Protein Expression Levels Of NLRP3 Research Articles

The Coptidis Rhizoma and Bovis Calculus herb pair attenuates NASH and inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome activation

The Coptidis Rhizoma and Bovis Calculus herb pair possesses clearing heat and detoxifying effects. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects and mechanisms of the herb pair in the treatment of NASH by network pharmacology and experimental verification. A network pharmacology-based approach was employed to predict the putative mechanism of the herb pair against NASH. The high-fat diet (HFD) and methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet induced NASH models were used to evaluate efficacy and mechanism of the herb pair. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the herb pair modulated NOD-like receptor pathway. In the HFD mice, herb pair reduced body weight, blood sugar, serum ALT, AST, TBA, TC, TG and LDL-C contents, also improved the general morphology and pathological manifestations. Hepatic transcriptomics study showed that herb pair attenuated NASH by regulating NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Western blotting showed that herb pair reduced the protein expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1 and cleaved IL-1β. In the MCD mice, herb pair also reduced serum ALT, ALT and TBA levels, improved liver pathological manifestations, inhibited the protein expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1 and cleaved IL-1β. Our findings proved that the Coptidis Rhizoma and Bovis Calculus herb pair attenuates NASH through suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This will demonstrate effective pharmacological evidence for the clinical application of herb pair.

Qingzhuan dark tea Theabrownin alleviates hippocampal injury in HFD-induced obese mice through the MARK4/NLRP3 pathway

BackgroundFeeding on a high-fat diet (HFD) results in obesity and chronic inflammation, which may have long-term effects on neuroinflammation and hippocampal injury. Theabrownin, a biologically active compound derived from the microbial fermentation of Qingzhuan dark tea, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and lipid-lowering effects. Nevertheless, its potential in neuroprotection has yet to be investigated. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Theabrownin extracted from Qingzhuan dark tea, as well as its potential therapeutic mechanisms. MethodsMale C57 mice were subjected to an 8-week HFD to induce obesity, followed by oral administration of Theabrownin from Qingzhuan dark tea. Lipid levels were detected by Elisa kit, hippocampal morphological damage was evaluated by HE and Nissl staining, and the expression levels of GFAP, IBA1, NLRP3, MARK4, and BAX in the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence (IF), and protein expression levels of NLRP3, MARK4, PSD95, SYN1, SYP, and Bcl-2 were detected by Western Blot (WB). ResultsTheabrownin treatment from Qingzhuan dark tea prevents alterations in body weight and lipid levels in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, Theabrownin decreased hippocampal morphological damage and reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, Theabrownin decreased the expression of MARK4 and NLRP3 in HFD-fed mice. Besides, Theabrownin elevated the expression of PSD95, SYN1, and SYP in HFD-fed obese mice. Finally, Theabrownin prevented neuronal apoptosis, reduced the expression of BAX, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in HFD-fed obese mice. ConclusionsIn summary, our current study presents the first demonstration of the effective protective effect of Theabrownin from Qingzhuan dark tea against HFD-induced hippocampal damage in obese mice. This protection may result from the regulation of the MARK4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, subsequently inhibiting neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal apoptosis.

Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α Through ROS/NLRP3 Pathway Regulates the Mechanism of Acute Ischemic Stroke Microglia Scorching Mechanism.

In vitro experiments explored how the hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) regulates the regulation of pyroptosis in microglial cells (BV 2) in acute ischemic stroke through ROS/NLRP3 pathway. The microglia acute phase oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was established, CCK-8 was applied to determine the optimal timing of intervention modeling. HIF-1α was overexpressed with stabilizer GF-4592 and HIF-1α small molecule interfering RNA (HIF-1α-siRNA), which was divided into group A (blank group), group B (OGD/R model group), group C (model+FG-4592 intervention group), group D (model+siRNA negative control group) and group E (model+HIF-1α-siRNA group). Cell proliferation of different groups was measured by CCK-8 assay. Pyroptosis and intracellular ROS levels were measured by flow cell technology. IL-18, IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA. HIF-1α, GSDMD-D, GSDMD-N, clean-Caspase-1 and NLRP3 protein expression levels were measured by Western blot. On the above experiments, ROS and NLRP3 response experiments were performed to explore how HIF-1α regulates pyroptosis through ROS/NLRP3 pathway. Hypoxia for 6 h then reoxygenation for 12 h was the optimal intervention time. Compared with groups B and D, cell proliferation in group C was significantly enhanced, pyroptosis, intracellular levels of ROS, IL-18, IL-1β and the expression of GSDMD-D, GSDMD-N, clean-Caspase-1, and NLRP3 proteins were significantly decreased in group C (P < 0.05). However, in group E, the performance of these test indicators were exactly the opposite, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Through ROS and NLRP3 response experiments, it was found that HIF-1α Inhibition of Pyroptosis by inhibiting ROS/NLRP3 pathway. Overexpression of HIF-1α factor can inhibit microglia pyroptosis. HIF-1α factor has an inhibitory effect on the ROS/NLRP 3 pathway, which can inhibit the pyroptotic process in microglia.

Shenqi Wenfei Formula alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats with pulmonary qi deficiency syndrome by regulating NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway

To investigate the effects of Shenqi Wenfei (SQWF) Formula on the NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway in pulmonary qi deficiency syndrome rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Rat models of COPD and lung qi deficiency syndrome induced by exposure to cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection were randomized (n=8) for treatment with low-, medium- and high-dose SQWF or Yu Ping Feng (YPF). The changes in body weight, grip strength, lung function, pulmonary pathology, peripheral blood inflammatory cell counts, and levels of inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined. The expressions of proteins associated with the NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway in the lung tissues were determined with RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The rat models of COPD and lung qi deficiency syndrome showed significantly reduced body weight, grip strength and lung function (P<0.01) with severe lung pathologies, increased levels of WBC, NEU% and MON% (P<0.01), decreased LYM% (P<0.01), and increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-18 in the BALF (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD and IL-1β all increased significantly in the lung tissue (P<0.01). Treatment with SQWF and YPF obviously increased body weight and improved grip strength, pulmonary function and lung pathology of the COPD rats (P<0.05). The treatments obviously improved the changes in peripheral blood inflammatory cell counts and inflammatory factors in the BALF of the rat models (P<0.01) and lowered the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD and IL-1β in the lung tissues (P<0.05) without significantly affecting the mRNA levels of caspase-1 and IL-18 (P>0.05), and the effects of SQWF were dose-dependent. SQWF Formula relieves inflammatory response and injury in the lung tissue of COPD rats with pulmonary qi deficiency syndrome possibly by inhibiting pyroptosis through regulating the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.

Shenhuangdan decoction alleviates sepsis-induced lung injury through inhibition of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSepsis-induced lung injury is closely associated with it remarkable morbidity and mortality. Shenhuangdan (SHD) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for sepsis. However, the mechanism of SHD decoction in treating sepsis remains unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SHD decoction on sepsis-induced lung injury and its underlying mechanism. Materials and methodsIn this study, we established a mouse model of sepsis by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Firstly, seven-day survival analysis and histological staining of lung tissue were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SHD decoction on lung injury in septic mice. Multifactor microarray was used to detect cytokine expression changes in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Subsequently, the main components in medicated serum of SHD decoction were inspected by Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The material basis of SHD decoction and potential interaction mechanisms were analysed by systemic pharmacology. To confirm the reliability of network pharmacology for predicting outcomes, we used molecular docking techniques to identify interactions between the core components and targets of SHD. Finally, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to explore the mechanism of SHD decoction through the inhibition of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in septic mice. ResultsSHD was found to be effective in reducing the mortality and alleviating lung pathological damage in septic mice. Multifactor microarray results showed that SHD can reduce the expression of inflammation factors (IL-18, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6 and TNF-α) in serum and BALF of septic mice. There were 22 major blood-entry components detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, combined with the network pharmacological analysis, it is evident that the main components of SHD for sepsis are Renshen-ginsenoside Rh2, Danshen-tanshinone IIA and Dahuang-rhein. The main targets were IL-1β and caspase-1, which were related to GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signalling pathway. Molecular docking exhibited that Renshen-ginsenoside Rh2, Danshen-tanshinone IIA and Dahuang-rhein can closely bind to GSDMD, IL-1β and caspase-1. In addition, TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that SHD alleviated the expression of GSDMD protein. The western blotting showed that SHD significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, cleved caspase-1, caspase-1 and ASC in lung tissue. ConclusionsOur study revealed that SHD improves CLP-induced lung injury by blocking the GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signalling pathway in septic mice. This study provides evidence to support that SHD had a potential therapeutic effect on sepsis.

Phloretin ameliorates heart function after myocardial infarction via NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling

Objectives/AimsInflammation is crucial in structural and electrical remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), affecting cardiac pump function and conduction pathways. Phloretin possesses an anti-inflammation role by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. However, the effects of Phloretin on cardiac contractile and electrical conduction function after MI remained unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential role of Phloretin in a rat model of MI. MethodsRats were assigned into four groups: Sham, Sham+Phloretin, MI and MI+Phloretin, with ad libitum food and water. In the MI and MI+Phloretin groups, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 4 weeks, while the Sham and Sham+Phloretin groups received sham operation. The Sham+Phloretin group and the MI+Phloretin group received oral administration of Phloretin. In vitro, H9c2 cells were subjected to hypoxic conditions to simulate an MI model, with Phloretin for 24 h. Cardiac electrophysiological properties were assessed following MI, including the effective refractory period (ERP), action potential duration (APD)90 and ventricular fibrillation (VF) incidence. Echocardiography evaluated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd), left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDs), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) to assess cardiac function. Serum type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was applied to evaluate the degree of Heart failure (HF). The fibrosis area and severity were assessed by Masson staining and protein expression levels of collagen 3, collagen 1, TGF-β and α-SMA. Western blot analysis estimated the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Pro Caspase-1, Caspase-1, ASC, IL-18, IL-1β, pp38, p38, and Connexin43(Cx43) to elucidate the influence of inflammation on electrical remodeling after MI. ResultsOur findings demonstrate that Phloretin inhibits the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway, leading to the upregulation of Cx43 by limiting p38 phosphorylation, which further decreases susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Additionally, Phloretin attenuated fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation to prevent HF. In vitro experiments also provided strong evidence supporting the inhibitory effects of Phloretin on the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. ConclusionOur results suggest that Phloretin could suppress the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway to reverse structural and electrical remodeling after MI to prevent the occurrence of VAs and HF.

Jiedu Quyu Decoction mitigates monocrotaline-induced right-sided heart failure associated with pulmonary artery hypertension by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRight-side heart failure could accelerate mortality in patients of pulmonary hypertension, Jiedu Quyu Decoction (JDQYF) was used to manage pulmonary hypertension, but its right-sided heart protective effect associated with pulmonary artery hypertension is still unclear. Aim of the studyHere, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of JDQYF on monocrotaline-induced right-sided heart failure associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and investigated the potential mechanism of action. Materials and methodsThe main chemical components of JDQYF were detected and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The effects of JDQYF were investigated using a rat model of monocrotaline-induced right-sided heart failure associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We assessed the morphology of cardiac tissue using histopathology and the structure and function of the right heart using echocardiography. The biomarkers of heart failure, atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide, as well as serum pro-inflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing 3), capase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the right heart tissue were examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. ResultsJDQYF improved ventricular function, alleviated pathological lesions in the right cardiac tissue, reduced the expression levels of biomarkers of heart failure and serum pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18), and downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the right cardiac tissue. ConclusionsJDQYF possesses cardioprotective effect against right heart failure induced by pulmonary arterial hypertension, possibly owing to reduction of cardiac inflammation through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Exploring the effect of Er miao San-containing serum on macrophage polarization through miR-33/NLRP3 pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Er miao San (EMS) has been shown to have good anti-inflammatory effects and is widely used in the clinical treatment of RA. However, the exact mechanism is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to explore that EMS-containing serum affects M1/M2 polarization of macrophages and may be mediated through the microRNA (miRNA)-33/NLRP3 pathway, thereby elucidating the molecular mechanism of EMS treatment of RA. We screened for safe concentrations of EMS-containing serum by using CCK-8 measurement. RAW264.7cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100ng/mL) and interferon-γ (20ng/mL) for 24h to induce M1-type macrophages. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (5mM) was added in the last 30min to activate NLRP3. The content of miR-33 was detected by RT‒qPCR after transfection of the miRNA-33 mimic. The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and Arginase-1 (Arg-1) were detected by Western blot. The contents of IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-18 in serum and cell supernatant were determined by ELISA. The fluorescence intensity of CD86 and CD206 was detected by immunofluorescence. The results showed that EMS-containing serum promoted the protein expression level of Arg-1 and the secretion levels of TGF-β and IL-10, inhibited the levels of iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α, and regulated the balance of pro-inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors. RT‒qPCR results showed that EMS-containing serum could reduce the level of miRNA-33. EMS-containing serum could reduce the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins and downregulate the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-18. These results suggest that EMS exerts its effect on macrophage polarization through the miRNA-33/NLRP3 pathway. EMS-containing serum inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by downregulating miRNA-33, thus preventing the polarization of M1-type macrophages.

Experimental study of cardioprotective effects of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats based on efficacy of "warming and coordinating heart Yang"

This study aimed to parallelly investigate the cardioprotective activity of Cinnamomi Ramulus formula granules(CRFG) and Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules(CCFG) against acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI) and the underlying mechanism based on the efficacy of &quot;warming and coordinating the heart Yang&quot;. Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, CRFG low and high-dose(0.5 and 1.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups, and CCFG low and high-dose(0.5 and 1.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups, with 15 rats in each group. The sham group and the model group were given equal volumes of normal saline by gavage. Before modeling, the drug was given by gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the last administration, the MI/RI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending artery(LAD) for 30 min ischemia followed by 2 h reperfusion except the sham group. The sham group underwent the same procedures without LAD ligation. Heart function, cardiac infarct size, cardiac patho-logy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiac injury enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines were determined to assess the protective effects of CRFG and CCFG against MI/RI. The gene expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), Gasdermin-D(GSDMD), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and interleukin-18(IL-18) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and N-GSDMD were determined by Western blot. The results showed that both CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly improved cardiac function, decreased the cardiac infarct size, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reduced the content of lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), aspartate transaminase(AST), and cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ). In addition, CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in serum. RT-PCR results showed that CRFG and CCFG pretreatment down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, and downstream pyroptosis-related effector substances including GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β in cardiac tissues. Western blot revealed that CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly decreased the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and N-GSDMD in cardiac tissues. In conclusion, CRFG and CCFG pretreatments have obvious cardioprotective effects on MI/RI in rats, and the under-lying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to reduce the cardiac inflammatory response.

Effects and molecular mechanism of exogenous L-carnitine on excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated hepatic pyroptosis in severely scald rats

Effects and molecular mechanism of exogenous L-carnitine on excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated hepatic pyroptosis in severely scald rats

Effects of resveratrol on inhibiting pyroptosis of intestinal cancer cells

Objective: To study the effects of resveratrol (Res) on pyroptosis of colorectal cancer cells . Methods: ①The experiment of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colon cancer (CRC) in mice: 30 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, Azoxymethane (AOM) group, AOM/DSS group, AOM/DSS+Res group and Res group, with 6 mice in each group, the modeling cycle was 70 days in total. Mice in AOM group, AOM/DSS group and AOM/DSS+Res group, at the first day of the first week, were intraperitoneally injected with AOM (10 mg/kg) once, and the ordinary chaw was replaced with high iron feed, and sterile water was given, 1% DSS water was given to AOM/DSS group and AOM/DSS+Res group. The mice in AOM/DSS+Res and Res groups were given resveratrol (50 mg/kg) by oral gavage, When the mold was finished, colon tissue of mice was fixed, embedded and sectionalized. The expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-18 in colon tissues of mice were detected by IHC and Western blot. ②In vitro experiment: HCT 116 cells were given Res (2.4 μg/L) and transfected with miR-31. The Res was divided into 4 groups and labeled with 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h respectively. The transfected cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group, miR-31 mimic group, miR-31 mimic + Res group, miR-31 inhibitor group, miR-31 inhibitor + Res group. The protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-18 and IL-1β were detected by Western blot. Results: Animal experiments: Compared with control group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-18 in AOM/DSS group were increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-18 in AOM/DSS+Res group were significantly lower than those in AOM/DSS group (P<0.01). Cell experiments: Compared with the control group, the protein expressions of NLRP3 (P<0.01), GSDMD-N (P<0.05) and IL-18 (P< 0.01) in miR-31 mimic group were increased significantly. The protein expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD-N and IL-18 in miR-31 inhibitor group were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Res inhibited the pyroptosis of colorectal cancer cells through pyroptosis.

P-658 NLRP3 Inflammasome and polycystic ovarian syndrome – a possible novel association

Abstract Study question Is NLRP3 inflammasome expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and peripheral blood monocytes upregulated in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) compared to healthy controls? Summary answer NLRP3 expression was upregulated in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of women with PCOS compared to controls. What is known already Emerging evidence strongly suggests that PCOS is a chronic inflammatory condition. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes, which act as intracellular regulators of inflammation. It is now well established that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Given the close link between obesity and PCOS, it is plausible to hypothesize that the NLRP3 inflammasome may play a role in PCOS-related chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. This hypothesis has never been investigated before. Study design, size, duration This lab-based study involved reproductive age women (age 18–45years; BMI≤40kg/m2) who were diagnosed with PCOS (n = 24) according to the Rotterdam criteria. A healthy control group of non-PCOS women (n = 13) of similar age and BMI was included. Ethics approval was obtained, and all participants signed a written, informed consent. SAT biopsies were obtained during routine gynaecological surgery through the abdominal skin incision. Blood samples were obtained during surgery or during clinic visits. Participants/materials, setting, methods Blood samples were processed to separate plasma and to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). SAT and PBMCs were analysed using qPCR and Western Blot (WB) to measure the relative gene and protein expression levels of NLRP3, CYP17, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in both groups. ELISA was used to measure concentrations of Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in the plasma. Main results and the role of chance NLRP3 gene expression in SAT was significantly (p = 0.038) higher in PCOS women (2.08±3.5 (n = 12)) compared to controls (0.77±2.9 (n = 8)). Both groups were matched for age (PCOS, 29.4±3.7 vs controls, 30.3±4.0) and BMI (PCOS, 25.4±3.2 vs controls, 26.9±4.3). CYP17 expression was significantly (p = 0.001) higher in PCOS women (4.8±0.1) versus controls (1.5±1.6). There was a moderate positive correlation (r²=0.576, P &amp;lt; 0.05) between SAT NLRP3 and CYP17 expressions. NLRP3 gene expression in PBMCs were not significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) different between non-obese PCOS (-2.64±1.55 (n = 4)), obese PCOS (-2.847±1.85 (n = 8)) and non-PCOS women (0.000±2.67 (n = 5)). Using WB in PBMCs, NLRP3 band had a mean molecular weight of 72.59±5.43kDa with no significant difference between groups, with a trend towards higher levels in PCOS. Using ELISA in PBMCs, NLRP3 levels were not significantly (p = 0.3) different between PCOS (1.53±1.32pg/ml (n = 12)) vs controls (1.03±0.583 (n = 5)). Gene expression levels of Caspase-1, IL-1b and IL-18 in PBMCs were not significantly (P &amp;gt; 0.05) different between groups. Plasma IL-1β levels were significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in PCOS (51.64±91.00ng/ml) vs. controls (0.47±0.93ng/ml). Plasma IL-18 concentrations were not significantly different between PCOS (3.79±0.53μg/ml) vs. controls (4.08±0.21μg/ml). Limitations, reasons for caution One limitation of this study is the lack of data on the protein expression of NLRP3 in the adipose tissue. There was also no data on other inflammasome components in the SAT analysis e.g. Caspase-1. However, all these data were available for the PBMCs. Wider implications of the findings The novel and interesting finding of an increase in NLRP3 in adipose tissue of PCOS women suggests that this inflammasome may play a central role in this common condition. Our study may therefore pave the way to further research to help understand the role of inflammation in PCOS Trial registration number N/A

Vagus nerve stimulation alleviated cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis via \u03b17 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Cumulative evidence suggests that pyroptosis, a new sort of programmed cell death, is closely related to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our previous studies have testified that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was involved in many different neuroprotective and neuroplasticity pathways via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR), a vital node of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway during cerebral I/R injury. We aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of VNS through α7nAchR-mediated inhibition of pyroptosis. Focal cerebral ischemic stroke rat models were obtained by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 120 min. Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome was evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The neurological deficit score, infarct volume, TUNEL staining findings, transmission electron microscopy findings, and expression of inflammatory cytokines were assessed 3 days after I/R injury. Our findings suggested that the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC gradually increased until they peaked on day 3 after I/R injury. VNS inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related molecules and decreased the number of pyroptotic cells and membrane pores. Administration of α7nAchR-antagonist and agonist helped in further assessment of the role of α7nAchR in pyroptosis. α7nAchR-agonist mimicked VNS’s neuroprotective effects on the improvement of neurological deficits, the reduction of infarct volumes, and the inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis after cerebral I/R injury. Conversely, the neuroprotection provided by VNS could be reversed by the administration of α7nAchR-antagonist. In conclusion, VNS-induced neuroprotection via inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis was α7nAchR-dependent, highlighting the pivotal role of α7nAChR in suppressing cellular pyroptosis and neuroinflammation. These findings may allow a better understanding of treatment principles for cerebral I/R injury.

Quercetin ameliorated cardiac injury via reducing inflammatory actions and the glycerophospholipid metabolism dysregulation in a diabetic cardiomyopathy mouse model.

Quercetin has multiple protective effects against cardiometabolic diseases, but the biological mechanisms underlying the benefits in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) are unclear. A mouse DCM model was established by high-fat diet (HFD, 8 months) combined with streptozotocin injection (at the mid-feeding), and quercetin (100 mg per kg per day) was administrated orally after streptozotocin. Our major results indicated that the cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening, mRNA levels of Collagen I and CTGF, and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were reduced (P < 0.05) in DCM mice in response to quercetin intervention. Serum metabolomic analyses identified glycerophospholipid metabolism as the main pathway implicated in the cardiac benefits of quercetin in DCM. Such findings showed that quercetin may ameliorate cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis via reducing inflammatory actions and the glycerophospholipid metabolism dysregulation in DCM.

Antidepressant effect of acidic polysaccharides from Poria and their regulation of neurotransmitters and NLRP3 pathway

The rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) and kept in separate cages for inducing depressive disorder, which was judged by behavioral indicators. The number and morphology of neurons in hippocampal CA3 area and prefrontal cortex were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), dopamine(DA), norepinephrine(NE), glutamic acid(GLU), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of related molecules in NLRP3 pathway. The results showed that compared with the model group, acidic polysaccharides from Poria at the low-, medium-, and high-doses(0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) all improved the depression-like behavior of rats, increased the number of neurons and the levels of BDNF, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA, and NE in the hippocampus, and reduced GLU and serum IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α levels. The mRNA expression levels of ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in each medication group were down-regulated, whereas the protein expression levels of pro-caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18 were up-regulated. All these have indicated that acidic polysaccharides from Poria exerted the antidepressant effect possibly by regulating neurotransmitters and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Protective Effect of the Abelmoschus manihot Flower Extract on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

Background The flower of Abelmoschus manihot (AM) has been widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis. This paper aimed to confirm the therapeutic effect of AM on ulcerative colitis (UC) and explore its mechanism. Methods Mouse models were induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with AM. UC signs, symptoms, colon macroscopic lesion scores, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were observed. Colon levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA. The colon protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase 1 p10, β-arrestin1, ZO-1, occludin-1, and claudin-1 were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1 p10 in the colon were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results After treatment with AM, the mortality of mice, pathological damage to the colon, splenomegaly, and the spleen coefficient were decreased. AM reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-17, and TNF-α) and increased the level of IL-10. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1 in colon tissue were decreased by AM in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, AM also reduced the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase 1 p10, IL-1β, IL-18, and β-arrestin1 in the colon tissue of model mice. Western blot analysis confirmed that AM increased the expression of occludin-1, claudin-1, and ZO-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion This study shows that AM has a significant therapeutic effect on mice with UC, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the β-arrestin1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and the protection of intestinal barrier function.

Mist1 promoted inflammation in colitis model via K+-ATPase NLRP3 inflammasome by SNAI1

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease. Genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota and mucosal immune dysfunction play important roles in the pathogenesis and development of UC. We investigate the effect of Mist1 in model of colitis and its underlying mechanism. The expressions of Mist1 in patients with colitis tissue were up-regulated. Meanwhile, Mist1 mRNA and protein expressions in DSS-induced colitis mice model were also induced and Mist1 mRNA and protein expressions of LPS induced THP-1 cell were also up-regulated. we found Mist1 human protein promoted inflammation in DSS-induced colitis mice by NLRP3. So, we up-regulated Mist1 expression and over-expression of Mist1 promoted IL-1β and NLRP3 protein expression levels in vitro model. However, down-regulation of Mist1 suppressed IL-1β and NLRP3 protein expression levels in vitro model. Next, SNAI1 is a shooting point of Mist1 in the effects of Mist1 in colitis. The inhibition of SNAI1 reduced the effects of Mist1 on NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro model. Activation of SNAI1 induced the effects of Mist1 on NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro model. Lastly, anti-SNAI1 human protein lowered the effects of Mist1 human protein on NLRP3 inflammasome in DSS-induced colitis mice. We demonstrated that Mist1 promoted inflammation in colitis model via NLRP3 inflammasome by SNAI1, whereas the absence of these macrophages led to a significant improvement in colitis treatment.

Golgi phosphoprotein3 promotes the proliferation of gallbladder carcinoma cells via regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been demonstrated to promote tumor progression in various gastrointestinal malignancies. However, its effects in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remain unknown. In the present study, the expression levels of GOLPH3 and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) in human GBC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the clinical data and survival of these patients were analyzed. Next, whether GOLPH3 could affect tumor proliferation via regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated in vitro. The results demonstrated that GOLPH3 could promote GBC cell proliferation, and that it regulated protein expression levels of NLRP3, as well as Caspase-1 P10. Conversely, knockdown of NLRP3 reversed the effects of GOLPH3 overexpression on GBC cell proliferation. GOLPH3 and NLRP3 expression levels were found to be upregulated in GBC tissues and their expression was positively correlated. The expression of GOLPH3 and NLRP3 was associated with the expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67 in tissues, and associated with poor survival, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and C-reactive protein levels in patients with GBC. In summary, these results indicate that GOLPH3 promotes GBC cell proliferation via a NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. GOLPH3 and NLRP3 participate in the process of human GBC growth and may serve as a potential therapeutic targets.

Linarin ameliorates innate inflammatory response in an experimental dry eye model via modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of linarin (LA) in an experimental dry eye model MethodsLA or vehicle was applied in two dry eye models: an in vitro hyperosmotic stress model and an in vivo desiccating stress (DS) murine model. The viability of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was measured using a cell counting kit (CCK-8). Tear secretion was assessed using the phenol red cotton test. The tear break-up time (TBUT) was recorded using 0.1% liquid fluorescein sodium. Corneal epithelial permeability was evaluated through Oregon green dextran (OGD) staining. Conjunctival goblet cells were counted using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transfer dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to quantify apoptotic cells in both models. The expression of Ki-67 was measured in HCECs in the cell model while that of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -9 was measured in the murine model through immunofluorescence staining. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to assess the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the corneal epithelium and NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the conjunctiva. The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the conjunctiva were assessed via Western blot ResultsIn the in vitro model, treatment of HCECs with LA showed no toxicity, increased proliferation, and reduced apoptosis. In the murine model, compared to the control, LA significantly increased tear production and TBUT, improved OGD staining, and increased the number of goblet cells. Topical treatment of LA to mice provided decreased expression of MMP-3, MMP-9, TNF-α, and apoptotic corneal epithelium. Topical administration of LA also suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome in the dry eye disease (DED) murine model by decreasing the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the conjunctiva. ConclusionOur findings support the safety and efficacy of LA in the treatment of DED. LA alleviated corneal epithelial damage and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated immunity in the conjunctiva in a murine model of DED.

Astragaloside IV attenuates TGF-β-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pulmonary fibrosis via suppressing NLRP3 expression in vitro.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe chronic disease. Although astragaloside IV (ASV) is known to have therapeutic effects on PF, the therapeutic targets of ASV require further study. This study was designed to elucidate the regulatory effect of ASV on PF via NLRP3. PF was triggered by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in vitro. The relative activity of TGF-β was measured by luciferase reporter assay. Protein levels were determined by western blotting assay. The NLRP3 expression was analyzed using immunofluorescence analysis. mRNA levels were detected by qRT-PCR. MTT assay was performed to determine cell viability. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to investigate cell migration and invasion. We found that ASV markedly suppressed TGF-β activity, Smad2/3 and NLRP3 protein expression levels. ASV inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion ability. Moreover, ASV mediated downregulation of N-cadherin and Snail and upregulation of E-cadherin, which further suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the effects of ASV and promoted Collagen I, Collagen II and α-SMA protein expressions. In conclusion, ASV efficiently retarded PF progress via suppressing NLRP3 expression in vitro.