TNF-α-TNFR signal pathway inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis of alveolar macrophages in coal worker's pneumoconiosis

Alleviating Pyroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells to Restore Mucosal Integrity in Ulcerative Colitis by Targeting Delivery of 4-Octyl-Itaconate

Current therapies primarily targeting inflammation often fail to address the root relationship between intestinal mucosal integrity and the resulting dysregulated cell death and ensuing inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC). First, UC tissues from human and mice models in this article both emphasize the crucial role of Gasdermin E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) as it contributes to colitis by releasing proinflammatory cytokines, thereby compromising the intestinal barrier. Then, 4-octyl-itaconate (4-OI), exhibiting potential for anti-inflammatory activity in inhibiting pyroptosis, was encapsulated by butyrate-modified liposome (4-OI/BLipo) to target delivery for IECs. In brief, 4-OI/BLipo exhibited preferential accumulation in inflamed colonic epithelium, attributed to over 95% of butyrate being produced and absorbed in the colon. As expected, epithelium barriers were restored significantly by alleviating GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in colitis. Accordingly, the permeability of IECs was restored, and the resulting inflammation, mucosal epithelium, and balance of gut flora were reprogrammed, which offers a hopeful approach to the effective management of UC.

Immune Dysregulation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease whose incidence increase with age and is characterised by chronic inflammation and significant immune dysregulation. Inhalation of toxic substances cause oxidative stress in the lung tissue as well as airway inflammation, under the recruitment of chemokines, immune cells gathered and are activated to play a defensive role. However, persistent inflammation damages the immune system and leads to immune dysregulation, which is mainly manifested in the reduction of the body's immune response to antigens, and immune cells function are impaired, further destroy the respiratory defensive system, leading to recurrent lower respiratory infections and progressive exacerbation of the disease, thus immune dysregulation play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. This review summarizes the changes of innate and adaptive immune-related cells during the pathogenesis of COPD, aiming to control COPD airway inflammation and improve lung tissue remodelling by regulating immune dysregulation, for further reducing the risk of COPD progression and opening new avenues of therapeutic intervention in COPD.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Herb Pair for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the multitarget mechanism of the Mori Ramulus - Taxilli Herba (MT) herb pair in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The targets of the herb pair and RA were predicted from databases and screened through cross-analysis. The core targets were obtained using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to validate the anti-RA effect and mechanism of this herb pair.

RESULTS

This approach successfully identified 9 active compounds of MT that interacted with 6 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, VEGFA, and IL1β). Pathway and functional enrichment analyses revealed that MT had significant effects on the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways. The consistency of interactions between active components and targets in these pathways was confirmed through molecular docking. Moreover, the potential therapeutic effect of MT was verified in vivo, demonstrating its ability to effectively relieve inflammation by regulating these targeted genes and pathways.

CONCLUSION

The present work suggests that the therapeutic effect of MT herb pair on RA may be attributed to its ability to regulate the TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway.

The role of lung macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a common, preventable and treatable chronic respiratory disease in clinic, gets continuous deterioration and we can't take effective intervention at present. Lung macrophages (LMs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of COPD, but the specific mechanism is not completely clear. In this review we will focus on the role of LMs and potential avenues for therapeutic targeting for LMs in COPD.

Reproductive toxicity investigation of silica nanoparticles in male pubertal mice

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), one of the most produced nanoparticles (NPs) in the world, are used in all aspects of life. The increased application of SiNPs, especially in medicine, has raised considerable concern regarding their toxicological impact. Previous studies have shown that SiNPs can pass through the reproductive barrier and cause reproductive organ dysfunction by destroying Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. However, little is known about the mechanism of SiNPs-induced reproductive toxicity. In the present study, 5-week-old male mice were intraperitoneally administered SiNPs per day for 1 week at a dose of 0.2 mg per mouse. The results showed that SiNPs could cause damage to the structure of the testis and the epididymis and change the reproductive organ coefficients, leading to decreases of 56.1% and 55.3% in the rates of sperm concentration and motility and an increase of 168.8% in the rate of sperm abnormality. Moreover, the serum testosterone level obviously decreased from 18.77 to 5.23 µg/ml after exposure, and the transcription statuses of some key genes involved in the synthesis and transport of testosterone in the testis were also affected. Additional experiments showed that SiNPs exposure during puberty induced oxidative stress and an inflammatory response, as shown by the changed activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), and excess expression of proinflammatory factors, including TNF-α and IL-1β. Furthermore, the administration of SiNPs caused DNA damage and cell apoptosis, which were presented by the increased apoptotic cells in the sections of testis and epididymis and activation of the TNF-α/TNFR I-mediated pro-apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, these results indicate that SiNPs exposure during puberty significantly damaged the structure and function of the testis and epididymis by inducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. This study provides novel insight into SiNPs-induced reproductive toxicity during puberty, which warrants a more careful assessment of SiNPs before their application in juvenile supplies.

Serum Levels of Mitochondrial Fission- and Fusion-Related Genes of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis and Risk Factor Analysis Based on a Generalized Linear Model

Objective

We aimed to explore the risk factors for coal workers' pneumoconiosis and to further explore the significance of mitochondrial fission and fusion factors in CWP and verify the feasibility of mitochondrial fission and fusion factors as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Methods

The data of 168 cases were collected, and they were divided into a healthy control group (40 cases), dust exposure control group (61 cases), and CWP group (67 cases) and entered into SPSS 24.0. The statistical data were analyzed by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method. The variables with statistically significant differences of the univariate analysis results were included in the generalized linear model. Test level was α = 0.05. Blood samples were collected to detect the ROS content, MDA content, and SOD activity. The mRNA expression levels of OPA1, Drp1, MFN2, Fis1, Col I, Col III, and α-SMA were determined by q-PCR. The protein expression levels of OPA1, Drp1, MFN2, Fis1, Col I, Col III, and α-SMA were detected by western blot.

Results

Generalized linear regression analysis showed that lower school education, no respiratory protective measures, the working age beyond 15 years, and the type of work like coal mine drillers were the risk factors for CWP. With the aggravation of CWP, the degree of fibrosis and inflammation increased oxidative damage, increased mitochondrion division, and decreased fusion, which were more sensitive in the second and third stages of CWP.

Conclusion

The results in this found that mitochondria are injured by fission and fusion in the CWP patients. Detection of the mitochondria fission and fusion factors provides the application value to evaluate the injury degree and progress of CWP and the clues for finding the real and effective screening and diagnosis biomarkers.

Interleukin-17 promotes osteoclastogenesis and periodontal damage via autophagy in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Because of its potent pro-inflammatory properties, interleukin-17 (IL-17) contributes to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. This study explored the effects of IL-17 on osteoclastogenesis in an osteoclast monoculture and osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture system, as tools to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between osteoclastogenesis and autophagy.

METHODS

Various ratios of calvarial osteoblasts (OB) and osteoclast precursor cells (mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7, hereinafter referred to as OC) were tested. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the optimum osteoblasts:osteoclasts ratio. IL-17 was added to the co-culture system to test its effects on multinucleated osteoclast formation and osteoclast-related proteins. We assessed the effects of IL-17 on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoblasts, and determined if IL-17 alone could modulate osteoclast formation in an osteoclast monoculture. Administration of exogenous RANKL combined with IL-17 was employed to stimulate RAW264.7 cells osteoclastogenesis and to determine production of osteoclasts and autophagy-related proteins. We knocked down Beclin1 expression in RAW264.7 cells and examined the expression of autophagy-related and osteoclast-related proteins in RAW264.7 cells and the co-culture system, and the TAK1-binding protein 3 (TAB3)/ extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

RESULTS

A ratio of 20 OB : 1 OC yielded the highest rate of osteoclast formation. Low IL-17 concentrations increased osteoclastogenesis in co-cultures significantly, but high levels of IL-17 had the opposite effect. IL-17 alone could not induce formation of TRAP⁺ multinucleated cells in RAW264.7 cells. Low IL-17 concentrations promoted osteoclast differentiation and autophagy in RAW264.7 cells induced by exogenous RANKL, but high IL-17 concentrations inhibited this process. Knockdown of Beclin1 reversed the enhanced effects of 0.1 ng/mL IL-17 on osteoclastogenesis and autophagy in RAW264.7 cells. The TAB3/ERK pathway was also blocked after autophagy inhibition.

CONCLUSION

In the co-culture model used in this study, a ratio of 20 OB:1 OC proved to be the optimal ratio to facilitate osteoclast formation. IL-17 regulated RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via autophagy. The Beclin1/TAB3/ERK pathway was involved in osteoclast autophagy.

Attenuation of rheumatoid arthritis through the inhibition of caspase3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis induced by TNF-α

Objective

To determine the role of gasdermin E (GSDME)–mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the potential of GSDME as a therapeutic target in RA.

Methods

The expression and activation of caspase 3 and GSDME in the synovium, macrophages, and monocytes of RA patients were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. The correlation of activated GSDME with RA disease activity was evaluated. The pyroptotic ability of monocytes from RA patients was tested, and the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on caspase 3/GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis of monocytes and macrophages was investigated. In addition, collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in mice lacking Gsdme, and the incidence and severity of arthritis were assessed.

Results

Compared to cells from healthy controls, monocytes and synovial macrophages from RA patients showed increased expression of activated caspase 3, GSDME, and the N‐terminal fragment of GSDME (GSDME‐N). The expression of GSDME‐N in monocytes from RA patients correlated positively with disease activity. Monocytes from RA patients with higher GSDME levels were more susceptible to pyroptosis. Furthermore, TNF induced pyroptosis in monocytes and macrophages by activating the caspase 3/GSDME pathway. The use of a caspase 3 inhibitor and silencing of GSDME significantly blocked TNF‐induced pyroptosis. Gsdme deficiency effectively alleviated arthritis in a mouse model of CIA.

Conclusion

These results support the notion of a pathogenic role of GSDME in RA and provide an alternative mechanism for RA pathogenesis involving TNF, which activates GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis of monocytes and macrophages in RA. In addition, targeting GSDME might be a potential therapeutic approach for RA.

Effects of Rapamycin Combined with Cisplatin on Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-α in MG-63 Cells

Rapamycin (RAPA) and cisplatin (CDDP) are used as clinical drugs in the treatment of various tumors, but there are few studies on the combination of RAPA and CDDP. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. This study is to explore the effects of RAPA combined with CDDP on the expression of TNF-α in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. MG-63 cells were routinely cultured and divided into a control group, a RAPA group (20 μM), a CDDP group (20 μM), and a RAPA + CDDP group (20 μM + 20 μM). The four groups were treated with drugs for 24 and 48 h, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot (WB), and immunocytochemistry (ICC) were adopted to detect the expression of TNF-α gene and protein. The results of PCR showed that both the separate drug use and drug combination could significantly lower the relative expression quantity of TNF-α gene (*P < 0.5), but the combination was more effective (*P < 0.5); the expression quantity of TNF-α gene in the RAPA + CDDP group at 48 h was much lower than that at 24 h (***P < 0.001). The results of WB showed that both the separate drug use and drug combination could significantly lower the relative expression quantity of TNF-α protein, and the combination was more effective than separate drug use (*P < 0.05) and more effective at 48 h (***P < 0.001); the expression quantity of TNF-α protein in the same group at 48 h was much lower than that at 24 h (*P < 0.05). The results of ICC showed that both the separate drug use and drug combination could significantly lower the relative expression quantity of TNF-α protein, and the combination was more effective than separate drug use (**P < 0.01) and more effective at 48 h (***P < 0.001); the expression quantity of TNF-α protein in the same group at 48 h was much lower than that at 24 h (**P < 0.01). RAPA combined with CDDP can significantly reduce the expression of TNF-α in MG-63 cells, which is time dependent.

Pneumoconiosis: current status and future prospects

ABSTRACT

Pneumoconiosis refers to a spectrum of pulmonary diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dust, usually as the result of certain occupations. The main pathological features include chronic pulmonary inflammation and progressive pulmonary fibrosis, which can eventually lead to death caused by respiratory and/or heart failure. Pneumoconiosis is widespread globally, seriously threatening global public health. Its high incidence and mortality lie in improper occupational protection, and in the lack of early diagnostic methods and effective treatments. This article reviews the epidemiology, safeguard procedures, diagnosis, and treatment of pneumoconiosis, and summarizes recent research advances and future research prospects.

Regulation of progranulin expression and location by sortilin in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury

Progranulin is a secreted glycoprotein expressed in neurons and microglial cells that is involved in maintaining physiological functions. Many studies have found that progranulin may play a protective role against ischemic brain injury, but little is known about how the expression level and cellular localization status of progranulin is regulated after hypoxia-ischemia. Research has confirmed that sortilin, encoded by SORT1, can bind with progranulin and deliver a mature secretory isoform of progranulin to lysosomes, and progranulin is then cleaved. In the present study, we aimed to figure out whether sortilin could affect the expression and cellular localization of progranulin and regulate cell apoptosis during hypoxia-ischemia. In this study, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in primary cortical neurons was used to mimic hypoxic-ischemic episodes. After OGD/R, the neuroprotective effects of progranulin against hypoxia-ischemia were examined, and primary cortical neurons were transduced with a SORT1 knockdown lentivirus to inhibit the expression of sortilin. The results showed that sortilin inhibition increased PGRN expression and alleviated cell injury induced by hypoxia-ischemia. Additionally, sortilin inhibition was associated with less PGRN localization in lysosomes. All of these findings suggest that sortilin can regulate the expression of PGRN, most likely by transporting it to lysosomes and affecting the cell injury in hypoxia-ischemia.

Melatonin elicits protective effects on OGD/R‑insulted H9c2 cells by activating PGC‑1α/Nrf2 signaling

Melatonin (Mel) elicits beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanism of Mel against oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological roles and the potential mechanisms of Mel in OGD/R-exposed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The results of the present study demonstrated that Mel significantly elevated the viability and reduced the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase myocardial band in a doseand time-dependent manner in OGD/R-insulted H9c2 cells. In addition, Mel suppressed OGD/R-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells, as demonstrated by the decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, as well as the increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Mel exerted an antioxidant effect by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Mel reduced the expression of OGD/R-enhanced pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Mel also abolished the OGD/R-induced increase in H9c2 apoptosis, as evidenced by mitochondrial membrane potential restoration and caspase-3 and caspase-9 inactivation, as well as the upregulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. The Mel-induced antiapoptotic effects were dependent on PGC-1α/TNF-α signaling. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that Mel alleviated OGD/R-induced H9c2 cell injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating the PGC-1α/Nrf2 and PGC-1α/TNF-α signaling pathways, suggesting a promising role for Mel in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Cigarette smoke-induced HMGB1 translocation and release contribute to migration and NF-κB activation through inducing autophagy in lung macrophages

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) shows pro-inflammatory activity in various inflammatory diseases and has been found up-regulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung macrophages play an important role in airway inflammation and lung destruction in COPD, yet whether HMGB1 is involved in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung macrophage dysfunction is unknown. We sought to evaluate the intracellular localization and release of HMGB1 in lung macrophages from COPD patients and CS-exposed mice, and to investigate the role of HMGB1 in regulating autophagy in CS extract (CSE)-treated lung macrophages (MH-S cells). Our results showed that HMGB1 was highly expressed in lung tissues and sera of COPD patients and CS-exposed mice, along with predominantly cytoplasmic exporting from nuclei in lung macrophages. In vitro experiments revealed that CSE promoted the expression, nucleocytoplasmic translocation and release of HMGB1 partly via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Blockade of HMGB1 with chicken anti-HMGB1 polyclonal antibody (anti-HMGB1) or glycyrrhizin (Gly) attenuated the increase of LC3B-II and Beclin1, migration and p65 phosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of HMGB1 in autophagy, migration and NF-κB activation of lung macrophages. Hydroxychloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, enhanced the increase of LC3B-II but not Beclin1 in CSE or rHMGB1-treated MH-S cells, and inhibition of autophagy by CQ and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) abrogated the migration and p65 phosphorylation of CSE-treated cells. These results indicate that CS-induced HMGB1 translocation and release contribute to migration and NF-κB activation through inducing autophagy in lung macrophages, providing novel evidence for HMGB1 as a potential target of intervention in COPD.