,and BRD4 inhibitor group.Except for the control group,the remaining groups were induced with monosodium urate crystals to construct a gouty arthritis cell model.The activity of macrophages was detected by CCK8,the level of macrophage pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry,the activity of LDH,the content of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the expression of related proteins in the BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the control group,macrophage activity was decreased in the model group,and the level of pyroptosis,LDH activity,contents of IL-1β and IL-18,expression levels of BRD4,p-NF-kB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1 p20,and IL-1β protein were significantly up-regulated,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Compared with the model group,macrophage activity was up-regulated in the Sanshi Decoction,and the level of pyroptosis,LDH activity,IL-1β and IL-18 contents,expression levels of BRD4,p-NF-kB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1 p20,and IL-1β protein were significantly decreased with statistically significant differences(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Conclusion:Sanshi decoction inhibits macrophage pyroptosis by inhibiting BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation,thus improving the inflammation level of gouty arthritis.

Acacetin protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the NLRP3 signaling pathway

Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammatory corpuscle 3(NLRP3) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been fully determined. This study used an improved suture method to establish a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in C57BL/6 mice. After ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour, reperfusion with intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of acacetin(acacetin group) or an equal volume of saline(0.1 mL/10 g, middle cerebral artery occlusion group) was used to investigate the effect of acacetin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Infarct volume and neurological function scores were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the Zea-Longa scoring method. Compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, neurological function scores and cerebral infarction volumes were significantly reduced in the acacetin group. To understand the effect of acacetin on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunohistochemistry for the microglia marker calcium adapter protein ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1) was examined in the hippocampus of ischemic brain tissue. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression in ischemic brain tissue of mice was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Western blot assay results showed that expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Our findings indicate that acacetin has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Luteolin affects the EMT transformation and cell biological behavior of osteosarcoma U2OS cells via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of luteolin on the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of osteosarcoma cell line U2OS and its molecular mechanism by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor-kappa B(PI3K/AKT/NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:U2OS cells were treated in different concentrations(10,20 and 40μmol/L)of luteolin.MTT was used to detect the effect of luteolin on the proliferation of osteosarcoma U2OS cells.Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the influence of luteolin on migration of U2OS cells.qPCR was used to detect the influence of luteolin on the mRNA expression of Bax,Bcl-2 and Caspase-2 in U2OS cells.Western blot was used to observe the change of p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-IKK and NF-κB proteins.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the influence of luteolin on the protein expression of E-cadherin and vimentim.Results:Luteolin inhibited significantly the proliferation of U2OS cells(P<0.05)in a time-concentration-dependent manner.Luteolin inhibited significantly the migration of U2OS cells(P<0.05).After treatment with luteolin,the mRNA expression of Bax and Caspase-2 was increased significantly(P<0.05),but Bcl-2 was reduced significantly(P<0.05)in U2OS cells.The protein expression of p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-IKK,NF-κB,E-cadherin and vimentin was decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusions:Luteolin inhibits the proliferation,migration and EMT transformation of osteosarcoma U2OS cells,which may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mitochondrial GRIM19 Loss Induces Liver Fibrosis through NLRP3/IL33 Activation via Reactive Oxygen Species/NF-κB Signaling

Background and Aims:Hepatic fibrosis(HF)is a critical step in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality 19(GRIM19),an essential component of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I,is frequently attenuated in various human cancers,including HCC.Here,we aimed to investigate the potential relationship and underlying mechanism between GRIM19 loss and HF pathogenesis.Methods:GRIM19 expression was evaluated in normal liver tissues,hepatitis,hepatic cirrhosis,and HCC using human liver disease spectrum tissue microarrays.We studied hepatocyte-specific GRIM19 knockout mice and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein-9(Cas9)lentivirus-mediated GRIM19 gene-editing in murine hepatocyte AML12 cells in vitro and in vivo.We performed flow cytometry,immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry,western blotting,and pharmacological intervention to uncover the potential mechanisms underlying GRIM19 loss-induced HF.Results:Mitochondrial GRIM19 was progressively downregulated in chronic liver disease tissues,including hepatitis,cirrhosis,and HCC tissues.Hepatocyte-specific GRIM19 heterozygous deletion induced spontaneous hepatitis and subsequent liver fibrogenesis in mice.In addition,GRIM19 loss caused chronic liver injury through reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated oxidative stress,resulting in aberrant NF-κB activation via an IKK/IKB partner in hepatocytes.Further-more,GRIM19 loss activated NLRP3-mediated IL33 signaling administration of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 dramatically via the ROS/NF-κB pathway in hepatocytes.Intraperitoneal alleviated GRIM19 loss-driven HF in vivo.Conclusions:The mitochondrial GRIM19 loss facilitates liver fibrosis through NLRP3/IL33 activation via ROS/NF-κB signaling,providing potential therapeutic approaches for earlier HF prevention.

Involvement of M3 Cholinergic Receptor Signal Transduction Pathway in Regulation of the Expression of Chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 Genes in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Whether M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway is involved in regulation of the activation of NF-κB and the expression of chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells was investigated. Rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated, cultured and treated with carbachol, atropine and PDTC in vitro. The MOB-1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression was detected by using RT-PCR. The activation of NF-κB was monitored by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results showed that as compared with control group, M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L, 10 -4 mol/L carbachol) could induce a concentration-dependent and time-dependent increase in the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA in pancreatic acinar cells. After treatment with 10 -3 mol/L carbachol for 2 h, the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA was strongest. The activity of NF-κB in pancreatic acinar cells was significantly increased (P<0.01) after treated with M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L carbachol) in vitro for 30 min. Either M3 cholinergic receptor antagonist (10 -5 mol/L atropine) or NF-κB inhibitor (10 -2 mol/L PDTC) could obviously inhibit the activation of NF-κB and the chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA expression induced by carbachol (P<0.05). This inhibitory effect was significantly increased by atropine plus PDTC (P<0.01). The results of these studies indicated that M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway was likely involved in regulation of the expression of chemokine MOB-1 and MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells in vitro through the activation of NF-κB.

Huoxin Pill Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Objective:To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill(HXP)on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(MIRI)injury in rats.Methods:Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group,model group,positive drug group(diltiazem hydrochloride,DH),high dose group(24 mg/kg,HXP-H)and low dose group(12 mg/kg,HXP-L)of Huoxin Pill(n=15 for every group)according to the complete randomization method.After 1 week of intragastric administration,the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h.Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were measured.Myocardial ischemia rate,myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC).Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN)databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets;the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneC ards,Drugbank,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),and Therapeutic Target Datebase(TTD)databases was performed;Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets;molecular docking was performed using AutoD ock Tools.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B(NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3).Results:Compared with the model group,all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB(P<0.05,P<0.01);HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD(P<0.05,P<0.01);all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01)and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate(P<0.01).GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression,extracellular space and identical protein binding,KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis.Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 molecules.The protein expressions of TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group(P<0.01).Conclusions:HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Jinyinqingre Oral Liquid alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway

Acute lung injury(ALI)is a prevalent and severe clinical condition characterized by inflammatory damage to the lung endothelial and epithelial barriers,resulting in high incidence and mortality rates.Currently,there is a lack of safe and effective drugs for the treatment of ALI.In a previous clinical study,we observed that Jinyinqingre oral liquid(JYQR),a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation prepared by the Taihe Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine,exhibited notable efficacy in treating inflammation-related hepatitis and cholecystitis in clinical settings.However,the potential role of JYQR in ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and its anti-inflammatory mechanism remains unexplored.Thus,the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of JYQR in ALI using a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALI and an in vitro RAW264.7 cell model.JYQR yielded substantial improvements in LPS-induced histological alterations in lung tissues.Additionally,JYQR administration led to a noteworthy reduction in total protein levels within the BALF,a decrease in MPAP,and attenuation of pleural thickness.These findings collectively highlight the remarkable efficacy of JYQR in mitigating the deleterious effects of LPS-induced ALI.Mechanistic investigations revealed that JYQR pretreatment significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and downregulated the expressions of the downstream proteins,namely NLRP3 and GSDMD,as well as proinflammatory cytokine levels in mice and RAW2647 cells.Consequently,JYQR alleviated LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.JYQR exerts a protective effect against LPS-induced ALI in mice,and its mechanism of action involves the downregulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD inflammatory pathway.

Long non-coding RNA Coro Marker regulates oxidized LDL-induced inflammatory injury via NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Background Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs) are considered to be important for the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The lnc RNA AC100865.1(referred to as Coro Marker) has been recognized a novel and specific biomarker of coronary artery disease. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of Coro Marker in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in THP-1 cells. The regulatory relationship between Coro Marker and the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) pathway was also explored.Methods: THP-1 cells were stimulated with ox-LDL to induce inflammatory injury. The expression of Coro Marker was silenced by small interfering RNA. Cell apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory response was determined by detecting levels of inflammatory cytokines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, western blot was used to assess the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related proteins. Results: Ox-LDL markedly induced cell injury by promoting cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Meanwhile, the expression of Coro Marker was also up-regulated in ox-LDL-injured THP-1 cells. The knockdown of Coro Marker reduced apoptosis rate and significantly changed the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes(Bax and BCL-2). In addition, knockdown of Coro Marker relieved oxidative stress by significant changes in the level of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reactive oxygen species, and attenuated inflammatory injury by inhibit the production of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α). Importantly, the suppression of Coro Marker decreased the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related proteins, including p-NF-κB, p-Ik Bα and NLRP3.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that downregulation of Coro Marker alleviated ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in THP-1 cells, possibly by modulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Maraviroc promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury in mice by suppression of neuroinflammation and activation of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes

Neuroinflammation and the NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome play crucial roles in secondary tissue damage following an initial insult in patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Maraviroc,a C-C chemokine receptor type 5 antagonist,has been viewed as a new therapeutic strategy for many neuroinflammatory diseases.We studied the effect of maraviroc on TBI-induced neuroinflammation.A moderate-TBI mouse model was subjected to a controlled cortical impact device.Maraviroc or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour after TBI and then once per day for 3 consecutive days.Western blot,immunohistochemistry,and TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling)analyses were performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of maraviroc at 3 days post-TBI.Our results suggest that maraviroc administration reduced NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome activation,modulated microglial polarization from M1 to M2,decreased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration,and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors after TBI.Moreover,maraviroc treatment decreased the activation of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes,which,in turn,exacerbated neuronal cell death.Additionally,we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of maraviroc using the modified neurological severity score,rotarod test,Morris water maze test,and lesion volume measurements.In summary,our findings indicate that maraviroc might be a desirable pharmacotherapeutic strategy for TBI,and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 might be a promising pharmacotherapeutic target to improve recovery after TBI.

Mangiferin inhibited neuroinflammation through regulating microglial polarization and suppressing NF-κB,NLRP3 pathway

Inflammation plays important roles in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.Microglia is responsible for the homeostasis of the central nervous system(CNS),and involved in the neuroinflammation.Therefore,it could be potential in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases to suppress the microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.Mangiferin,a major glucoside of xanthone in Anemarrhena Rhizome,has anti-inflammatory,anti-diabetes,and anti-oxidative properties.However,the effect of mangiferin on the inflammatary responses of microglia cells are still poorly understand.In this study,we investigated the mechanism by which mangiferin inhibited inflammation in LPS-induced BV2 microglia cells.BV2 cells were pretreatment with mangiferin followed by LPS stimulation.In vitro assays,NO and cytokines production were quantified.Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to examine the effect of mangiferin on the polarization of BV2 cells and signaling pathway.The results showed that mangiferin treatment significantly reduced NO,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αproduction,also reduced the mRNA and protein of iNOS and COX-2,promoted the polarization of inflammatory toward anti-inflammatory,and inhibited activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome.These data suggest that mangiferin has an anti-neuroinflammatory property via regulating microglia macrophage polarization and suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathway,and may act as a potential natural therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Targeted and activatable nanosystem for fluorescent and optoacoustic imaging of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and therapy via inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases(IMIDs)represent a diverse group of diseases and challenges remain for the current medications.Herein,we present an activatable and targeted nanosystem for detecting and imaging IMIDs foci and treating them through blocking NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways.A ROS-activatable prodrug BH-EGCG is synthesized by coupling a near-infrared chromophore with the NF-κB/NLRP3 inhibitor epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)through boronate bond which serves as both the fluorescence quencher and ROS-responsive moiety.BH-EGCG molecules readily form stable nanoparticles in aqueous medium,which are then coated with macrophage membrane to ensure the actively-targeting capability toward inflammation sites.Additionally,an antioxidant precursor N-acetylcysteine is co-encapsulated into the coated nanoparticles to afford the nanosystem BH-EGCG&NAC@MM to further improve the anti-inflammatory efficacy.Benefiting from the inflammation-homing effect of the macrophage membrane,the nanosystem delivers payloads(diagnostic probe and therapeutic drugs)to inflammatory lesions more efficiently and releases a chromophore and two drugs upon being triggered by the overexpressed in-situ ROS,thus exhibiting better theranostic performance in the autoimmune hepatitis and hind paw edema mouse models,including more salient imaging signals and better therapeutic efficacy via inhibiting NF-κB pathway and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.This work may provide perceptions for designing other actively-targeting theranostic nanosystems for various inflammatory diseases.

Sphingosine kinase 1 promotes growth of glioblastoma by increasing inflammation mediated by the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 and JNK/PTX3 pathways

Glioblastoma(GBM)is the most challenging malignant tumor of the central nervous system because of its high morbidity,mortality,and recurrence rate.Currently,mechanisms of GBM are still unclear and there is no effective drug for GBM in the clinic.Therefore,it is urgent to identify new drug targets and corresponding drugs for GBM.In this study,in silico analyses and experimental data show that sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)is up-regulated in GBM patients,and is strongly correlated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival.Overexpression of SPHK1 promoted the proliferation,invasion,metastasis,and clonogenicity of GBM cells,while silencing SPHK1 had the opposite effect.SPHK1 promoted inflammation through the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and led to the phosphorylation of JNK,activating the JNK-JUN and JNK-ATF3 pathways and promoting inflammation and proliferation of GBM cells by transcriptional activation of PTX3.SPHK1 interacted with PTX3 and formed a positive feedback loop to reciprocally increase expression,promote inflammation and GBM growth.Inhibition of SPHK1 by the inhibitor,PF543,also decreased tumorigenesis in the U87-MG and U251-MG SPHK1 orthotopic mouse models.In summary,we have characterized the role and molecular mechanisms by which SPHK1 promotes GBM,which may provide opportunities for SPHK1-targeted therapy.

Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer(CRC)represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells(CSCs),which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties.These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease,recurrence and tumor resistance.Interestingly,some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival,proliferation,and selfrenewal properties,and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs,including the Wingless(Wnt)/β-catenin,Notch,Hedgehog,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad pathways.In this review,we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways,which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes,combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs,and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.