Nod-like receptors in the development of intestinal inflammation and cancer

Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),such as Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract[1-2].The symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain,diarrhea,and bloody stool.IBD affects a patient’s quality of life severely,due in part to its frequent recurrence.Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a malignancy in the colon or rectum with symptoms including bloody stool,changes in

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(Dh A) had thepotential to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome expression in hepatocytes and partly abolished LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, a highfat diet increased but PUFA-enriched diet decreased sensitization to LPS-induced hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo. Moreover, PA increased but Dh A decreased phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein expression in hepatocytes.CONCLUSION:Hepatic NLRP 3 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.

Increased Expression of the NOD-like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome in Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis is a Potential Contributor to Their Pathogenesis

Background： Dermatomyositis （DM） and polymyositis （PM） are common inflammatory myopathies whose immunopathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome is a type of cytoplasmic multiprotein inflammasome and is responsible for the activation of inflammatory reactivations. Responding to a wide range of exogenous and endogenous microbial or sterile stimuli, NLRP3 inflammasomes can cleave pro-caspase- 1 into active caspase- 1, which processes the pro-infammatory cytokines pro-interleukin （IL）-1 β and pro-IL-18 into active and secreted IL-1β and I L-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in infectious and sterile inflammatory diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of DM/PM, which we aim to address in our research. Methods： In this study, 22 DM/PM patients and 24 controls were recruited. The protein and RNA expression of IL-113, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in serum and muscle samples were tested and compared between the two groups. Results： The serum IL-1 β and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in DM/PM patients than those in the controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （EL1SA, DM vs. control, 25.02 ± 8.29 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001 ; PM vs. control, 26.49±7.79 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001）. Moreover, the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） showed that DM/PM patients exhibited higher RNA expression of IL-lβ, IL-18, and NLRP3 in the muscle （for IL-1 β, DM vs. control, P 0.0012, PM vs. control, P = 0.0021 ; for IL- 18, DM vs. control, P = 0.0045, PM vs. control, P 0.0031 ; for NLRP3, DM vs. control, P = 0.0017, PM vs. control, P 0.0006）. Moreover, the protein expression of NLRP3 and caspase- 1 in muscle samples of DM/PM patients were also significantly elevated compared to that in the muscles of the controls. Conclusions： Our findings demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the pathogenesis of DM/PM. High NLRP3 expression led to elevated levels of IL-l13 and IL-18 and could be one of the factors promoting disease progress.

A Novel Mutation in the Pyrin Domain of the NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing Protein 3 in Muckle-Wells Syndrome

Background： Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome （CAPS） is a group of rare, heterogeneous autoinflammatory disease characterized by interleukin （IL）-1β-mediated systemic inflammation and clinical symptoms involving skin, joints, central nervous system, and eyes. It encompasses a spectrum of three clinically overlapping autoinflammatory syndromes including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, Muckle-Wells syndrome （MWS）, and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. CAPS is associated with gain-of-function missense mutations in NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 （NLRP3）, the gene encoding NLRP3. Moreover, most mutations leading to MWS occurred in exon 3 ofNLRP3 gene. Here, we reported a novel mutation occurred in exon 1 ofNLRP3 gene in an MWS patient and attempted to explore the pathogenic mechanism. Methods： Genetic sequence analysis of NLRP3 was performed in an MWS patient who presented with periodic lever, arthralgia, and multiform skin lesions. NLRP3 was also analyzed in this patient＇s parents and 50 healthy individuals. Clinical examinations including X-ray examination, skin biopsy, bone marrow aspiration smear, and blood test of C-reactive protein （CRP）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）, serum levels oflL-1β, immunoglobulin E （lgE）, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and extractable nuclear antigen were also analyzed. The protein structure of mutant NLRP3 inflammasome was calculated by SWISS-MODEL software. Proteins of wild type and mutant components ofNLRP3 inflammasome were expressed and purified, and the interaction abilities between these proteins were tested by surface plasmon resonance （SPR） assay. Results： X-ray examination showed no abnormality in the patient＇s knees. Laboratory tests indicated an elevation of CRP （233.24 nag/L） and ESR （67 mm/h） when the patient had fever. Serum IL-1β increased to 24.37 pg/ml, and serum lgE was higher than 2500.00 IU/ml. Other blood tests were normal. Bone marrow aspiration smear was normal. A novel point mutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of NLRP3 gene was identified, which caused a p.D31V mutation in pyrin domain （PYD） of NLRP3. SPR assay showed that this point mutation may strengthen the interaction between the PYD of NLRP3 and the PYD of the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein. The mutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of the NLRP3 gene was not lbund in the patient＇s parents and 50 healthy individuals. Conclusions： The rnutation c.92A〉T in exon 1 of the NLRP3 gene is a novel mutation associated with MWS. The p.D31V mutation might promote the activation ofNLRP3 inflammasome and induce MWS in this patient.

Effect of Curcumol on NOD-Like Receptor Thermoprotein Domain 3 Inflammasomes in Liver Fibrosis of Mice

Objective:To investigate the effect of curcumol on NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain 3(NLRP3)inflammasomes,and analyze the mechanism underlying curcumol against liver fibrosis.Methods:Thirty Kunming mice were divided into a control group,a model group and a curcumol group according to a random number table,10 mice in each group.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with 40% carbon tetrachloride(CCl4:peanut oil,2:3 preparation)at 5 m L/kg for 6 weeks,twice a week,for developing a liver fibrosis model.The mice in the control group were given the same amount of peanut oil,twice a week for 6 weeks.The mice in the curcumol group were given curcumol(30 m L/kg)intragastrically,and the mice in the model and control groups were given the same amount of normal saline,once a day for 6 weeks.Changes in liver structure were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Liver function,liver fiber indices,and the expression of interleukin(IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit.Immunoblotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)were performed to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules,TGF-β and collagen.Results:HE and Masson staining results showed that the hepatocytes of the model group were arranged irregularly with pseudo-lobular structure and a large amount of collagen deposition.The mice in the curcumol group had a significant decrease in liver function and liver fibers indices compared with the model group(P<0.05);RT-qPCR and Western blot results reveal that,in the curcumol group,the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3,IL-1β,Caspase 1 and gasdermin D decreased significantly compared with the model group(P<0.05);immunohistochemical results showed that in the curcumol group,the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β decreased significantly compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:A potential anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of curcumol may be associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes and decreasing the downstream inflammatory response.

P2X7R过表达的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达观察

目的观察嘌呤能受体P2X配体门控离子通道7的配体(P2X7R)过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞单钠尿酸盐(MSU)晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白、IL-1β、TNF-α表达情况。方法取人单核细胞白血病细胞系THP-1,并随机分为过表达组、空白组、模型组、对照组;过表达组和空白组分别转染P2X7R过表达质粒、空白载体质粒,转染5 d,将过表达组、空白组、模型组THP-1细胞用100 ng/mL的PMA刺激3 h后分化为巨噬细胞,另将MSU晶体用氢氧化钠溶解配制成浓度为100μg/mL的MSU乳糜状悬液加入培养液中孵育6 h;对照组正常培养。分别采用RT-PCR法和Western blot法测算巨噬细胞P2X7R mRNA、蛋白,ELISA法检测巨噬细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α,Western blot法测算巨噬细胞NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白。结果与对照组比较,过表达组、空白组、模型组P2X7R mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05);与模型组、空白组比较,过表达组P2X7R mRNA、蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05)。结论P2X7R过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达增加,IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高可能通过激活NLRP3蛋白来实现。

银苓消肿丸联合碳酸氢钠对痛风性关节炎患者骨破坏因子及NLRP3、NF-κB信号通路的影响

目的探讨银苓消肿丸联合碳酸氢钠在痛风性关节炎治疗中的效果及可能机制。方法选取2022年7月至2023年7月该院收治的98例痛风性关节炎患者为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为对照组与研究组,每组49例,对照组采用碳酸氢钠治疗,研究组在碳酸氢钠基础上联合银苓消肿丸治疗,比较两组临床疗效、关节疼痛、肿胀及活动障碍评分[关节压痛疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、肿胀、活动障碍];比较两组骨破坏因子[破骨细胞分化因子(RANKL)、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶-5b(TRACP-5b)、β-胶联降解产物(β-CTX)]、炎症因子[白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)]、核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)、Nod样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)水平,以及不良反应(消化不良、头晕、血压升高、肌肉疼痛)发生情况。结果研究组、对照组总有效率分别为95.92%、77.55%,研究组明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=7.184,P=0.007)。治疗后,两组VAS、肿胀、活动障碍评分均降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组RANKL、TRACP-5b、β-CTX水平均降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组IL-1β、TNF-α、NF-κB、NLRP3水平均降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论在痛风性关节炎的治疗中应用银苓消肿丸联合碳酸氢钠能够改善关节症状及功能,降低炎症因子水平,有效调节NLRP3、NF-κB信号通路,临床应用价值较高,值得推广。

NLRP3炎性小体在治疗性浅低温后处理大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注中的作用

目的 分析NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体在治疗性浅低温(34℃)后处理的大鼠离体心肌缺血-再灌注模型中的作用并探讨其机制。方法 选择清洁级成年雄性SD大鼠60只,7~10周龄,体重250~300 g。采用随机数字表法将大鼠分为五组:空白对照组(S组)、心肌缺血-再灌注组(IR组)、34℃浅低温后处理心肌缺血-再灌注组(MH组)、34℃浅低温后处理心肌缺血-再灌注+3-TYP组(HT组)和34℃浅低温后处理心肌缺血-再灌注+3-TYP+MCC950组(HTM组),每组12只。S组在37℃灌流液平衡灌流大鼠心脏180 min;IR组在37℃灌流液平衡灌流大鼠心脏30 min后,缺血30 min, 37℃灌注液再灌注120 min;MH组在37℃灌流液平衡灌流大鼠心脏30 min后,缺血30 min, 34℃灌注液再灌注120 min;HT组在37℃灌流液平衡灌流大鼠心脏30 min后,缺血30 min,在灌注液中加入沉默信息调节因子2同源蛋白3(sirt3)抑制剂3-TYP后行34℃灌注液再灌注120 min;HTM组在37℃灌流液平衡灌流大鼠心脏30 min后,缺血30 min,在灌注液中加入sirt3抑制剂3-TYP和NLRP3抑制剂MCC950后行34℃灌注液再灌注120 min。再灌注120 min后取离体心脏,采用ELISA法测定灌注后心脏漏液中IL-1β、IL-6浓度,Western blot法检测心肌组织中NLRP3和sirt3蛋白相对含量,1%氯化三苯基四氮唑染色计算心肌梗死面积,HE染色观察心肌病理变化。结果 与S组比较,IR组、MH组、HT组和HTM组再灌注30、60、90、120 min时HR明显减慢,LVSP、dp/dt_(max)明显降低,LVEDP明显升高;心脏漏液中IL-6和IL-1β浓度、心肌梗死面积百分比明显升高(P<0.05);IR组、HT组和HTM组心肌组织中sirt3蛋白含量明显降低,NLRP3蛋白含量明显升高(P<0.05);MH组心肌组织中sirt3和NLRP3蛋白含量明显升高(P<0.05)。与IR组比较,MH组和HTM组再灌注30、60、90、120 min时HR明显增快,LVSP、±dp/dt_(max)明显升高,LVEDP明显降低;心脏漏液中IL-6和IL-1β浓度、心肌梗死面积百分比明显降低(P<0.05);MH组心肌组织中sirt3蛋白含量明显升高,NLRP3蛋白含量明显降低(P<0.05);HTM组心肌组织中NLRP3蛋白含量明显降低(P<0.05)。与MH组比较,HT组再灌注30、60、90、120 min时HR明显减慢,LVSP、±dp/dt_(max)明显降低,LVEDP明显升高;心脏漏液中IL-6和IL-1β浓度、心肌梗死面积百分比、心肌组织中NLRP3蛋白含量明显升高(P<0.05);HT组和HTM组心肌组织中sirt3蛋白含量明显降低(P<0.05)。与HT组比较,HTM组再灌注30、60、90、120 min时HR明显增快,LVSP、±dp/dt_(max)明显升高,LVEDP明显降低;心脏漏液中IL-6和IL-1β浓度、心肌梗死面积百分比、心肌组织中NLRP3蛋白含量明显降低(P<0.05)。结论 治疗性浅低温(34℃)可通过改善离体心脏血流动力学参数、降低IL-6、IL-1β浓度、心肌组织中NLRP3蛋白含量、心肌梗死面积百分比、改善心肌病理学改变,减轻大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤,其机制可能与线粒体介导sirt3通路抑制炎性小体NLRP3的高表达有关。

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。

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.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular changes of acute pancreatitis in experimental models

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)encompasses a spectrum of pancreatic inflammatory conditions,ranging from mild inflammation to severe pancreatic necrosis and multisystem organ failure.Given the challenges associated with obtaining human pancreatic samples,research on AP predominantly relies on animal models.In this study,we aimed to elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying AP using various AP models.AIM To investigate the shared molecular changes underlying the development of AP across varying severity levels.METHODS AP was induced in animal models through treatment with caerulein alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Additionally,using Ptf1αto drive the specific expression of the hM3 promoter in pancreatic acinar cells transgenic C57BL/6J-hM3/Ptf1α(cre)mice were administered Clozapine N-oxide to induce AP.Subsequently,we conducted RNA sequencing of pancreatic tissues and validated the expression of significantly different genes using the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.RESULTS Caerulein-induced AP showed severe inflammation and edema,which were exacerbated when combined with LPS and accompanied by partial pancreatic tissue necrosis.Compared with the control group,RNA sequencing analysis revealed 880 significantly differentially expressed genes in the caerulein model and 885 in the caerulein combined with the LPS model.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis indicated substantial enrichment of the TLR and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway,TLR signaling pathway,and NF-κB signaling pathway,alongside elevated levels of apoptosis-related pathways,such as apoptosis,P53 pathway,and phagosome pathway.The significantly elevated genes in the TLR and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways,as well as in the apoptosis pathway,were validated through quantitative real-time PCR experiments in animal models.Validation from the GEO database revealed that only MYD88 concurred in both mouse pancreatic tissue and human AP peripheral blood,while TLR1,TLR7,RIPK3,and OAS2 genes exhibited marked elevation in human AP.The genes TUBA1A and GADD45A played significant roles in apoptosis within human AP.The transgenic mouse model hM3/Ptf1α(cre)successfully validated significant differential genes in the TLR and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways as well as the apoptosis pathway,indicating that these pathways represent shared pathological processes in AP across different models.CONCLUSION The TLR and NOD receptor signaling pathways play crucial roles in the inflammatory progression of AP,notably the MYD88 gene.Apoptosis holds a central position in the necrotic processes of AP,with TUBA1A and GADD45A genes exhibiting prominence in human AP.

维生素D_(3)对小鼠支气管哮喘气道炎症和氧化应激反应的作用及其分子机制

目的探究维生素D_(3)(VitD_(3))在小鼠支气管哮喘气道炎症和氧化应激反应中的作用和相关分子机制。方法将28只雌性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为对照组(Ctrl)和模型组。模型组小鼠采用卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏法建立哮喘模型后,将其分为哮喘(Asthma)组、VitD_(3)处理(Asthma+VitD_(3))组和叉头盒O1(FOXO1)抑制剂AS1842856处理(Asthma+AS)组。测定各组小鼠肺阻力(LR)变化。采用ELISA法检测肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β和IL-18的含量。Western blot检测肺组织中FOXO1和NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸酶-1(Caspase-1)和凋亡斑点蛋白(ASC)的表达水平。结果与Ctrl组相比,Asthma组小鼠的LR升高(P<0.01)。与Asthma组相比,Asthma+VitD_(3)组和Asthma+AS组小鼠的LR降低(P<0.05),Asthma+VitD_(3)组与Asthma+AS组小鼠的LR变化差异无统计学意义。与Ctrl组相比,Asthma组、Asthma+VitD_(3)组和Asthma+AS组小鼠BALF中TNF-α、IL-1β与IL-18含量均增加(P<0.01),肺组织中NLRP3、Caspase-1和ASC蛋白表达水平均升高(P<0.01);与Asthma组相比,Asthma+VitD_(3)组和Asthma+AS组小鼠BALF中上述炎症因子含量均减少(P<0.05),肺组织中NLRP3、FOXO1、Caspase-1和ASC蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05);与Asthma+VitD_(3)组相比,Asthma+AS组中除FOXO1蛋白表达水平升高外(P<0.05),上述其他检测指标差异均无统计学意义。结论VitD_(3)可减轻OVA诱导的小鼠哮喘症状,改善气道炎症程度和降低氧化应激水平,且其机制可能与FOXO1/NLRP3轴的下调有关。

电针对功能性消化不良大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6表达的影响

目的观察电针对功能性消化不良(functional dyspepsia,FD)大鼠十二指肠促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素受体2(corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2,CRHR2)及NOD样受体家族pyrin结构域蛋白6(NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6,NLRP6)表达水平的影响。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组和电针组,每组10只。模型组和电针组均选用多因素干预法复制FD大鼠模型,空白组进行常规饲养。模型复制结束后,电针组大鼠电针“印堂”“内关”“足三里”,每次30 min,每日1次,连续14 d。观察各组大鼠干预前后的一般状态及体质量变化;干预结束后,采用半固体糊灌胃法检测各组大鼠胃排空率及小肠推进率;苏木精—伊红染色法观察大鼠胃窦组织形态变化;蛋白免疫印迹法检测大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平;阿利新蓝染色法观察大鼠十二指肠形态变化。结果与空白组比较,模型组大鼠精神欠佳,体质量、胃排空率及小肠推进率明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组大鼠活泼好动,体质量、胃排空率及小肠推进率明显增加(P<0.05)。模型组大鼠胃窦黏膜排列疏松,有轻度水肿,存在少量淋巴细胞,十二指肠绒毛上皮细胞间隙增宽,肠绒毛结构破碎,可见散在分布的上皮细胞;电针组大鼠胃窦组织结构完整,固有层排列紧密,无明显炎症反应及病理改变,十二指肠绒毛上皮细胞间隙清晰,排列紧密,组织结构完整。与空白组比较,模型组大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论电针可改善FD大鼠消化不良症状,提高FD大鼠胃肠动力,降低FD大鼠十二指肠黏膜通透性,减轻大鼠胃肠炎症反应,其机制可能与提升十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平有关。

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.

薯蓣皂苷对脓毒症大鼠肾损伤的影响及机制

目的 探究薯蓣皂苷对脓毒症大鼠肾损伤的影响及可能机制。方法 采用盲肠结扎和穿刺法建立脓毒症大鼠模型。将建模成功的60只大鼠按照随机数字表法分为模型组(0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠溶液),薯蓣皂苷低、中、高剂量组(30、60、120 mg/kg)和地塞米松组(阳性对照,10 mg/kg),每组12只;另取12只大鼠作为假手术组(0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠溶液)。造模15 min后,各组大鼠尾静脉注射给药/0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠溶液。给药24 h后,检测大鼠血清中肌酐(Cr)、尿素氮(BUN)、中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)、肾损伤分子1(KIM-1)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平以及肾组织中丙二醛(MDA)水平、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素加氧酶1(HO-1)、NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)表达量,并观察肾组织病理形态学变化。结果 与模型组比较,薯蓣皂苷低、中、高剂量组大鼠肾组织病理损伤明显改善,血清中Cr、BUN、NGAL、KIM-1、IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α水平和肾组织中MDA水平、NLRP3蛋白表达量均显著降低(P<0.05),肾组织中SOD活性和Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达量均显著升高(P<0.05),且薯蓣皂苷的作用具有剂量依赖性(P<0.05);薯蓣皂苷高剂量组和地塞米松组大鼠肾组织病理损伤情况相似,上述指标水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 薯蓣皂苷可能是通过激活Nrf2/HO-1信号通路抑制NLRP3炎性小体,实现对炎症因子表达和氧化应激的抑制,从而发挥对脓毒症肾损伤的保护作用。

辛芷通窍颗粒对慢性鼻窦炎小鼠鼻窦黏膜的保护机制研究

目的:探讨辛芷通窍颗粒对慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)小鼠鼻窦黏膜的保护作用及相关机制。方法:将50只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组。采用开放上颌窦后接种3型荚膜型肺炎链球菌的方法建立CRS小鼠模型。辛芷通窍低剂量组予以1.4 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃、辛芷通窍中剂量组予以2.8 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃、辛芷通窍高剂量组予以5.6 g/kg辛芷通窍颗粒灌胃治疗。利用ELISA法检测小鼠外周血炎症因子水平;采用RT-qPCR、Western blot法检测鼻窦黏膜中相关因子表达。结果:与假手术组相比,辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组小鼠外周血炎症因子水平明显低于给药前,且窦黏膜组织中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10、IL-16、IFN-γ的mRNA及蛋白相对表达低于模型组,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。与模型组相比,辛芷通窍低剂量组、辛芷通窍中剂量组、辛芷通窍高剂量组小鼠鼻窦黏膜组织中HMGB1、NLRP3、ASC、Cleaved caspase-1蛋白表达降低,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:辛芷通窍颗粒呈剂量依赖性地抑制HMGB1/NLRP3信号通路激活,抑制CRS小鼠鼻窦黏膜炎症水平。

紫草素调节HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路对蛛网膜下腔出血大鼠神经功能损伤的影响

目的探究紫草素调节缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)/NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)信号通路对蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)大鼠神经功能损伤的影响。方法大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、YC-1(HIF-1α抑制剂,5 mg/kg)组、紫草素低剂量组(4 mg/kg)、紫草素高剂量组(25 mg/kg)、紫草素高剂量(25 mg/kg)+AG1(HIF-1α激活剂,10 mg/kg)组,每组15只。采用颈内动脉刺破法制备SAH模型。采用Zea-Longa评分法评估6组大鼠神经功能;ELISA法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)和IL-1β水平;HE染色观察大鼠海马组织形态学变化,TUNEL染色法检测海马神经元凋亡率;伊文思蓝染色检测血脑屏障通透性;商品化试剂盒检测大鼠脑组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(MDA)、丙二醛(CAT)水平,Western blot检测大鼠脑组织Bax、Bcl-2、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白表达。结果假手术组大鼠海马神经元形态结构正常;与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠海马神经元有大量水肿、结构模糊,有细胞核溶解,变型固缩,部分细胞核消失,大鼠神经功能评分、血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-1β水平、海马神经元凋亡率、伊文思蓝渗出量、脑组织MDA水平、Bax、HIF-1α、NLRP3水平显著增加,脑组织SOD、CAT水平、Bcl-2蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,紫草素低剂量组、紫草素高剂量组和YC-1组鼠海马神经元病理损伤显著改善,大鼠神经功能评分、血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-1β水平、海马神经元凋亡率、伊文思蓝渗出量、脑组织MDA水平、Bax、HIF-1α、NLRP3水平显著降低,SOD、CAT水平、Bcl-2蛋白水平显著升高(P<0.05);与紫草素高剂量组比较,紫草素高剂量+AG1组大鼠海马神经元病理损伤显著加重,大鼠神经功能评分、血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-1β水平、海马神经元凋亡率、伊文思蓝渗出量、脑组织MDA水平、Bax、HIF-1α、NLRP3水平显著增加,SOD、CAT水平、Bcl-2蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05)。结论紫草素抑制HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路以降低氧化应激和炎性反应,进而改善SAH大鼠神经功能损伤。

急性脑梗死患者血清miR-22-3p、NLRP3水平与炎性因子及预后不良的关系

目的探讨急性脑梗死(ACI)患者血清微小核糖核酸-22-3p(miR-22-3p)、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)水平与炎性因子及预后不良的关系。方法选取2021年1月—2022年12月上海中医药大学附属第七人民医院神经内科收治ACI患者106例为ACI组,根据预后情况分为预后不良亚组37例和预后良好亚组69例,另选取同期体检健康者60例为健康对照组。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应检测血清miR-22-3p水平,酶联免疫吸附法检测血清NLRP3和炎性因子[白介素(IL)-1β、IL-18、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)]水平。通过Pearson相关性分析ACI患者血清miR-22-3p、NLRP3与IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α的相关性。分析ACI患者预后不良的影响因素,绘制2项指标的受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析其预测预后的价值。结果与健康对照组比较,ACI组血清miR-22-3p水平降低,NLRP3、IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α水平显著升高(t/P=18.698/<0.001、27.091/<0.001、30.154/<0.001、35.104/<0.001、39.834/<0.001)。Pearson相关性分析显示,ACI患者血清miR-22-3p与NLRP3、IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α水平呈负相关(r/P=-0.733/<0.001、-0.719/<0.001、-0.683/<0.001、-0.680/<0.001),血清NLRP3与IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α水平呈正相关(r/P=0.716/<0.001、0.715/<0.001、0.707/<0.001)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,NIHSS评分、IL-1β、IL-18、TNF-α、NLRP3升高为ACI患者预后不良的独立危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.244(1.034~1.497)、1.373(1.067~1.767)、1.047(1.011~1.086)、1.577(1.061~2.343)、1.084(1.022~1.149)],miR-22-3p升高为独立保护因素[OR(95%CI)=0.933(0.888~0.980)]。ROC曲线分析显示,血清miR-22-3p、NLRP3水平联合预测ACI患者预后不良的曲线下面积为0.875,大于两者单独预测的0.786、0.759(Z/P=2.405/0.016、2.517/0.012)。结论ACI患者血清miR-22-3p水平降低和NLRP3水平升高,与炎性因子水平升高和预后不良密切相关,血清miR-22-3p、NLRP3水平联合对ACI患者预后不良的预测价值较高。