Identification of PIK3CG as a hub in septic myocardial injury using network pharmacology and weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Utilizing omics technologies in the investigation of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a common and high-mortality complication among critically ill patients. Uncertainties persist regarding the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of SIC, underscoring the necessity to investigate potential biological mechanisms. With the rise of omics technologies, leveraging their high throughput and big data advantages, a systems biology perspective is employed to study the biological processes of SIC. This approach aids in gaining a better understanding of the disease's onset, progression, and outcomes, ultimately providing improved guidance for clinical practices. This review summarizes the currently applied omics technologies, omics studies related to SIC, and relevant omics databases.

Ablation of mitophagy receptor FUNDC1 accentuates septic cardiomyopathy through ACSL4-dependent regulation of ferroptosis and mitochondrial integrity

Sepsis evokes compromised myocardial function prompting heart failure albeit target therapy remains dismal. Our study examined the possible role of mitophagy receptor FUNDC1 in septic cardiomyopathy. A sepsis model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in FUNDC1 knockout (FUNDC1-/-) and WT mice prior to the evaluation of cardiac morphology, echocardiographic and cardiomyocyte contractile, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. RNAseq analysis depicted discrepant patterns in mitophagy, oxidative stress and ferroptosis between CLP-challenged and control murine hearts. Septic patients displayed cardiac injury alongside low plasma FUNDC1 and iron levels. CLP evoked interstitial fibrosis, cardiac dysfunction (lowered ejection fraction, fractional shortening, shortening/relengthening velocity, peak shortening and electrically-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ rise, alongside increased LV end systolic diameter and relengthening duration), O2- buildup, apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis (downregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11), the responses of which were accentuated by FUNDC1 ablation. In particular, levels of lipid peroxidation enzyme acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were upregulated following CLP procedure, with a more pronounced response in FUNDC1-/- mice. Co-immunoprecipitation and interaction interface revealed an evident interaction between FUNDC1 and ACSL4. In vitro studies revealed that the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide provoked cardiomyocyte contractile and lipid peroxidation anomalies, the responses were reversed by the mitophagy inducer oleanolic acid, inhibition of ACSL4 and ferroptosis. These findings favor a role for FUNDC1-ACSL4-ferroptosis cascade in septic cardiomyopathy.

Exploring the potential mechanism of WuFuYin against hypertrophic scar using network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is dermal fibroproliferative disorder, which may cause physiological and psychological problems. Currently, the potential mechanism of WuFuYin (WFY) in the treatment of HTS remained to be elucidated.

AIM

To explore the potential mechanism of WFY in treating HTS.

METHODS

Active components and corresponding targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. HTS-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, and National Center for Biotechnology Information. The function of targets was analyzed by performing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A protein + IBM-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed using STRING database and Cytoscape. To confirm the high affinity between compounds and targets, molecular docking was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 65 core genes, which were both related to compounds and HTS, were selected from multiple databases. PPI analysis showed that CKD2, ABCC1, MMP2, MMP9, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B), PRARG, MMP3, and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma (PIK3CG) were the hub targets and MOL004941, MOL004935, MOL004866, MOL004993, and MOL004989 were the key compounds of WFY against HTS. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that the function of most genes were enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway. Moreover, by performing molecular docking, we confirmed that GSK3B and 8-prenylated eriodictyol shared the highest affinity.

CONCLUSION

The current findings showed that the GSK3B and cyclin dependent kinase 2 were the potential targets and MOL004941, MOL004989, and MOL004993 were the main compounds of WFY in HTS treatment.

Melatonin: A potential protective multifaceted force for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition manifested by organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Lung, brain, liver, kidney, and heart are among the affected organs. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is a common cause of death among septic patients. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by an acute and reversible significant decline in biventricular both systolic and diastolic function. This is accompanied by left ventricular dilatation. The pathogenesis underlying sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is multifactorial. Hence, targeting an individual pathway may not be effective in halting the extensive dysregulated immune response. Despite major advances in sepsis management strategies, no effective pharmacological strategies have been shown to treat or even reverse sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Melatonin, namely, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is synthesized in the pineal gland of mammals and can also be produced in many cells and tissues. Melatonin has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-tumor activity. Several literature reviews have explored the role of melatonin in preventing sepsis-induced organ failure. Melatonin was found to act on different pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, it offers a potential role in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Its antioxidant activity is through free radical scavenging against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and modulating the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Melatonin anti-inflammatory activities control the overactive immune system and mitigate cytokine storm. Also, it mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, a major mechanism involved in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, and thus controls apoptosis. Therefore, this review discusses melatonin as a promising drug for the management of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Targeting ferroptosis in the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis in the realm of septic cardiomyopathy

Septic cardiomyopathy is one of the predominant culprit factors contributing to the rising mortality in patients with severe sepsis. Among various mechanisms responsible for the etiology of septic heart anomalies, disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis has gained much recent attention, resulting in myocardial inflammation and even cell death. Ferroptosis is a novel category of regulated cell death (RCD) provoked by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation through iron-mediated phospholipid (PL) peroxidation, enroute to the rupture of plasma membranes and eventually cell death. This review summarizes the recent progress of ferroptosis in mitochondrial homeostasis during septic cardiomyopathy. We will emphasize the role of mitochondrial iron transport channels and the antioxidant system in ferroptosis. Finally, we will summarize and discuss future research, which should help guide disease treatment.

Identification of PIK3R5 as a hub in septic myocardial injury and the cardioprotective effects of Psoralidin

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury is a severe complication of sepsis, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Psoralidin (PSO), derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L., has garnered considerable attention due to its potent pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

PURPOSE

Our previous work conducted affirmed that PSO has a protective effect on sepsis and septic myocardial injury, however the specific molecular mechanisms need further clarification.

STUDY DESIGN

This objective of this study was to use three analytic modalities and bioinformatics methods to identify potential targets, followed by experimental verification.

METHODS

A series of experiments methods (including echocardiography, HE, western blot, qPCR, RNA-seq, network pharmacology) were used to evaluate the effects of PSO against sepsis and septic myocardial injury in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-injured BALB/c mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injured HL-1 cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS

Firstly, a group of sepsis-related genes were identified by integrating database surveys, RNA-seq analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA). Subsequently, the pharmacological targets of PSO were predicted. Furthermore, the identification of phosphoinositide 3- kinase regulatory subunit 5 (PIK3R5) as a crucial hub gene was accomplished via protein-protein interaction network and molecular docking approach. In vivo experiments showed that PSO treatment alleviated septic myocardial injury, as evidenced by improved cardiac function indicators and inflammation response. Similar results were obtained in vitro experiments. Importantly, the expression of PI3KR5 was decreased in the myocardium and cardiomyocytes, and the effect was reversed by PSO treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study systematically revealed the key targets of PSO in the treatment of septic myocardial injury. These findings offer valuable insights into disease-drug targets, which have certain clinical significance to exploring disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for septic patients.

Beneficial impact of cardiac heavy metal scavenger metallothionein in sepsis-provoked cardiac anomalies dependent upon regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis but not autophagy

AIMS

Sepsis represents a profound proinflammatory response with a major contribution from oxidative injury. Here we evaluated possible impact of heavy metal scavenger metallothionein (MT) on endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and ferroptosis enroute to myocardial injury along with interplay among these stress domains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ responses were monitored in myocardia from WT and transgenic mice with cardiac-selective MT overexpression challenged with LPS. Oxidative stress, stress signaling (p38, ERK, JNK), ER stress, autophagy, and ferroptosis were scrutinized.

KEY FINDINGS

RNAseq analysis revealed discrepant patterns in ferroptosis between LPS-exposed and normal murine hearts. LPS insult enlarged LV end systolic dimension, suppressed fractional shortening, ejection fraction, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening and peak shortening, as well as elongated relengthening along with dampened intracellular Ca2+ release and reuptake. In addition, LPS triggered oxidative stress (lowered glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio and O2- production), activation of stress cascades (p38, ERK, JNK), ER stress (GRP78, PERK, Gadd153, and IRE1α), inflammation (TNFα and iNOS), unchecked autophagy (LCB3, Beclin-1 and Atg7), ferroptosis (GPx4 and SLC7A11) and interstitial fibrosis. Although MT overexpression itself did not reveal response on cardiac function, it attenuated or mitigated LPS-evoked alterations in echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ characteristics, O2- production, TNFα level, ER stress and ferroptosis (without affecting autophagy, elevated AMP/ATP ratio, and iNOS). In vitro evidence revealed beneficial effects of suppression of oxidative stress, ER stress and ferroptosis against LPS-elicited myocardial anomalies.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data strongly support the therapeutic promises of MT and ferroptosis in septic cardiomyopathy.

PIK3CG Regulates NLRP3/GSDMD-Mediated Pyroptosis in Septic Myocardial Injury

Cardiac insufficiency is a common complication of sepsis with high mortality. Inflammatory programmed cell death (pyroptosis) executed by NLRP3/gasdermin D (GSDMD) is intrinsically correlated with septic myocardial injury. However, it remains unclear whether PIK3CG, a classical target of septic myocardial injury, can affect pyroptosis by regulating NLRP3/GSDMD signaling. In this study, a series of experimental methods were used to observe the effect of PIK3CG on NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-injured BALB/c mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injured HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Transcriptome analysis of CLP-injured myocardium revealed a regulatory relationship between PIK3CG and NLRP3/GSDMD signaling, which was further verified in clinical myocardium samples from GEO database. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the protein and mRNA levels of PIK3CG, GSDMD, NLRP3, IL-1β, Caspase-1, and IL-18 were significantly increased. Importantly, PIK3CG siRNA was found to improve these changes, while PIK3CG overexpression worsened them. Notably, pyroptosis induced by CLP in the myocardium was reversed by the PIK3CG inhibitor (AS-604850). In conclusion, PIK3CG activates NLRP3 inflammasomes, thus promoting pyroptosis in septic myocardial injury.

Celastrol attenuates streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice by inhibiting the ACE / Ang II / AGTR1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is closely correlated with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and can lead to mortality. Celastrol has long been utilized for the treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders. However, whether celastrol would exert protective effects on DCM has not been determined. This work aimed to explore the protective actions of celastrol on DCM and unravel the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

A DCM model was constructed in mice by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. ELISA and echocardiography were performed to examine myocardial injury markers and cardiac function, respectively. Morphological changes and fibrosis were assessed using H&E staining and Masson's staining. Inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species were detected by microscopic staining. Network pharmacology approaches, molecular docking analysis, ELISA, and Western blot were used for mechanism studies.

RESULTS

Celastrol alleviated diabetes-induced cardiac injury and remodeling. Celastrol also suppressed diabetes-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The cardioprotective effects of celastrol were associated with its inhibition on the angiotensin-converting enzyme / angiotensin II / angiotensin II receptor type 1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Celastrol exhibits significant potential as an effective cardioprotective drug for DCM treatment. The underlying mechanisms can be attributed to the blockage of celastrol on the angiotensin-converting enzyme signaling pathway.