Effect and mechanism of reactive oxygen species-mediated NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome activation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

BACKGROUND The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a significant component of the innate immune system that plays a vital role in the development of various parasitic diseases.However,its role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis(HAE)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanism of activation in HAE.METHODS We assessed the expression of NLRP3,caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-18 in the marginal zone and corresponding normal liver of 60 patients with HAE.A rat model of HAE was employed to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the marginal zone of HAE.Transwell experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis(E.multilocularis)in stimulating Kupffer cells and hepatocytes.Furthermore,immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-18 expression;flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species(ROS).RESULTS NLRP3 inflammasome activation was significantly associated with ROS.Inhibition of ROS production decreased NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway activation and mitigated hepatocyte damage and inflammation.CONCLUSION E.multilocularis induces hepatocyte damage and inflammation by activating the ROS-mediated NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway in Kupffer cells,indicating that ROS may serve as a potential target for the treatment of HAE.

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。

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.

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.

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.

Qingre Jianpi decoction(清热健脾汤)attenuates inflammatory responses by suppressing NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome activation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Qingre Jianpi decoction(清热健脾汤,QRJPD)on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis mice and explore its mechanism.METHODS:All mice were randomly divided into six groups.Weight changes,disease activity index values,and histological damage were detected.Inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA)and immunohistochemistry(IHC)method.The key protein expression levels of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome were detected by western blot analysis,IHC,and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:QRJPD played an anti-inflammatory role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC),reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines,and inhibited the inflammatory infiltration of immune cells by suppressing DSS-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.CONCLUSION:QRJPD exerts protective effects by inhibiting DSS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

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.

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。

枸杞多糖通过调控NLRP3/Caspase-1通路在抑制高糖诱导的HRMEC损伤中的作用

目的观察枸杞多糖(LBP)是否可以通过调控核苷酸寡聚化结构域样受体家族3/半胱天冬酶-1(NLRP3/Caspase-1)细胞焦亡途径抑制高糖诱导的人视网膜微血管内皮细胞(HRMEC)损伤。方法将体外培养的HRMEC随机分组,即正常组(给予5.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、高糖组(给予55.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、LBP低浓度组(给予55.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+100 mg·L^(-1) LBP)、LBP中浓度组(给予55.5mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+500 mg·L^(-1) LBP)、LBP高浓度组(给予55.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+1000 mg·L^(-1) LBP)、si-NC组(转染20μmol·L^(-1) si-NC后给予55.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)和si-NLRP3组(转染20μmol·L^(-1) si-NLRP3后给予55.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖);利用CCK-8法检测各组HRMEC细胞增殖情况,流式细胞术检测各组HRMEC细胞焦亡情况,RT-PCR法检测各组HRMEC中NLRP3、Caspase-1、核因子(NF)-κB、Gasdermin-D(GSDMD)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的mRNA相对表达水平,Western blot法检测各组HRMEC焦亡相关NLRP3、Caspase-1、NF-κB、GSDMD、VEGF的蛋白相对表达水平,ELISA检测各组HRMEC细胞上清液中细胞焦亡下游白细胞介素(IL)-1β和IL-18的表达水平。结果与正常组相比,高糖组HRMEC细胞增殖率降低,细胞焦亡率升高,NLRP3、Caspase-1、NF-κB、GSDMD、VEGF的mRNA和蛋白相对表达水平均升高,IL-1β和IL-18表达水平均升高(均为P<0.05);与高糖组相比,si-NLRP3组中HRMEC细胞增殖率升高,细胞焦亡率降低,NLRP3、Caspase-1、NF-κB、GSDMD、VEGF的mRNA和蛋白相对表达水平均降低,IL-1β和IL-18表达水平均降低(均为P<0.05);与高糖组相比,si-NC组的细胞增殖率,细胞焦亡率,NLRP3、Caspase-1、NF-κB、GSDMD、VEGF蛋白和mRNA以及IL-1β、IL-18的表达水平差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05);与高糖组相比,LBP中、高浓度组中HRMEC细胞增殖率升高,细胞焦亡率降低,NLRP3、Caspase-1、NF-κB、GSDMD、VEGF的mRNA和蛋白相对表达水平均降低,IL-1β和IL-18表达水平均降低(均为P<0.05);与高糖组相比,除LBP低浓度组HRMEC细胞增殖率、各蛋白相对表达水平差异均无统计学意义外(均为P>0.05),其余指标表现和LBP中、高浓度组一致。结论LBP对高糖诱导的HRMEC损伤具有保护作用,能够促进细胞增殖,抑制细胞焦亡,其作用机制与抑制NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路的激活,降低相关炎症因子的表达有关。

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.

AstragalosideⅣplays a role in reducing radiation-induced liver inflammation in mice by inhibiting thioredoxin-interacting protein/nod-like receptor protein 3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of Astragaloside IV(AS-IV)on radiation-induced liver inflammation in mice.METHODS:The mice were divided into normal group,dimethyl sulfoxide solvent group,irradiation group(IR),irradiation+AS-IV(20 mg/kg)group(IR+AS-20)and irradiation+AS-IV(40 mg/kg)group(IR+AS-40).One month after intraperitoneal injection of AS-IV,the mice were irradiated with 8Gry Co60γ,the blood was collected for biochemical analysis,and the liver was collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunofluorescence and electron microscopic observation,oxidative stress,and Western blot analysis.RESULTS:The AS-IV treatment significantly ameliorated the pathological morphology of liver and reduced the alanine aminotransferase and aspertate aminotransferase levels in serum induced by radiation;AS-IV treatment also significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 and antagonized malonaldehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity in liver caused by radiation;in addition,AS-IV treatment can significantly inhibited the positive expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)and nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome in liver tissue after radiation;The expression of TXNIP,NLRP3 inflammasome,apoptosisassociated speck-like protein containing a CARD,cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 and interleukin 1beta in the AS-IV prevention group decreased significantly compared to the radiation group.CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggested that Co60γradiation can cause structural and functional damage to the liver,which may be related to the NLRP3 mediated inflammatory pathway;AS-IV may play a protective role by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in the radiation-induced liver injury model.

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.

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。

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。

Qingchi San(青赤散)treats ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome formation

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of Qingchi San(青赤散,QCS),a preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine,on ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice by inhibiting the nuclearfactor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome formation.METHODS:The UC model was established with male C57BL/6J as the animal model.Bodyweight,Disease Activity Index(DAI),colon length and weight were detected.Furthermore,colonic histology was performed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),myeloperoxidase(MPO)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)mRNA expression were conducted by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).NF-κB,inhibitor of NF-κBα(iκBα),Phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κBα(p-iκBα),caspase-1,NLRP3 and Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC)protein expression were conducted by Western blotting.RESULTS:Compared with UC model group,Bodyweight was significantly increased in QCS treatment.At the same time,DAI was significantly decreased in QCS treatment.Colon length and weight and colonic histology were significantly improved in QCS treatment.Furthermore,the expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MPO,SOD,COX2,and iN OS were significantly decreased in QCS treatment.Finally,the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins NF-κB,iκBα,p-iκBα,and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome related proteins caspase-1,NLRP3 and ASC were significantly decreased in QCS treatment.CONCLUSION:Traditional Chinese drug QCS could treat UC by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome formation in mice.

Sini powder ameliorates the inflammatory response in rats with stress-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B/pyrin domain-containing protein 3 pathway

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Sini powder for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in rats and the molecular mechanisms involved.METHODS: A rat model of stress-induced NAFLD was established by a combination of long-term tethering and feeding of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. These rats were then intragastrically administered with either simvastatin, Sini powder, or vehicle for 1 week. The body mass and field test scores for each group were recorded weekly. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and triglyceride, total cholesterol,and free fatty acid concentrations were measured.Liver tissue histopathology was examined on hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin sections and oil red O-stained frozen sections. The hepatic m RNA expression of nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD(ASC), and caspase-1 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The hepatic protein concentrations of NF-κB and NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and the serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Compared with the Blank group, rats in the Compound model group showed significant pathologic manifestations of NAFLD, and the expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1βand IL-6 were significantly higher(all P < 0.01). Both simvastatin and Sini powder significantly ameliorated the NAFLD pathology and the abnormal expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-6(all P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Sini powder inhibits the inflamma-tory response in rats with NAFLD, which is mediated by NF-κB/NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-6, reduces the effects of psychological stress, and improves lipid metabolism. Therefore, Sini powder may be effective for the treatment of stress-related NAFLD through multiple mechanisms.