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.

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.

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.

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.

Nod-like receptors in the development of intestinal inflammation and cancer

Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),such as Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract[1-2].The symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain,diarrhea,and bloody stool.IBD affects a patient’s quality of life severely,due in part to its frequent recurrence.Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a malignancy in the colon or rectum with symptoms including bloody stool,changes in

Transcriptome profiling and RXR gene family identification reveals the molecular mechanism of rapid aging after spawning of cuttlefish Sepiella japonica

Sepiella japonica is a worldwide marine cuttlefish species of high economic value.S.japonica routinely modifying behaviors in reproductive life,such as rapid aging until death after spawning,has been recognized in artificial breeding.However,reproductive behavior at the level of genes is rarely reported,thus,the research on the genetic basis of behavior,reproduction,and artificial breeding was limited.We applied RNA-seq in different stages of reproduction to investigate the reason of rapid aging after spawning,pre-maturity,pre-spawning after maturity,and post-spawning.The retinoid X receptor(RXR)gene family in S.japonica was identified,and 1343–1452 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in all 3 stages of reproductive life were identified from pairwise m RNA comparisons.Furthermore,through the GO term and KEGG analysis,S.japonica could handle neuronal development and network formation before maturity and have a functional degradation of neural communication,signal transduction,vision,and gene expression after spawning.Eight Sj RXRαs have been identified and they played different roles in growth development or reproduction.Therefore,the regulation of several channels and receptors is the intrinsic molecular mechanism of rapid aging after spawning in S.japonica.This study revealed the survival strategy and provided fundamental data on the level of genes for understanding the reproductive behavior and the reproduction of S.japonica.

Aldo-keto reductase family member C3(AKR1C3)promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by producing prostaglandin F2α

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of death worldwide.Current therapies are effective for HCC patients with early disease,but many patients suffer recurrence after surgery and have a poor response to chemotherapy.Therefore,new therapeutic targets are needed.We analyzed gene expression profiles between HCC tissues and normal adjacent tissues from public databases and found that the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was significantly different.The analysis showed that AKR1C3 was upregulated in tumors,and high AKR1C3 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in HCC patients.In vitro,assays demonstrated that the knockdown of AKR1C3 or the addition of the AKR1C3 inhibitor indomethacin suppressed the growth and colony formation of HCC cell lines.Knockdown of AKR1C3 in Huh7 cells reduced tumor growth in vivo.To explore the mechanism,we performed pathway enrichment analysis,and the results linked the expression of AKR1C3 with prostaglandin F2 alpha(PGF2a)downstream target genes.Suppression of AKR1C3 activity reduced the production of PGF2a,and supplementation with PGF2a restored the growth of indomethacin-treated Huh7 cells.Knockdown of the PGF receptor(PTGFR)and treatment with a PTGFR inhibitor significantly reduced HCC growth.We showed that indomethacin potentiated the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to sorafenib.In summary,our results indicate that AKR1C3 upregulation may promote HCC growth by promoting the production of PGF2α,and suppression of PTGFR limited HCC growth.Therefore,targeting the AKR1C3-PGF2a-PTGFR axis may be a new strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Genome-Wide Exploration of the Grape GLR Gene Family and Differential Responses of VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 to Low Temperature and Salt Stress

Grapes,one of the oldest tree species globally,are rich in vitamins.However,environmental conditions such as low temperature and soil salinization significantly affect grape yield and quality.The glutamate receptor(GLR)family,comprising highly conserved ligand-gated ion channels,regulates plant growth and development in response to stress.In this study,11 members of the VvGLR gene family in grapes were identified using whole-genome sequence analysis.Bioinformatic methods were employed to analyze the basic physical and chemical properties,phylogenetic trees,conserved domains,motifs,expression patterns,and evolutionary relationships.Phylogenetic and collinear analyses revealed that the VvGLRs were divided into three subgroups,showing the high conservation of the grape GLR family.These members exhibited 2 glutamate receptor binding regions(GABAb and GluR)and 3-4 transmembrane regions(M1,M2,M3,and M4).Real-time quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated the sensitivity of all VvGLRs to low temperature and salt stress.Subsequent localization studies in Nicotiana tabacum verified that VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 proteins were located on the cell membrane and cell nucleus.Additionally,yeast transformation experiments confirmed the functionality of VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 in response to low temperature and salt stress.Thesefindings highlight the significant role of the GLR family,a highly conserved group of ion channels,in enhancing grape stress resistance.This study offers new insights into the grape GLR gene family,providing fundamental knowledge for further functional analysis and breeding of stress-resistant grapevines.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia in an Azorean Family:A Novel Mutation in the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most prevalent autosomal dominant inherited disorders. Mutations have been found in at least 3 genes: the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). We report on an Azorean family with FH due to a novel mutation in the LDLR gene across three generations. The index-case was first seen at our endocrinology consultation at 12 years old, because of delayed growth and development. Laboratorial investigations revealed a complete failure of the anterior hypophysis due to a congenital malformation of the sella turcica. A total cholesterol of 313 mg/dL (90 - 190 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 262 mg/dL (<115 mg/dL) was found in routine blood tests. There was a paternal history of hypercholesterolemia, corneal arcus and myocardial infarction at an early age. Screening for mutations in LDLR gene was carried out. &#73n the affected cases, an intronic heterozygous point mutation (c.818-3C > G) causing a premature termination of transcription (stop codon) was identified.

Epithelial turnover in duodenal familial adenomatous polyposis: A possible role for estrogen receptors?

AIM: To investigate estrogen receptors expression in duodenal familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP) and any relationship with epithelial proliferation/apoptosis markers.METHODS: Twenty-two patients affected by FAP undergoing duodenal resection for malignancies were recruited. Controls were 15 healthy subjects undergoing endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms. ER-α, ER-α, Ki-67, TUNEL and caspase 3 expression(labeling index: percentage of positive cells) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence and examined by light or confocal microscopy. Samples were assigned to four groups: normal tissue, low(LGD)and high-grade dysplasia(HGD), adenocarcinoma(AC). One-way analysis of variance, corrected by Bonferroni's test, and Pearson's correlation test were applied for statistical analysis.RESULTS: ER-beta showed a progressive decline: normal tissue(23.5 ± 4.9), LGD(21.1 ± 4.8), HGD(9.3 ± 3.5), AC(7.1 ± 3.1). The normal tissue of FAP subjects expressed ER-beta like the controls(23.9 ± 6.2). Conversely, ER-α showed a progressive increase from normal tissue(24.8 ± 5.6) to AC(52.0 ± 8.2); the expression in normal tissue was similar to controls(22.5 ± 5.3). Ki67 demonstrated a statistically significant progressive increase at each disease stage up to AC. TUNEL did not reveal differences between controls and normal tissue of FAP subjects, but progressive decreases were observed in LGD, through HGD to AC. Pearson's correlation test showed a direct relationship between ER-b and TUNEL LI(r = 0.8088, P < 0.0001). Conversely, ER-α was inversely correlated with TUNEL LI(r =- 0.7257, P < 0.0001). The co-expression of ER-b and caspase 3 declined progressively from normal to neoplastic tissue.CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that ER-b is strongly decreased in duodenal FAP carcinomas, declining in a multiple step fashion, thereby suggesting a putative anti-carcinogenic effect. ER-α showed the opposite trend. ER-b/caspase 3 co-expression suggests this hormone's possible involvement in apoptosis. Hormonal influences in FAP duodenal tumorigenesis, and modulation of these as a possible chemoprevention strategy, may be a promising approach.

Axonal growth inhibitors and their receptors in spinal cord injury:from biology to clinical translation

Axonal growth inhibitors are released during traumatic injuries to the adult mammalian central nervous system, including after spinal cord injury. These molecules accumulate at the injury site and form a highly inhibitory environment for axonal regeneration. Among these inhibitory molecules, myelinassociated inhibitors, including neurite outgrowth inhibitor A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A are of particular importance. Due to their inhibitory nature, they represent exciting molecular targets to study axonal inhibition and regeneration after central injuries. These molecules are mainly produced by neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes within the scar and in its immediate vicinity. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, localized in the membranes of neurons. Receptors for these inhibitory cues include Nogo receptor 1, leucine-rich repeat, and Ig domain containing 1 and p75 neurotrophin receptor/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19(that form a receptor complex that binds all myelin-associated inhibitors), and also paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A bind to Nogo receptor 1, Nogo receptor 3, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ and leucocyte common antigen related phosphatase, and neogenin, respectively. Once activated, these receptors initiate downstream signaling pathways, the most common amongst them being the Rho A/ROCK signaling pathway. These signaling cascades result in actin depolymerization, neurite outgrowth inhibition, and failure to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments to overcome spinal cord injuries other than physical rehabilitation and management of the array of symptoms brought on by spinal cord injuries. However, several novel therapies aiming to modulate these inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials. Investigation has also been demonstrating that combinatorial therapies of growth inhibitors with other therapies, such as growth factors or stem-cell therapies, produce stronger results and their potential application in the clinics opens new venues in spinal cord injury treatment.

Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND Members of the transient receptor potential(TRP)protein family shape oncogenic development,but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has yet to be defined.AIM To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC,their association with HCC development and treatment was examined.METHODS HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database,and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum.Based on these analyses,clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected,and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1(TRPC1)gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated.RESULTS In total,28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance,with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes(TRPC1,TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2,and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6)to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis(P<0.05).These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model.Patients were separated into low-and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes,and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis(P=0.001).Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways.TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study,with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes.Consistently,quantitative,immunohistochemistry,and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC.CONCLUSION These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis,providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition.These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.

The role of Src family kinases in mediating M-CSF receptor signaling and monocytic cell survival

Previously, we reported that M-CSF induced monocyte survival through the activation of Akt, p38MAPK and Erk1/2 kinases. Here, we found that Src family kinases were upstream of these kinases and played a central role in regulating M-CSF-induced monocyte survival. We observed that M-CSF promoted c-Src activation in monocytes and MDMs in a time-dependent manner. Src inhibitors reduced M-CSF-mediated phosphorylation of the M-CSF receptor (M-CSFR), Akt, Erk1/2, and p38 MAPK. We also observed that Src directly phosphorylated the M-CSFR. Notably, the inhibitors blocked phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues within the M-CSFR. We further demonstrated that the Src inhibitor, PP2, attenuated M-CSF-induced NF-κB activation and M-CSF-induced monocyte survival. These findings indicated that Src family kinases mediate monocyte survival through the regulation of receptor phosphorylation and modulation of downstream signaling events. Thus, we predict that targeting Src family kinases may have therapeutic implication in inflammatory diseases.

Tumor necrosis family receptor superfamily member 9/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated f

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is an excellent immunological model for understanding the mechanisms developed by non-cytopathic viruses and tumors to evade the adaptative immune response.The antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell response is essential for keeping HCV under control,but during persistent infection,these cells become exhausted or even deleted.The exhaustion process is progressive and depends on the infection duration and level of antigenemia.During high antigenic load and long duration of infection,T cells become extremely exhausted and ultimately disappear due to apoptosis.The development of exhaustion involves the impairment of positive co-stimulation induced by regulatory cytokines,such as transforming growth factor beta 1.This cytokine downregulates tumor necrosis factor receptor(TNFR)-associated factor 1(TRAF1),the signal transducer of the T cell co-stimulatory molecule TNFR superfamily member 9(known as 4-1BB).This impairment correlates with the low reactivity of T cells and an exhaustion phenotype.Treatment with interleukin-7 in vitro restores TRAF1 expression and rescues T cell effector function.The process of TRAF1 loss and its in vitro recovery is hierarchical,and more affected by severe disease progression.In conclusion,TRAF1 dynamics on T cells define a new pathogenic model that describes some aspects of the natural history of HCV,and sheds light on novel immunotherapy strategies for chronic viral infections and cancer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

P2X7R过表达的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达观察

目的观察嘌呤能受体P2X配体门控离子通道7的配体(P2X7R)过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞单钠尿酸盐(MSU)晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白、IL-1β、TNF-α表达情况。方法取人单核细胞白血病细胞系THP-1,并随机分为过表达组、空白组、模型组、对照组;过表达组和空白组分别转染P2X7R过表达质粒、空白载体质粒,转染5 d,将过表达组、空白组、模型组THP-1细胞用100 ng/mL的PMA刺激3 h后分化为巨噬细胞,另将MSU晶体用氢氧化钠溶解配制成浓度为100μg/mL的MSU乳糜状悬液加入培养液中孵育6 h;对照组正常培养。分别采用RT-PCR法和Western blot法测算巨噬细胞P2X7R mRNA、蛋白,ELISA法检测巨噬细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α,Western blot法测算巨噬细胞NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白。结果与对照组比较,过表达组、空白组、模型组P2X7R mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05);与模型组、空白组比较,过表达组P2X7R mRNA、蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05)。结论P2X7R过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达增加,IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高可能通过激活NLRP3蛋白来实现。