Disruption of the NF-κB/NLRP3 connection by melatonin requires retinoid-related orphan receptor-α and blocks the septic response in mice

Cardioprotective Role of Melatonin in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Melatonin is a pleiotropic, indole secreted, and synthesized by the human pineal gland. Melatonin has biological effects including anti-apoptosis, protecting mitochondria, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and stimulating target cells to secrete cytokines. Its protective effect on cardiomyocytes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has caused widespread interest in the actions of this molecule. The effects of melatonin against oxidative stress, promoting autophagic repair of cells, regulating immune and inflammatory responses, enhancing mitochondrial function, and relieving endoplasmic reticulum stress, play crucial roles in protecting cardiomyocytes from infarction. Mitochondrial apoptosis and dysfunction are common occurrence in cardiomyocyte injury after myocardial infarction. This review focuses on the targets of melatonin in protecting cardiomyocytes in AMI, the main molecular signaling pathways that melatonin influences in its endogenous protective role in myocardial infarction, and the developmental prospect of melatonin in myocardial infarction treatment.

VX765 Attenuates Pyroptosis and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Pathways to Improve Functional Outcomes in TBI Mice

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to temporary or permanent damage to brain function caused by penetrating objects or blunt force trauma. TBI activates inflammasome-mediated pathways and other cell death pathways to remove inactive and damaged cells, however, they are also harmful to the central nervous system. The newly discovered cell death pattern termed pyroptosis has become an area of interest. It mainly relies on caspase-1-mediated pathways, leading to cell death.

Methods

Our research focus is VX765, a known caspase-1 inhibitor which may offer neuroprotection after the process of TBI. We established a controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model and then controlled the degree of pyroptosis in TBI with VX765. The effects of caspase-1 inhibition on inflammatory response, pyroptosis, blood-brain barrier (BBB), apoptosis, and microglia activation, in addition to neurological deficits, were investigated.

Results

We found that TBI led to NOD-like receptors (NLRs) as well as absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in the damaged cerebral cortex. VX765 curbed the expressions of indispensable inflammatory subunits (caspase-1 as well as key downstream proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-) 1β and IL-18). It also inhibited gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage and apoptosis-associated spot-like protein (ASC) oligomerization in the injured cortex. In addition to the above, VX765 also inhibited the inflammatory activity of the high-mobility cassette -1/Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kappa B) pathway. By inhibiting pyroptosis and inflammatory mediator expression, we demonstrated that VX765 can decrease blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, apoptosis, and microglia polarization to exhibit its neuroprotective effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VX765 can counteract neurological damage after TBI by reducing pyroptosis and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway activities. VX765 may have a good therapeutic effect on TBI.

STAT5a induces endotoxin tolerance by alleviating pyroptosis in kupffer cells

Pyroptosis, a newly discovered type of programmed cell death, affects endotoxin tolerance in macrophages. However, the factors acting on the nod-like receptor 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome and caspase1 activation to impede pyroptosis and resulting in tolerance and survival in sepsis were needed to discovered. Here, we found that signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5a) restrains pyroptosis in Kupffer cells (KCs) and induces endotoxin tolerance (ET) in a sepsis model. The lentiviral knockdown of STAT5a led to enhanced pyroptosis in KCs, increased IL-1β production and decreased IL-10 production via intricate NF-κb signaling regulation. Thus, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of STAT5a-midiated endotoxin tolerance in KCs.

Melatonin antagonizes lipopolysaccharide-induced pulpal fibroblast responses

Background

Pulpal inflammation is known to be mediated by multiple signaling pathways. However, whether melatonin plays regulatory roles in pulpal inflammation remains unclear. This study aimed at elucidating an in situ expression of melatonin and its receptors in human pulpal tissues, and the contribution of melatonin on the antagonism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-infected pulpal fibroblasts.

Methods

Melatonin expression in pulpal tissues harvested from healthy teeth was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. Its receptors, melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) and melatonin receptor 2 (MT2), were also immunostained in pulpal tissues isolated from healthy teeth and inflamed teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Morphometric analysis was subsequently performed. After LPS infection of cultured pulpal fibroblasts, cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) transcripts were examined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of mRNA expression was performed to investigate an antagonism of LPS stimulation by melatonin via COX and IL-1 β induction. Mann-Whitney U test and One-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis to determine a significance level.

Results

Melatonin was expressed in healthy pulpal tissue within the odontoblastic zone, cell-rich zone, and in the pulpal connective tissue. Furthermore, in health, strong MT1 and MT2 expression was distributed similarly in all 3 pulpal zones. In contrast, during disease, expression of MT2 was reduced in inflamed pulpal tissues (P-value< 0.001), but not MT1 (P-value = 0.559). Co-culturing of melatonin with LPS resulted in the reduction of COX-2 and IL-1 β expression in primary pulpal fibroblasts, indicating that melatonin may play an antagonistic role to LPS infection in pulpal fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Human dental pulp abundantly expressed melatonin and its receptors MT1 and MT2 in the odontoblastic layers and pulpal connective tissue layers. Melatonin exerted antagonistic activity against LPS-mediated COX-2 and IL-1 β induction in pulpal fibroblasts, suggesting its therapeutic potential for pulpal inflammation and a possible role of pulpal melatonin in an immunomodulation via functional melatonin receptors expressed in dental pulp.

The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Injury

The increasing risk of long-term adverse effects from radiotherapy on the cardiovascular structure is receiving increasing attention. However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk remain poorly understood. Recently, the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing family pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was suggested to play a critical role in radiation-induced cardiovascular injury. However, the relationship between ionizing radiation and the NLRP3 inflammasome in acute and chronic inflammation is complex. We reviewed literature detailing pathological changes and molecular mechanisms associated with radiation-induced damage to the cardiovascular structure, with a specific focus on NLRP3 inflammasome-related cardiovascular diseases. We also summarized possible therapeutic strategies for the prevention of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD).

Mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related macular degeneration: melatonin as a potential treatment

Introduction: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a retinal neurodegenerative disease is the most common cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries. The impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis has been reported in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells affected by AMD. Oxidative/nitrosative stress plays an important role in AMD development. The mitochondrial respiratory system is considered a major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. During aging, insufficient free radical scavenger systems, impairment of DNA repair mechanisms and reduction of mitochondrial degradation and turnover contribute to the massive accumulation of ROS disrupting mitochondrial function. Impaired mitochondrial function leads to the decline in the autophagic capacity and induction of inflammation and apoptosis in human RPE cells affected by AMD.Areas covered: This article evaluates the ameliorative effect of melatonin on AMD and examines AMD pathogenesis with an emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction. It also considers the potential effects of melatonin on mitochondrial function.Expert opinion: The effect of melatonin on mitochondrial function results in the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the retina; these findings demonstrate that melatonin has the potential to prevent and treat AMD.

Melatonin inhibits apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells via the retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor α/p53 pathway

Melatonin is an endogenous indoleamine hormone involved in various physiological processes. However, the mechanism of melatonin in mediating Leydig cells function has not been fully explained. In this study, we investigated the mechanism through which melatonin inhibits apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells by activating the retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor (ROR) α/p53 signaling pathway. We confirmed the expression and localization of RORα in mouse Leydig cells using immunofluorescence. After treatment with 10 ng/mL melatonin for 36 h, RORα mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P < 0.01). TUNEL and flow cytometry showed that melatonin significantly decreased the TUNEL-positive cell ratio and apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Moreover, melatonin decreased BAX expression and increased BCL-2 expression (P < 0.05). However, the RORα inhibitor SR1001 reversed the inhibitory effects of melatonin on apoptosis (P < 0.05). Additionally, analysis of p53 expression showed that melatonin inhibited p53 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05), whereas SR1001 reversed these effects. p53 reversed the anti-apoptotic process involving RORα-mediated melatonin in mouse Leydig cells. Collectively, our findings suggested that melatonin inhibited apoptosis via the RORα/p53 pathway.

MCTR1 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by protecting lung endothelial glycocalyx

Endothelial glycocalyx degradation, critical for increased pulmonary vascular permeability, is thought to facilitate the development of sepsis into the multiple organ failure. Maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration 1 (MCTR1), a macrophage-derived lipid mediator, which exhibits potentially beneficial effects via the regulation of bacterial phagocytosis, promotion of inflammation resolution, and regeneration of tissue. In this study, we show that MCTR1 (100 ng/mouse) enhances the survival of mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced (15 mg/kg) sepsis. MCTR1 alleviates LPS (10 mg/kg)-induced lung dysfunction and lung tissue inflammatory response by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β [IL-1β], and IL-6) expression in serum and reducing the serum levels of heparan sulfate (HS) and syndecan-1. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) experiments, MCTR1 (100 nM) was added to the culture medium with LPS for 6 hr. MCTR1 treatment markedly inhibited HS degradation by downregulating heparanase (HPA) protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Further analyses indicated that MCTR1 upregulates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and decreases NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. In the presence of BOC-2 or EX527, the above effects of MCTR1 were abolished. These results suggest that MCTR1 protects against LPS-induced sepsis in mice by attenuating pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx injury via the ALX/SIRT1/NF-κB/HPA pathway.

TLR2-Melatonin Feedback Loop Regulates the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Murine Allergic Airway Inflammation

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is suggested to initiate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and considered to be involved in asthma. The findings that melatonin modulates TLRs-mediated immune responses, together with the suppressing effect of TLRs on endogenous melatonin synthesis, support the possibility that a feedback loop exists between TLRs system and endogenous melatonin synthesis. To determine whether TLR2-melatonin feedback loop exists in allergic airway disease and regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity, wild-type (WT) and TLR2^−/− mice were challenged with OVA to establish allergic airway disease model. Following OVA challenge, WT mice exhibited increased-expression of TLR2, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and marked airway inflammation, which were all effectively inhibited in the TLR2^−/− mice, indicating that TLR2-NLRP3 mediated airway inflammation. Meanwhile, melatonin biosynthesis was reduced in OVA-challenged WT mice, while such reduction was notably rescued by TLR2 deficiency, suggesting that TLR2-NLRP3-mediated allergic airway inflammation was associated with decreased endogenous melatonin biosynthesis. Furthermore, addition of melatonin to OVA-challenged WT mice pronouncedly ameliorated airway inflammation, decreased TLR2 expression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, further implying that melatonin in turn inhibited airway inflammation via suppressing TLR2-NLRP3 signal. Most interestingly, although melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole significantly reduced the protein expressions of ASMT, AANAT and subsequent level of melatonin in OVA-challenged TLR2^−/− mice, it exhibited null effect on leukocytes infiltration, Th2-cytokines production and NLRP3 activity. These results indicate that a TLR2-melatonin feedback loop regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity in allergic airway inflammation, and melatonin may be a promising therapeutic medicine for airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Polyphyllin VI Induces Caspase-1-Mediated Pyroptosis via the Induction of ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD Signal Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Trillium tschonoskii Maxim (TTM), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to have a potent anti-tumor effect. Recently, polyphyllin VI (PPVI), a main saponin isolated from TTM, was reported by us to significantly suppress the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the induction of apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we further found that the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in PPVI administrated A549-bearing athymic nude mice. As is known to us, pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of caspase-1-dependent programmed cell death that plays an important role in cancer. By using A549 and H1299 cells, the in vitro effect and action mechanism by which PPVI induces activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in NSCLC were investigated. The anti-proliferative effect of PPVI in A549 and H1299 cells was firstly measured and validated by MTT assay. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by using Hoechst33324/PI staining, flow cytometry analysis and real-time live cell imaging methods. We found that PPVI significantly increased the percentage of cells with PI signal in A549 and H1299, and the dynamic change in cell morphology and the process of cell death of A549 cells indicated that PPVI induced an apoptosis-to-pyroptosis switch, and, ultimately, lytic cell death. In addition, belnacasan (VX-765), an inhibitor of caspase-1, could remarkably decrease the pyroptotic cell death of PPVI-treated A549 and H1299 cells. Moreover, by detecting the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and GSDMD in A549 and h1299 cells using Western blotting, immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometric analysis, measuring the caspase-1 activity using colorimetric assay, and quantifying the cytokines level of IL-1β and IL-18 using ELISA, the NLRP3 inflammasome was found to be activated in a dose manner, while VX-765 and necrosulfonamide (NSA), an inhibitor of GSDMD, could inhibit PPVI-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, the mechanism study found that PPVI could activate the NF-κB signaling pathway via increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in A549 and H1299 cells, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, remarkably inhibited the cell death, and the activation of NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome in PPVI-treated A549 and H1299 cells. Taken together, these data suggested that PPVI-induced, caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis via the induction of the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD signal axis in NSCLC, which further clarified the mechanism of PPVI in the inhibition of NSCLC, and thereby provided a possibility for PPVI to serve as a novel therapeutic agent for NSCLC in the future.

Effect of melatonin on T/B cell activation and immune regulation in pinealectomy mice

Melatonin is an indole neuroendocrine hormone that is mainly secreted by the pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythm, antioxidation, and immune regulation. Melatonin plays an important role in T cell-mediated immune responses against cancer, infections, and the development of many autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of melatonin on T/B cell activation in pinealectomy mice. The improved pinealectomy procedure for mice presented in this study is a good animal model to be used in follow-up studies on melatonin. After pinealectomy, the tissue removed was identified as the pineal body using HE staining. The effects of melatonin supplementation on T cell activation and activation-related changes to the MAPK/NF-κ B pathways were analyzed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. We found that expression levels of Th1, Th2 and Th17-related cytokines in peripheral blood were lower in mice that had undergone pinealectomy, compared with normal mice. After melatonin supplementation, cytokine levels rapidly increased within a short period of time, which resulted in the gradual recovery of cytokine expression levels. Moreover, activation of T/B cells in mice was weakened and decreased after pineal gland removal. Melatonin was found to inhibit the expression of TLR3, p38, JNK, and MAPK/NF-κ B within a short period (2 weeks) of melatonin replenishment. This inhibition gradually weakened with time, since the degree of inhibition is negatively related with the dosage of melatonin. In conclusion, melatonin may regulate the activation of T/B cells, playing a critical role in the regulation of immune balance.

Retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor alpha (RORα)-deficient mice display morphological testicular defects

The role of retinoid-related orphan receptor, one of the transcription factors reported in testis, in testicular function is unclear, so this study was performed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative changes in the testicular structure of RORα-deficient mice using light-, electron-microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Among the most striking alterations observed in the testis of the mutant mice were hypospermatogenesis, marked reduction in volume proportions of interstitial tissues and number of Leydig cells, significant decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and height of their epithelium, vacuolation in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules with occurrence of mast cells, appearance of delay spermiation signs, and changes in sperm morphology. Moreover, the testis of mutant mice showed symplasts, in addition to appearance of multinucleated giant bromophenol-positive cells. ATPase activity was limited to spermatogonia and some primary spermatocytes, with higher alkaline phosphatase expression. Stronger vimentin reaction was immunolocalized to spermatogonia, spermatids, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells. The expression of CD117 (C-kit, stem cell growth factor receptor) was limited to spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and Leydig cells. Seminiferous tubules showed overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transmission electron microscopy examination of the mutant mice revealed abnormal Sertoli cells, hypertrophied spermatogonia, spermatocytes with degenerated mitochondria, and incompletely developed sperms. In conclusion, RORα is one of the essential proteins that regulate testicular structure.

Melatonin biosynthesis restored by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides attenuates allergic airway inflammation via regulating NLRP3 inflammasome

AIMS

Both CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) and melatonin have been reported to induce Th1 response and contribute to allergic asthma resistance. Here, we aimed to reveal how they confer such effect as well as whether they crosstalk with each other.

MAIN METHODS

Six-week-old Female C57BL/6 mice were challenged by OVA to induce allergic airway inflammation, and were treated with CpG-ODN, CpG-ODN plus Luzindole or melatonin respectively. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity was classified and counted by Wright's-Giemsa staining. HE and PAS staining were used to analyze airway inflammation. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13,GM-CSF and IFN-γ, as well as IL-1β and IL-18 were analyzed by ELISA. Protein expressions of ASMT, AANAT, NLRP3, IL-1β and caspase-1 in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting, expression of ASMT and AANAT were further observed by immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that CpG-ODN considerably suppressed OVA-induced airway leukocytes infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia and Th2 cytokines production. Furthermore, the resolution effect of CpG-ODN on OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation occurred in parallel with decreased-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and increased biosynthesis of melatonin. Blocking the effect of endogenous melatonin by Luzindole abolished the suppressive effect of CpG-ODN on OVA-induced airway inflammation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting such effect was mediated by endogenous melatonin. Moreover, exogenous melatonin pronouncedly ameliorated airway inflammation and decreased the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results proven that CpG-ODN protects against allergic airway inflammation via suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and such effect may be resulted from the restored-production of melatonin.

Antcamphin M Inhibits TLR4-Mediated Inflammatory Responses by Upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Suppressing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in Macrophages

The medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the bioactive compounds in A. cinnamomea need further investigation. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of action of antcamphin M, an ergostanoid isolated from A. cinnamomea mycelium and to clarify its underlying mechanisms of action. RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with the indicated concentrations of antcamphin M, prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability, production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2), cytokines, and chemokines, as well as the inflammation-related signaling pathways were investigated. The study revealed that antcamphin M significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of NO, PGE₂, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and keratinocyte chemoattractant CXCL1 (KC), along with the levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins without significant cytotoxicity, indicating it had a better anti-inflammatory activity than that of gisenoside Rb1 and Rg1. Additionally, antcamphin M significantly inhibited the activation of MAPKs (p38, ERK, and JNK), NFκB, and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) signaling pathways and also increased the levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). These findings suggest that antcamphin M possesses potent anti-inflammatory activities and could be a potential candidate for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Receptor Alpha Ameliorates Autoimmune Arthritis via Inhibiting of Th17 Cells and Osteoclastogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis characterized by progressive joint destruction. IL-17-producing CD4⁺ T (Th17) cells play pivotal roles in RA development and progression. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) is a negative regulator of inflammatory responses, whereas RORγt, another member of the ROR family, is a Th17 lineage-specific transcription factor. Here, we investigated the immunoregulatory potential of RORα in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, an experimental model of RA. Cholesterol sulfate (CS) or SR1078, a ligand of RORα, inhibited RORγt expression and Th17 differentiation in vitro. In addition, fortification of RORα in T cells inhibited the expression levels of glycolysis-associated genes. We found that RORα overexpression in CIA mice attenuated the clinical and histological severities of inflammatory arthritis. The anti-arthritic effect of RORα was associated with suppressed Th17 differentiation and attenuated mTOR-STAT3 signaling in T cells. Furthermore, altered RORα activity could directly affect osteoclastogenesis implicated in progressive bone destruction in human RA. Our findings defined a critical role of RORα in the pathogenesis of RA. These data suggest that RORα may have novel therapeutic uses in the treatment of RA.

Resveratrol attenuates pulmonary embolism associated cardiac injury by suppressing activation of the inflammasome via the MALAT1‑miR‑22‑3p signaling pathway

Resveratrol (RS) has been reported to prevent the development of cardiac injury induced by pulmonary embolism (PE). The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of RS involved in cardiac injury induced by PE. A luciferase assay was conducted to detect the effect of RS on promoter efficiency of metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), in‑silico analysis and luciferase assays were performed to explore the regulatory relationship between MALAT1, microRNA (miR)‑22‑3p and NLRP3. Reverse transcription PCR, western blot analysis and ELISA were carried out to examine MALAT1, miR‑22‑3p, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‑1, interleukin (IL)‑1β and IL‑18 among different animal model groups, including the sham group, PE associated cardiac injury group and PE associated cardiac injury plus RS group. The results revealed that RS downregulated promoter efficiency of MALAT1 and MALAT1 directly targeted miR‑22‑3p, and luciferase activity of MALAT1 was inhibited by miR‑22‑3p, and furthermore miR‑22‑3p inhibited the expression of NLRP3 by binding to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated region of NLRP3. MALAT1, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‑1, IL‑1β and IL‑18 levels were much increased, while miR‑22‑3p level was much decreased in PE associated cardiac injury group compared with the sham group, while the RS upon the PE associated cardiac injury group slightly reduced the upregulated MALAT1/NLRP3 level and elevated the downregulated miR‑22‑3p level. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that RS has been demonstrated to prevent the development of cardiac injury induced by PE via modulating the expression of MALAT1 and further affect miR‑22‑3p and NLRP3.

RORα is crucial for attenuated inflammatory response to maintain intestinal homeostasis

Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) functions as a transcription factor for various biological processes, including circadian rhythm, cancer, and metabolism. Here, we generate intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific RORα-deficient (RORα^ΔIEC) mice and find that RORα is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis by attenuating nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity. RORα^ΔIEC mice exhibit excessive intestinal inflammation and highly activated inflammatory responses in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse colitis model. Transcriptome analysis reveals that deletion of RORα leads to up-regulation of NF-κB target genes in IECs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis reveals corecruitment of RORα and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on NF-κB target promoters and subsequent dismissal of CREB binding protein (CBP) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) for transcriptional repression. Together, we demonstrate that RORα/HDAC3-mediated attenuation of NF-κB signaling controls the balance of inflammatory responses, and therapeutic strategies targeting this epigenetic regulation could be beneficial to the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common and disabling condition with a paucity of effective and evidence-based therapies, reflecting a major unmet need. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise are of modest benefit for only some ME/CFS patients, and many sufferers report aggravation of symptoms of fatigue with exercise. The presence of a multiplicity of pathophysiological abnormalities in at least the subgroup of people with ME/CFS diagnosed with the current international consensus "Fukuda" criteria, points to numerous potential therapeutic targets. Such abnormalities include extensive data showing that at least a subgroup has a pro-inflammatory state, increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, disruption of gut mucosal barriers and mitochondrial dysfunction together with dysregulated bioenergetics. In this paper, these pathways are summarised, and data regarding promising therapeutic options that target these pathways are highlighted; they include coenzyme Q₁₀, melatonin, curcumin, molecular hydrogen and N-acetylcysteine. These data are promising yet preliminary, suggesting hopeful avenues to address this major unmet burden of illness.

Melatonin differentially regulates pathological and physiological cardiac hypertrophy: Crucial role of circadian nuclear receptor RORα signaling

Exercise-induced physiological hypertrophy provides protection against cardiovascular disease, whereas disease-induced pathological hypertrophy leads to heart failure. Emerging evidence suggests pleiotropic roles of melatonin in cardiac disease; however, the effects of melatonin on physiological vs pathological cardiac hypertrophy remain unknown. Using swimming-induced physiological hypertrophy and pressure overload-induced pathological hypertrophy models, we found that melatonin treatment significantly improved pathological hypertrophic responses accompanied by alleviated oxidative stress in myocardium but did not affect physiological cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress levels. As an important mediator of melatonin, the retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor-α (RORα) was significantly decreased in human and murine pathological hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, but not in swimming-induced physiological hypertrophic murine hearts. In vivo and in vitro loss-of-function experiments indicated that RORα deficiency significantly aggravated pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and notably weakened the anti-hypertrophic effects of melatonin. Mechanistically, RORα mediated the cardioprotection of melatonin in pathological hypertrophy mainly by transactivation of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) via binding to the RORα response element located in the promoter region of the MnSOD gene. Furthermore, MnSOD overexpression reversed the pro-hypertrophic effects of RORα deficiency, while MnSOD silencing abolished the anti-hypertrophic effects of RORα overexpression in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence that melatonin exerts an anti-hypertrophic effect on pathological but not physiological cardiac hypertrophy via alleviating oxidative stress through transactivation of the antioxidant enzyme MnSOD in a RORα-dependent manner.

MCPIP1 regulates RORα expression to protect against liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide via modulation of miR-155

Liver injury plays vital roles in the development of inflammation and organ dysfunction during sepsis. MCP-1-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), as an endoribonuclease, is a critical regulator for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. However, whether MCPIP1 participates in the septic liver injury remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MCPIP1 in lipopolysaccharides-induced liver injury and the underlying modulatory mechanisms. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were used to determine proinflammatory cytokines, MCPIP1, retinoid-related orphan receptor α (RORα), miR-155, and related protein from nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway expression. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze whether miR-155 regulates RORα transcription. Secretion of inflammatory cytokines into sera in mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase, assay were used to evaluate liver function. We found that MCPIP1 expression was notably upregulated and significantly downregulated inflammatory cytokine secretion and NF-κB signaling activation in macrophages following exposure to lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, miR-155, lowered by MCPIP1, directly targeted on 3'-untranslated region of RORα to activate an inflammatory response. Importantly, MCPIP1 overexpression in mice alleviated septic liver injury symptoms following lipopolysaccharides stimulation. Collectively, these data highlight MCPIP1/miR-155/RORα axis as a novel modulation of inflammation in liver injury and potential therapeutic target for future research.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and NLRP3 inflammasome: Crosstalk in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders

When endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is disrupted, known as ER stress (ERS), the ER generates an adaptive signaling pathway called the unfolded protein response to maintain the homeostasis of this organelle. However, if homeostasis is not restored, the ER initiates death signaling pathways, which contribute to the pathogenesis of various disorders. The activation of inflammatory mechanisms is also emerging as a crucial component of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has attracted more attention than others and is the best-characterized member of the NLR family of inflammasomes to date. ERS intersects with many different inflammatory pathways, particularly the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we focus on the interactions between ERS and the NLRP3 inflammasome. The pharmacologic and nonpharmaceutical manipulation of these two processes may offer novel opportunities for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Melatonin prevents sepsis-induced renal injury via the PINK1/Parkin1 signaling pathway

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine; MT) has been shown to have a protective effect against sepsis-induced renal injury, however, the mechanisms underlying the function of MT remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, the potential mechanisms underlying the preventive role of MT in sepsis-induced renal injury were investigated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect the effect of MT on the reduction of renal tissue damage, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), ELISA and western blot analysis were performed to determine the influence of MT on the protein expression of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), nucleotide-oligomerization binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC1), interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, IL-6 and cleaved caspase-1. Finally, a TUNEL assay was used to compare the rate of apoptosis of renal tissues among the sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP + MT groups. The extent of tissue damage in the CLP group was the highest and the extent of tissue damage in the sham group was the lowest. The IHC and western blot analysis showed that the sham group had the highest protein level of PINK1, whereas the CLP group had the lowest protein level of PINK1. By contrast, the sham group had the lowest protein level of NLRP, whereas the CLP group had the highest level of NLRP3. Furthermore, CLP treatment enhanced the protein expression of ASC1 and cleaved caspase-1, whereas the administration of MT reduced the protein expression of ASC1 and cleaved caspase-1 to a certain degree. Finally, the apoptotic rate was found to be the highest in the CLP group and the lowest in the sham group. Taken together, in evaluating the therapeutic effect of MT on sepsis-induced renal injury, the results of the present study showed that MT alleviated sepsis-induced renal injury by regulating the expression of PINK1, Parkin1, NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1 in rats.

Role of melatonin in sleep deprivation-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice

Intestinal diseases caused by sleep deprivation (SD) are severe public health threats worldwide. This study focuses on the effect of melatonin on intestinal mucosal injury and microbiota dysbiosis in sleep-deprived mice. Mice subjected to SD had significantly elevated norepinephrine levels and decreased melatonin content in plasma. Consistent with the decrease in melatonin levels, we observed a decrease of antioxidant ability, down-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in sleep-deprived mice, which resulted in colonic mucosal injury, including a reduced number of goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, expression of MUC2 and tight junction proteins and elevated expression of ATG5, Beclin1, p-P65 and p-IκB. High-throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA demonstrated that the diversity and richness of the colonic microbiota were decreased in sleep-deprived mice, especially in probiotics, including Akkermansia, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. However, the pathogen Aeromonas was markedly increased. By contrast, supplementation with 20 and 40 mg/kg melatonin reversed these SD-induced changes and improved the mucosal injury and dysbiosis of the microbiota in the colon. Our results suggest that the effect of SD on intestinal barrier dysfunction might be an outcome of melatonin suppression rather than a loss of sleep per se. SD-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction involved the suppression of melatonin production and activation of the NF-κB pathway by oxidative stress.

Protective Effect of Melatonin Against Polymicrobial Sepsis Is Mediated by the Anti-bacterial Effect of Neutrophils

Sepsis is an infection- or toxin-mediated systemic inflammatory syndrome. Previous studies have shown that melatonin, the primary hormone produced by the pineal gland, attenuates the effect of polymicrobial infection-mediated septic shock in animals. However, the mechanism of the anti-septic effect of melatonin during polymicrobial infection has not been well-studied. In this study, we investigated how melatonin protects mice from polymicrobial sepsis. Melatonin treatment inhibited peripheral tissue inflammation and tissue damage in a cecal ligation puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis model, consequently reducing the mortality of the mice. We found that macrophages and neutrophils expressed melatonin receptors. Upon depletion of neutrophils, melatonin-induced protection against polymicrobial infection failed in the mice, but melatonin treatment in macrophage-depleted mice attenuated the mice mortality resulting from polymicrobial sepsis. Moreover, melatonin treatment promoted the development of the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET), which contributed to anti-bacterial activity during polymicrobial infection, whereas the phagocytic activities of neutrophils were inhibited by melatonin. The data from this study support previously unexplained antiseptic effects of melatonin during a polymicrobial infection and could be potentially useful for human patients with sepsis.

NLRP inflammasome as a key role player in the pathogenesis of environmental toxicants

Exposure to environmental toxicants (ET) results in specific organ damage and auto-immune diseases, mostly mediated by inflammatory responses. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been found to be the major initiator of the associated pathologic inflammation. It has been found that ETs can trigger all the signals required for an NLRP3-mediated response. The exaggerated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its end product IL-1β, is responsible for the pathogenesis caused by many ETs including pesticides, organic pollutants, heavy metals, and crystalline compounds. Therefore, an extensive study of these chemicals and their mechanisms of inflammasome (INF) activation may provide the scientific evidence for possible targeting of this pathway by proposing possible protective agents that have been previously shown to affect INF compartments and its activation. Melatonin and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are among the safest and the most studied of these agents, which affect a wide variety of cellular and physiological processes. These molecules have been shown to suppress the NLRP3 inflammasome mostly through the regulation of cellular redox status and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, rendering them potential promising compounds to overcome ET-mediated organ damage. In the present review, we have made an effort to extensively review the ETs that exert their pathogenesis via the stimulation of inflammation, their precise mechanisms of action and the possible protective agents that could be potentially used to protect against such toxicants.

Mechanisms for Radioprotection by Melatonin; Can it be Used as a Radiation Countermeasure?

BACKGROUND

Melatonin is a natural body product that has shown potent antioxidant property against various toxic agents. For more than two decades, the abilities of melatonin as a potent radioprotector against toxic effects of ionizing radiation (IR) have been proved. However, in the recent years, several studies have been conducted to illustrate how melatonin protects normal cells against IR. Studies proposed that melatonin is able to directly neutralize free radicals produced by IR, leading to the production of some low toxic products.

DISCUSSION

Moreover, melatonin affects several signaling pathways, such as inflammatory responses, antioxidant defense, DNA repair response enzymes, pro-oxidant enzymes etc. Animal studies have confirmed that melatonin is able to alleviate radiation-induced cell death via inhibiting pro-apoptosis and upregulation of anti-apoptosis genes. These properties are very interesting for clinical radiotherapy applications, as well as mitigation of radiation injury in a possible radiation disaster. An interesting property of melatonin is mitochondrial ROS targeting that has been proposed as a strategy for mitigating effects in radiosensitive organs, such as bone marrow, gastrointestinal system and lungs. However, there is a need to prove the mitigatory effects of melatonin in experimental studies.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we aim to clarify the molecular mechanisms of radioprotective effects of melatonin, as well as possible applications as a radiation countermeasure in accidental exposure or nuclear/radiological disasters.

Melatonin as a master regulator of cell death and inflammation: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for newborn care

Melatonin, more commonly known as the sleep hormone, is mainly secreted by the pineal gland in dark conditions and regulates the circadian rhythm of the organism. Its intrinsic properties, including high cell permeability, the ability to easily cross both the blood–brain and placenta barriers, and its role as an endogenous reservoir of free radical scavengers (with indirect extra activities), confer it beneficial uses as an adjuvant in the biomedical field. Melatonin can exert its effects by acting through specific cellular receptors on the plasma membrane, similar to other hormones, or through receptor-independent mechanisms that involve complex molecular cross talk with other players. There is increasing evidence regarding the extraordinary beneficial effects of melatonin, also via exogenous administration. Here, we summarize molecular pathways in which melatonin is considered a master regulator, with attention to cell death and inflammation mechanisms from basic, translational and clinical points of view in the context of newborn care.

Aging, Melatonin, and the Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Networks

Aging and various age-related diseases are associated with reductions in melatonin secretion, proinflammatory changes in the immune system, a deteriorating circadian system, and reductions in sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activity. In non-tumor cells, several effects of melatonin are abolished by inhibiting SIRT1, indicating mediation by SIRT1. Melatonin is, in addition to its circadian and antioxidant roles, an immune stimulatory agent. However, it can act as either a pro- or anti-inflammatory regulator in a context-dependent way. Melatonin can stimulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines and other mediators, but also, under different conditions, it can suppress inflammation-promoting processes such as NO release, activation of cyclooxygenase-2, inflammasome NLRP3, gasdermin D, toll-like receptor-4 and mTOR signaling, and cytokine release by SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype), and amyloid-β toxicity. It also activates processes in an anti-inflammatory network, in which SIRT1 activation, upregulation of Nrf2 and downregulation of NF-κB, and release of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 are involved. A perhaps crucial action may be the promotion of macrophage or microglia polarization in favor of the anti-inflammatory phenotype M2. In addition, many factors of the pro- and anti-inflammatory networks are subject to regulation by microRNAs that either target mRNAs of the respective factors or upregulate them by targeting mRNAs of their inhibitor proteins.

The nuclear receptor RORα protects against angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure

The nuclear receptor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-α (RORα) regulates numerous critical biological processes, including central nervous system development, lymphocyte differentiation, and lipid metabolism. RORα has been recently identified in the heart, but very little is known about its role in cardiac physiology. We sought to determine whether RORα regulates myocardial hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte survival in the context of angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulation. For in vivo characterization of the function of RORα in the context of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, we used the "staggerer" (RORαsg/sg) mouse, which harbors a germline mutation encoding a truncated and globally nonfunctional RORα. RORαsg/sg and wild-type littermate mice were infused with ANG II or vehicle for 14 days. For in vitro experiments, we overexpressed or silenced RORα in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and human cardiac fibroblasts exposed to ANG II. RORαsg/sg mice developed exaggerated myocardial hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction after ANG II treatment. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments were consistent with the discovery that RORα inhibits ANG II-induced pathological hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte death in vivo. RORα directly repressed IL-6 transcription. Loss of RORα function led to enhanced IL-6 expression, proinflammatory STAT3 activation (phopho-STAT3 Tyr705), and decreased mitochondrial number and function, oxidative stress, hypertrophy, and death of cardiomyocytes upon ANG II exposure. RORα was less abundant in failing compared with nonfailing human heart tissue. In conclusion, RORα protects against ANG II-mediated pathological hypertrophy and heart failure by suppressing the IL-6-STAT3 pathway and enhancing mitochondrial function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice lacking retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-α (RORα) develop exaggerated cardiac hypertrophy after angiotensin II infusion. Loss of RORα leads to enhanced IL-6 expression and NF-κB nuclear translocation. RORα maintains mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress after angiotensin II. The abundance of RORα is reduced in failing mouse and human hearts.

Targeting NLRP3 (Nucleotide-Binding Domain, Leucine-Rich–Containing Family, Pyrin Domain–Containing-3) Inflammasome in Cardiovascular Disorders

Inflammation is an important innate immune response to infection or tissue damage. Inflammasomes are involved in the onset and development of inflammation. The NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich–containing family, pyrin domain–containing-3) inflammasome is the best-characterized inflammasome. Recent evidence has indicated the importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders. To further understand the roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the cardiovascular system, we provide a comprehensive overview and discuss the remaining questions. First, a summary of NLRP3 inflammasome in the cardiovascular system is introduced. Then, the associations between NLRP3 inflammasome and cardiovascular disorders are presented. Finally, we discuss existing problems and potential directions with this issue. The information compiled here summarizes recent progress, thus potentially aiding in the understanding of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular disorders, designing experimental and clinical research about the NLRP3 inflammasome, and promoting therapeutics for cardiovascular disorders.

Emerging Evidence concerning the Role of Sirtuins in Sepsis

Sepsis, a dysregulated host response to infection, is a major public health concern. Though experimental and clinical studies relating to sepsis are increasing, the mechanism of sepsis is not completely understood. To date, numerous studies have shown that sirtuins (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog), which belong to the class III histone deacetylases, may have a varied, or even opposite, effect in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Notably, downstream mechanisms of sirtuins are not fully understood. The sirtuin family consists of sirtuins 1-7; among them, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is the most studied one, during the development of sepsis. Furthermore, other sirtuin members are also confirmed to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory or metabolic signaling following sepsis. In addition, sirtuins may interact with each other to form a precise regulatory mechanism in different phases of sepsis. Therefore, in this review, by accumulating data from PubMed, we intend to explain the role of sirtuin in sepsis, which we hope will pave the way for further experimental study and the potential future clinical applications of sirtuins.

Melatonin and inflammation-Story of a double-edged blade

Melatonin is an immune modulator that displays both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. Proinflammatory actions, which are well documented by many studies in isolated cells or leukocyte-derived cell lines, can be assumed to enhance the resistance against pathogens. However, they can be detrimental in autoimmune diseases. Anti-inflammatory actions are of particular medicinal interest, because they are observed in high-grade inflammation such as sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion, and brain injury, and also in low-grade inflammation during aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms contributing to anti-inflammatory effects are manifold and comprise various pathways of secondary signaling. These include numerous antioxidant effects, downregulation of inducible and inhibition of neuronal NO synthases, downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2, inhibition of high-mobility group box-1 signaling and toll-like receptor-4 activation, prevention of inflammasome NLRP3 activation, inhibition of NF-κB activation and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). These effects are also reflected by downregulation of proinflammatory and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory actions of amyloid-β peptides are reduced by enhancing α-secretase and inhibition of β- and γ-secretases. A particular role in melatonin's actions seems to be associated with the upregulation of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), which shares various effects known from melatonin and additionally interferes with the signaling by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Notch, and reduces the expression of the proinflammatory lncRNA-CCL2. The conclusion on a partial mediation by SIRT1 is supported by repeatedly observed inhibitions of melatonin effects by sirtuin inhibitors or knockdown.

Leaky brain in neurological and psychiatric disorders: Drivers and consequences

BACKGROUND

The blood-brain barrier acts as a highly regulated interface; its dysfunction may exacerbate, and perhaps initiate, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS

In this narrative review, focussing on redox, inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways and their effects on the blood-brain barrier, a model is proposed detailing mechanisms which might explain how increases in blood-brain barrier permeability occur and can be maintained with increasing inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress being the initial drivers.

RESULTS

Peripheral inflammation, which is causatively implicated in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders, is associated with elevated peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn cause increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and reactive nitrogen species, such as nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, play essential roles in normal brain capillary endothelial cell functioning; however, chronically elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and damage to the blood-brain barrier. Activated microglia, redox control of which is mediated by nitric oxide synthases and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, secrete neurotoxic molecules such as reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, prostaglandin, cyclooxygenase-2, quinolinic acid, several chemokines (including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 [CXCL-1] and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α [MIP-1α]) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, which can exert a detrimental effect on blood-brain barrier integrity and function. Similarly, reactive astrocytes produce neurotoxic molecules such as prostaglandin E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can cause a 'leaky brain'.

CONCLUSION

Chronic inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress is associated with the development of a 'leaky gut'. The following evidence-based approaches, which address the leaky gut and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, are suggested as potential therapeutic interventions for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: melatonin, statins, probiotics containing Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, N-acetylcysteine, and prebiotics containing fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides.

Melatonin prevents Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in diabetic hearts through SIRT1-PGC1α pathway

Myocardial contractile dysfunction is associated with an increase in mitochondrial fission in patients with diabetes. However, whether mitochondrial fission directly promotes diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction is still unknown. Melatonin exerts a substantial influence on the regulation of mitochondrial fission/fusion. This study investigated whether melatonin protects against diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction via regulation of mitochondrial fission/fusion and explored its underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that melatonin prevented diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission. Melatonin treatment decreased Drp1 expression, inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation, suppressed oxidative stress, reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, improved mitochondrial function and cardiac function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, but not in SIRT1^-/- diabetic mice. In high glucose-exposed H9c2 cells, melatonin treatment increased the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α and inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and mitochondria-derived superoxide production. In contrast, SIRT1 or PGC-1α siRNA knockdown blunted the inhibitory effects of melatonin on Drp1 expression and mitochondrial fission. These data indicated that melatonin exerted its cardioprotective effects by reducing Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in a SIRT1/PGC-1α-dependent manner. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that PGC-1α directly regulated the expression of Drp1 by binding to its promoter. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission with Drp1 inhibitor mdivi-1 suppressed oxidative stress, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice. These findings show that melatonin attenuates the development of diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction by preventing mitochondrial fission through SIRT1-PGC1α pathway, which negatively regulates the expression of Drp1 directly. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission may be a potential target for delaying cardiac complications in patients with diabetes.

NF-κB-Gasdermin D (GSDMD) Axis Couples Oxidative Stress and NACHT, LRR and PYD Domains-Containing Protein 3 (NLRP3) Inflammasome-Mediated Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis Following Myocardial Infarction

Background

Pyroptosis and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in cardiomyocyte loss after myocardial infarction. NF-κB is associated with oxidative stress and gasdermin D (GSDMD), the effector molecule of pyroptosis. However, the exact relationship between oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis remains unknown.

Material/Methods

We measured inflammasome-mediated cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in vivo via membrane pore formation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and expression of caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC). Furthermore, we induced pyroptosis in vitro by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in H9C2 cells. NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis was confirmed by LDH assay kit and Western blot. Oxidative stress was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. We suppressed oxidative stress with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and measured subsequent changes to the NF-κB-GSDMD axis and pyroptosis by LDH assay kit and Western blot. Then, we inhibited NF-κB activation with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and measured changes to GSDMD activity and pyroptosis by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and LDH assay kit.

Results

Suppression of oxidative stress by NAC reduced NF-κB and GSDMD activation and increased pyroptosis, characterized by LDH release and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in H9C2 cells under OGD. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB activation reduced GSDMD transcription and activation and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of H9C2 cells under OGD.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the NF-κB-GSDMD axis functioned as a bridge between oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Our findings provide important insight into the mechanism of myocardial infarction-related ventricular remodeling.

Mechanisms Underlying Tumor Suppressive Properties of Melatonin

There is considerable evidence that melatonin may be of use in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This manuscript will review some of the human, animal and cellular studies that provide evidence that melatonin has oncostatic properties. Confirmation that melatonin mitigates pathogenesis of cancer will be described from both direct study of its effects on carcinogenesis, and from indirect findings implicating disruption of the circadian cycle. A distinction is made between the role of melatonin in preventing the initiation of the tumorigenic pathway and the ability of melatonin to retard the progression of cancer. Melatonin appears to slow down the rate of advancement of established tumors and there is evidence that it constitutes a valuable complement to standard pharmacological and radiation treatment modalities. There are instances of the beneficial outcomes in cancer treatment which utilize a range of hormones and vitamins, melatonin being among the constituents of the mix. While these complex blends are empirically promising, they are only briefly mentioned here in view of the confounding influence of a multiplicity of agents studied simultaneously. The last section of this review examines the molecular mechanisms that potentially underlie the oncostatic effects of melatonin. Alterations in gene expression following activation of various transcription factors, are likely to be an important mediating event. These changes in gene activity not only relate to cancer but also to the aging process which underlies the onset of most tumors. In addition, epigenetic events such as modulation of histone acetylation and DNA methylation patterns throughout the lifespan of organisms need to be considered. The antioxidant and immunoregulatory roles of melatonin may also contribute to its cancer modulatory properties. Naturally, these mechanisms overlap and interact extensively. Nevertheless, in the interest of clarity and ease of reading, each is discussed as a separate topic section. The report ends with some general conclusions concerning the clinical value of melatonin which has been rather overlooked and understudied.

GPCRs in NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation, Regulation, and Therapeutics

The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multimeric protein complex which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various human inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis. Recently, various G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been reported to be involved in the activation and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by sensing multiple ions, metabolites, and neurotransmitters, suggesting GPCR signaling is an important regulator for NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we will review how various GPCRs promote or inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and discuss the implications of GPCRs as drug targets for the therapy of NLRP3-driven diseases.

The Circadian Clock Controls Immune Checkpoint Pathway in Sepsis

Sepsis and septic shock are associated with life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an impaired host response to infections. Although circadian clock disturbance impairs the early inflammatory response, its impact on post-septic immunosuppression remains poorly elucidated. Here, we show that Bmal1, a core circadian clock gene, plays a role in the regulation of host immune responses in experimental sepsis. Mechanistically, Bmal1 deficiency in macrophages increases PKM2 expression and lactate production, which is required for expression of the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 in a STAT1-dependent manner. Consequently, targeted ablation of Pkm2 in myeloid cells or administration of anti-PD-L1-neutralizing antibody or supplementation with recombinant interleukin-7 (IL-7) facilitates microbial clearance, inhibits T cell apoptosis, reduces multiple organ dysfunction, and reduces septic death in Bmal1-deficient mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that the circadian clock controls the immune checkpoint pathway in macrophages and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target for lethal infection.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Melatonin in Obesity and Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Here, we review the known relations between hypertension and obesity to inflammation and postulate the endogenous protective effect of melatonin and its potential as a therapeutic agent. We will describe the multiple effects of melatonin on blood pressure, adiposity, body weight, and focus on mitochondrial-related anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hypertension and obesity are usually associated with systemic and tissular inflammation. The progressive affection of target-organs involves multiple mediators of inflammation, most of them redundant, which make anti-inflammatory strategies ineffective. Melatonin reduces blood pressure, body weight, and inflammation. The mechanisms of action of this ancient molecule of protection involve multiple levels of action, from subcellular to intercellular. Mitochondria is a key inflammatory element in vascular and adipose tissue and a potential pharmacological target. Melatonin protects against mitochondrial dysfunction. Melatonin reduces blood pressure and adipose tissue dysfunction by multiple anti-inflammatory/antioxidant actions and provides potent protection against mitochondria-mediated injury in hypertension and obesity. This inexpensive and multitarget molecule has great therapeutic potential against both epidemic diseases.

Immunosuppressive effects of hypoxia-induced glioma exosomes through myeloid-derived suppressor cells via the miR-10a/Rora and miR-21/Pten Pathways

While immunosuppressive environments mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been well documented in glioma patients, the mechanisms of MDSC development and activation have not been clearly defined. Here, we elucidated a role for glioma-derived exosomes (GDEs) in potentiating an MDSC pathway. We isolated normoxia-stimulated and hypoxia-stimulated GDEs and studied their MDSC induction abilities in vivo and in vitro. Analyses of spleen and bone marrow MDSC proportions (flow cytometry) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), arginase activity, nitric oxide (NO), T-cell proliferation and immunosuppressive cytokine (IL-10 and TGF-β, ELISA) levels were used to assess MDSC expansion and functional capacity. We also performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing analysis of two types of GDEs to find miRNAs that potentially mediate the development and activation of MDSCs. GDE miRNA intracellular signaling in MDSCs was also studied. Hypoxia promoted the secretion of GDEs, and mouse MDSCs could uptake GDEs. Hypoxia-stimulated GDEs had a stronger ability to induce MDSCs than N-GDEs. The hypoxia-inducible expression of miR-10a and miR-21 in GDEs mediated GDE-induced MDSC expansion and activation by targeting RAR-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Mice inoculated with miR-10a or miR-21 knockout glioma cells generated fewer MDSCs than those inoculated with normal glioma cells. These data elucidated a mechanism by which glioma cells influence the differentiation and activation of MDSCs via exosomes and demonstrated how local glioma hypoxia affects the entirety of tumor immune environments.

Combination of melatonin and rapamycin for head and neck cancer therapy: Suppression of AKT/mTOR pathway activation, and activation of mitophagy and apoptosis via mitochondrial function regulation

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) clearly involves activation of the Akt mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. However, the effectiveness of treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin is often limited by chemoresistance. Melatonin suppresses neoplastic growth via different mechanisms in a variety of tumours. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of melatonin on rapamycin-induced HNSCC cell death and to identify potential cross-talk pathways. We analysed the dose-dependent effects of melatonin in rapamycin-treated HNSCC cell lines (Cal-27 and SCC-9). These cells were treated with 0.1, 0.5 or 1 mmol/L melatonin combined with 20 nM rapamycin. We further examined the potential synergistic effects of melatonin with rapamycin in Cal-27 xenograft mice. Relationships between inhibition of the mTOR pathway, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis and mitophagy reportedly increased the cytotoxic effects of rapamycin in HNSCC. Our results demonstrated that combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin blocked the negative feedback loop from the specific downstream effector of mTOR activation S6K1 to Akt signalling, which decreased cell viability, proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Interestingly, combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin-induced changes in mitochondrial function, which were associated with increased ROS production, increasing apoptosis and mitophagy. This led to increase cell death and cellular differentiation. Our data further indicated that melatonin administration reduced rapamycin-associated toxicity to healthy cells. Overall, our findings suggested that melatonin could be used as an adjuvant agent with rapamycin, improving effectiveness while minimizing its side effects.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in Neuroprogressive Diseases: Emerging Pathophysiological Role and Translational Implications

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main cellular organelle involved in protein synthesis, assembly and secretion. Accumulating evidence shows that across several neurodegenerative and neuroprogressive diseases, ER stress ensues, which is accompanied by over-activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Although the UPR could initially serve adaptive purposes in conditions associated with higher cellular demands and after exposure to a range of pathophysiological insults, over time the UPR may become detrimental, thus contributing to neuroprogression. Herein, we propose that immune-inflammatory, neuro-oxidative, neuro-nitrosative, as well as mitochondrial pathways may reciprocally interact with aberrations in UPR pathways. Furthermore, ER stress may contribute to a deregulation in calcium homoeostasis. The common denominator of these pathways is a decrease in neuronal resilience, synaptic dysfunction and even cell death. This review also discusses how mechanisms related to ER stress could be explored as a source for novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative and neuroprogressive diseases. The design of randomised controlled trials testing compounds that target aberrant UPR-related pathways within the emerging framework of precision psychiatry is warranted.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation regulated by NF-κB and DAPK contributed to paraquat-induced acute kidney injury

Paraquat can result in dysfunction of multiple organs after ingestion in human. However, the mechanisms of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in acute kidney injury have not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its regulation by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and death-associated protein kinase (DAPK). Male Wistar rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection of paraquat at 20 mg/kg, and NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 was pretreated at 10 mg/kg 1 h before paraquat exposure. Additionally, rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against DAPK to evaluate its role in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. DAPK and NLRP3 inflammasome were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining or Western blot; the pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured via ELISA. The results showed that NF-κB, DAPK, and NLRP3 inflammasome were activated in paraquat (PQ)-treated rat kidney; the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly increased. These toxic effects were attenuated by NF-κB inhibitor. Besides, the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in paraquat-treated rat renal tubular epithelial cells were inhibited by siRNA against DAPK. In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation regulated by NF-κB and DAPK played an important role in paraquat-induced acute kidney injury.

Activation of MMPs in Macrophages by Mycobacterium tuberculosis via the miR-223-BMAL1 Signaling Pathway

An interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and macrophages constitutes an essential step in tuberculosis development, as macrophages exert both positive and negative effects on M. tuberculosis-triggered organ lesions. In this study, we focused on the regulation of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which is responsible for lung matrix degradation and bacteria dissection, in macrophages following M. tuberculosis infection. Female BALB/c mice were intravenously injected with the M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv at 0 h zeitgeber time (ZT0) or 12 h zeitgeber time (ZT12). The expression and activity of MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9 in lungs and spleens were then evaluated. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages were harvested at ZT0 or at ZT12 and infected with 10 MOI M. tuberculosis. The expression of MMPs, microRNA-223 and BMAL1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR and/or Western blot. The binding of BMAL1 3'-UTR by miR-223 was confirmed by luciferase activity assay. Additionally, wild-type BMAL1 or NLSmut BMAL1 plasmids were transfected to evaluate the effect of BMAL1 on MMPs. The results showed a differential expression of MMPs in mice tissues infected at different times. M. tuberculosis infection caused enhanced MMP-1, -9, and miR-223 expression, with inhibited BMAL1 expression. MiR-223 modulated BMAL1 expression via the direct binding of BMAL1 3'-UTR. Furthermore, wild-type BMAL1 other than NLSmut BMAL1 attenuated MMPs expression in M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages. Overall, this study demonstrated a potential involvement of circadian rhythm in MMP activation by M. tuberculosis in macrophages. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4804-4812, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.