Long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript regulates NLR family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is recognized as an essential modulator of renal disease pathology.Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)are active participators of diabetic nephropathy(DN).X inactive specific transcript(XIST)expression has been reported to be elevated in the serum of DN patients.AIM To evaluate the mechanism of lncRNA XIST in renal tubular epithelial cell(RTEC)pyroptosis in DN.METHODS A DN rat model was established through streptozotocin injection,and XIST was knocked down by tail vein injection of the lentivirus LV sh-XIST.Renal metabolic and biochemical indices were detected,and pathological changes in the renal tissue were assessed.The expression of indicators related to inflammation and pyroptosis was also detected.High glucose(HG)was used to treat HK2 cells,and cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity were detected after silencing XIST.The subcellular localization and downstream mechanism of XIST were investigated.Finally,a rescue experiment was carried out to verify that XIST regulates NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)/caspase-1-mediated RTEC pyroptosis through the microRNA-15-5p(miR-15b-5p)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)axis.RESULTS XIST was highly expressed in the DN models.XIST silencing improved renal metabolism and biochemical indices and mitigated renal injury.The expression of inflammation and pyroptosis indicators was significantly increased in DN rats and HG-treated HK2 cells;cell viability was decreased and LDH activity was increased after HGtreatment. Silencing XIST inhibited RTEC pyroptosis by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1. Mechanistically,XIST sponged miR-15b-5p to regulate TLR4. Silencing XIST inhibited TLR4 by promotingmiR-15b-5p. miR-15b-5p inhibition or TLR4 overexpression averted the inhibitory effect ofsilencing XIST on HG-induced RTEC pyroptosis.CONCLUSIONSilencing XIST inhibits TLR4 by upregulating miR-15b-5p and ultimately inhibits renal injury inDN by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated RTEC pyroptosis.

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.

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.

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.

术前血清Lp-PLA2与NLRP3水平对IABP辅助PCI治疗的高危冠心病患者发生MACE的预测价值

【目的】探讨术前血清脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA2)与核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)水平对主动脉内球囊反搏(IABP)辅助经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)高危冠心病患者发生心血管不良事件(MACE)的预测价值。【方法】选取本院收治的120例高危冠心病患者,所有患者均行IABP辅助PCI治疗。统计术后6个月内MACE发生情况,分为非MACE组和MACE组,比较两组术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平,分析术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平与冠脉狭窄程度的相关性,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平预测术后发生MACE的价值。【结果】120例IABP辅助PCI术后高危冠心病患者MACE发生率为34.17%(41/120);MACE组术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平均高于非MACE组(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析显示,术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平与冠脉狭窄程度呈正相关(r_(s)=0.750、0.815,均P<0.05)。重度患者术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平高于中度、轻度患者,中度患者高于轻度患者(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平单独预测的曲线下面积分别为0.770、0.844,二者联合预测AUC为0.909(P<0.05)。【结论】术前血清Lp-PLA2、NLRP3水平与高危冠心病患者冠脉狭窄程度呈正相关,二者联合检测可为临床预测高危冠心病患者IABP辅助PCI手术治疗后发生MACE提供一定参考依据。

益气升清方调节HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响

目的 探究益气升清方调节缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)/NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响。方法 将SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(S组),模型组(M组),益气升清方低、中、高剂量组(3.465、6.930、13.860 g/kg)及益气升清方高剂量+HIF-1α激活剂DMOG组(13.860 g/kg益气升清方+40 mg/kg DMOG),每组15只。采用线栓法构建脑卒中模型。造模成功后进行神经功能缺陷评估;TTC染色评估脑梗死体积;ELISA法检测血清白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-18水平;HE染色检测缺血皮质区病理变化;TUNEL染色检测神经元凋亡;Western blot检测焦亡及HIF-1α/NLRP3通路相关蛋白表达。结果 与S组比较,M组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、胞膜穿孔蛋白D-N端(GSDMD-N)、胱天蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均上升(P<0.05);与M组比较,低、中、高剂量益气升清方组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、GSDMD-N、Caspase-1、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均下调(P<0.05);DMOG减弱了高剂量益气升清方对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的改善作用。结论 益气升清方可能通过下调HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路减轻缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡。

NLRP3基因敲减对高脂高糖饮食诱导的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎小鼠模型的影响

目的探讨NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)基因敲减对高脂高糖诱导的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(NASH)小鼠模型的影响。方法将44只小鼠随机分为正常饮食组(CON)20只,高脂高糖造模组(HFHC)24只。造模14周末,随机选取4只HFHC组小鼠进行腺相关病毒9(AAV9)尾静脉注射预实验,4周后验证NLRP3敲减模型是否成功。18周末确认敲减成功后,对剩余40只小鼠进行AAV9一次性尾静脉注射,分为CON+NLRP3敲减阴性对照组(CON+NLRP3-NC)、CON+NLRP3敲减组(CON+NLRP3-KD)、HFHC+NLRP3-NC及HHFHC+NLRP3-KD组,每组10只,继续造模6周。24周末取材观察炎症小体活化效应,检测小鼠体质量、肝质量、肝指数及糖代谢(空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素及HOMA-IR指数)指标;检测小鼠肝脂质含量(肝组织TG及油红O染色)、肝脏炎症(血清ALT活性、HE染色及炎症相关基因)及肝纤维化(天狼星红染色及纤维化相关基因)指标。计量资料多组间比较使用单因素方差分析,进一步两两比较采用LSD-t检验。结果与CON+NLRP3-NC组相比,Western Blot结果提示,HFHC+NLRP3-NC组的NLRP3、pro-Caspase1、Caspase1、ASC及IL-1β蛋白水平均升高,HFHC+NLRP3-KD组均降低(P值均<0.05);HFHC+NLRP3-NC组小鼠体质量、肝质量、肝指数及糖代谢指标均有不同程度升高,HFHC+NLRP3-KD组均显著改善(P值均<0.05);在肝脂肪沉积方面,与CON+NLRP3-NC组相比,HFHC+NLRP3-NC组肝脏TG明显增高,油红O染色显示大量红色脂滴,HFHC+NLRP3-KD组肝脏TG及肝脂滴数量显著减少(P值均<0.01);在肝脏炎症方面,HFHC+NLRP3-NC组血清ALT,非酒精性脂肪性肝病活动度(NAS)评分及炎症相关基因均较CON+NLRP3-NC组明显升高,HFHC+NLRP3-KD组均明显降低(P值均<0.01);在肝纤维化方面,HFHC+NLRP3-NC组肝胶原纤维面积以及纤维化相关基因均较CON+NLRP3-NC组明显升高,HFHC+NLRP3-KD组纤维化相关基因均明显降低(P值均<0.05),胶原纤维面积虽有降低趋势但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论NLRP3基因敲减可显著改善高脂高糖饮食诱导的NASH小鼠模型肝脂肪沉积及炎症。

NLRP3炎症小体在人骨关节炎软骨中的表达及作用

目的探究NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体在人骨关节炎(OA)软骨中的表达及作用。方法收集OA病人软骨30例和正常软骨10例,采用逆转录实时定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)法检测NLRP3炎症小体组分NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶1(caspase-1)及炎症因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)mRNA的表达,采用蛋白质印迹法(Western blot)检测NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1蛋白的表达,采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测IL-1β蛋白的表达。结果OA组软骨组织内NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1在mRNA水平和蛋白水平上均较正常软骨组显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(t=4.042~6.704,P<0.001)。OA组软骨组织中IL-1β的mRNA和蛋白水平均较正常软骨组显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(t=4.826、6.144,P<0.001)。结论OA软骨中NLRP3炎症小体组分表达升高以及IL-1β含量增加,参与了OA关节软骨炎症环境的形成。

连翘苷调节NLRP3炎性通路对急性胸膜炎大鼠肺损伤的影响

目的探讨连翘苷通过调节NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性通路对急性胸膜炎大鼠渗出液和肺损伤的影响。方法将90只大鼠采用随机数字表法均分为对照组、模型组、连翘苷低剂量(PH-L,5 mg/kg)组、连翘苷中剂量(PH-M,10 mg/kg)组、连翘苷高剂量(PH-H,20 mg/kg)组及NLRP3通路抑制剂(PJ34,10 mg/kg)组。肺功能分析仪检测大鼠用力肺活量(FVC)、第0.1秒用力呼气量(FEV 0.1)、第0.3秒用力呼气量(FEV 0.3);电子天平称量胸腔渗出物质量;瑞氏染色检测渗出物白细胞数;酶联免疫吸附试验检测渗出液中前列腺素E2(PGE2)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、白细胞介素(IL)-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量;全自动血气分析仪检测大鼠动脉CO_(2)分压[p(CO_(2))]、动脉氧分压[p(O_(2))];HE染色观察肺组织病理学变化;免疫组织化学染色检测NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)、胱天蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)蛋白表达;Western blot检测NLRP3通路蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠胸腔渗出物质量和白细胞数、渗出液PGE2、MCP-1、IL-6、TNF-α含量、p(CO_(2))、NLRP3通路蛋白表达增加,FVC、FEV 0.1、FEV 0.3、p(O_(2))降低,肺组织出现明显的病理损伤(P<0.05);与模型组比较,PH各组和PJ34组大鼠胸腔渗出物质量、白细胞数、渗出液PGE2、MCP-1、IL-6、TNF-α含量、p(CO_(2))、NLRP3通路蛋白表达降低,FVC、FEV 0.1、FEV 0.3、p(O_(2))增加,肺组织病理损伤好转(P<0.05);与PH-H组比较,PJ34组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论PH可通过抑制NLRP3通路激活,抑制炎症反应,改善急性胸膜炎引起的肺损伤。

NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体在肝细胞癌发生发展中的作用

近年来,关于NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体在肿瘤中的研究已成为热点话题,尤其是在黑色素瘤、结直肠癌、肺癌、乳腺癌等肿瘤中,越来越多的证据表明炎症在促进肿瘤的发生发展、血管生成和肿瘤侵袭中具有重要的作用。肝细胞癌(HCC)是原发性肝癌中最常见的类型,而关于NLRP3炎性小体在HCC发生发展中的作用仍争议不断。因此,本文就NLRP3炎性小体在HCC进展过程中的潜在影响以及在抗癌治疗中的作用机制作一综述,认为NLRP3炎性小体可以作为HCC患者的有效治疗靶点。

苦豆碱通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路改善香烟烟雾诱导的人支气管上皮细胞损伤

目的探究苦豆碱(Alo)对香烟烟雾诱导的人支气管上皮细胞损伤的作用及其可能的作用机制。方法16HBE人支气管上皮细胞经100 mL/L香烟烟雾提取物(CSE)和(50、100、200)μmol/L Alo共处理后,CCK-8法检测细胞活力,试剂盒检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性;原位末端转移酶标记技术(TUNEL)、Western blot法检测细胞凋亡,ELISA检测炎性因子水平;2′,7′-二氯二氢荧光素二乙酸酯(DCFH-DA)荧光探针和相关试剂盒检测氧化应激水平;Western blot法检测Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-κB)/含pyrin结构域核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体家族蛋白3(NLRP3)通路相关蛋白表达水平。16HBE细胞经100 mL/L CSE和200μmol/L Alo共处理后,采用上述方法检测过表达TLR4对TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路、细胞LDH活性、凋亡、炎症反应及氧化应激的影响。结果CSE暴露可降低16HBE细胞活力,增加LDH释放和细胞凋亡,增强炎症反应和氧化应激水平,且激活TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路;经Alo处理后,细胞活性升高,LDH释放减少、凋亡降低、炎症减轻、氧化应激水平下降,且TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路失活;TLR4过表达可逆转Alo处理对CSE诱导的16HBE细胞损伤的保护作用。结论Alo可通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路减轻CSE诱导的人支气管上皮细胞损伤。

Tranylcypromine upregulates Sestrin 2 expression to ameliorate NLRP3-related noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is the primary non-genetic factor contributing to auditory dysfunction.However,there are currently no effective pharmacological interventions for patients with noise-induced hearing loss.Here,we present evidence suggesting that the lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor–tranylcypromine is an otoprotective agent that could be used to treat noise-induced hearing loss,and elucidate its underlying regulatory mechanisms.We established a mouse model of permanent threshold shift hearing loss by exposing the mice to white broadband noise at a sound pressure level of 120 d B for 4 hours.We found that tranylcypromine treatment led to the upregulation of Sestrin2(SESN2)and activation of the autophagy markers light chain 3B and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 in the cochleae of mice treated with tranylcypromine.The noise exposure group treated with tranylcypromine showed significantly lower average auditory brainstem response hearing thresholds at click,4,8,and 16 k Hz frequencies compared with the noise exposure group treated with saline.These findings indicate that tranylcypromine treatment resulted in increased SESN2,light chain 3B,and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 expression after noise exposure,leading to a reduction in levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and cleaved caspase-3,thereby reducing noise-induced hair cell loss.Additionally,immunoblot analysis demonstrated that treatment with tranylcypromine upregulated SESN2 expression via the autophagy pathway.Tranylcypromine treatment also reduced the production of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domaincontaining 3(NLRP3)production.In conclusion,our results showed that tranylcypromine treatment ameliorated cochlear inflammation by promoting the expression of SESN2,which induced autophagy,thereby restricting NLRP3-related inflammasome signaling,alleviating cochlear hair cell loss,and protecting hearing function.These findings suggest that inhibiting lysine-specific demethylase 1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing hair cell loss and noise-induced hearing loss.

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.

内质网应激和NLRP3炎症小体在急性肾损伤中的作用及其机制

急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury,AKI)是临床常见的危急重症,主要临床症状为肾功能短时间内急剧下降。AKI的发病机制复杂,目前尚未完全阐明。近年来研究发现,内质网应激(endoplasmic reticulum stress,ERS)和Nod样受体蛋白3(Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3)炎症小体的激活均与AKI的发生密切相关。肾脏受损时,肾细胞内环境稳态被破坏,ERS被激活,过度的ERS可引起肾细胞凋亡,导致AKI的发生。另外,NLRP3炎症小体可以介导宿主识别内源性和外源性危险信号分子,继而激活caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18等,诱导炎症反应,促使肾细胞凋亡。在AKI的动物模型中,ERS标志物的表达水平升高会伴随NLRP3炎症小体相关蛋白表达水平的升高,表明ERS可以调控NLRP3炎症小体的活化过程。阐明ERS和NLRP3炎症小体在AKI中的作用及其机制,有望为AKI的防治提供新的思路。

青蒿琥酯通过抑制NLRP3炎性体激活和炎性细胞因子分泌减轻新生大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤

目的研究青蒿琥酯对新生大鼠缺血缺氧性脑损伤(HIBD)的保护作用及其作用机制。方法7日龄新生SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、5 mg/kg青蒿琥酯组、10 mg/kg青蒿琥酯组、20 mg/kg青蒿琥酯组、6 mg/kg地塞米松组,每组18只。除假手术组外,其余各组建立HIBD模型,假手术组只需分离左颈侧总动脉,不行结扎和氮氧混合气体通气处理。在手术后,各组立刻腹腔注射对应药物,假手术组和模型组大鼠注射等体积的生理盐水,之后每日一次,共给药5次。末次给药1 h后,对各组大鼠进行神经功能缺损评分,大鼠处死后检测脑含水量,观察大鼠海马CA1区脑组织病理学改变,原位末端转移酶标记技术(TUNEL)检测神经细胞凋亡情况,ELISA分别检测各组大鼠脑组织和外周血中白细胞介素1β(IL⁃1β)、IL⁃6、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF⁃α)的水平,Western blot法检测各组大鼠海马CA1区脑组织含pyrin结构域核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体家族蛋白3(NLRP3)、含胱天蛋白酶募集结构域凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、胱天蛋白酶1(caspase⁃1)蛋白表达。结果与模型组比较,(10、20)mg/kg青蒿琥酯组和地塞米松组大鼠神经功能缺损评分下降,脑组织病理损伤减轻,脑含水量明显减少,海马神经元细胞凋亡数明显减少,脑组织和外周血中IL⁃1β、IL⁃6、TNF⁃α水平明显降低,NLRP3、ASC、caspase⁃1水平明显降低。结论青蒿琥酯能够改善HIBD新生大鼠的神经功能、缓解脑部损伤、减轻脑水肿,对HIBD起保护作用,这可能与抑制NLRP3炎性体激活,减少炎性细胞因子的分泌有关。

Therapeutic interventions target the NLRP3 inflammasome in ulcerative colitis:Comprehensive study

One of the significant health issues in the world is the prevalence of ulcerative colitis(UC).UC is a chronic disorder that mainly affects the colon,beginning with the rectum,and can progress from asymptomatic mild inflammation to extensive inflammation of the entire colon.Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of UC pathogenesis emphasizes the need for innovative therapeutic approaches based on identifying molecular targets.Interestingly,in response to cellular injury,the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a crucial part of the inflammation and immunological reaction by promoting caspase-1 activation and the release of interleukin-1β.This review discusses the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by various signals and its regulation and impact on UC.

含笑内酯通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3轴改善单侧输尿管梗阻模型小鼠的肾脏病变

目的探究含笑内酯(MCL)对单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型小鼠肾脏病变的干预作用及机制。方法将雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为假手术(Sham)组、UUO组、UUO+MCL组,UUO+MCL组建立UUO模型前1 d以25 mg/kg MCL灌胃。术后8 d采集肾组织标本进行HE、Masson、TUNEL染色;蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)和免疫组化检测核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)、胱天蛋白酶1(caspase-1)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、核因子(NF)-κB p65蛋白表达情况。结果HE染色结果显示,Sham组小鼠肾组织无明显病变;UUO组肾小管进行性扩张,间质水肿伴有少量的炎性细胞浸润;UUO+MCL组肾脏病变较UUO组明显改善。Masson染色结果显示,与Sham组相比,UUO组胶原容积分数明显增加,而UUO+MCL组胶原容积分数较UUO组明显减少。TUNEL染色结果显示,与Sham组相比,UUO组细胞凋亡率升高,UUO+MCL组较UUO组细胞凋亡率明显下降。Western blot和免疫组化结果显示,与Sham组相比,UUO组肾组织中NLRP3、caspase-1、IL-1β、TNF-α、p-NF-κB p65的表达水平均升高;与UUO组相比,UUO+MCL组上述因子均显著下降。结论UUO小鼠肾组织NLRP3炎症小体及相关炎性因子表达增加,MCL通过抑制NF-κB通路及NLRP3炎症小体的活化,减轻肾小管间质的炎症反应,从而改善肾纤维化。

NLR家族Pyrin域蛋白3炎症小体与妊娠的研究进展

炎症小体是人类天然免疫系统的重要组成部分,参与包括妊娠在内的多种炎症反应,其中NLR家族Pyrin域蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体是目前研究最广泛的炎症小体,是宿主防御反应的重要因素,其能够对固有免疫进行调控,各种环境剌激物、多种微生物、内源性或外源性危险信号、病原体和不同的病原相关分子模式(PAMPs)/损伤相关分子模式(DAMPs)都可以激活NLRP3炎症小体释放细胞因子,诱导半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(caspase-1)依赖的程序性细胞死亡(细胞焦亡),参与多种炎性疾病过程,但对其调控机制尚不明确。近年研究发现NLRP3炎症小体与分娩的发动机制有关,妊娠期间启动了NLRP3炎症小体介导的免疫反应,并且NLRP3炎症小体表达异常与复发性流产、早产、子痫前期和妊娠期糖尿病等妊娠期疾病的发生、发展有关。现就NLRP3炎症小体与妊娠的研究进展进行综述。

靶向抑制NLRP3炎性小体在脊髓损伤中的研究进展

脊髓损伤(SCI)是一种难以治愈的神经创伤性疾病,常见病因包括高空坠落、交通事故和重物砸伤等。炎症反应是机体在遭遇外界刺激时产生的免疫保护防线,适当的炎症反应可保护机体免受内外源性侵害。核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体作为目前研究最多的炎性小体,研究发现其在SCI后表达量显著增加,并介导炎症级联反应。该文就NLRP3的激活机制及脊髓损伤后靶向抑制NLRP3激活机制的相关措施进行综述。

NLRP3炎症小体与代谢性疾病关系研究进展

代谢性疾病是以慢性炎症反应为重要特征的一类疾病。NOD样受体家族含pyrin结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)作为炎症小体的关键调控蛋白之一,参与机体炎症反应调控。NLRP3不仅是先天性免疫系统的模式识别受体(PRRs),也是代谢紊乱的感应器。研究表明NLRP3参与多种代谢性疾病的发生、发展,包括糖尿病、痛风、非酒精性脂肪性肝炎、动脉粥样硬化、肥胖等。本文就NLRP3炎症小体结构、激活、调控及与2型糖尿病、1型糖尿病、动脉粥样硬化、痛风等代谢性疾病关系的研究进展分别进行讨论,旨在为进一步探讨代谢性疾病的发病机制提供理论依据,从而为代谢性疾病的防治开辟新的途径。