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.

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.

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。

NLRP3炎症小体在阿尔兹海默症中的作用及潜在治疗靶点

阿尔兹海默症(Alzheimer’s disease,AD)是常见的神经退行性疾病,严重影响患者的生存质量。目前尚无有效的针对性治疗措施。AD发病机制复杂,是环境、遗传和年龄影响因素共同作用的结果。大脑中β-淀粉样蛋白(β-amyloid,Aβ)沉积、微管相关蛋白tau过度磷酸化形成的神经纤维缠结及神经元丢失是AD典型病理特征,大量研究证明,Aβ、tau蛋白聚集诱导核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体含pyrin结构域蛋白3(nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3,NLRP3)炎症小体活化是AD炎性机制的核心环节,且以其和上下游分子为靶点的抑制剂和化合物治疗在细胞和动物模型中均发挥神经保护作用,改善空间记忆功能障碍,但临床疗效和安全性仍待研究。因此,抑制NLRP3炎症小体的活化可能是AD的潜在治疗靶点。本文以NLRP3炎症小体的活化机制和影响因素及与AD关系进行综述,并总结以NLRP3炎症小体为靶点的AD治疗药物,以期为AD等NLRP3炎症小体相关疾病提供新的治疗方向。

脑出血患者脑组织中NEK7、NLRP3的表达水平及其与疾病严重程度的关系

目的 探究脑出血患者脑组织中Nod样受体蛋白-3 (NLRP3)、NIMA相关蛋白激酶7 (NEK7)表达水平与疾病严重程度的相关性。方法 前瞻性选取2017年1月至2020年12月郑州颐和医院诊治的80例脑出血患者进行研究,取皮层造瘘通道靠近血肿0.5 cm处的脑组织为靠近组,另取远离血肿位置的脑组织为远离组。依据脑出血患者出血量将其分为少量组(出血量<15 mL) 29例、中量组(出血量15~30 m L) 27例和大量组(出血量>30 mL)24例;按美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分将患者分为轻型组(1~4分) 30例、中型组(5~15分) 27例和重型组(>15分) 23例。采用实时荧光定量PCR (qRT-PCR)法测定各组脑组织中NEK7 m RNA、NLRP3 m RNA表达水平;采用Pearson法分析脑出血患者血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7 m RNA表达水平与NLRP3 m RNA表达水平的相关性;比较不同出血量、不同严重程度的脑出血患者距离血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7 m RNA、NLRP3 m RNA表达水平。结果 靠近组患者脑组织中NEK7 m RNA、NLRP3 m RNA表达水平分别为1.72±0.58、1.69±0.57,明显高于远离组的1.03±0.34、1.01±0.33,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);脑出血患者血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7 m RNA表达水平与NLRP3 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.563,P<0.05);脑出血患者距离血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7m RNA、NLRP3 m RNA表达水平随着出血量的增加而升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);脑出血患者距离血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7 mRNA、NLRP3 m RNA表达水平随着NIHSS评分的增加而升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 脑出血患者距离血肿0.5 cm处脑组织中NEK7、NLRP3表达水平明显升高,两者均与出血量和疾病严重程度显著相关,检测距离血肿0.5 cm处脑组织NEK7、NLRP3有利于判断脑出血严重程度及出血情况。

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。

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.

NLRP3-细胞焦亡在实验性脓毒症肺损伤中的作用

NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)介导的肺实质细胞与免疫细胞焦亡在脓毒症肺损伤的发生机制中发挥关键作用。NF-κB、JAK2/STAT3和MAPK信号通路参与了NLRP3介导的细胞焦亡。靶向NLRP3-细胞焦亡及其相关信号通路,Physalin B、五味子素、促红细胞生成素等药物干预,针刺足三里、肺俞穴等物理疗法,以及麦角内酯等NLRP3特异性抑制剂,均发挥了良好的抗脓毒症肺损伤作用。本文综述NLRP3-细胞焦亡在实验性脓毒症肺损伤中的作用与机制,以及靶向NLRP3-细胞焦亡防治脓毒症肺损伤的实验研究进展,期望以NLRP3-细胞焦亡为切入点,为形成脓毒症肺损伤的防治新策略提供思考。

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.

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。

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。

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。

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.

NLRP3炎症小体介导Th17/Treg失衡在哮喘小鼠气道炎症中的作用

目的:探讨NLR家族的Pyrin域蛋白3(NLR family,pyrin domain containing protein 3,NLRP3)炎症小体介导Th17/Treg失衡在哮喘小鼠气道炎症中的作用及其机制。方法:将32只BALB/c雌性小鼠随机分为正常对照组(NS组)、哮喘模型组(AS组)、MCC950干预组(MC组)及地塞米松组(Dex组)。AS组予卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发。MC组和Dex组分别予以MCC950和地塞米松干预。末次激发24 h后麻醉、放血,制备支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF)细胞计数和ELISA检测IL-17A、IL-1β、IL-10、IL-18、IL-33、IL-35浓度;流式细胞技术检测小鼠外周血、脾、肺组织CD4细胞IL-17(CD4+IL-17+)和CD4+CD25+CD127low占CD4+细胞比例分别反映辅助性T细胞17(Th17)和调节性T淋巴细胞(Treg)水平;免疫组织化学(immunohistochemistry,IHC)观察肺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白水平。结果:与NS组比较,AS组BALF细胞计数、IL-17A、IL-1β、IL-18及IL-33浓度均升高(P<0.01),而IL-10、IL-35浓度降低(P<0.05),外周血、肺及脾组织Th17比例升高(P<0.01),而Treg比例降低(P<0.01),肺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白水平升高(P<0.01)。与AS组比较,MC组及Dex组BALF细胞计数、IL-17A、IL-1β、IL-18及IL-33浓度均降低(P<0.01),IL-10、IL-35浓度升高(P<0.05);外周血、肺及脾组织Th17比例降低(P<0.01),Treg比例升高(P<0.01),肺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1蛋白水平降低(P<0.01)。结论:NLRP3炎症小体可介导Th17/Treg失衡,参与哮喘气道炎症的发生,MCC950可调节Th17/Treg平衡,减轻哮喘气道炎症。

术前血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平对脑胶质瘤切除术患者的预后预测价值

目的探究术前血清核因子⁃κB(NF⁃κB)、核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)水平对脑胶质瘤切除术患者的预后预测价值。方法选取2020年1月至2023年1月山西白求恩医院收治的80例脑胶质瘤切除术患者为研究对象,随访1年,根据有无复发、死亡等预后情况分为预后良好组(63例)和预后不良组(17例)。对比两组患者术前血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平,采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响脑胶质瘤切除术患者预后的影响因素,并绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)评估血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平对脑胶质瘤切除术患者预后的预测价值。结果预后不良组患者年龄、肿瘤最大径、肿瘤分级、血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平与预后良好组患者相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄、肿瘤最大径、肿瘤分级、血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平均为脑胶质瘤切除术患者预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,单一术前血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平及两者联合预测脑胶质瘤切除术患者预后不良的曲线下面积分别为0.734、0.746、0.812,特异度分别为68.91%、72.21%、78.63%,灵敏度分别为75.62%、73.05%、80.68%。结论术前血清NF⁃κB、NLRP3水平与脑胶质瘤切除术患者预后不良有关,可用于预测脑胶质瘤切除术患者的预后,且两项指标联合具有较好的预测效能。

下调NLRP3炎症小体表达对脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用及机制研究

目的探讨下调核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体表达对脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用及其介导线粒体自噬的作用机制。方法采用随机数字表法将18只BALB/c小鼠分为假手术组(sham组)、脓毒症模型组[盲肠结扎穿孔术(CLP)组]和MCC950(NLRP3特异性抑制剂)干预组(CLP+MCC950组),每组6只。采用CLP制作脓毒症模型。术前2 h,CLP+MCC950组小鼠腹腔注射50 mg/kg MCC950(用0.9%氯化钠溶液稀释至0.5 mL),sham组和CLP组腹腔注射等量0.9%氯化钠溶液。CLP术后24 h收集小鼠肺泡灌洗液及肺脏组织标本。将另外45只小鼠采用随机数字表法分为sham组、CLP组和CLP+MCC950组,记录小鼠7 d生存率。采用HE染色法观察肺损伤严重程度,并测量湿重/干重(W/D)比值。采用ELISA法检测肺泡灌洗液中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-10蛋白水平;Western blot法检测肺组织炎症相关蛋白[NLRP3、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB(p-NF-κB)p65]、凋亡相关蛋白[裂解的半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶3(Cleaved-Caspase-3)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)]和自噬相关蛋白[磷酸酶及张力蛋白同源基因诱导的激酶1(PINK1)、E3泛素连接酶(Parkin)、微管相关蛋白1轻链3Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ)、选择性自噬接头蛋白p62]表达水平。结果sham组小鼠7 d生存率为100.0%。CLP组小鼠7 d累计死亡11只,7 d生存率为26.7%(4/15)。与sham组比较,CLP组小鼠7 d生存率明显降低(P<0.01);肺组织W/D比值升高(P<0.05);肺组织肺泡结构破坏严重,肺泡壁增厚,伴有明显的肺水肿和炎性细胞浸润;肺泡灌洗液中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-10蛋白水平升高(均P<0.05);肺组织中NLRP3、p-NF-κB p65、Cleaved-Caspase-3、Bax、PINK1、Parkin和LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ蛋白表达水平升高,Bcl-2和p62蛋白表达水平降低(均P<0.05)。CLP+MCC950组小鼠7 d累计死亡8只,7 d生存率为46.7%(7/15)。CLP组和CLP+MCC950组小鼠7 d生存率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与CLP组比较,CLP+MCC950组小鼠肺组织W/D比值降低(P<0.05);肺组织肺泡结构破坏稍减少,肺泡壁增厚减轻,肺水肿和炎性细胞浸润亦减少;肺泡灌洗液中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α蛋白水平降低,IL-10蛋白水平进一步升高(均P<0.05);肺组织中NLRP3、p-NF-κB p65、Cleaved-Caspase-3、Bax蛋白表达水平降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平升高(均P<0.05);PINK1、Parkin和LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ蛋白表达水平进一步升高,p62蛋白表达水平进一步下降(均P<0.05)。结论NLRP3炎症小体的下调可改善脓毒症小鼠的急性肺损伤,其作用可能依赖于调节PINK1/Parkin介导的线粒体自噬通路。

NLRP3炎症小体在食管鳞状细胞癌中的表达及意义

目的分析NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3)炎症小体在食管鳞状细胞癌(esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,ESCA)的表达及意义。方法临床研究:选取2021年5月—2023年5月山西省汾阳医院收治的168例ESCA患者为研究对象。患者均经过手术治疗,使用免疫组织化学及蛋白印迹法测定癌旁组织、ESCA组织的NLRP3、生长分化因子11(growth differentiation factor 11,GDF11)蛋白表达。动物及细胞研究:将BALB/c裸鼠按处理方式的不同分为对照组、GDF11过表达慢病毒载体组(GDF11组),记录并比较所有组别裸鼠7、14、21、28 d的体质量及30 d的瘤体积。筛选ESCA细胞(人食管鳞状细胞癌细胞系ES2、人食管鳞状细胞癌细胞系TE-1、人食管鳞状细胞癌细胞系RJEC-2、人食管鳞状细胞癌细胞系KYSE-170)NLRP3较高表达及GDF11较低表达的细胞系为研究对象,采用转染技术将ESCA细胞分为过表达对照组、GDF11过表达组、敲减对照组和GDF11敲减组,比较各组的细胞增殖能力。结果临床研究:168例ESCA组织中NLRP3阳性123例(73.21%),阴性45例(26.79%);GDF11阳性35例(20.83%),阴性133例(79.17%)。癌旁组织中NLRP3阳性26例(15.48%),阴性142例(84.52%);GDF11阳性126例(75.00%),阴性42例(25.00%)。ESCA组织NLRP3蛋白表达水平高于癌旁组织,GDF11蛋白表达水平低于癌旁组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。NLRP3、GDF11在ESCA组织、癌旁组织表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ESCA组织内NLRP3、GDF11呈负相关(P<0.001);GDF11阴性表达的ESCA组织的NLRP3为(1.12±0.18),高于GDF11阳性表达ESCA组织(0.80±0.14),差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。动物及细胞研究:GDF11组裸鼠7、14、21、28 d的体质量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。GDF11组裸鼠瘤体积为(73.26±21.25)mm^(3),低于对照组[(137.28±45.28)mm^(3)],差异有统计学意义(P=0.003)。GDF11过表达组2、3、4、5 d的ESCA细胞增殖能力低于过表达对照组,GDF11敲减组2、3、4、5 d的ESCA细胞增殖能力高于敲减对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论NLRP3炎症小体在食管癌呈高表达,通过GDF11调节NLRP3炎症小体或成为治疗ESCA的潜在治疗策略。

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.

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.