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.

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.

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.

骆驼刺提取物对脂多糖诱导的IEC-6细胞损伤模型NLRP3炎症小体及相关细胞因子的影响

目的研究骆驼刺提取物(Alhagi pseudalhagi(M.B.)Desv.Extract,APE)对脂多糖诱导的大鼠小肠隐窝上皮细胞(Intestinal epithelial cell,IEC-6)损伤模型NLRP3炎症小体及相关细胞因子的影响。方法培养IEC-6细胞,将其分为空白组、模型组、APE低、中、高浓度组,用1.0μg/mL的脂多糖(Lipopolysaccharide,LPS)诱导建立细胞炎症损伤模型,APE(低、中、高浓度:15、25、35μg/mL)干预后采用CCK-8法检测细胞的存活率,通过ELISA试剂盒检测炎症因子IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α的分泌水平。蛋白质印迹法(WB)检测核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)炎症小体信号通路5个关键蛋白:NLRP3、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(Cystein-asparate protease-1,Caspase-l)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,ASC)及抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2(Anti-apoptosis Protein Bcl-2)和Bcl-xl(Anti-apoptosis Protein Bcl-xl)表达。结果与空白组比较,模型组IEC-6细胞的存活率降低,NLRP3、Caspase-1、ASC蛋白表达水平升高,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、Bcl-xl的表达水平降低,促炎因子IL-1β、IL-18和TNF-α的分泌水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,APE低、中、高浓度组细胞存活率升高,35μg/mL APE组IEC-6细胞的NLRP3、Caspase-1、ASC蛋白相对表达水平降低,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、Bcl-xl的表达水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。中、高浓度的APE能够抑制炎症因子分泌,25μg/mL APE对IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α炎症因子分泌水平抑制率分别为31.60%、31.19%和31.09%(P<0.05)。结论骆驼刺提取物通过提高抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、Bcl-xl的表达水平,下调NLRP3炎症小体组成成分以及促炎因子IL-1β、IL-18和TNF-α分泌,从而抑制NLRP3炎症小体组装和激活,实现缓解LPS对IEC-6细胞的损伤。

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.

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.

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。

橙皮苷抑制ROS/NLRP3通路改善小鼠急性支气管炎的作用机制研究

目的从活性氧簇(ROS)/NOD样受体家族蛋白3(NLRP3)通路,探讨橙皮苷对急性支气管炎小鼠支气管组织损伤的影响及相关作用机制。方法取C57BL/6小鼠100只,用随机数字表法分为正常对照组、模型组、橙皮苷组(36 mg·kg^(-1),灌胃)、ROS/NLRP3通路激活剂(三甲胺N-氧化物)组、橙皮苷+三甲胺N-氧化物组,每组20只;用香烟暴露法制备模型,末次给药后观察小鼠一般行为,检测肺泡灌洗液中炎症细胞数量及炎症因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素18(IL-18)水平,肺组织中氧化应激产物髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、丙二醛(MDA)水平;氨水引咳法测咳嗽潜伏期及咳嗽次数;取支气管肺组织,HE染色法测组织病理变化;流式细胞仪测ROS含量;免疫组化法测NLRP3阳性表达水平;Western Blot法测IL-1β、IL-18、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、硫氧还蛋白结合蛋白(TXNIP)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、凋亡前体蛋白(pro-Caspase-1)、半胱天冬酶-1(Caspase-1)水平。结果与正常对照组比,模型组小鼠咳嗽症状加重,支气管肺泡灌洗液中炎症细胞数目及炎症因子水平升高,支气管肺组织炎症反应及氧化应激加重,ROS/NLRP3通路及其相关蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。橙皮苷可抑制ROS/NLRP3通路及其相关蛋白表达,缓解小鼠咳嗽症状,减轻炎症及氧化应激反应(P<0.05)。ROS/NLRP3通路激活剂-三甲胺N-氧化物可逆转橙皮苷上述作用(P<0.05)。结论橙皮苷可能通过抑制ROS/NLRP3通路活化,改善急性支气管炎小鼠支气管肺组织炎症及氧化应激损伤,缓解咳嗽症状。

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.

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。

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.

氟西汀调节TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3炎症体信号通路改善CUMS大鼠抑郁样行为

目的基于Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-κB)/NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症体信号通路探究氟西汀对慢性不可预知性轻度应激(CUMS)模型大鼠抑郁样行为的作用。方法18只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和氟西汀组。模型组和氟西汀组大鼠随机给予不可预知性轻度刺激11周,制备抑郁症模型。氟西汀组于第7~11周灌胃氟西汀(10 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),其余组大鼠灌胃1 mL生理盐水。干预结束后进行行为学检测,酶联免疫吸附试验检测脑组织中白细胞介素(IL)-1β和IL-18的含量,免疫荧光染色观察海马CA3区和皮质区中NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)和胱天蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)的表达情况。Western blot测定脑组织TLR4、NF-κB、NLRP3、Caspase-1和活化的Caspase-1(cleaved Caspase-1)蛋白的表达水平。结果与模型组比较,氟西汀组大鼠在旷场的运动距离及站立次数显著增多,在高架十字迷宫的运动距离增加,且在闭臂的停留时间减少,大鼠脑组织中IL-1β和IL-18含量显著降低,TLR4、NF-κB、NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1和cleaved Caspase-1蛋白的表达降低(P<0.05)。结论氟西汀可能通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3炎症体信号通路,降低脑组织中炎性因子IL-1β和IL-18的水平,从而改善CUMS大鼠的抑郁样行为。

阻断CXCR2对宫内绒毛膜羊膜炎大鼠胎盘组织NLRP3信号转导及Th1/Th2平衡的影响

目的 探讨阻断CXC受体2(CXCR2)对宫内绒毛膜羊膜炎(CA)大鼠胎盘组织含NLR家族Pyrin域蛋白3(NLRP3)信号转导及辅助性T细胞1/辅助性T细胞2(Th1/Th2)平衡的作用。方法 48只SD孕鼠按随机数字表法分为4组,即对照组、SB225002组、LPS组、LPS+SB225002组,每组12只,按分组通过羊膜腔注射脂多糖(LPS)构建宫内绒毛膜羊膜炎模型,并给予CXCR2拮抗剂SB225002处理;妊娠第20天剖腹取胎,HE染色对胎盘组织进行病理形态学检查,免疫荧光染色检测胎盘组织NLRP3表达,实时荧光定量PCR反应和Western blot法测定胎盘组织内NLRP3、ASC及Caspase-1的mRNA相对表达量和蛋白相对表达量,ELISA法检测血清中细胞因子IL-2、IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-5及IL-10的含量,流式细胞术测定外周血单个核细胞内Th1、Th2细胞比例变化。结果 与对照组比较,经LPS诱导后孕鼠胎盘组织结构受损,炎症细胞浸润明显,血窦面积显著增加(P<0.05),NLRP3阳性表达率显著升高(P<0.05),NLRP3、ASC及Caspase-1的mRNA相对表达量和蛋白相对表达量均显著上调(P<0.05),血清内IL-2、IFN-γ水平显著升高而IL-4、IL-5、IL-10水平显著降低(P<0.05),Th1细胞比例和Th1/Th2比值均显著升高,Th2细胞比例显著降低(P<0.05);与LPS组比较,经LPS诱导并给予CXCR2拮抗剂SB225002处理的孕鼠,其胎盘组织内炎症细胞浸润减轻,血窦面积显著减小(P<0.05),NLRP3阳性表达率显著降低(P<0.05),NLRP3、ASC及Caspase-1的mRNA相对表达量和蛋白相对表达量均显著下调(P<0.05),血清内IL-2、IFN-γ水平显著降低,IL-4、IL-5、IL-10水平则显著升高(P<0.05),同时,Th1细胞比例和Th1/Th2比值均显著降低,而Th2细胞比例显著升高(P<0.05)。结论 阻断CXCR2对孕鼠宫内绒毛膜羊膜炎病理过程有改善作用,并有望成为早产感控的治疗靶点。

麦芽提取物调控NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β通路抑制高催乳素血症大鼠垂体前叶细胞增殖及催乳素分泌

目的探讨麦芽提取物(ME)调控Nod样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)/胱天蛋白酶-1(Caspase-1)/白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)通路对高催乳素血症(HPRL)大鼠垂体前叶细胞增殖及催乳素(PRL)分泌的影响。方法分别分离正常大鼠、HPRL大鼠的垂体前叶细胞,依次命名为NC组和Model组,免疫组织化学染色鉴定细胞中生长激素、PRL表达。将Model组细胞分别用0、25、50、100 mg/L ME,5 mmol/L腺苷三磷酸(ATP),100 mg/L ME+5 mmol/L ATP处理48 h,依次命名为空白组(Blank组)、ME低剂量组(ME-L组)、ME中剂量组(ME-M组)、ME高剂量组(ME-H组)、ATP组、ME-H+ATP组,光学显微镜观察细胞形态;CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;酶联免疫吸附试验检测上清液中PRL水平;Western blot检测增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、多巴胺受体D2(DRD2)、多巴胺转运体(DAT)、NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-1β蛋白表达。结果成功分离大鼠垂体前叶细胞;与NC组比较,Blank组细胞体积变小,形状不规则,OD450值、PRL水平、DAT、PCNA、NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-1β蛋白表达升高,细胞凋亡率、DRD2蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);与Blank组比较,ME-L组、ME-M组、ME-H组细胞形态有所改善,OD450值、PRL水平、DAT、PCNA、NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-1β蛋白表达降低,细胞凋亡率、DRD2蛋白表达升高,且呈剂量依赖性,而ATP组对应指标变化趋势与上述相反(P<0.05);ATP减弱了高剂量ME对HPRL大鼠垂体前叶细胞增殖与PRL分泌的抑制作用。结论ME可能通过下调NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β通路蛋白表达抑制HPRL大鼠垂体前叶细胞增殖及PRL分泌。

血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平与癫痫患者预后的相关性及其预测价值

目的:分析血清B细胞活化因子(BAFF)、新饱食分子蛋白1(Nesfatin-1)、NOD样受体家族含pyrin结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)水平与癫痫患者预后的相关性及其预测价值。方法:选取2019年6月至2021年6月该院收治的149例癫痫患者进行前瞻性研究。治疗后随访1年,根据1年后预后情况将患者分为预后不良组(n=43)和预后良好组(n=106)。比较两组治疗前及治疗3、6个月后血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平,采用Spearman相关性分析BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平与癫痫患者预后的相关性,并采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平单项及联合检测预测癫痫患者预后的价值。结果:治疗3、6个月后,预后不良组血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平均高于预后良好组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Spearman相关性分析结果显示,BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平与癫痫患者预后均呈正相关(r>0,P<0.05);治疗6个月后,血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平单项及联合预测癫痫患者预后的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.730、0.756、0.737、0.906,均具有一定预测价值,其中联合检测预测价值最高。结论:血清BAFF、Nesfatin-1、NLRP3水平与癫痫患者预后均呈正相关,且三者联合检测预测癫痫患者的价值高于各单项检测。

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.

lncRNA HAGLR促卵巢癌细胞生长和上皮-间充质转化的机制研究

目的研究长链非编码RNA同源盒D基因簇反义生长相关长链非编码RNA(lncRNA HAGLR)通过调控核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体家族pyrin结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体对卵巢癌细胞生长和上皮-间充质转化(EMT)的调控作用。方法培养卵巢正常细胞IOSE-80(IOSE-80组)以及卵巢癌细胞A2780(A2780组)。然后将A2780随机分为lncRNA HAGLR沉默组(siHAGLR组)、沉默阴性对照组(siNC组)、siHAGLR联合NLRP3抑制剂MCC950处理组(siHAGLR+MCC950组)。qRT-PCR法检测lncRNA HAGLR的表达。Western blot检测NLRP3炎症小体相关蛋白NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC和EMT相关蛋白Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1的表达。CCK-8法检测A2780细胞的增殖活性。Transwell法检测A2780细胞的迁移和侵袭能力。细胞克隆形成实验检测A2780细胞的生长能力。TUNEL染色检测A2780细胞的凋亡。结果与IOSE-80组相比,A2780组lncRNA HAGLR、Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均上调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均下调(P<0.05)。与siNC组相比,siHAGLR组的lncRNA HAGLR、Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均下调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均上调(P<0.05),细胞增殖率、细胞克隆数以及迁移和侵袭数均明显减少(P<0.05),细胞凋亡数则增加(P<0.05)。与siHAGLR组相比,siHAGLR+MCC950组的lncRNA HAGLR表达无明显变化(P>0.05),而Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均上调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均下调(P<0.05),细胞增殖率、细胞克隆数以及迁移和侵袭数均显著增加(P<0.05),细胞凋亡数则减少(P<0.05)。结论lncRNA HAGLR通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体促进卵巢癌细胞的生长和EMT。

老年阿尔茨海默病患者血清Lp-PLA2,NLRP3水平表达及其与认知功能损害的相关性

目的分析阿尔茨海默病(AD)患者血清脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(lipoprotein related phospholipase,Lp-PLA2),NOD样受体家族蛋白3(nod-like receptor family protein 3,NLRP3)的表达,及其与认知功能损害的关系。方法测定110例AD患者(AD组)及50例健康体检者(对照组)血清中Lp-PLA2和NLRP3表达水平,并采用蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)、简易精神状态量表(MMSE)和临床痴呆量表(CDR)评估患者认知能力。根据CDR评分将AD组患者分为轻度AD组(n=61)和中重度AD组(n=49)。分析各组血清Lp-PLA2和NLRP3表达水平与认知功能损害的相关性。结果与轻度AD组比较,中重度AD组MoCA和MMSE评分均明显下降,CDR评分明显升高(t=10.21,9.17和7.96,均P<0.05)。与对照组比较,轻度、中重度AD组血清Lp-PLA2,NLRP3水平均明显升高(P<0.05)。与轻度AD组比较,中重度AD组血清Lp-PLA2,NLRP3水平亦显著升高(P<0.05)。Pearson线性相关分析显示,AD患者血清Lp-PLA2,NLRP3水平与MoCA,MMSE评分均呈显著正相关,与CDR评分呈显著负相关(P<0.05)。结论AD患者血清Lp-PLA2,NLRP3表达异常升高,与认知功能损害密切相关,可作为反映认知功能损害程度的早期血清学标志物。