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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thioredoxin interacting protein,a key molecular switch between oxidative stress and sterile inflammation in cellular response

Tissue and systemic inflammation have been the main culprit behind the cellular response to multiple insults and maintaining homeostasis.Obesity is an independent disease state that has been reported as a common risk factor for multiple metabolic and microvascular diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),retinopathy,critical limb ischemia,and impaired angiogenesis.Sterile inflammation driven by high-fat diet,increased formation of reactive oxygen species,alteration of intracellular calcium level and associated release of inflammatory mediators,are the main common underlying forces in the pathophysiology of NAFLD,ischemic retinopathy,stroke,and aging brain.This work aims to examine the contribution of the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory thioredoxin interacting protein(TXNIP)to the expression and activation of NLRP3-inflammasome resulting in initiation or exacerbation of sterile inflammation in these disease states.Finally,the potential for TXNIP as a therapeutic target and whether TXNIP expression can be modulated using natural antioxidants or repurposing other drugs will be discussed.

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.

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.

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.

NLRP3炎症小体抑制剂N14对小鼠痛风性关节炎的治疗作用

探讨Nod样受体蛋白3(Nod-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)炎症小体抑制剂N14对尿酸钠(mono sodium urate,MSU)晶体诱导的痛风性关节炎(gouty arthritis,GA)小鼠的治疗作用。首先采用细胞计数试剂(cell counting kit-8,CCK-8)法检测N14对小鼠单核巨噬细胞J774A.1活力的影响;利用免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测N14对细胞上清中成熟的白介素1β(interleukin 1β,IL-1β)、胱天蛋白酶-1(cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1,caspase-1)活化物caspase-1 p20及细胞裂解液中NLRP3、pro-caspase-1和pro-IL-1β表达的影响。通过MSU诱导的小鼠痛风性关节炎模型,检测痛风性关节炎小鼠的红、肿、热、痛反应;苏木素-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,H&E)染色进行小鼠足部病理学检测;应用免疫印迹法检测小鼠足部组织中NLRP3、pro-caspase-1和pro-IL-1β的表达;并考察N14对小鼠血浆中谷丙转氨酶(alanine transaminase,ALT)、谷草转氨酶(aspartate transaminase,AST)等含量的影响。本文中所有动物实验均获得青岛海洋生物医药研究院科学伦理委员会批准(批准号:E-MBWNL-2024-20)。实验结果显示,J774A.1细胞与高浓度的N14(100μmol·L-1)共孵育后未见明显细胞毒性,且有效阻止MSU诱导的NLRP3炎症小体的激活。在小鼠痛风性关节炎模型中,N14显著改善痛风性关节炎引起的红、肿、热、痛,下调小鼠足部组织中NLRP3炎症小体相关蛋白水平,同时对小鼠血浆中各项生化指标无显著影响,具有良好的耐受性。综上,N14通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体通路有效缓解小鼠痛风性关节炎,对相关疾病的预防和治疗都具有重要意义。

Effects of NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediated Pyroptosis on Cardiovascular Diseases and Intervention Mechanism of Chinese Medicine

Activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome signaling pathway is an important mechanism underlying myocardial pyroptosis and plays an important role in inflammatory damage to myocardial tissue in patients with cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),such as diabetic cardiomyopathy,ischemia/reperfusion injury,myocardial infarction,heart failure and hypertension.Noncoding RNAs(nc RNAs)are important regulatory factors.Many Chinese medicine(CM)compounds,including their effective components,can regulate pyroptosis and exert myocardium-protecting effects.The mechanisms underlying this protection include inhibition of inflammasome protein expression,Toll-like receptor 4–NF-κB signal pathway activation,oxidative stress,endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),and mixed lineage kinase 3 expression and the regulation of silent information regulator 1.The NLRP3 protein is an important regulatory target for CVD prevention and treatment with CM.Exploring the effects of the interventions mediated by CM and the related mechanisms provides new ideas and perspectives for CVD prevention and treatment.

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.

SIRT1基因沉默在辐射诱导的NLRP3和IL-1β表达中的作用研究

目的 研究沉默信息调节因子1 （SIRT1）基因沉默对间充质干细胞（MSCs）受照后Nod样受体蛋白3（NLRP3）和IL-1β表达的影响,探讨SIRT1激活剂——白藜芦醇的辐射防护作用及其机理.方法 将MSCs分为空白对照组、单纯照射组、RNA干扰组、白藜芦醇组和RNA干扰＋白藜芦醇组.采用酶联免疫吸附测定、Western blot和RT-PCR等方法检测IL-1β、SIRT1和NLRP3在蛋白和mRNA水平的表达.结果 辐射可导致MSCs细胞外IL-1β分泌水平明显升高,给予白藜芦醇后,细胞IL-1β分泌水平较单纯照射组显著下降（t=21.68,P＜0.01）,NLRP3和IL-1β mRNA水平较单纯照射组明显降低（t=14.44,P＜0.01;t=12.35,P＜0.01）,SIRT1基因沉默后,NLRP3和IL-1β的mRNA水平回升至单纯照射组水平（t=14.86,P＜0.01;t=11.12,P＜0.01）,即使再给予白藜芦醇,NLRP3和IL-1β的mRNA水平仍明显高于白藜芦醇组（t=11.31,P＜0.01;t=10.54,P＜0.01）.结论 SIRT1基因沉默减弱了白藜芦醇对辐射诱导的NLRP3和IL-1β的抑制作用,说明白藜芦醇可能通过激活SIRT1、抑制NLRP3、降低IL-1β的表达,从而减轻辐射引起的细胞损伤.

当归补血汤及其活性成分通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体活化改善糖尿病肾病的实验研究

目的:探究不同剂量的当归补血汤及其活性成分黄芪甲苷改善糖尿病肾病的作用机制及与NOD样受体蛋白3(nod-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)炎症小体的相关性。方法:5 w~8 w的雄性GK大鼠分为模型对照组、阳性药格列喹酮10 mg/kg、盐酸贝那普利片10 mg/kg、当归补血汤2、4、8 g/kg组、黄芪甲苷40 mg/kg组,每组10只;10只雄性Wistar大鼠作为正常对照组。各组灌胃相应药物,正常对照组和模型对照组灌胃生理盐水,连续8 w。检测随机血糖、空腹血糖;计算肾脏系数;Elisa法检测大鼠尿液中白蛋白含量;HE染色观察肾脏组织病理改变;Western Blot法检测大鼠肾脏NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1蛋白的表达。结果:与正常对照组相比,模型对照组大鼠的血糖、肾脏系数、尿白蛋白含量、炎症蛋白表达量均显著升高(P<0.01);与模型对照组比较,当归补血汤4、8 g/kg及其活性成分黄芪甲苷0.04 g/kg均可改善GK大鼠的体质量、血糖、肾脏肥大的情况,显著降低尿白蛋白含量,能有效抑制NLRP3小体的活化,其中8 g/kg组对调节血糖、降低尿白蛋白含量效果最为显著(P<0.01)。结论:不同剂量当归补血汤及其活性成分黄芪甲苷对GK大鼠肾脏均具有一定的保护作用,其机制与抑制NLRP3炎症小体密切相关。

Transcriptome and single-cell profiling of the mechanism of diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND The NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome may play an important role in diabetic kidney disease(DKD).However,the exact link remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in DKD.METHODS Using datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database,30 NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes were identified.Differentially expressed genes were selected using differential expression analysis,whereas intersecting genes were selected based on overlapping differentially expressed genes and NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes.Subsequently,three machine learning algorithms were used to screen genes,and biomarkers were identified by overlapping the genes from the three algorithms.Potential biomarkers were validated by western blotting in a db/db mouse model of diabetes.RESULTS Two biomarkers,sirtuin 2(SIRT2)and caspase 1(CASP1),involved in the Leishmania infection pathway were identified.Both biomarkers were expressed in endothelial cells.Pseudo-temporal analysis based on endothelial cells showed that DKD mostly occurs during the mid-differentiation stage.Western blotting results showed that CASP1 expression was higher in the DKD group than in the control group(P<0.05),and SIRT2 content decreased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION SIRT2 and CASP1 provide a potential theoretical basis for DKD treatment.