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.

衔接蛋白失能同源物2通过抑制NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3对结核性胸膜炎大鼠炎症和氧化应激的影响

目的:探讨衔接蛋白失能同源物2(DAB2)抑制NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)对结核性胸膜炎大鼠炎症和氧化应激的影响。方法:按照随机数字法将60只SPF级雄性SD大鼠分为四组,每组40只。除正常对照组外,结核性胸膜炎组、DAB2组和pcDNA-NLRP3组进行建模处理,以第2天是否抽出胸腔积液为模型建立成功。正常对照组不注射结核分枝杆菌H37RV悬液,DAB2组建模后第2天静脉注射AAV9-DAB2质粒,每天1次,连续注射7 d,DAB2+pcDNA-NLRP3组在注射AAV9-DAB2质粒500μg/L的同时注射pcDNA-NLRP380μl,正常对照组和结核性胸膜炎组的大鼠尾静脉注射0.9%氯化钠溶液。进行各组呼吸功能指标测定,收集胸腔积液,记录积液量,观察3、5、7 d的胸腔积液粘连性情况,HE染色观察胸膜组织病理学情况,Western blot检测胸膜组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、基质金属蛋白酶1(MMP-1)和MMP-9蛋白表达,荧光探针DCFH-DA分析检测活性氧(ROS)的水平。结果:与正常组相比,结核性胸膜炎组的大鼠的胸腔积液和胸膜厚度明显增加,用力肺活量(FVC)、最大呼气流量(PEF)、用力呼气容积(FEV)0.3和FEV0.3/FVC显著降低,TNF-α、IL-8、MMP-1和MMP-9蛋白表达显著升高,基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂(TIMP-1)蛋白表达显著降低,丙二醛(MDA)水平升高,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)水平降低,ROS累积量明显升高(均P<0.001);与结核性胸膜炎组相比,DAB2组大鼠胸腔积液和胸膜厚度显著降低,FVC、PEF、FEV0.3和FEV0.3/FVC明显升高,DAB2组大鼠胸膜组织中的TNF-α、IL-8、MMP-1和MMP-9蛋白表达明显降低,TIMP-1水平明显升高,MDA水平降低,SOD水平升高,ROS累积量明显降低(均P<0.001);与DAB2组相比,DAB2+pcDNA-NLRP3组大鼠胸腔积液和胸膜厚度明显升高,FVC、PEF、FEV0.3和FEV0.3/FVC明显降低,DAB2+pcDNA-NLRP3组的TNF-α、IL-8、MMP-1和MMP-9蛋白表达明显升高,TIMP-1蛋白表达显著降低,MDA水平明显升高,SOD水平显著降低,ROS累积量显著升高(均P<0.001),各组大鼠在3、5、7 d的胸腔积液粘连性评分比较采用重复测量设计的方差分析,结果显示,不同时间点的胸腔积液粘连性评分比较差异具有统计学意义(均P<0.001);各组胸腔积液粘连性评分比较差异具有统计学意义(均P<0.001);各组胸腔积液粘连性评分变化趋势比较差异有统计学意义(均P<0.001);与模型组相比,DAB2组大鼠的胸膜内和肺间质内血管充血症状减轻,有少量的纤维组织增生,上皮样细胞团以及凝固型坏死也明显减少,淋巴细胞和中性粒细胞浸润也明显减少;与DAB2组相比,DAB2+pcDNA-NLRP3组大鼠的胸膜内和肺间质内血管充血症状加重,出现的纤维组织增生,上皮样细胞团以及凝固型坏死也明显增多,淋巴细胞和中性粒细胞浸润也明显增加。结论:DAB2通过抑制NLRP3的活性促进胸腔积液的吸收,降低胸膜厚度和粘连发生率,降低炎症反应和氧化应激水平,缓解结核性胸膜炎的进展。

NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3介导的细胞焦亡对哮喘大鼠炎症水平的调控作用

目的:探讨NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)在哮喘中炎症水平的调控作用机制。方法:从GSE40732和GSE69683数据集中分析哮喘组和对照组之间的差异表达基因(DEGs),并鉴定程序性细胞死亡在哮喘中的水平。在NLRP3敲降大鼠中建立哮喘大鼠模型,通过HE染色和Tunel染色分析肺组织的病理变化和凋亡水平,通过免疫组化检测肺组织中NLRP3的表达,通过实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)和Western blot检测NLRP3介导细胞焦亡相关mRNA和蛋白表达的改变。结果:哮喘组和对照组之间鉴定了926个差异表达基因(DEGs),细胞焦亡在哮喘中的水平显著高于对照组。哮喘模型中的炎症、凋亡和NLRP3水平明显高于对照组,而在NLRP3敲降后,哮喘大鼠中的炎症和凋亡水平降低。与对照组比较,NLRP3、Gasdermin D蛋白(GSDMD)、胱天蛋白酶-1(Caspase-1)和Caspase-8在哮喘大鼠模型中的表达升高,高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)的表达降低(均P<0.05),这些异常表达在NLRP3敲降后得到了显著的改善(P<0.05)。结论:NLRP3通过细胞焦亡信号可能在哮喘中发挥促炎促凋亡作用,阻断该通路可能是改善哮喘炎症的潜在治疗策略。

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.

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.

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.

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。

LncRNA HAGLR激活RUNX2并抑制NLRP3炎症小体对胫骨骨折愈合的影响

目的研究长链非编码RNA(LncRNA)HAGLR对胫骨骨折(TF)小鼠的NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体表达和骨折愈合的影响并探讨机制。方法体外对成骨细胞MC3T3-E1沉默HAGLR,CCK-8法检测细胞活力,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡,qPCR法检测骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)和骨钙素的表达。Western blot法检测RUNX2、磷酸化RUNX2(p-RUNX2)以及NLRP3、半胱天冬酶1(Caspase1)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)的表达。通过小鼠TF手术建立TF小鼠模型,在模型小鼠体内过表达HAGLR,并在过表达HAGLR的基础上沉默RUNX2或加入炎症小体抑制剂MCC950。qPCR法检测HAGLR和RUNX2的表达,Western blot法检测胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)的表达。microCT测量小鼠骨痂体积(MBV),称量小鼠的全长胫骨湿重。结果沉默HAGLR导致MC3T3-E1细胞活力降低且凋亡率增加(P<0.05),且RUNX2、p-RUNX2、BALP和骨钙素表达量均降低(P<0.05),NLRP3、Caspase1、ASC、IL-1β的表达量都增加(P<0.05)。与健康组织比较,TF小鼠体内HAGLR和RUNX2表达量降低(P<0.05)。过表达HAGLR促进TF小鼠体内的HAGLR和RUNX2表达,并增加MBV和全长胫骨湿重以及IGF-1的表达量(P<0.05)。在过表达HAGLR的基础上沉默RUNX2导致TF小鼠的MBV、全长胫骨湿重和IGF-1表达量都降低(P<0.05)。而在过表达HAGLR的基础上加入NLRP3炎症小体抑制剂MCC950导致MBV、全长胫骨湿重和IGF-1表达又增加(P<0.05)。结论LncRNA HAGLR通过激活RUNX2并抑制NLRP3炎症小体促进TF的愈合。

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。

血清ATX、Angptl4、S100 A12与脓毒症并发ARDS患者NLRP3炎性小体及预后的关系

目的 探讨血清自分泌运动因子(autotaxin, ATX)、血管生成素样蛋白4(angiopoietin-like protein 4,Angptl4)、S100钙结合蛋白A12(S100 calcium-binding protein A12,S100A12)与脓毒症并发急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)患者NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3)炎性小体以及预后的关系。方法 选取2019年1月至2022年4月收治的303例脓毒症患者,根据是否合并ARDS分为ARDS组(106例)和非ARDS组(197例),比较两组研究对象的血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12、NLRP3及细胞因子白细胞介素(IL)-1β及IL-18水平,采用Pearson相关系数法分析血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12水平与NLRP3、IL-1β及IL-18水平的相关性。根据ARDS组患者住院期间预后情况分为生存组(57例)与死亡组(49例),分析两组患者临床资料,并采用logistic回归分析模型分析导致脓毒症并发ARDS患者住院期间死亡的危险因素;绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,分析血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12单独及联合检测对脓毒症并发ARDS患者住院期间死亡的预测价值。结果 ARDS组血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12、NLRP3、IL-1β及IL-18水平均高于非ARDS组(P<0.05)。Pearson分析显示,血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12与NLRP3 mRNA、IL-1β、IL-18水平均呈正相关(P<0.05)。死亡组年龄、急性生理与慢性健康评分Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)、序贯器官衰竭评估(SOFA)评分、血乳酸、血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12水平以及休克、机械通气时间≥3 d、ICU入住时间≥10 d、侵入性置管患者的占比均高于生存组,氧合指数(OI)、白蛋白水平低于生存组(P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,入院时APACHEⅡ、SOFA评分、血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12升高均是导致患者死亡的危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12及三者联合预测脓毒症并发ARDS患者住院期间死亡的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.729、0.708、0.780、0.852,三血清指标联合预测效能高于单项检测。结论 脓毒症并发ARDS患者血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12水平升高,与NLRP3炎性小体及其细胞因子关系密切,且是影响住院期间病情转归的独立危险因素,联合检测血清ATX、Angptl4、S100A12有助于脓毒症并发ARDS患者短期预后的判断。

灯盏乙素对大鼠脑缺血后小胶质细胞cGAS/STING/NLRP3信号轴的调控

目的:探讨灯盏乙素对大鼠脑缺血后小胶质细胞环状GMP-AMP合成酶(cGAS)/干扰素基因刺激蛋白(STING)轴及NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)表达的影响。方法:将36只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(sham)、大脑中动脉栓塞(MCAO)、MCAO+灯盏乙素干预组(MCAO+S)。开颅法制备大鼠脑缺血模型,分别用HE染色观察大鼠脑组织病理性变化,免疫荧光染色检测大鼠小胶质细胞中cGAS、STING、NLRP3表达的变化,Western Blot检测大鼠缺血后3 d脑内cGAS、STING、NLRP3蛋白表达的变化。结果:HE染色显示,灯盏乙素干预后,缺血区皮质中神经细胞数量减少、分布紊乱、细胞间隙大等病理现象较MCAO组明显改善;免疫荧光染色显示MCAO+S组中小胶质细胞的激活受到抑制,cGAS、STING、NLRP3在小胶质细胞中的表达水平下降;Western Blot结果显示,MCAO组中cGAS、STING、NLRP3表达显著增加,灯盏乙素干预后,上述指标明显下降。结论:灯盏乙素可抑制大鼠脑缺血后小胶质细胞中cGAS/STING/NLPR3的过表达,减轻小胶质细胞介导的神经炎症。

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.

Effect of electroacupuncture on inflammatory signal expression in local tissues of rats with chronic pelvic pain syndrome based on purinergic 2X7 receptor/NOD-like receptor pyrin domaincontaining 3 signal pathway

OBJECTIVES: To study the expression of inflammatory signal in local prostate tissue of chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS) rats by electroacupuncture(EA) of Guanyuan(CV4), Zhongji(CV3), Huiyang(BL35) and Sanyinjiao(SP6), and to explore the possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of EA. METHODS : A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, model and EA(n=12 rats/group). The CPPS model was made by injection of CFA into ventral lobes of the prostate(0.1 m L). Electric acupuncture apparatus was applied to stimulate Guanyuan(CV4), Zhongji(CV3), bilateral Huiyang(BL35) and Sanyinjiao(SP6) acupoints in EA group. The general condition of rats was observed and the prostate index(PI) was calculated. The thermal pain threshold was collected after each therapeutic course. Histopathological changes of the prostate tissue were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining method. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in prostatic homogenates were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Moreover, the expression levels of purinergic 2X7 receptor(P2X7R), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), caspase-1 and interleukin-18(IL-18) m RNA were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the PI of rats increased, and the thermal pain threshold decreased significantly in model group. The morphological structure of prostate tissues of rats in model group was severely damaged with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration. Additionally, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and PGE2 were higher, and the expressions of P2X7R, NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-18 m RNA were higher than those in control group. After EA treatment, the PI was significantly decreased, the thermal pain threshold was significantly increased, and the tissue damage was significantly improved. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines were lower in EA group, and expression of P2X7R/NLRP3 pathway was down-regulated. CONCLUSION: The effect of EA at Guanyuan(CV4), Zhongji(CV3), Huiyang(BL35) and Sanyinjiao(SP6) can improve inflammation and pain symptoms of CPPS rats induced by Complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA). This suggests that EA at Guanyuan(CV4), Zhongji(CV3), Huiyang(BL35) and Sanyinjiao(SP6) can produce antiinflammatory analgesia effect by preventing the activation of P2X7R/NLRP3 signal pathway, inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in CPPS rats, which may provide a putative novel target for the treatment of CPPS.

木犀草素抑制ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3信号通路激活对小鼠急性呼吸窘迫综合征的改善作用

目的:探讨木犀草素调控活性氧(ROS)/硫氧还蛋白结合蛋白(TXNIP)/NOD样受体相关蛋白3(NLRP3)信号通路激活对小鼠急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)的改善作用。方法:60只SD小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、木犀草素(20 mg·kg^(-1))组、邻苯三酚(PG)(75 mg·kg^(-1))组和木犀草素(20 mg·kg^(-1))+PG(75 mg·kg^(-1))组,每组12只。除对照组外,其他组小鼠采用气管滴注脂多糖(LPS)溶液的方法建立ARDS模型,对照组小鼠气管滴注等量生理盐水。称量各组小鼠右肺湿质量和干质量,并计算湿质量/干质量(W/D)比值,检测各组小鼠动脉血氧分压(PaO_(2)),HE染色观察各组小鼠肺组织病理形态表现,检测各组小鼠吸气阻力(Ri)、每分钟通气量(MV)和呼气峰流速(PEF),检测各组小鼠肺组织中ROS、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)水平及血清白细胞介素18(IL-18)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平,Western blotting法检测各组小鼠肺组织中TXNIP、caspase-1、caspase-4和NLRP3蛋白表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,模型组小鼠肺泡壁变厚,肺泡塌陷变形,肺间质水肿伴有大量炎性细胞浸润,肺组织有严重病理损伤,W/D比值,Ri,血清IL-18、IL-1β及TNF-α水平,肺组织中ROS水平及TXNIP、caspase-1、caspase-4和NLRP3蛋白表达水平升高(P<0.05);MV、PEF、PaO_(2)和肺组织中GSH-Px及CAT水平降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,木犀草素组小鼠肺组织病理损伤均有所改善,W/D比值,Ri,血清IL-18、IL-1β及TNF-α水平,肺组织中ROS水平和TXNIP、caspase-1、caspase-4及NLRP3蛋白表达水平均降低(P<0.05),MV、PEF和PaO_(2)及肺组织中GSH-Px和CAT水平均升高(P<0.05);PG组小鼠肺组织病理损伤均加重,W/D比值,Ri,血清IL-18、IL-1β及TNF-α水平,肺组织中ROS水平及TXNIP、caspase-1、caspase-4和NLRP3蛋白表达水平均升高(P<0.05),MV、PEF和PaO_(2)及肺组织中GSH-Px和CAT水平均降低(P<0.05)。结论:木犀草素可通过抑制ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3信号通路激活,减轻肺部炎症与氧化应激,改善ARDS小鼠肺损伤,修复其肺功能。

PM_(2.5)暴露对氧糖剥夺后复氧复糖大鼠神经小胶质细胞的损伤作用及其机制

目的观察细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))暴露对氧糖剥夺后再复氧复糖(OGD/R)大鼠神经小胶质细胞系GMI-R1的损伤作用,并基于硫氧还蛋白相互作用蛋白(TXNIP)/NLR家族Pyrin结构域3(NLRP3)通路探讨相关机制。方法培养GMI-R1细胞并分为对照组、模型组、实验组、TXNIP抑制剂组。模型组、实验组、TXNIP抑制剂组制作OGD/R模型,对照组常规培养。实验组和TXNIP抑制剂组在造模前先进行50μg/m L PM_(2.5)暴露24 h,TXNIP抑制剂组PM_(2.5)暴露前给予10μmol/L的TXNIP抑制剂鲁斯可皂苷元预处理30 min。复氧24 h后采用流式细胞术检测死亡细胞,采用ELISA法检测各组培养基上清中的白细胞介素(IL)-18和IL-1β,采用Western blotting法检测各组细胞中的TXNIP、NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶1(Caspase-1)、消皮素D(GSDMD),采用免疫荧光法检测GSDMD-N。结果对照组、模型组、实验组细胞死亡率及培养液上清中IL-18、IL-1β水平依次升高,TXNIP抑制剂组细胞死亡率及培养液上清中IL-18、IL-1β水平低于实验组(P均<0.01)。对照组、模型组、实验组细胞中TXNIP、NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1蛋白及焦亡相关蛋白GSDMD、GSDMD-N表达依次增高,TXNIP抑制剂组NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1、GSDMD、GSDMD-N蛋白表达低于实验组(P均<0.05)。结论PM_(2.5)暴露能加重OGD/R下GMI-R1细胞的损伤,加重炎症反应,机制可能与促进TXNIP/NLRP3通路活化和细胞焦亡有关。

甘珀酸抑制eATP-P2X7R-NLRP3信号通路减轻慢性胰腺炎纤维化的实验研究

目的探讨细胞外ATP(eATP)-P2X7R-NLRP3信号通路在慢性胰腺炎(CP)胰腺纤维化中的作用以及ATP抑制剂甘珀酸(CBX)对CP的治疗作用。方法将6周龄雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机均分为5组:正常组,模型组,CBX低、中、高剂量组(分别为25、50、100 mg/kg)。造模结束后,CBX各剂量组小鼠分别腹腔注射相应剂量的药物。末次给药24 h后将小鼠脱颈处死。HE染色评估胰腺组织病理学改变;ATP化学发光法测定小鼠胰腺组织eATP水平;免疫荧光染色检测P2X7R、NLRP3、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)蛋白表达;实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(qPCR)检测P2X7R、NLRP3、Caspase-1、缝隙连接蛋白(PAN-1)mRNA的表达。结果HE染色,光镜下可见正常组小鼠胰腺细胞分布紧密,排列规则,无纤维化及炎症细胞浸润。模型组细胞间隙增宽、腺泡萎缩、炎症细胞浸润且有大量胶原纤维生成,组织学评分较正常组显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组相比,CBX中、高剂量组炎症细胞浸润及胶原纤维生成均减少,组织学评分降低。模型组小鼠造模后eATP水平较正常组显著升高(P<0.01),CBX中、高剂量组给药2周后,胰腺组织eATP水平均低于模型组。免疫荧光染色法和qPCR检测均显示,与正常组相比,模型组P2X7R、NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白和mRNA表达升高(P<0.01);与模型组相比,CBX中、高剂量组表达均下调(P<0.05)。此外,qPCR检测结果还显示,模型组小鼠PAN-1 mRNA表达较正常组显著上调;与模型组相比,CBX中、高剂量组表达均下调(P<0.01)。结论CP病程中eATP水平显著增加并激活P2X7R,促进NLRP3炎性体组装,加重胰腺纤维化,CBX可下调P2X7R、NLRP3、Caspase-1,减轻胰腺炎症损伤及纤维化,从而发挥治疗作用。