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Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a difficult intestinal disease characterized by inflammation, and its mechanism is complex and diverse. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPT2) plays an important regulatory role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of ANGPT2 in UC has not been reported so far. After exploring the expression level of ANGPT2 in serum of UC patients, the reaction mechanism of ANGPT2 was investigated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mice. After ANGPT2 expression was suppressed, the clinical symptoms and pathological changes of UC mice were detected. Colonic infiltration, oxidative stress, and colonic mucosal barrier in UC mice were evaluated utilizing immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and related kits. Finally, western blot was applied for the estimation of mTOR signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins. ANGPT2 silencing improved clinical symptoms and pathological changes, alleviated colonic inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress, and maintained the colonic mucosal barrier in DSS-induced UC mice. The regulatory effect of ANGPT2 on UC disease might occur by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway and thus affecting autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation. ANGPT2 silencing alleviated UC by regulating autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation via the mTOR signaling pathway.
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25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) plays a role in the regulation of cell survival and immunity. However, the effect of 25-HC on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury remains unknown. Our present study aimed to investigate whether 25-HC aggravated MI/R injury through NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MI/R were identified from the GSE775, GSE45818, GSE58486, and GSE46395 datasets in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the database of Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the overlapping DEGs was established using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. These bioinformatics analyses indicated that cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H) was one of the crucial genes in MI/R injury. The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model was established to simulate MI/R injury. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that CH25H was significantly upregulated in OGD/R-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, knockdown of CH25H inhibited the OGD/R-induced pyroptosis and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, as demonstrated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), RT-qPCR, and western blotting assays. Conversely, 25-HC, which is synthesized by CH25H, promoted activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in OGD/R-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocytes. In addition, the NLRP3 inhibitor BAY11-7082 attenuated 25-HC-induced H9C2 cell injury and pyroptosis under OGD/R condition. In conclusion, 25-HC could aggravate OGD/R-induced pyroptosis through promoting activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in H9C2 cells.
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Objective To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Jinyinqingre oral liquid on acute lung injury in-duced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in mice.Methods C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups according to the random number table method:blank control group,model control group,Jinyinqingre oral liquid low-dose group,Jinyinqingre oral liquid medium-dose group,Jinyinqingre oral liquid high-dose group,and dexamethasone group.Except for the blank control group,the other groups were injected with lipopolysac charide(LPS)(5 mg·kg-1)into the trachea to establish the acute lung injury model of mice,and the Jinyinqingre oral liquid low,medium,and high groups were continuously administered the drug by gavage for three days.After 24 h,lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected from the six groups for follow-up detection.The pathological injury of lung tissue in each group was observed by HE staining.The total number of cells in BALF was detected.The to-tal protein content of BALF was detected by the BCA method.The contents of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IgM in BALF were detected by ELISA.The expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 proteins in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results Compared with model control group,Jinyinqingre oral liquid alleviated the pathological injury of lung tissue(P＜0.05),decreased the total cell count,total protein content and IgM expression in BALF(P＜0.01),and the expres-sion of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in BALF was dreased(P＜0.05),the protein expressions of NF-κB and NL-RP3 in lung tissues was dreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Jinyinqingre oral liquid attenuated the pathological injury,inflammatory exudation,and expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced lung injury in mice,and its mechanism may be through the reg-ulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway,providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application.
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AIM:To investigate the regulatory effect of oxidative stress-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)-connexin 43(Cx43)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway on extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells under high glucose(HG)condition.METHODS:Primary rat smooth muscle cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal glucose group,HG group,HG+NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950(15 nmol/L)group,HG+Cx43 hemichannel blocker GAP19(100 μmol/L)group,HG+AMPK inhibitor Compound C(CC;10 μmol/L)group,and high glucose+antioxidant α-lipoic acid(α-LA;100 μmol/L)group,which were all cultured for 48 h for detection.The protein levels of caspase-1,matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),NLRP3,Cx43,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),TGF-β3,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1),purinergic P2X7 receptor(P2X7R)and phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK)in the cells were detected by Western blot.The levels of adenosine tri-phosphate,interleukin-1β,collagen type Ⅰ(Col I)and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ)in the cell culture medium were deter-mined by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with HG group,the levels of MMP-2 and TGF-β3 in HG+MCC950 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the levels of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 were increased(P<0.01).The levels of NLRP3 and cas-pase-1 in HG+GAP19 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the expression of P2X7R was not changed.The levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+CC group(P<0.01).The levels of p-AMPK,caspase-1,NLRP3,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+α-LA group(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:High glucose regulates the content of Col I and Col Ⅲ through the oxidative stress-AMPK-Cx43-NLRP3 pathway,thereby participating in the extracellular matrix remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells.
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AIM:Using bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation to explore the differential expres-sion genes related to abnormal lipid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and the molecular mechanism of pachymaran affecting pyroptosis through squalene epoxidase(SQLE)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like re-ceptor protein 3(NLRP3)/gasdermin D(GSDMD)signaling pathway.METHODS:(1)The GEO,GSEA,DAVID,STRING and GEPIA databases were employed to screen abnormal lipid metabolism-related differentially expressed genes in HCC.(2)The tumor tissues from HCC patients(n=9)were collected to verify the differential expression of SQLE.(3)The inhibitory effect of pachymaran on the viability of human HCC cell line HepG2 was measured by CCK-8 assay.(4)The HepG2 cells were divided into control group and pachymaran(800 mg/L)group.The cell migration was analyzed by wound-healing assay,and RT-qPCR was used to measure SQLE mRNA expression.(5)The HepG2 cells with overexpres-sion of SQLE(OE-SQLE)were divided into 5 groups as follows:control group,overexpression negative control(OE-NC)group,OE-SQLE group,OE-NC+pachymaran group,and OE-SQLE+pachymaran group.The mRNA and protein expres-sion levels of SQLE and pyroptosis-related factors were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Colorimetric method and ELISA were used to measure lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 levels.The necrosis of HepG2 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTS:The SQLE gene was screened through bioinformatics analysis,and its mRNA expression was significantly increased in tumor tissues from HCC patients(P＜0.01).In cell experiments,treatment with 800 mg/L pachymaran for 48 h had a significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell viability,and the expres-sion of SQLE mRNA was reduced(P＜0.01).After overexpression of SQLE,the mRNA and protein levels of pyroptosis-re-lated factors,necrotic rate,and LDH,IL-1β and IL-18 levels were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).After treatment with pachymaran,the above indicators were significantly increased(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:The SQLE is abnormal-ly highly expressed in HCC,and pachymaran can affect the growth of HCC cells by activating the NLRP3/GSDMD pyropto-sis pathway through SQLE.
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Objective:To study effect and mechanism of Wu-Mei-Wan on improving colonic mucosal inflammatory response and pyroptosis in rats with ulcerative colitis(UC)via regulating NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflam-masome.Methods:Male SD rats were selected for animal experiments.UC model was established by enema with 2,4,6-trinitroben-zene sulfonic acid.After model was established,different doses of Wu-Mei-Wan were given by gavage,negative control(NC)-lentivi-rus(LV)or NLRP3-LV were injected by tail vein.Disease activity index(DAI)of rats in each group was evaluated,length of colon was measured,pathological changes and histopathological scores,contents of IL-1β,IL-18,GSDMD-N,NLRP3 and Cleaved cas-pase-1 expressions in colon tissues were detected.Results:Typical UC pathological changes were found in colon mucosa of UC group,DAI,histopathological score,IL-1β,IL-18 contents,GSDMD-N,NLRP3 and Cleaved caspase-1 expressions in colon tissues of UC group were higher than control group,and colon length was shorter than control group(P<0.05).UC pathological changes of colon mucosa of rats in different concentrations of Wu-Mei-Wan groups were improved,DAI,histopathological score,IL-1β,IL-18 con-tents,GSDMD-N,NLRP3 and Cleaved caspase-1 expressions in colon tissues were lower than UC group,and colon length was longer than UC group(P<0.05).LV was injected simultaneously with intragastric administration of high-dose Wu-Mei-Wan,pathological changes of UC in colon mucosa of rats in NLRP3-LV+NC+high-dose Wu-Mei-Wan group was aggravated,DAI,histopathological score,IL-1β,IL-18 contents,GSDMD-N,NLRP3 and Cleaved caspase-1 expressions in colon tissues were higher than NC-LV+NC+ high-dose Wu-Mei-Wan group,and colon length was shorter than NC-LV+NC+high-dose Wu-Mei-Wan group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Wu-Mei-Wan improves colonic mucosal inflammation and pyroptosis in UC rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Objective To investigate the mechanism of icariin regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.Methods A rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was induced using the thread embolism method.At 24 hours post-operation,the rats were randomly allocated into a sham operation group,model group,butylphthalide group(70 mg/kg),ICA-low dose(20 mg/kg),ICA-middle dose(40 mg/kg),and ICA-high dose(80 mg/kg)groups.The corresponding drugs were administered by gavage at 10 mL/kg once a day for 13 consecutive days.One hour after the last administration,neurological function was scored.The cerebral cortex was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Expression of interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 in the cerebral cortex was determined by immunohistochemistry.Expression of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 in the cerebral cortex was determined by Western Blot.Results In contrast to the sham operation group,there was a notable increase in neural function scores within the model group.The ischemic area around the visible cerebral cortex showed neuron necrosis at various level or glial cell proliferation,and the number of intact neurons was significantly reduced.IL-1β and IL-18 positive cells were significantly increased.Expression of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 was significantly increased(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).After treatment with icariin,the neural function score was decreased significantly.The degree of neuronal necrosis in the peri-ischemic area was significantly reduced,and the number of intact neurons was significantly increased.IL-1 β and IL-18-positive cells were decreased significantly.Expressions of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusions Treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by icariin may be related to regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Objective To induce an NLRP3-/- mouse model of ulcerative colitis(UC)using different concentrations of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)and different administration times,and to analyze and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the preparations to provide a more suitable animal model for the study of UC pathogenesis in humans and the development of therapeutic drugs.Methods Forty-eight male NLRP3-/- specific-pathogen-free mice were divided randomly into blank,2.5％7 d,3％7 d,and 3％5 d groups(n=12 mice per group).UC mouse models were induced using combinations of different concentrations and administration times of DSS.Body weight,DAI(disease activity index)score,hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,colon length,and related indicators(interleukin IL-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and tight junction protein(ZO-1))were observed and evaluated.Results(1)UC membrane type was induced in each group with different concentrations and administration times.(2)Mouse body weight decreased,the fecal occult blood became more positive,the DAI score increased,and more mice died with increasing DSS concentration and administration time.(3)Longer administration time and higher concentration of DSS were also associated with more severe damage to the intestinal mucosa,as shown by HE staining.(4)Immunohistochemistry showed that the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in the model group compared with the blank control group,while expression of ZO-1 was decreased compared with the blank group.Conclusions(1)Administration of 2.5％or 3％DSS for 7 days or 3％DSS for 5 days can induce UC in NLRP3-/- mice.(2)The combination of DAI score,HE staining,the detection of related indicators,and mouse survival rate indicated that NLRP3-/- mice treated with 3％DSS for 5 days produced the most suitable UC model to study the clinical manifestations and drug treatment of UC.
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Objective To evaluate the protective effect of human nucleus pulposus cell by Liraglutide(Lir)under high-glucose environment via inhibition of NOD-like receptor family,pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation and its mechanism.Methods Human nucleus pulposus cell lines were cultured and the third-generation nucleus pulposus cells were randomly divided into control group(Con group),high glucose group(HG group),and Liraglutide interference group(Lir group),and cultured for 48 h.ELISA was used to detect interleukin IL-1β;flow cytometry was used to testreactive oxygen species(ROS),and Western blot was used to evaluate the protein expressions of NLRP3,Pro-caspase-1,and Caspase-1.Results Compared with Con group,IL-1β,ROS,NLRP3,Pro-caspase-1,Caspase-1 protein expression and cell apoptosis were increased in HG and Lir groups(P<0.05).Compared with HG group,IL-1β,ROS,NLRP3,Pro-caspase-1,Caspase-1 protein expression and cell apoptosis were significantly decreased in Lir group(P<0.05).Conclusion Liraglutide protects human NPCs by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,reducing IL-1β secretion,and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
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Objective:To explore the protective effect of 18α glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA) on acute ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice, providing theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of 18α-GA.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: DSS model group, positive drug control group, high, medium, and low dose groups of 18α-GA, with 8 mice in each group. The 5 groups of mice were continuously fed with 3% DSS solution for 7 days to establish an acute UC animal model. At the same time, each group was intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg physiological saline, 100 mg/kg sulfasalazine, 40 mg/kg 18α-GA, 20 mg/kg 18α-GA, and 10 mg/kg 18α-GA daily. The weight of mice was measured and recorded daily, and the Disease Activity Index (DAI) of mice was evaluated. On the 8th day, the mice were euthanized and their colon length was measured; After slicing, the colon mucosa was observed and pathological scoring was performed; Western blot was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway related proteins in colon tissue; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the content of interleukin(IL)-1β in colon tissue.Results:Compared with the DSS model group, the weight loss amplitude of the 18α-GA high and medium dose groups was significantly smaller on the 7th day (all P<0.05); Colon length was longer (all P<0.05), the pathological score of colon mucosa was significantly lower (all P<0.05); The expression of GSDMD, cleaved caspase1, and IL-1β in colon tissue was significantly lower (all P<0.05); The 18α-GA high-dose group had lower DAI scores ( P<0.05); The expression of NLRP3 was lower in colon tissue ( P<0.05). Conclusions:18α-GA can improve DSS induced acute ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
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Objective To explore the effects of Jianpi Yichang Powder on the expressions of interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 of NLRP3 signaling pathway in ulcerative colitis(UC)model rats.Methods Ten rats were randomly selected from 40 SD rats as the normal group,and the other rats freely drank 5%dextran sulfate solution for 7 days to replicate UC rats model.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,sulfasalazine group and Jianpi Yichang Powder group,with 10 rats in each group.Jianpi Yichang Powder group and sulfasalazine group were given corresponding liquid medicine for gavage,and the normal and model groups were given equivalent volume distilled water for gavage for consecutive 14 d.The general status was observed,and the disease activity index(DAI)was scored,the contents of NLRP3,apoptosis-associated spotted proteins(ASC),and Caspase-1 in serum were detected by ELISA,the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 protein and mRNA in colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR respectively.Results Compared with the normal group,the general status of the rats in model group was relatively worse,and DAI score significantly increased(P<0.01),the contents of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-l in serum were significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 protein and mRNA in colon tissue were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the general status of the rats in Jianpi Yichang Powder group and sulfasalazine group were significantly improved,DAI score significantly decreased(P<0.01),the contents of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-l in serum significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 protein and mRNA in colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Jianpi Yichang Powder can inhibit IL-1β and IL-18 expression of NLRP3 signaling pathway to reduce colon immune inflammatory damage,thus play a role in treating UC.
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Objective To observe the protective effect of modified Baishile Decoction on hippocampal neuronal cells cultured in vitro;To explore its mechanism of treating post-stroke depression.Methods Hippocampal neuronal cells from mammary rats were isolated and cultured in vitro,cell injury was induced by oxygen glucose deprivation combined with lipopolysaccharide.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,blank serum group(10%)and modified Baishile Decoction containing serum group(10%).Invertedmicroscope was used to observe cell morphological changes,CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,Hoechst33342 staining was used to observe apoptosis,ELISA was used to detect Glu,5-HT,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 contents in cell supernatant,the expressions of purinergic P2X7 receptor(P2X7R)and NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)were detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the normal group,the hippocampal neurons in the model group showed significant changes in cell morphology,the cell survival rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the cell apoptosis increased(P<0.01);Glu,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 contents in cell supernatant significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),5-HT content significantly decreased(P<0.01),P2X7R and NLRP3 expressions in hippocampal neuronal cells significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the morphology of hippocampal neurons in modified Baishile Decoction containing serum group was significantly improved,the cell survival rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the cell apoptosis reduced(P<0.01);Glu,TNF-α and IL-1β content in cell supernatant significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),5-HT content significantly increased(P<0.01),and P2X7R and NLRP3 expressions in hippocampal neuronal cells significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Modified Baishile Decoction may exert a protective effect on oxidative glucose deprivation combined with lipopolysaccharide induced hippocampal neuronal inflammation damage by inhibiting the P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway,regulating neurotransmitter secretion,and inhibiting inflammatory factor release,thus treating post-stroke depression.
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[Objective]To investigate the effects of Kuanxiong aerosol(KXA)on pyroptosis and inflammatory response in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced myocardial infarction(MI)rats,and its effect on the key pathway of pyroptosis Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1).[Methods]Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups,6 rats in each group,as control group(0.9％sodium chloride solution),model group(ISO 120 mg·kg-1),isosorbide mononitrate(IMSN)group(ISO 120 mg·kg-1+IMSN 5 mg/kg·d),KXA low dose group(ISO 120 mg·kg-1+KXA 0.1 mL/kg·d),and KXA high dose group(ISO 120 mg·kg-1+KXA 0.3 mL/kg·d),gave continuous intragastric administration for 14 days,and intraperitoneal injection of ISO on the 13th and 14th day.After the last intervention,collected heart tissues and blood under anesthesia.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to investigate the expression of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and cardiac troponin T(cTnT),as well as serum inflammatory indicators such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-18(IL-18),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).The histopathological changes in heart tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and RNA-sequencing was used to detect the differential expression genes among groups.And the expression of the pyroptosis relevant protein was detected by Western blot.[Results]The results of the ELISA showed that CK-MB and cTnT expression in model group were significantly higher than those in control group(P＜0.01),which meant successful model construction.Pathological staining results showed disordered and fractured muscle fibers were significantly improved after KXA and IMSN intervention.RNA-seq results showed there were 2 646 different genes between model group and control group,while 714 other genes were in KXA and model group.After analyzing these two compared groups,it found that there were 130 up-regulated genes and 7 down-regulated genes;among them,inflammation related TLR4 pathway was significantly enriched.Furthermore,compared with model group,the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-18,IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly in KXA groups and IMSN group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),and Western blot showed that the protein expression of TLR4,MyD88,phospho-nuclear factor-KB(p-NF-KB)p65,NLRP3,cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(cleaved caspase-1)and Gasdermin D-N(GSDMD-N)increased significantly in model group while significantly down-regulated in KXA groups and IMSN group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).[Conclusion]KXA can improve myocardial ischemia,reduce cardiac damage,and inhibit cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and inflammatory response,the mechanism may be related to regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
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Objective To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granules on pancreatic tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis,and to observe its regulation on NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Methods Sixty-four SD rats were randomly divided into sham-surgery(SO)group,severe acute pancreatitis model(SAP)group,Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granules(CH)group,and MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)group.Each group was further divided into 12-hour and 24-hour subgroups,with rats in each group.The SAP group,CH group,and MCC950 group were retrogradely injected with 3.5%sodium taurocholate(2 mL·kg-1)into the pancreatic ducts to establish SAP model.The MCC950 group was immediately intraperitoneally injected with MCC950(1 mg·mL-1)after model preparation.After awakening from anesthesia,the CH group was administrated by gavage with Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granules solution(0.35 g·mL-1)once every 6 hours.Ascites,abdominal aortic blood,and pancreatic tissue were collected at 12 hours and 24 hours after SAP model construction.The serum amylase and lipase activities were detected using an automated biochemical analyzer.HE staining was used to observe pancreatic injury.Serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA.The expressions of gene and proteins related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were analyzed by IHC,qRT-PCR and Western Blot.Results Compared with the SAP group,the pathological damage of pancreatic tissues in the CH and MCC950 groups was significantly reduced,and the pathological score was significantly reduced(P＜0.05).The levels of serum lipase,amylase,IL-18,and IL-1β were also significantly decreased(P＜0.05).After treatment with Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granules or intraperitoneal injection of NLRP3 inhibitor,the positive expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 in pancreatic tissues,as well as the mRNA levels of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1,the protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,Pro-Caspase-1 and Caspase-1 were significantly reduced compared to the SAP group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granules can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,reduce the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 in pancreatic tissues,and suppress the release of the downstream inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β and alleviate pancreatitis damage in SAP model rats.
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Objective To investigate the effect of nobiletin(Nb)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory injury of mesangium cells(HBZY-1)by regulating AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway.Methods HBZY-1 cells were separated into 5 groups:normal control(NC)group,LPS group(100 ng·mL-1 LPS),and Nb group(100 ng·mL-1 LPS+40 μmol·L-1 Nb),Rapamycin(Rap,AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway inhibitor)group[100 ng·mL-1 LPS+0.5 μmol·L-1 Rap],and Nb+Rap group(100 ng·mL-1 LPS+40 μmol·L-1 Nb+0.5 μmol·L-1 Rap).MTT was applied to detect the cytotoxicity and proliferation of HBZY-1 cells.ELISA was applied to detect the contents of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione(GSH)in HBZY-1 cells.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis.Western Blot was applied to detect the protein levels of AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway.Results Compared with the NC group,the levels of CAT,SOD,GSH,cell OD value,and the level of AMPK protein in the LPS group were significantly reduced(P＜0.05).The apoptosis rate,contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and the level of NLRP3 protein were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the LPS group,the levels of CAT,SOD,GSH,OD value,and the level of AMPK protein in the Nb group were significantly increased(P＜0.05).The apoptosis rate,contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and the level of NLRP3 protein were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),while the above indicators in the Rap group showed an opposite trend to the Nb group(P＜0.05).Compared with the Nb group,the above indicators in the Nb+Rap group also showed an opposite trend to the Nb group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Nb may alleviate LPS-induced inflammatory injury to MC cells by up-regulating the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway.But down-regulation of the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway may eliminate the improvement effect of Nb on LPS-induced inflammatory injury in MC cells.
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Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of Shema Zhichuan Liquid in the treatment of neutrophilic asthma(NA)based on network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods(1)The TCMSP,literature search and Swiss ADME and Swiss Target Prediction databases were used to search and screen the active components and their targets of Shema Zhichuan Liquid.OMIM,GeneCards,DisGeNET and DrugBank databases were used to search and screen NA disease-related targets.The intersection of the active components and NA disease-related targets of Shema Zhichuan Liquid was obtained through the microbiology platform to obtain the potential targets of Shema Zhichuan Liquid for the treatment of NA(common targets).Cytoscape 3.8 software was used to construct the network of"Chinese medicinals-active components-potential targets".The PPI network of potential targets was established by STRING database,and the core targets were obtained by analysing the built-in Mcode plug-in.The Metascape platform was used to enrich the gene ontology(GO),Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways for the potential targets.(2)BALB/C mice were acclimatised and fed for 1 week and randomly divided into a blank group,NA model group,low-dose group(2.5 g·kg-1)and high-dose group of Shema Zhichuan Liquid(10 g·kg-1),and control group of Dexamethasone(1 mg·kg-1);the NA mouse model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of sensitizer(OVA+CFA)and nebulized inhalation excitation.OVA/CFA(20 μg OVA+75 μg CFA,0.3 mL)was injected intraperitoneally to sensitize on days 0,7 and 14 respectively,and 5%OVA suspension was nebulized on days 21-30(8 mL each time,40 minutes each time,once a day);1 hour before nebulisation,each group was administered by gastric gavage,and the Dexamethasone control group was administered by intraperitoneal injection once a day.The pathological changes of mouse lung tissue were observed by HE staining;IL-8 content in alveolar lavage fluid was detected by ELISA;mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and CXCR2 were detected by RT-qPCR;and p-mTOR protein expression levels was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results(1)A total of 826 active component targets and 154 NA disease-related targets were obtained,and 51 potential targets(common targets)for the treatment of NA were obtained from the intersection of the active component and the NA disease-related targets of Shema Zhichuan Liquid.Through the network analysis of"Chinese medicinals-active components-potential targets",quercetin,lignocerotoxin,kaempferol,stigmasterol,naringenin and other key active components were obtained.The PPI network analysis of potential targets yielded 29 core targets,including AKT1,IL6,TNF,EGFR,NLRP3,RELA,MIF,CXCR2,VEGFA,etc..The GO functional enrichment analysis yielded 882 biological process entries,33 cellular component entries,and 61 molecular function entries;KEGG analysis yielded 142 signaling pathways,mainly involving TNF signaling pathway,influenza A signaling pathway,Toll-like receptor pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,mTOR signaling pathway and so on.(2)Results of animal experiments:compared with the blank group,mice in the NA model group showed obvious damage to the airway mucosa,structural disorders,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,mucosal congestion,oedema,obvious thickening of the alveolar wall,and narrowing of the alveolar lumen;the level of the inflammatory factor IL-8 in the alveolar lavage fluid was significantly elevated(P＜0.05);the mRNA expressions of NLRP3 and CXCR2 in the lung tissues of the mice were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),and the protein expression of p-mTOR was significantly increased.Compared with the NA model group,the structural arrangement of bronchial epithelial cells in the mice in the low-and high-dose groups of Shema Zhichuan Liquid was slightly disordered,with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration around the airways and blood vessels,and the congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa were significantly reduced;the mRNA expression of CXCR2 in the lung tissues of the mice was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),and the level of expression of p-mTOR protein was significantly reduced.The IL-8 level in the vesicular lavage fluid of mice in the high-dose group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05);the mRNA expression of NLRP3 in the lung tissue of mice in the low-dose group was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Shema Zhichuan Liquid on NA may be achieved through the key active components,such as quercetin,lignocerol and kaempferol,acting on the core targets,such as NLRP3 and CXCR2,and regulating the key signaling pathways,such as the TNF signaling pathway,the MAPK signaling pathway,the Toll-like signaling pathway,and the mTOR pathway.
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The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is an inflammatory protein complex, and can participate into the inflammatory response. Upon activation, these inflammasomes can lead to Caspase-1 activation, thereby inducing a cascade of inflammatory factor activation and further cell pyroptosis. Excessive activation of inflammasomes will induce the overexpression of inflammatory factors, persistently triggering immune dysregulation and inflammatory chain reactions, even causing severe damage. The recent studies have confirmed a close association between retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy(DR), retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury(RIRI), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)with immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses, which is serving as crucial factors in the progression of retinal diseases. This article reviews the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and its role in the occurrence and development of retinal diseases, in order to provide new ideas for the pathogenesis and prevention of retinal diseases.
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ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Jiawei Wendantang in preventing and treating diabetic atherosclerosis by observing the effect of this prescription on the nuclear factor-κB / NOD-like receptor protein 3（NF-κB/NLRP3） pathway and related inflammatory cytokines in rat model of diabetic atherosclerosis. MethodFifty-four SPF-grade rats were randomized into blank， model， atorvastatin （0.9 mg·kg-1·d-1）， and high-， medium-， low-dose （18.2， 9.1， 4.55 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） Jiawei Wendantang groups. The rats in other groups except the blank group were modeled for diabetic atherosclerosis by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and feeding with a high-sugar high-fat diet， and those in the blank group were injected with an equal dose of citric acid buffer and fed with a regular diet. The drug administration lasted for 4 weeks， and the blood glucose level in the tail vein was measured every 6 days. After the last administration， the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of interleukin-18 （IL-18）， C-reactive protein （CRP）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）. Western blot was employed to determine the relative protein levels of NF-κB p65， NLRP3， and ICAM-1 in the abdominal aorta. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of NLRP3 and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in the abdominal aorta. The pathological changes in the thoracic aorta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated levels of IL-18， CRP， TNF-α， and ICAM-1 in the serum and blood glucose （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB p65， NLRP3， and ICAM-1 （P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， Jiawei Wendantang lowered the levels of IL-18， CRP， TNF-α， ICAM-1 and blood glucose （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB p65， NLRP3， and ICAM-1 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， Jiawei Wendantang alleviated the pathological injuries in the thoracic aorta. ConclusionJiawei Wendantang may modulate the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway to reduce the release and adhesion of inflammatory cytokines and regulate the blood glucose level to treat diabetic atherosclerosis.
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Background Cooking oil fumes are closely related to immune response, and adipose tissue also plays an important role in immune regulation. At present, the biological effect and mechanism of inflammation of adipose tissue induced by oil fume exposure are not clear yet. Objective To investigate the inflammatory effect of different exposure duration of cooking fumes on adipose tissue in mice and explore the role of Nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase 1)/interleukin (IL)-1β signaling pathway. Methods Forty 8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3-day control group (CON3 group), 7-day control group (CON7 group), 3-day oil fume exposure group (COF3 group), and 7-day oil fume exposure group (COF7 group), with 10 mice in each group. The mice were exposed to oil fumes in a cooking oil fume formation and exposure equipment (COFFEE) for 20 min, followed by a 10-min pause, 1 h a day for consecutive 3 d or 7 d. General condition of mice was observed and body weight was measured every day. After exposure, blood was sampled from the eyeball. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-27, and IL-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The adipose tissue of mice was collected and observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in adipose tissue were detected by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose. Results Compared with the corresponding control group, serum IL-6, IL-27, and IL-1β contents in the COF3 group and the COF7 group were significantly increased (P<0.05) except IL-6 in the COF3 group, and the levels in the COF7 group were significantly higher than those in the COF3 group (P<0.05). Vacuolar lipid droplets in adipocytes decreased, cytoplasm shrank, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the COF7 group after HE staining. The flow cytometry results showed that the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in adipocytes of the COF3 group and the COF7 group were increased compared to the corresponding control group, with a significant increase in the COF7 group (P<0.05), and the CD4+/CD8+T ratio also significantly increased progressively in the two groups (P<0.05). The results of RT-qPCR showed that compared with the corresponding control group, the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose tissue of mice in the COF3 group and the COF7 group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of mice in each exposure group gradually increased over time. The Western blot results showed that compared with the corresponding control group, the protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase 1 in the COF3 group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of IL-1β protein also increased but without statistical significance. The protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in the COF7 group were significantly higher than those in the CON7 group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Acute exposure to cooking oil fumes can induce significant inflammatory response in adipose tissue, and the effect gradually increases with the extension of exposure time. The mechanism of action may be related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan prescription （JTTP） in protecting pancreatic β cells by targeting the bile acid Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 （TGR5）/cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） signaling pathway against NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome. MethodThirty-two male SPF-grade db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group， low-dose JTTP group （3.6 g·kg-1）， high-dose JTTP group （7.2 g·kg-1）， and metformin group （0.2 g·kg-1）. Eight db/m mice were assigned to the blank control group. The mice were treated with drugs for 8 weeks， and fasting blood glucose （FBG） was measured every 2 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests （OGTT） were conducted after the last administration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to detect fasting insulin （FINS）， and the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function （HOMA-β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and IL-1β levels were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological changes in mouse pancreatic tissue. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect insulin expression in mouse pancreatic tissue. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect the expression of proteins and mRNAs of key targets in the TGR5/cAMP signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome. ResultCompared with blank group， FBG， OGTT， FINS， IL-6， TNF-α and IL-1β in model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， after 6 weeks of drug treatment， FBG level in JTTP group and metformin group decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The results of OGTT experiment showed that compared with model group， the blood glucose levels of mice in each administration group were decreased at all time points （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the levels of FINS， TNF-α and IL-6 in JTTP dose groups and metformin group were significantly decreased. The level of IL-1β in JTTP high-dose group and metformin group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Pancreatic pathology showed that the islets in the model group were irregular in shape， uneven in distribution， and showed signs of atrophy. The prognosis of JTTP was that the cell count increased and the boundary was clearer. Immunofluorescence results showed that the islet cells in the blank group were arranged in an orderly and full shape with appropriate insulin secretion， while the islet cells in model group were distorted in shape， atrophy in structure and less insulin secretion. The insulin content of mice in JTTP and metformin group was significantly increased. Compared with blank group， mRNA expressions of NLRP3， apoptosis-related spot-like protein （ASC） and Caspase-1 in pancreatic tissues of model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， JTTP high-dose group and metformin group promoted the up-regulation of TGR5 and cAMP mRNA， and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of NLRP3， ASC and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with blank group， the expression of TGR5 protein in model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， TGR5 protein in JTTP high-dose group and metformin group was significantly increased （P<0.01）.