Recent updates on pyroptosis in tumors of the digestive tract.

Pyroptosis is an inflammasome-dependent form of programmed cell death that is mediated by caspases-1, -4, -5, and -11, and the gasdermin protein family. It is characterized by the rupture of cell membrane and the subsequent release of cell contents and interleukins, leading to inflammatory reaction and activation of the immune system. Recent studies have suggested that pyroptosis plays a role in the development of gastrointestinal tumors, impeding tumor generation and progression as well as providing a favorable microenvironment for tumor growth. In this review we outlined the current knowledge regarding the implications of pyroptosis in gastrointestinal cancers.

Salvianolic acid B protects against acute lung injury by decreasing TRPM6 and TRPM7 expressions in a rat model of sepsis.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) on acute lung injury (ALI) through decreasing the expressions of channel kinase's TRPM6 and TRPM7. Wistar Septic rat models were established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which were separated into the control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), SA-B, SA-B + si-TRPM6, SA-B + si-TRPM7, si-TRPM6, and si-TRPM7 groups. Arterial blood gas, protein content, total white blood cell (WBC) count and the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN%) were measured. Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were monitored. Lung coefficient, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were conducted by MPO and SOD kit. The mRNA expressions of TRPM6 and TRPM7 were detected by qRT-PCR. Compared with the control group, the PaO2 and PaO2 /FiO2 values exhibited decreases in other group, while the PaCO2 value, protein content, total WBC, PMN%, TNF-α, IL-6 levels and lung coefficient values all increased. MPO activity in lung tissue increased, while SOD activity decreased. TRPM6 and TRPM7 expressions increased significantly. Compared with the LPS group, the SA-B, SA-B + si-TRPM6, SA-B + si-TRPM7, si-TRPM6, and si-TRPM7 groups had increased PaO2 and the PaO2 /FiO2 , while decreased PaCO2, protein content, total WBC, PMN%, TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and lung coefficient. MPO activity in lung tissue decreased while SOD activity increased. Decreased mRNA expressions of TRPM6 and TRPM7 in the SA-B, SA-B + si-TRPM6, and SA-B + si-TRPM6 groups were observed. Through decreasing the expressions of the channel kinase TRPM6 and TRPM7, SA-B protects against ALI in septic rats.