Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 protects against cortical pyroptosis induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation via mitochondrial regulation

Abstract

ObjectiveCarbon monoxide (CO) releasing molecule (CORM)-3, a water-soluble CORM, has protective effects against inflammatory and ischemia/reperfusion injury. We determined the effect of CORM-3 against neuronal pyroptosis in a model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) in rats via mitochondrial regulation. MethodsRats were treated with CORM-3 (4 mg/kg) in vitro after HSR. We measured cortical CO content 3–24 h after HSR; assessed neuronal pyroptosis, mitochondrial morphology, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential at 12 h after HSR; and evaluated brain magnetic resonance imaging at 24 h after HSR and learning ability 30 days after HSR. We also measured soluble guanylate-cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway activity using a blocker of sGC, NS2028, and 125I-cGMP assay. ResultsAmong rats that underwent HSR, CORM-3-treated rats had more CO in the cortical tissue than sham- and iCORM-3-treated rats. CORM-3-treated rats had significantly less neuronal pyroptosis in the cortical tissue; higher sGC activity and cGMP content; lower ROS production; better mitochondrial morphology, function, and membrane potential; and enhanced learning/memory ability than HSR-treated rats. However, these neuroprotective effects of CORM-3 were partially inhibited by NS2028. ConclusionCORM-3 may alleviate neuronal pyroptosis and improve neurological recovery in HSR through mitochondrial regulation mediated by the sGC–cGMP pathway. Thus, CO administration could be a promising therapeutic strategy for hemorrhagic shock.