Diabetic cardiomyopathy:Importance of direct evidence to support the roles of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and pyroptosis

Recently,the roles of pyroptosis,a form of cell death induced by activated NODlike receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome,in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)have been extensively investigated.However,most studies have focused mainly on whether diabetes increases the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis in the heart of type 1 or type 2 diabetic rodent models,and whether various medications and natural products prevent the development of DCM,associated with decreased levels of cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis.The direct link of NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis to the pathogenesis of DCM remains unclear based on the limited evidence derived from the available studies,with the approaches of NLRP3 gene silencing or pharmaceutical application of NLRP3 specific inhibitors.We thus emphasize the requirement for more systematic studies that are designed to provide direct evidence to support the link,given that several studies have provided both direct and indirect evidence under specific conditions.This editorial emphasizes that the current investigation should be circumspect in its conclusion,i.e.,not overemphasizing its role in the pathogenesis of DCM with the fact of only significantly increased expression or activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the heart of diabetic rodent models.Only clear-cut evidence-based causative roles of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of DCM can help to develop effective and safe medications for the clinical management of DCM,targeting these biomarkers.

Dietary saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid oppositely affect hepatic NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome through regulating nuclear factor-kappa B activation

AIM: To investigate the effect of different dietary fatty acids on hepatic inflammasome activation.METHODS: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed either a high-fat diet or polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched diet. Primary hepatocytes were treated with either saturated fatty acids (SFAs) or PUFAs as well as combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The activity of Caspase-1 and interleukine-1β production were measured.RESULTS: High-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis was sufficient to induce and activate hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome. SFA palmitic acid (PA) directly activated NLRP3 inflammasome and increased sensitization to LPS-induced inflammasome activation in hepatocytes. In contrast, PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had the potential to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome expression in hepatocytes and partly abolished LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, a high-fat diet increased but PUFA-enriched diet decreased sensitization to LPS-induced hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo. Moreover, PA increased but DHA decreased phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein expression in hepatocytes.CONCLUSION: Hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation played an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dietary SFAs and PUFAs oppositely regulated the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome through direct activation or inhibition of NF-κB.

3'-Deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome

Methamphetamine addiction is a brain disorder characterized by persistent drug-seeking behavior, which has been linked with aberrant synaptic plasticity. An increasing body of evidence suggests that aberrant synaptic plasticity is associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3(NLRP3) inflammasome. 3′-Deoxyadenosin, an active component of the Chinese fungus Cordyceps militaris, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity via an NLRP3-mediated inflammatory mechanism remains unclear. We first observed that 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuated conditioned place preference scores in methamphetamine-treated mice and decreased the expression of c-fos in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that 3′-deoxyadenosin reduced the aberrant potentiation of glutamatergic transmission and restored the methamphetamine-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity. We also found that 3′-deoxyadenosin decreased the expression of NLRP3 and neuronal injury. Importantly, a direct NLRP3 deficiency reduced methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior, attenuated the impaired synaptic plasticity, and prevented neuronal damage. Finally, NLRP3 activation reversed the effect of 3′-deoxyadenosin on behavior and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of 3′-deoxyadenosin on aberrant synaptic plasticity reduces methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior. Taken together, 3′-deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Puerariae Radix protects against ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a common inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has long been used in Asia as a treatment for UC and Puerariae Radix(PR)is a reliable anti-diarrheal therapy.The aims of this study were to investigate the protective effect of PR using the dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)-induced UC model in mice and identify molecular mechanisms of PR action.The chemical constituents of PR via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and identified potential PR and UC targets using a network pharmacology(NP)approach were obtained to guide mouse experiments.A total of 180 peaks were identified from PR including 48 flavonoids,46 organic acids,14 amino acids,8 phenols,8 carbohydrates,7 alkaloids,6 coumarins and 43 other constituents.NP results showed that caspase-1 was the most dysregulated of the core genes associated with UC.A PR dose of 0.136 mg/g administered to DSS treated mice reversed weight loss and decreased colon lengths found in UC mice.PR also alleviated intestinal mucosal shedding,inflammatory cell infiltration and mucin loss.PR treatment suppressed upregulation of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases-1(caspase-1),apoptosis-associated speck-like(ASC)and gasdermin D(GSDMD)at both the protein and m RNA expression levels.The addition of a small molecule dual-specificity phosphatase inhibitor NSC 95397 inhibited the positive effects of PR.These results indicated that PR exerts a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice.

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.

Crocus sativus L.produces anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of petal and stamen extracts of saffron crocus(Crocus sativus)and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:Local and systemic inflammation models were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of C.sativus.A xyleneinduced inflammation model or lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation model was used in this study.C.sativus petal and stamen extracts were each administered to the mice in the xylene and LPS models by gavage for 14 d at 0.1 and 0.4 g/kg doses,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βin mouse serum.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and in the spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)protein levels within the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)pathway were assessed using western blotting.RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS(5μg/mL)and LPS+C.sativus(0.05,0.1,and 0.2 mg/mL)for 24 h,and a Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure cell proliferation.Changes in NLRP3 and NF-κB levels were evaluated by western blotting.Results:Petal and stamen extracts of C.sativus attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects in local or systemic inflammatory models and repaired pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.These extracts also decreased the concentrations of TNF-αand IL-1βin the mouse serum in the LPS-induced inflammation model.C.sativus downregulated NLRP3 protein level through the NF-κB pathway and downregulated LC-3 and BECLIN1 in vivo and in vitro.Carbonyl Cyanide3-ChloroPhenylhydrazone(CCCP)weakened the effects of C.sativus on the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway.Conclusion:C.sativus has anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3-NF-κB pathway.

银杏素调节NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路对高糖诱导肾小球内皮细胞焦亡的影响

目的探讨银杏素调节核转录因子кB/Nod样受体蛋白3/半胱天冬酶-1(NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1)信号通路对高糖诱导肾小球内皮细胞焦亡的影响。方法将肾小球内皮细胞(HRGECs)作为研究对象,将HRGECs细胞分为正常组(正常5 mmol/L葡萄糖)、高糖组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖)、银杏素低剂量组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+5μmol/L银杏素)、银杏素中剂量组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+10μmol/L银杏素)、银杏素高剂量组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+20μmol/L银杏素)、BAY组[(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+20μmol/L银杏素+2.5μmol/L NF-κB的特异性抑制剂BAY 11-7085(BAY))]、MCC950组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+20μmol/L银杏素+10μmol/L NLRP3抑制剂MCC950)、VX-765组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+20μmol/L银杏素+20μmol/L Caspase-1抑制剂VX-765),各组细胞加入相应试剂后共培养24 h;MTT法检测细胞存活率;流式细胞术检测细胞焦亡情况;试剂盒法测定细胞上清IL-1β、IL-18、LDH水平;qRT-PCR法和Western blot法检测细胞NF-κB、NLRP3、Caspase-1、GSDMD的表达。结果与正常组比较,高糖组细胞存活率明显下降(P<0.05),PI+Caspase-1阳性细胞比例、细胞上清IL-1β、IL-18、LDH水平以及细胞NF-κB p65、NLRP3、Caspase-1、GSDMD表达明显升高(P<0.05);与高糖组比较,银杏素低、中、高剂量组细胞存活率明显升高(P<0.05),PI+Caspase-1阳性细胞比例、细胞上清IL-1β、IL-18、LDH水平以及细胞NF-κB p65、NLRP3、Caspase-1、GSDMD表达明显降低(P<0.05);分别使用NF-κB、NLRP3、Caspase-1特异性抑制剂BAY、MCC950、VX-765进一步升高细胞存活率,降低细胞PI+Caspase-1阳性细胞比例、细胞上清IL-1β、IL-18、LDH水平以及细胞NF-κB p65、NLRP3、Caspase-1、GSDMD表达。结论银杏素可通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路抑制高糖诱导的肾小球内皮细胞焦亡。

Compatibility with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Effectively Mitigates Idiosyncratic Liver Injury of Epimedii Folium by Modulating NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation

Background: Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury(IDILI) is a serious side effect of drugs, Epimedii Folium(EF) is unequivocally implicated in idiosyncratic liver injury onset, potentially due to its ability to perturb the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi(FLL), a frequently used medicinal combination with EF, has not yet been investigated for its ability to ameliorate EF-associated hepatotoxicity. Aims and Objectives: Study on the mechanism of compatibility of FLL to alleviate liver injury caused by EF. Materials and Methods: Western blot was used to determine the expression of related proteins, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of related inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α, liver injury indexes were detected and liver pathological tissue staining was used to evaluate the liver injury. Results: Our results demonstrated that EF exerted a particular augmenting effect on the stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by nigericin or ATP, whereas FLL suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome stimulation. Furthermore, an equal EF to FLL ratio significantly reduced the stimulatory effects of EF. Moreover, EF has the potential to induce hepatic injury and augment pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in rats subjected to LPS. However, when combined with FLL, the detrimental effects of EF were mitigated. Conclusions: FLL possesses the capacity to attenuate EF-associated hepatotoxicity by suppressing EF-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, FLL holds promise for improving the clinical safety profile of EF, shedding light on the potential of compatibility and detoxification theories in traditional Chinese medicine.

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.

辛芷通窍颗粒对慢性鼻窦炎小鼠鼻窦黏膜的保护机制研究

目的:探讨辛芷通窍颗粒对慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)小鼠鼻窦黏膜的保护作用及相关机制。方法:将50只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组。采用开放上颌窦后接种3型荚膜型肺炎链球菌的方法建立CRS小鼠模型。辛芷通窍低剂量组予以1.4 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃、辛芷通窍中剂量组予以2.8 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃、辛芷通窍高剂量组予以5.6 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃治疗。利用ELISA法检测小鼠外周血炎症因子水平;采用RT-qPCR、Western blot法检测鼻窦黏膜中相关因子表达。结果:与假手术组相比,辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组小鼠外周血炎症因子水平明显低于给药前,且窦黏膜组织中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10、IL-16、IFN-γ的mRNA及蛋白相对表达低于模型组,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。与模型组相比,辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组小鼠鼻窦黏膜组织中HMGB1、NLRP3、ASC、Cleaved caspase-1蛋白表达降低,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:辛芷通窍颗粒呈剂量依赖性地抑制HMGB1/NLRP3信号通路激活,抑制CRS小鼠鼻窦黏膜炎症水平。

非布司他对高尿酸血症模型大鼠血清尿酸水平和肾组织中NLRP3蛋白表达水平的影响

目的:探讨非布司他对高尿酸血症模型大鼠血清尿酸水平和肾组织中核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)蛋白表达水平的影响,并阐明其作用机制。方法:将45只大鼠随机分为对照组、高尿酸血症组和非布司他组,每组15只。高尿酸血症组和非布司他组大鼠采用氧嗪酸钾灌胃建立高尿酸血症模型,非布司他组大鼠每天给予7.2 mg·kg-1非布司他,对照组大鼠每天给予等量生理盐水,共4周。HE染色观察各组大鼠肾组织病理形态表现。全自动生化仪测定各组大鼠血清尿酸、肌酐和尿素氮水平,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法测定各组大鼠血清白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和白细胞介素18(IL-18)水平,免疫组织化学法测定各组大鼠肾组织中凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)和NLRP3蛋白表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,高尿酸血症组大鼠尿量和饮水量升高(t=5.317,t=3.674,P<0.05),体质量降低(t=6.374,P<0.05),血清尿酸、肌酐和尿素氮水平升高(t=21.463,t=15.342,t=4.603,P<0.05),血清IL-1β和IL-18水平升高(t=35.761,t=44.168,P<0.05),肾组织中ASC和NLRP3蛋白表达水平升高(t=17.064,t=26.314,P<0.05);与高尿酸血症组比较,非布司他组大鼠尿量和饮水量降低(t=4.027,t=2.976,P<0.05),体质量升高(t=3.694,P<0.05),血清尿酸、肌酐和尿素氮水平降低(t=13.064,t=7.461,t=3.528,P<0.05),血清IL-1β和IL-18水平降低(t=24.162,t=17.314,P<0.05),肾组织中ASC和NLRP3蛋白表达水平降低(t=8.061,t=11.057,P<0.05)。结论:非布司他可能通过抑制大鼠肾组织中NLRP3炎症小体的激活及其下游炎性因子水平发挥对高尿酸血症模型大鼠的肾脏保护作用。

Teneligliptin:A potential therapeutic approach for diabetic cardiomyopathy

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zhang et al.Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder associated with several complications like cardiomyopathy,neuropathy,and retinopathy.Diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide.Multiple diabetes medications are prescribed based on individual patients’needs.However,the exact mechanisms by which many of these drugs exert their protective effects remain unclear.Zhang et al elucidates molecular mechanisms undelaying cardioprotective effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor,teneligliptin.Briefly,teneligliptin alleviates the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome,a multiprotein complex that plays a pivotal role in regulating the innate immune system and inflammatory signaling.Suppression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activity reduces the expression of cytokines,oxygen radicals and inflammation.These findings highlight teneligliptin as an anti-diabetic cardioprotective reagent.

Effects of doxofylline combined with Dingzhang Decoction on AECOPD and its influence on NLRP3 mRNA and TLR4-MyD88 pathway

Objective: To investigate the effect of doxofylline combined with Dingzhang Decoction on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and its effect on NLRP3 mRNA and TLR4MyD88 pathway. Methods: 120 patients with AECOPD from May 2017 to June 2018 were randomly divided into two groups (n=60). The control group was treated with doxofylline, and the observation group was treated with Dingzhang Tangdingzhang in the control group. Blood gas index and lung function index were compared between the two groups. Serum interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and peripheral blood lymphocyte NLRP3 mRNA and TLR4MyD88 pathway were detected and compared. Protein expression level. Results: The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the blood gas indexes of both groups were significantly improved (P<0.05). PaO2 in the observation group was higher than that in the control group and PaCO2 was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the lung function indexes of both groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). FEV1 and PEF in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, IL-1 and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). IL-1 and IL-18 in the observation group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in NLRP3 mRNA levels between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05), and it was significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05). The level of NLRP3 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in TLR4 and MyD88 protein levels between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05), and significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05). The levels of TLR4 and MyD88 in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dingzhang Decoction combined with doxofylline has a better clinical effect on AECOPD patients, which can better improve blood gas index and lung function. Dingzhangtang significantly inhibited the TLR4-MyD88 pathway in lymphocytes and down-regulated the level of NLRP3 mRNA.

Correlation of NLRP3 polymorphism with inflammasome activity and endothelial damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective:To study the correlation of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) polymorphism with inflammasome activity and endothelial damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods:Patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina pectoris in Mianyang Central Hospital between May 2013 and August 2016 were selected and included in ACS group and SAP group respectively, and healthy volunteers who received physical examination during the same period were selected as control group. Peripheral blood was collected to detect NLRP3 gene rs10754558 loci polymorphism, and serum was separated to determine inflammasome activity indexes and endothelial injury indexes.Results:NLRP3 gene GG genotype and GC genotype constituent ratio of ACS group were significantly higher than those of SAP group and control group while CC genotype constituent ratio was significantly lower than that of SAP group and control group, and serum IL-1β, IL-18, E-selectin, vWF and ET-1 levels were significantly higher than those of SAP group and control group while serum NO level was significantly lower than that of SAP group and control group;serum IL-1β, IL-18, E-selectin, vWF and ET-1 levels in ACS patients with GG genotype and GC genotype were significantly higher than those in patients with CC genotype while NO levels were significantly lower than those in patients with CC genotype, and serum IL-1β, IL-18, E-selectin, vWF and ET-1 levels in ACS patients with GG genotype were significantly higher than those in patients with GC genotype while NO level was significantly lower than that in patients with GC genotype.Conclusions: The increased NLRP3 gene rs10754558 loci alleles G in patients with ACS will increase inflammasome activity and endothelial injury.

PANoptosis-like cell death in ischemia/reperfusion injury of retinal neurons

PANoptosis is a newly identified type of regulated cell death that consists of pyroptosis,apoptosis,and nec roptosis,which simultaneously occur during the pathophysiological process of infectious and inflammatory diseases.Although our previous lite rature mining study suggested that PANoptosis might occur in neuronal ischemia/repe rfusion injury,little experimental research has been reported on the existence of PANoptosis.In this study,we used in vivo and in vitro retinal neuronal models of ischemia/repe rfusion injury to investigate whether PAN optosis-like cell death(simultaneous occurrence of pyroptosis,apo ptosis,and necroptosis)exists in retinal neuronal ischemia/repe rfusion injury.Our results showed that ischemia/repe rfusion injury induced changes in morphological features and protein levels that indicate PANoptosis-like cell death in retinal neurons both in vitro and in vivo.Ischemia/repe rfusion inju ry also significantly upregulated caspase-1,caspase-8,and NLRP3 expression,which are important components of the PANoptosome.These results indicate the existence of PANoptosis-like cell death in ischemia/reperfusion injury of retinal neurons and provide preliminary experimental evidence for future study of this new type of regulated cell death.

Chronic spinal cord compression associated with intervertebral disc degeneration in SPARC-null mice

Chronic spinal cord compression(CSCC)is induced by disc herniation and other reasons,leading to movement and sensation dysfunction,with a serious impact on quality of life.Spontaneous disc herniation rarely occurs in rodents,and therefore establishing a chronic spinal cord compression(CSCC)animal model is of crucial importance to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of CSCC.The absence of secreted protein,acidic,and rich in cysteine(SPARC)leads to spontaneous intervertebral disc degeneration in mice,which resembles human disc degeneration.In this study,we evaluated whether SPARC-null mice may serve as an animal model for CSCC.We performed rod rotation test,pain threshold test,gait analysis,and Basso Mouse Scale score.Our results showed that the motor function of SPARC-null mice was weakened,and magnetic resonance images revealed compression at different spinal cord levels,particularly in the lumbar segments.Immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay showed that the absence of SPARC induced apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes,activation of microglia/macrophages with M1/M2 phenotype and astrocytes with A1/A2 phenotype;it also activated the expression of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and inhibited brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B signaling pathway.Notably,these findings are characteristics of CSCC.Therefore,we propose that SPARC-null mice may be an animal model for studying CSCC caused by disc herniation.

Increased Expression of the NOD-like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome in Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis is a Potential Contributor to Their Pathogenesis

Background： Dermatomyositis （DM） and polymyositis （PM） are common inflammatory myopathies whose immunopathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome is a type of cytoplasmic multiprotein inflammasome and is responsible for the activation of inflammatory reactivations. Responding to a wide range of exogenous and endogenous microbial or sterile stimuli, NLRP3 inflammasomes can cleave pro-caspase- 1 into active caspase- 1, which processes the pro-infammatory cytokines pro-interleukin （IL）-1 β and pro-IL-18 into active and secreted IL-1β and I L-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in infectious and sterile inflammatory diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of DM/PM, which we aim to address in our research. Methods： In this study, 22 DM/PM patients and 24 controls were recruited. The protein and RNA expression of IL-113, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in serum and muscle samples were tested and compared between the two groups. Results： The serum IL-1 β and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in DM/PM patients than those in the controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （EL1SA, DM vs. control, 25.02 ± 8.29 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001 ; PM vs. control, 26.49±7.79 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001）. Moreover, the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） showed that DM/PM patients exhibited higher RNA expression of IL-lβ, IL-18, and NLRP3 in the muscle （for IL-1 β, DM vs. control, P 0.0012, PM vs. control, P = 0.0021 ; for IL- 18, DM vs. control, P = 0.0045, PM vs. control, P 0.0031 ; for NLRP3, DM vs. control, P = 0.0017, PM vs. control, P 0.0006）. Moreover, the protein expression of NLRP3 and caspase- 1 in muscle samples of DM/PM patients were also significantly elevated compared to that in the muscles of the controls. Conclusions： Our findings demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the pathogenesis of DM/PM. High NLRP3 expression led to elevated levels of IL-l13 and IL-18 and could be one of the factors promoting disease progress.

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.

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.