The Effect of Shenqi Jianxin Formula （参芪健心方） on Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis in Chronic Heart Failure Model Rats Based on the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Shenqi Jianxin Formula （参芪健心方） in the treatment of chronic heart failure （CHF） from the perspective of pyroptosis. MethodsFifty-two rats were randomly divided into sham operation group （n=8） and modeling group （n=44）. In the modeling group， the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery was ligated to construct CHF rat model. Forty successfully-modelled rats were randomly divided into model group， Entresto group， Shenqi Jianxin Formula group， MCC950 group and the combination group （Shenqi Jianxin Formula plus MCC950）， with 8 rats in each group. In Shenqi Jianxin Formula group， 7.4 g/（kg·d） of Shenqi Jianxin Formula was given by gavage， while in Entresto group， 68 mg/（kg·d） of Entresto suspension was given by gavage； in MCC950 group， MCC950 was injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg once every other day， and in the combination group， 7.4 g/（kg·d） of Shenqi Jianxin Formula was given by gavage， and MCC950 was injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg once every other day； 10 ml/（kg·d） of saline was given by gavage in the sham operation group and the model group. After 3 weeks of continuous intervention， serum brain B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP）， creatine kinase isoenzyme MB （CK-MB）， interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin 18 （IL-18） levels were detected by ELISA； HE staining and MASSON staining were used to observe pathological changes in rat myocardium. Except for the Entresto group， western blot technique was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， caspase-1， and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein possessing a caspase-recruiting domain （ASC）； RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 mRNA. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group， HE staining of rats in the model group showed obvious myocardial injury， while MASSON staining showed increased area of collagen fibrosis， and serum BNP， CK-MB， IL-1β， IL-18， myocardial tissue NLRP3， caspase-1， ASC protein expression and NLRP3， caspase-1 mRNA expression were all elevated （P＜0.05）. Compared with those in the model group， cardiomyocyte injury of rats and collagen fibrosis area were reduced， and serum BNP， CK-MB， IL-1β， and IL-18 contents were all reduced in Shenqi Jianxin Formula group， Entresto group， MCC950 group， and the combination group； except for Entresto group， myocardial tissue NLRP3， caspase-1， ASC protein expression and NLRP3， caspase-1 mRNA expression were reduced in the remaining three medication group （P＜0.05）. Compared with Shenqi Jianxin Formula group， the MCC950 group and the combination group showed decreased serum IL-1β and IL-18 content， collagen fibrosis area， myocardial tissue NLPR3， caspase-1 protein expression， and caspase-1 mRNA expression， and decreased ASC and NLRP3 mRNA expression was shown in the combination group （P＜0.05）. Compared with MCC950 group， collagen fibrosis area was reduced， and serum IL-18 content， NLRP3， caspase-1 mRNA expression were reduced in the combination group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionShenqi Jianxin Formula can effectively improve the myocardial injury and heart failure in rats with CHF， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through NLPR3/Caspase-1 pathway to reduce the level of intramyocardial inflammation. The combined use of MCC950 with Shenqi Jianxin Formula could more effectively inhibite myocardial pyroptosis， with better therapeutic result than single use of each part.

Effect of Salvianolic Acid B Combined with Puerarin on Pyroptosis of SH-SY5Y Cells Injured by Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B combined with puerarin in protecting the SH-SY5Y cells from the damage by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation （OGD/R） based on pyroptosis. MethodSH-SY5Y cells were used to establish the model of OGD/R， and cells were classified into the control， OGD/R， 10 μmol·L-1 salvianolic acid B， 100 μmol·L-1 puerarin， 10 μmol·L-1 salvianolic acid B + 100 μmol·L-1 puerarin， and 10 μmol·L-1 NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inhibitor MCC950 groups. Except the control group， other groups were rapidly reoxygenated for 12 h after 6 h OGD for modeling. The cell survival rate was determined by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. An optical microscope was used to observe the cell morphology. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the content of lactic dehydrogenase （LDH） in culture supernatant. Cell damage was measured by Hoechst/PI staining. The mRNA levels of NLRP3， cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein （ASC）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein activation of Caspase-1 and NLRP3 was detected by immunofluorescence. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of IL-1β， ASC， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and cleaved Caspase-1. ResultCompared with the control group， the OGD/R group showed decreased cell survival rate （P<0.01）， damaged cell morphology， increased leakage rate of LDH （P<0.01）， up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， GSDMD， ASC， and IL-1β （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein levels of IL-1β， ASC， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and cleaved Caspase-1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the OGD/R group， salvianolic acid B， puerarin， and salvianolic acid B combined with puerarin improved cell survival rate （P<0.01）， and the combined treatment group outperformed salvianolic acid B and puerarin used alone （P<0.01）. Salvianolic acid B combined with puerarin and MCC950 both improved cell morphology， reduced the leakage of LDH （P<0.01）， alleviated cell damage， and down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， GSDMD， ASC， and IL-1β （P<0.05， P<0.01） and also the protein levels of IL-1β， ASC， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and cleaved Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe results indicated that salvianolic acid B combined with puerarin can alleviate the OGD/R-induced damage of SH-SY5Y cells by inhibiting pyroptosis.

Acidic Environment Induces Pyroptosis of NLRP3 Inflammatory Vesicle-Mediated Nucleus Pulposus Cells Through Up-Regulation of POSTN Expression

SUMMARY: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is induced by nucleus pulposus (NP) dysfunction as a result of massive loss of NP cells. It has been reported that the acidic microenvironment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) can induce NP cell pyroptosis, and that up-regulation of periostin (POSTN) expression has a negative effect on NP cell survival. However, the relationship between the acidic environment, POSTN expression level and NP cell pyroptosis is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between acidic environment and POSTN expression level in NP cells, as well as the effect of POSTN in acidic environment on NP cell pyroptosis. NP cells were obtained from the lumbar vertebrae of Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats. These cells were divided into normal and acidic groups according to whether they were exposed to 6 mM lactic acid solution. And NP cells in the acidic group were additionally divided into three groups: (1) Blank group: no transfection; (2) NC group: cells transfected with empty vector plasmid; (3) sh-POSTN group: cells transfected with sh-POSTN plasmid to knock down the expression level of POSTN. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot was performed to assess the expression of POSTN at the mRNAand protein levels. CCK8 was used to evaluate cell survival. Western blot, in addition, was performed to examine acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)-related proteins. And pyroptosis was detected by ELISA and western blot. The expression level of POSTN was significantly increased in NP cells in acidic environment. Knockdown of POSTN expression promoted the survival of NP cells in acidic environment and reduced the protein levels of ASIC3 and ASIC1a in NP cells. Moreover, knockdown of POSTN expression decreased the pyroptosis proportion of NP cells and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The levels of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, and cleaved-GSDMD were also affected by the decreased POSTN expression. The extracellular acidic environment created by lactic acid solution activated NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle-induced caspase-1 to get involved in NP cell pyroptosis by up-regulating POSTN expression.

La degeneración del disco intervertebral (DDIV) es inducida por una disfunción del núcleo pulposo (NP) como resultado de una pérdida masiva de células NP. Se ha informado que el microambiente ácido del disco intervertebral (DIV) puede inducir la piroptosis de las células NP y que la regulación positiva de la expresión de periostina (POSTN) tiene un efecto negativo en la supervivencia de las células NP. Sin embargo, la relación entre el ambiente ácido, el nivel de expresión de POSTN y la piroptosis de las células NP es poco clara. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación entre el ambiente ácido y el nivel de expresión de POSTN en células NP, así como el efecto de POSTN en ambiente ácido sobre la piroptosis de las células NP. Las células NP se obtuvieron de las vertebras lumbares de ratas macho Sprague Dawley (SD). Estas células se dividieron en grupos normales y ácidos según se expusieron a una solución de ácido láctico 6 mM. Las células NP en el grupo ácido se dividieron adicionalmente en tres grupos: (1) Grupo en blanco: sin transfección; (2) grupo NC: células transfectadas con plásmido vector vacío; (3) grupo sh-POSTN: células transfectadas con plásmido sh-POSTN para reducir el nivel de expresión de POSTN. Se realizó una PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real (qRT-PCR) y una transferencia Western para evaluar la expresión de POSTN en los niveles de ARNm y proteína. Se utilizó CCK8 para evaluar la supervivencia celular. Además, se realizó una transferencia Western para examinar las proteínas relacionadas con los canales iónicos sensibles al ácido (ASIC). La piroptosis se detectó mediante ELISA y Western blot. El nivel de expresión de POSTN aumentó significativamente en células NP en ambiente ácido. La eliminación de la expresión de POSTN promovió la supervivencia de las células NP en un ambiente ácido y redujo los niveles de proteína de ASIC3 y ASIC1a en las células NP. Además, la eliminación de la expresión de POSTN disminuyó la proporción de piroptosis de las células NP y los niveles de citocinas proinflamatorias interleucina (IL) - 1β e IL-18. Los niveles de proteínas relacionadas con la piroptosis NLRP3, ASC, Caspasa-1 escindida y GSDMD escindida también se vieron afectados por la disminución de la expresión de POSTN. El ambiente ácido extracelular creado por la solución de ácido láctico activó la caspasa-1 inducida por vesículas inflamatorias NLRP3 para involucrarse en la piroptosis de las células NP mediante la regulación positiva de la expresión de POSTN.

Circular RNA protein tyrosine kinase 2 aggravates pyroptosis and inflammation in septic lung tissue by promoting microRNA-766/eukaryotic initiation factor 5A axis-mediated ATP efflux

Purpose: Sepsis is characterized by an acute inflammatory response to infection, often with multiple organ failures, especially severe lung injury. This study was implemented to probe circular RNA (circRNA) protein tyrosine kinase 2 (circPTK2)-associated regulatory mechanisms in septic acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: A cecal ligation and puncture-based mouse model and an lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-based alveolar type II cell (RLE-6TN) model were generated to mimic sepsis. In the two models, inflammation- and pyroptosisrelated genes were measured. Results: The degree of lung injury in mice was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and the apoptosis was by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining. In addition, pyroptosis and toxicity were detected in cells. Finally, the binding relationship between circPTK2, miR-766, and eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) was detected. Data indicated that circPTK2 and eIF5A were up-regulated and miR-766 was down-regulated in LPS-treated RLE-6TN cells and lung tissue of septic mice. Lung injury in septic mice was ameliorated after inhibition of circPTK2. Conclusion: It was confirmed in the cell model that knockdown of circPTK2 effectively ameliorated LPS-induced ATP efflux, pyroptosis, and inflammation. Mechanistically, circPTK2 mediated eIF5A expression by competitively adsorbing miR-766. Taken together, circPTK2/ miR-766/eIF5A axis ameliorates septic ALI, developing a novel therapeutic target for the disease.

Inhibitory effect of long non-coding RNA Neat1 on ultraviolet B-induced pyroptosis of human lens epithelial cells and its mechanism / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (Neat1) in pyroptosis of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced human lens epithelial cells (LECs) and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods:The human lens epithelial cell line HLE-B3 was cultured in vitro, and cells at log phase were exposed to ultraviolet B for 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours, respectively.The expression of cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease-1 (caspase-1), a protein related to pyroptosis, was detected by Western blot.The relative expression level of Neat1 in cells after different irradiation durations was determined by real-time quantitative PCR.Cell viability was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to screen the optimal irradiation duration for UVB-induced LECs pyroptosis, which was finally determined to be 4 hours.HLE-B3 cells were divided into negative siRNA transfection group, siRNA Neat1 transfection group, negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group, and were transfected with corresponding reagents for 24 hours.The negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group were irradiated with UVB for 4 hours after transfection.The cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 method.The pyroptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.The expression levels of caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) proteins were detected by Western blot.The concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ultrastructural changes in HLE-B3 cells were observed under a transmission electron microscope. Results:The grayscale of caspase-1 protein bands increased with the extension of irradiation duration.The relative expression levels of caspase-1 protein at 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours of irradiation were 0.05±0.01, 0.25±0.07, 0.51±0.04 and 0.74±0.02, respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=168.223, P<0.001), and significant differences were found in paired comparisons (all at P<0.05). With prolonged irradiation, the relative expression level of Neat1 mRNA increased and the cell viability decreased, with statistically significant differences in paired comparisons (all at P<0.05). Compared with negative siRNA transfection group, the cell viability was increased in siRNA Neat1 transfection group and decreased in negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group, with statistically significant differences (both at P<0.01). Compared with negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group, the cell viability was increased in siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group, showing a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The pyroptosis rate was significantly lower in negative siRNA transfection group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group than in negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.01). The relative expression levels of caspase-1, NLRP3 and GSDMD proteins in negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group were higher than those in negative siRNA transfection group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.01). The concentration of IL-1β was significantly higher in negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group than in negative siRNA transfection group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Cell swelling, formed cell membrane pores, vacuolated cells and fuzzy mitochondrial cristae were seen in negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group and siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group by transmission electron microscopy.Compared with negative siRNA transfection+ irradiation group, slighter cell swelling, fewer cell membrane pores and lighter mitochondrial swelling were seen in siRNA Neat1 transfection+ irradiation group. Conclusions:Neat1 is involved in human LECs pyroptosis induced by UVB through the classic pyroptosis pathway mediated by caspase-1.Knockdown of Neat1 can inhibit the pyroptosis of human LECs.

Protective effect of NLRP12 knockdown on retinal damage in rats with ocular hypertension and its mechanism of inhibiting cell pyroptosis / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 12 (NLRP12) knockdown on inflammatory factor levels and retinal injury in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rats with high intraocular pressure.Methods:Seventy SPF adult male SD rats were selected and randomized into control group, high intraocular pressure (IOP) group, high IOP+ small interfering RNA negative control (siNC) group, high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and high IOP+ siNLRP12+ recombinant rat caspase-1 (rrcaspase-1) group, with 14 rats in each group.Rats in the control group were only treated with conjunctival incision in the right eye, and ocular hypertension model was established in the other four groups with external scleral vein cauterization.High IOP+ siNC group, high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group were injected with siNC, siNLRP12 and siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 reagent via the tail vein, respectively.The IOP of the right eye was measured at 1 day, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the operation.Three weeks after the operation, the retinal structure was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the number of RGCs in each group was counted.RGCs were divided into control group, rrcaspase-1 group, siNC+ rrcaspase-1 group, siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group.The cells in rrcaspase-1 group, siNC+ rrcaspase-1 group and siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group were treated with rrcaspase-1, siNC+ rrcaspase-1 and siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 reagent for 24 hours, respectively.No treatment was given to the control group.The expression levels of NLRP12, caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1 proteins in RGCs and retinal tissue were detected by Western blot.The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat serum or cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou (No.2020086).Results:Compared with control group, the IOP was higher in high IOP group at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after cauterization, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The retinal tissue was clear with the RGCs in a single layer arrangement in the control group.In the high IOP group and the high IOP+ siNC group, the RGCs layer was loose and the inner plexiform layer was thin.The inner plexiform layer was thickened in high IOP+ siNLRP12 group compared with high IOP group, and the RGCs layer was loose in the high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and the high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group.The number of RGCs in control group, high IOP group, high IOP+ siNC group, high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group was 119.31±23.25, 89.19±16.98, 88.87±13.92, 109.33±10.25 and 92.89±12.58, respectively, showing a statistically significant overall difference ( F=201.932, P<0.001). The number of RGCs was lower in the high IOP group, high IOP+ siNC group, high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group than the control group, higher in the high IOP+ siNLRP12 group than the high IOP+ siNC group, and lower in the high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group than the high IOP+ siNLRP12 group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The relative expressions of caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1 proteins and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the retinal tissue were higher in high IOP group, high IOP+ siNC group, high IOP+ siNLRP12 group and high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group than control group, higher in high IOP+ siNLRP12 group than high IOP+ siNC group, and higher in high IOP+ siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group than high IOP+ siNLRP12 group (all at P<0.05). Relative expression levels of caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1 protein were increased in rrcaspase-1 group and siNC+ rrcaspase-1 group compared with control group, and relative expression levels of NLRP12, caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1 protein were decreased in siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group compared with control group (all at P<0.05). The relative mass concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased in rrcaspase-1 group, siNC+ rrcaspase-1 group and siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group compared with the control group (all at P<0.05). Relative expression levels of NLRP12, caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1 proteins and relative mass concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in siNLRP12+ rrcaspase-1 group were lower than those in siNC+ rrcaspase-1 group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Knockdown of NLRP12 can reduce the inflammatory response and retinal injury induced by high IOP by inhibiting the activation of caspase-1.

Study on the mechanism of miRNA-20a in regulating lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of A549 cells / 中国新生儿科杂志

Methods:Cultured human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were assigned into LPS group and blank control group. LPS group was stimulated with LPS and adenosine triphosphate to induce pyroptosis and inflammation. A549 cells were divided into 4 groups: miR-20a mimics group, mimics-negative control (NC) group, inhibitor group and inhibitor-NC group. MiRNA-20a mimics, mimics-NC, inhibitor, and inhibitor-NC were transfected respectively into A549 cells, and after 24 h, the cells were collected to verify transfection efficiency by qPCR. MiRNA-20a mimics and the constructed TLR4-3'UTR double luciferase reporter plasmid were co-transfected into A549 cells, and luciferase activity was analyzed. MiRNA-20a mimics/inhibitors were transfected into A549 cells, and then the cells were stimulated by LPS for 8 h followed by adenosine triphosphate for 30 min. QPCR, Western Blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of GSDMD, inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) and Signaling molecules (TLR4、NF-κB) in A549 cells at mRNA level and protein level. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of TLR4 in the A549 cells and NF-κB in the nucleus of A549 cells after transfecting with miRNA-20a mimics/inhibitor.Results:The mRNA and protein expression of pyroptosis marker molecule (GSDMD) and inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) in A549 cells stimulated with LPS were significantly higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The expression of miRNA-20 in the mimics group was significantly higher than that in the mimic-NC group ( P<0.05), while the expression of miRNA-20a in the inhibitor group was lower than that in the inhibitor-NC group ( P<0.01). The double luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that the relative fluorescence value of the co-transfection group for TLR4-3'UTR-WT and miRNA-20a mimics was significantly lower than the co-transfection group for TLR4-3'UTR-WT and miRNA-20a mimics-NC ( P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of pyroptosis marker molecule (GSDMD) , inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) and signaling molecules (TLR4, NF-κB) were decreased in the mimics group compared to the mimics-NC group, and increased in inhibitor group compared to inhibitor-NC group. Conclusions:miRNA-20a may inhibit LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of A549 cells via TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.Objetive:To explore the potential role of miRNA-20a in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pyroptosis and inflamation of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells and its regulation mechanisim.

The effects of a novel brain-derived peptide HIBDAP regulating the pyroptosis of oxygen-glucose deprived microglia / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the role of a novel brain-derived peptide hypoxic-ischemic brain damage associated peptide (HIBDAP) in regulating pyroptosis of oxygen-glucose deprived (OGD) microglia.Methods:The sequence of HIBDAP was coupled with the sequence of cell-penetrating peptide transactivator of transcription (TAT) to form TAT-HIBDAP. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled TAT-HIBDAP was added to microglia cells and observed under fluorescence microscope. Microglia cells were treated with different concentrations of TAT-HIBDAP (1, 5, 10, 20 μmol/L) and then OGD process. Cell pyroptosis was analyzed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The concentration of TAT-HIBDAP with the most prominent inhibiting effects was determined and selected for subsequent experiments. The pyroptosis morphology of the control group, the OGD group and the HIBDAP group (5 μmol/L TAT-HIBDAP+OGD) was observed using transmission electron microscope. The mRNA and protein expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes were examined using real-time quantitative PCR and Western Blot analysis.Results:Fluorescence microscope showed FITC-labeled TAT-HIBDAP could successfully enter microglia cells. Compared with the OGD group, low concentrations of TAT-HIBDAP (1, 5, 10 μmol/L) could significantly reduce microglia pyroptosis and the concentration of 5 μmol/L showed the most prominent effects. Compared with the control group, OGD group showed typical pyroptosis morphology and HIBDAP group showed significantly improved morphology. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the OGD group were significantly higher than the control group and also the HIBDAP group.Conclusions:The novel brain-derived peptide HIBDAP may reduce the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes and inhibit the pyroptosis of OGD microglia.

Research progress of pyroptosis in the treatment of gastric cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Pyroptosis belongs to the programmed cell death of inflammatory cells, which is regulated by GSDMD (Caspase-1,-4,-5-11) and GSDME (Caspase-3, granzyme). Multiple regulatory pathways of pyroptosis are abnormally expressed in gastric cancer cells, indicating that pyroptosis is closely related to gastric cancer and has the potential to become a new target for gastric cancer treatment. Combined with current mainstream treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, it may improve clinical treatment effect of gastric cancer. This article reviews the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis, the related research on gastric cancer and pyroptosis, and the related research on pyroptosis and gastric cancer treatment to explore the possibility of pyroptosis as a new target for gastric cancer, and to provide new research ideas for gastric cancer treatment.

Role of ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in high glucose-induced pyroptosis of human embryonic trophoblast cells / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in pyroptosis of human embryonic trophoblast cells induced by high glucose.Methods:Human embryonic trophoblast cells were cultured in vitro to establish high glucose injury model, and they were randomly divided into control group, high glucose (HG) group and HG + ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (HG + NAC) group. MTT assay was used to detect the cell survival rate. The level of ROS in each group was detected by dihydroethidine ROS fluorescence probe. Expression of TXNIP and NLRP3 mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, Caspase-1, interleukin (IL) -1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and GSDMD proteins. In addition, pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results:The optimal glucose concentration for high glucose-induced injury of human embryonic trophoblast cells was 30 mmol/L. Compared with the control group (96.27±3.10) %, the survival rate of human embryonic trophoblast cells in HG group (55.44±2.15) % was significantly lower ( P<0.05), while the fluorescence intensity (ROS level) of 7 'dichlorofluorescein (DCF), the expression levels of TXNIP and NLRP3 proteins, the number of pyroptosis, expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins were significantly higher ( P<0.05) ; Compared with HG group, the survival rate of human embryonic trophoblast cells in HG+NAC group (84.75±2.33) % was significantly higher ( P<0.05), the fluorescence intensity (ROS level) of DCF, the expression levels of TXNIP and NLRP3 proteins, the number of pyroptosis, and expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins were significantly lower ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Inhibition of ROS level in human embryonic trophoblast cells induced by high glucose may promote cell proliferation and reduce the occurrence of pyroptosis by inhibiting TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Current status of GSDME research in malignant tumors / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death distincted from apoptosis and necrosis, which is accompanied by the lysis of cell membranes and the release of cell contents. Pyroptosis occurs as mediated by Gasdermin protein family and is dependent on the activity of caspase. GSDME is one of the most important members of the Gasdermin protein superfamily. GSDME-mediated pyroptosis relies on the activity of caspase-3. In recent years, with further research on pyroptosis, the mechanism of GSDME-induced pyroptosis is becoming clear. Numerous studies have shown that GSDME-mediated pyroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, as well as chemotherapy resistance. However, GSDME-mediated pyroptosis has no specificity and can induce pyroptosis of normal cells in the body while inducing tumor cell pyroptosis, thus causing different degrees of damage to various organs of the body. Further study on the mechanism of GSDME-induced pyroptosis, the role of GSDME in malignant tumors and the adverse reactions of chemotherapy can provide new ideas for tumor monitoring, treatment and prognosis judgment.

Progress of the role and molecular mechanism of pyroptosis in leukemia / 国际儿科学杂志

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death in recent years.The researches show that pyroptosis plays an important role in many diseases.Leukemia is a malignant hematopoietic stem cell disease, which seriously threatens the health and life of children.Numerous studies have shown that pyroptosis is associated with the occurrence and development of leukemia, and elucidation the mechanism of pyroptosis in leukemia will provide a new method of clinical treatment.In this review, in order to enhance the understanding of the mechanism of pyroptosis and provide some ideas for the treatment of leukemia, the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis and its role in leukemia are reviewed.

Naoluo Xintong Decoction activates caspase-1/Gasdermin D pathway to promote angiogenesis of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction (NLXTD) on pyroptosis and angiogenesis of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and explore the possible mechanisms in rats with oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reperfusion (OGD/R).@*METHODS@#Rat BMECs with or without caspase-1 siRNA transfection were cultured in the presence of 10% medicated serum from NLXTD-treated rats (or blank serum) and exposed to OGD/R. CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, and tube formation assay were used to assess proliferation, migration, and tube-forming abilities of the cells. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture supernatant was determined using a commercial assay kit, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were detected with ELISA. The cellular expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, Gasdermin D, and angiogenesis-related proteins VEGF and VEGFR2 were detected using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The BMECs showed obvious injuries after OGD/R exposure. Compared with the blank serum, the medicated serum significantly improved the cell viability, migration ability, and lumen-forming ability (P < 0.01) and lowered the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and the LDH release (P < 0.01) of the cells with OGD/R exposure. Western blotting showed that in the BMECs exposed to OGD/R, the medicated serum strongly upregulated the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 proteins (P < 0.01) and reduced the protein expressions of pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, NLRP3, and Gasdermin D (P < 0.01), and transfection of the cells with caspase-1 siRNA further promoted the expressions of VEGFR2 protein in the cells (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#NLXTD can improve the proliferation, migration, and tube- forming ability and promote angiogenesis of BMECs with OGD/R injury probably by inhibiting the caspase-1/Gasdermin D pathway in pyroptosis, alleviating cell injury, and upregulating the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2.

LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells by recruiting ELAVL1 / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA LINC00926 in pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#HUVECs were transfected with a LINC00926-overexpressing plasmid (OE-LINC00926), a siRNA targeting ELAVL1, or both, followed by exposure to hypoxia (5% O2) or normoxia. The expression of LINC00926 and ELAVL1 in hypoxia-treated HUVECs was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the levels of IL-1β in the cell cultures was determined with ELISA. The protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1 and NLRP3) in the treated cells were analyzed using Western blotting, and the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1 was verified with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to hypoxia obviously up-regulated the mRNA expression of LINC00926 and the protein expression of ELAVL1 in HUVECs, but did not affect the mRNA expression of ELAVL1. LINC00926 overexpression in the cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased IL-1β level and enhanced the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins (all P < 0.05). LINC00926 overexpression further up-regulated the protein expression of ELAVL1 in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs. The results of RIP assay confirmed the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1. ELAVL1 knockdown significantly decreased IL-1β level and the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs (P < 0.05), while LINC00926 overexpression partially reversed the effects of ELAVL1 knockdown.@*CONCLUSION@#LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced HUVECs by recruiting ELAVL1.

Progress of Different Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Kidney Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically determined, active and orderly cell death in the organism, and it affects the evolution of the organism, maintenance of its homeostasis, and development of several tissues and organs. The abnormal regulation of this process is closely related to various human diseases, including cancer. The identified pathways of PCD include apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, which can be activated when cells are stimulated by various internal and external environmental factors. These pathways can induce cell death or maintain cell survival in kidney cancer cells under the regulation of various signaling molecules, thus affecting tumor progression or therapeutic efficacy. In this paper, the role of these PCD pathways in the development of kidney cancer was reviewed in light of recent research advances to provide new directions for the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of kidney cancer and the development of targeted antitumor drugs.

Maresin1 inhibits the NF-κB/caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway to alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the role of Maresin1 (MaR1) in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). Methods: The HIRI model was established and randomly divided into a sham operation group (Sham group), an ischemia-reperfusion group (IR group), and a MaR1 ischemia-reperfusion group (MaR1+IR group). MaR1 80ng was intravenously injected into each mouse's tail veins 0.5h before anesthesia. The left and middle hepatic lobe arteries and portal veins were opened and clamped. The blood supply was restored after 1h of ischemia. After 6h of reperfusion, the mice were sacrificed to collect blood and liver tissue samples. The Sham's group abdominal wall was only opened and closed. RAW267.4 macrophages were administered with MaR1 50ng/ml 0.5h before hypoxia, followed by hypoxia for 8h and reoxygenation for 2h, and were divided into the control group, the hypoxia-reoxygenation group (HR group), the MaR1 hypoxia-reoxygenation group (MaR1 + HR group), the Z-DEVD-FMK hypoxia-reoxygenation group (HR+Z group), the MaR1 + Z-DEVD-FMK hypoxia-reoxygenation group (MaR1 + HR + Z group), and the Con group without any treatment. Cells and the supernatant above them were collected. One-way analysis of variance was used for inter-group comparisons, and the LSD-t test was used for pairwise comparisons. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in the IR group were significantly higher (P < 0.05), with remarkable pathological changes, while the level in the MaR1 + IR group was lower than before (P < 0.05), and the pathological changes were alleviated. Compared with the Con group, the HR group had higher levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P < 0.05), while the MaR1 + HR group had lower levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that the expressions of caspase-3, GSDME, and GSDME-N were significantly higher in the HR group and IR group than in the other groups; however, the expression was lower following MaR1 pretreatment. The Z-DEVD-FMK exploration mechanism was inhibited by the expression of caspase-3 in HIRI when using MaR1. Compared with the HR group, the IL-1β and IL-18 levels and the expressions of caspase-3, GSDME, and GSDME-N in the HR + Z group were decreased (P < 0.05), while the expression of nuclear factor κB was increased, but following MaR1 pretreatment, nuclear factor κB was decreased. There was no significant difference in the results between the MaR1 + H/R group and the MaR1 + H/R + Z group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: MaR1 alleviates HIRI by inhibiting NF-κB activation and caspase-3/GSDME-mediated inflammatory responses.

Construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on pyroptosis-related genes / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To study the construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). Methods: HCC patient datasets were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a prognostic model was constructed by applying univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkages and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. According to the median risk score, HCC patients in the TCGA dataset were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, and nomograms were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the prognostic models. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed on differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Finally, two HCC datasets (GSE76427 and GSE54236) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to externally validate the prognostic value of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis or Wilcoxon tests were performed on the data. Results: A total of 366 HCC patients were included after screening the HCC patient dataset obtained from the TCGA database. A prognostic model related to HCC was established using univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and seven genes (CASP8, GPX4, GSDME, NLRC4, NLRP6, NOD2, and SCAF11). 366 cases were evenly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the survival time between patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA, GSE76427, and GSE54236 datasets (median overall survival time was 1 149 d vs. 2 131 d, 4.8 years vs. 6.3 years, and 20 months vs. 28 months, with P = 0.000 8, 0.034 0, and 0.0018, respectively). ROC curves showed good survival predictive value in both the TCGA dataset and two externally validated datasets. The areas under the ROC curves of 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.719, 0.65, and 0.657, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score of the prognostic model was an independent predictor of overall survival time in HCC patients. The risk model score accurately predicted the survival probability of HCC patients according to the established nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis showed that the immune status of the high-risk group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The prognostic model constructed in this study based on seven PRGs accurately predicts the prognosis of HCC patients.

Effect of caloric restriction on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice and its mechanism / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effect of caloric restriction(CR)on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)in mice and its mechanism.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into normal diet group(AL group,free feeding)and CR group(diet decreased by 10% every 2 weeks)for 8 weeks and monitored for weight changes.Each group was divided into sham operation group and MI/RI group,total 4 groups,AL + Sham group,AL + I/R group,CR + Sham group and CR + I/R group).The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 24 hours in mice of MI/RI group and mice in Sham group were only threaded but not ligated.The mice were determined for myocardial ischemia and infarct size by Evans blue/TTC staining,observed for the pathology of myocardium by HE staining,determined for the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the contents of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and malondialdehvde(MDA)in myocardium by the corresponding kits,determined for serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 by ELISA and detected for the expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins in myocardium by Western blot.Results After 8weeks,the weights of mice in CR group[(24.54 ± 0.41)g]were significantly lower than those in AL group[(31.46 ±0.25)g](t = 14.34,P<0.05).Compared with those in AL + I/R group,the area of myocardial ischemia in CR + I/R group showed no significant difference(t = 0.783 0,P>0.05),while the area of myocardial infarction decreased significantly(t = 7.250,P<0.01);The myocardial arrangement was relatively neat,and the degree of pathological changes was obviously reduced;LDH activity,CK-MB and MDA contents decreased significantly(t = 4.331,2.875 and 5.343 respectively,each P<0.05),while SOD activity increased significantly(t = 4.211,P<0.05);Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 decreased significantly(t = 3.375 and 4.266 respectively,each P<0.05);The expression levels of nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),gasdermin D(GSDMD),apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein(ASC)and caspase-1 significantly decreased(t = 3.412,3.420,3.480 and 2.585 respectively,each P<0.05).Conclusion CR alleviated MI/RI in mice,and its mechanism was related to the inhibition of cardiac pyroptosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Ulcerative Colitis via NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ulcerative colitis （UC） mainly occurs in the colon and rectum， with complex pathological mechanism. The occurrence of ulcerative colitis is associated with the uncontrollable inflammatory response of the intestine. The Western medicine therapy of UC mainly uses glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants to reduce intestinal inflammation. While blocking the progress of UC to a certain extent， it causes severe adverse reactions. More and more studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of UC and can significantly reduce the recurrence of the disease. Pyroptosis， a novel form of cell death， can destroy cell structure， release intracellular pro-inflammatory substances， and mediate intestinal immune response in UC. TCM can promote pyroptosis （removing excess） or inhibit pyroptosis （replenishing deficiency）， which is consistent with the regulation of Yin and Yang. TCM plays a role in the treatment of UC mainly by inhibiting pyroptosis （replenishing deficiency） and reducing intestinal immune response. In recent years， a large number of studies have been carried out to decipher the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of UC via NOD-like receptor protein domain 3 （NLRP3）-mediated pyroptosis pathway. The results have demonstrated that NLRP3 pathway is the key target of TCM in the treatment of UC. However， a comprehensive summary remains to be carried out on the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway by TCM in the treatment of UC. Therefore， we retrieved the articles in this field in recent years with the keywords "pyroptosis"， "NLRP3"， "ulcerative colitis"， and "Chinese medicine". The Chinese medicines regulating NLRP3 pathway mainly have the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness， harmonizing Qi and blood， moving Qi and dredging fu-organs， and invigorating spleen and removing dampness. The findings can help researchers to fully understand the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of UC via the NLRP3 pathway and provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of UC and further drug development.

Effect of Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor on THP-1 macrophages / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF) on THP-1 macrophages.. Methods Recombinant TvMIF protein was prokaryotic expressed and purified, and endotoxin was removed after identification. Following exposure to TvMIF at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ng/mL, the cytotoxicity of the recombinant TvMIF protein to THP-1 macrophages was tested using cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay, and the apoptosis of THP-1 macrophages and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using flow cytometry. The relative expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 genes was quantified using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, and the expression of caspase-1, NLRP3, gasdermin D (GSDMD), gasdermin D N-terminal (GSDMD-NT) and pro-IL-1β proteins were determined using Western blotting assay. Results Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) displayed successful expression and purification of the recombinant TvMIF protein with a molecular weight of 15.5 kDa, and the endotoxin activity assay showed the successful removal of endotoxin in the recombinant TvMIF protein (endotoxin concentration < 0.1 EU/mL), which was feasible for the subsequent studies on protein functions. Flow cytometry revealed that the recombinant TvMIF protein at a concentration of 10 ng/mL and less promoted the apoptosis of THP-1 macrophages, and the highest apoptotic rate of THP-1 macrophages was seen following exposure to the recombinant TvMIF protein at a concentration of 5 ng/mL, while the recombinant TvMIF protein at concentrations of 50 and100 ng/mL inhibited the apoptosis of THP-1 macrophages. Exposure to the recombinant TvMIF protein at a concentration 1 ng/mL resulted in increased ROS levels in THP-1 macrophages. qPCR assay quantified significantly elevated caspase-1, NLRP3, IL-18 and IL-1β expression in THP-1 macrophages 8 hours post-treatment with the recombinant TvMIF protein at a concentration 1 ng/mL, and Western blotting determined increased caspase-1, NLRP3, pro-IL-1β, GSDMD and GSDMD-NT protein expression in THP-1 macrophages following exposure to the recombinant TvMIF protein at a concentration 1 ng/mL. Pretreatment with MCC950 significantly reduced GSDMD and GSDMD-NT protein expression. Conclusions High-concentration recombinant TvMIF protein inhibits macrophage apoptosis, while low-concentration recombinant TvMIF protein activates NLRP3 inflammasome and promotes macrophage pyroptosis.