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.

含NOD样受体家族Pyrin域蛋白3/白介素-1β信号通路在脓毒症相关肾损伤中的研究进展

脓毒症相关急性肾损伤(SA-AKI)发病机制复杂,有研究显示,在SA-AKI的发病过程中,NOD样受体家族的NLRP3(NLRP3)被激活,进而增加白细胞介素1β (IL-1β)的产生,介导炎症反应的发展。因此,针对近年NLRP3/IL-1β信号通路在SA-AKI中的研究进展进行了综述,以期为阐述SA-AKI的发病机制提供新的思路,同时也为SA-AKI的诊断和治疗提供了新的策略。

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

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

褪黑素通过NF-κB/NLRP3信号抑制子宫内膜异位症的进展机制研究

目的:探讨褪黑素(MEL)对子宫内膜异位症(EMT)进展的抑制作用,以及其对核转录因子κB(NF-κB)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)信号的调控机制。方法:通过自体子宫内膜皮下种植法构建EMT大鼠。动物实验模型分假手术组(Sham组,大鼠在造模过程中仅进行子宫片段剪取)和实验处理4组,分别为:模型组(EMT组,大鼠进行自体子宫内膜皮下种植)、褪黑素组(EMT+MEL组,以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理)、EMT+NF-κB信号通路激活剂佛波酯(PMA)组(EMT+PMA组,以5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)、EMT+MEL+PMA组(以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理和5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)。检测各组大鼠子宫内膜异位的质量、血清和腹腔液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的含量;免疫组化、免疫荧光检测各组样本中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达;Western blot实验检测各组样本中NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与Sham组相比,实验处理4组大鼠中动情周期紊乱的比例、异位子宫内膜的质量、血清以及腹腔液中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、MPO和VEGF的表达及NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达均明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与EMT组相比,EMT+MEL组和EMT+MEL+PAM组以上各项指标明显下降,而EMT+PAM组各项指标明显升高;与EMT+MEL组相比,EMT+MEL+PAM组、EMT+PAM组以上各项指标明显升高,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:MEL能明显抑制EMT中的炎症反应,抑制EMT的进展,这可能通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3信号的激活实现的。

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.

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。

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

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

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

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

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.

NLRP3炎性小体介导的细胞焦亡在缺血性脑卒中病理过程中的作用研究进展

缺血性脑卒中是严重威胁人类健康的疾病之一,目前研究发现脑组织缺血缺氧引发的细胞程序性死亡扮演着重要角色,其中,兼具细胞凋亡和坏死特点的细胞焦亡通过含pyrin结构域核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体家族蛋白3(NLRP3)等炎性小体介导激活,依赖胱天蛋白酶1(caspase-1)的活化及白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和IL-18等促炎性细胞因子的释放,在缺血损伤后调控细胞生存和死亡发挥重要作用。既往研究发现,在缺血性脑卒中过程中,细胞焦亡可发生于小胶质细胞、神经元、星形胶质细胞、内皮细胞等是一种特殊的细胞死亡方式;与NLRP3等炎性小体的启动、激活密不可分,文中总结了NLRP3等炎性小体介导的细胞焦亡在缺血性脑卒中过程中的作用,探讨影响NLRP3炎性小体激活的靶点和物质,为缺血性脑卒中的治疗提供新的理论和实验依据。

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.

MCC950下调NLRP3炎症小体对慢性阻塞性肺疾病模型大鼠气管重塑及嗜酸性粒细胞水平的影响

目的探究MCC950下调NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠气管重塑及嗜酸性粒细胞水平的影响。方法将60只小鼠随机分为对照组、COPD组和MCC950组。采用脂多糖联合香烟烟雾的方法复制COPD大鼠模型。HE染色分析各组大鼠肺组织病理变化;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定各组大鼠基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-2(TIMP-2)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平;Westernblotting检测各组大鼠NLRP3相关蛋白表达;检测大鼠嗜酸性粒细胞及趋化因子水平。结果与对照组比较,COPD组大鼠肺组织中NLRP3、Cleaved caspase-1和ASC蛋白相对表达量升高(P<0.05);肺组织表现出严重病理损伤和炎症细胞大量聚集(P<0.05);血清MMP-2、MMP-9、TNF-α和IL-6水平升高(P<0.05),TIMP-1和TIMP-2水平降低(P<0.05);细支气管壁厚度、管壁面积和管壁面积/腔周长均增加(P<0.05);静脉血嗜酸性粒细胞水平增加(P<0.05)。预先注射MCC950后,以上指标均得到逆转(P<0.05)。结论MCC950下调NLRP3炎症小体后,能够影响COPD大鼠气管重塑,改善COPD大鼠的肺组织损伤,以及降低静脉血嗜酸性粒细胞的水平。

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。

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。

miR-223-3p调控NLRP3炎症小体对自身免疫性葡萄膜炎大鼠M1/M2巨噬细胞极化平衡的影响

目的探讨miR-223-3p调控NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体的表达水平对实验性自身免疫性葡萄膜炎(EAU)大鼠M1/M2巨噬细胞极化平衡的影响。方法首先构建双荧光素酶报告质粒载体,并验证miR-223-3p对NLRP3基因表达的调控作用。然后将48只健康Lewis雌性大鼠随机分为正常对照(NC)组、EAU组和miR-223-3p慢病毒组,每组16只。EAU组和miR-223-3p慢病毒组大鼠首先用光感受器间维生素A结合蛋白(IRBP)乳糜液诱导EAU模型,同时miR-223-3p慢病毒组每只大鼠双眼玻璃体内注射8μL携带miR-223-3p的慢病毒,造模12 d后麻醉处死大鼠,分离各组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织。实时荧光定量PCR(Q-PCR)检测各组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织中miR-223-3p、NLRP3、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)和精氨酸酶-1(Arg-1)的基因表达水平;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素10(IL-10)以及NLRP3的蛋白表达水平;流式细胞仪检测各组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织中M1、M2型巨噬细胞水平。结果双荧光素酶表达报告系统检测证实NLRP3是miR-223-3p调控的靶基因。与NC组相比,造模12 d后,EAU组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织中miR-223-3p的表达水平均降低(均为P<0.05),而NLRP3和iNOS的mRNA表达水平均升高(均为P<0.05),M1型巨噬细胞相关因子iNOS mRNA和TNF-α蛋白表达水平均升高(均为P<0.05),而M2型巨噬细胞相关因子Arg-1 mRNA和IL-10蛋白表达水平均降低(均为P<0.05);与EAU组相比,造模12 d后,miR-223-3p慢病毒组大鼠眼、脾脏和淋巴结组织中NLRP3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平均降低,iNOS mRNA和TNF-α蛋白表达水平均降低,而Arg-1 mRNA和IL-10蛋白表达水平均升高(均为P<0.05)。流式细胞仪检测结果显示,与NC组相比,造模12 d后,EAU组大鼠M1型巨噬细胞极化水平升高,而M2型巨噬细胞极化水平降低,M1/M2巨噬细胞比例升高(均为P<0.05);与EAU组相比,造模12 d后,miR-223-3p慢病毒组大鼠M1型巨噬细胞极化水平降低,而M2型巨噬细胞极化水平升高,M1/M2巨噬细胞比例逐渐恢复平衡(均为P<0.05)。结论EAU大鼠体内巨噬细胞极化失衡,提高miR-223-3p水平可抑制NLRP3炎症小体的表达,进而抑制炎症相关信号通路,降低M1型巨噬细胞极化水平以及提高M2型巨噬细胞极化水平,从而发挥对葡萄膜炎大鼠巨噬细胞极化平衡的调控作用。

基于NLRP3/caspase-1通路研究木犀草素对脂多糖诱导的肠上皮细胞焦亡的影响

目的探讨木犀草素对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的肠上皮细胞焦亡及核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体家族吡啉结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)/半胱氨酸蛋白酶1(caspase-1)通路的影响。方法体外培养人肠上皮细胞HIEC-6,对其进行(1.0μg/mL)LPS诱导,并将细胞分为对照组、LPS组、LPS+(25、50、100μmol/L)木犀草素组、木犀草素+NLRP3激活剂尼日利亚菌素钠盐(NSS)组,除对照组外均添加1.0μg/mL的LPS。MTT法检测各组细胞活力;电阻仪检测单层上皮跨膜电阻(TEER);酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测各组细胞上清液乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)水平;蛋白免疫印迹(WB)法检测各组细胞焦亡相关蛋白(GSDMD、GSDMD-N)及NLRP3、caspase-1、IL-1β的表达。结果与对照组比较,LPS组HIEC-6细胞活力、TEER值显著降低,细胞上清液LDH水平、TNF-α、IL-6、蛋白GSDMD、GSDMD-N、NLRP3、caspase-1、IL-1β表达显著升高(P<0.05);与LPS组比较,LPS+(25、50、100μmol/L)木犀草素组HIEC-6细胞活力、TEER值显著升高,细胞上清液LDH水平、TNF-α、IL-6、GSDMD、GSDMD-N、NLRP3、caspase-1、IL-1β表达显著降低(P<0.05);与LPS+100μmol/L木犀草素组比较,木犀草素+NSS组HIEC细胞活力、TEER值显著降低,细胞上清液LDH水平、TNF-α、IL-6、GSDMD、GSDMD-N、NLRP3、caspase-1、IL-1β表达显著升高(P<0.05)。结论木犀草素能够减轻LPS诱导的人肠上皮细胞HIEC-6焦亡和细胞炎性损伤,可能与NLRP3/caspase-1信号通路的抑制有关。

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。