MicroRNA-30c-5p inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis through FOXO3 down-regulation in atherosclerosis

Epigenetic regulation of diverse regulated cell death modalities in cardiovascular disease: Insights into necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis

Cell death constitutes a critical component of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. A growing array of non-apoptotic forms of regulated cell death (RCD)-such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis-has been identified and is intimately linked to various cardiovascular conditions. These forms of RCD are governed by genetically programmed mechanisms within the cell, with epigenetic modifications being a common and crucial regulatory method. Such modifications include DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNAs. This review recaps the roles of DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases, as well as the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications regulate key proteins involved in cell death. Furthermore, we systematically catalog the existing epigenetic pharmacological agents targeting novel forms of RCD and their mechanisms of action in cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to underscore the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in precisely regulating specific pathways of novel RCD in cardiovascular diseases, thus offering potential new therapeutic avenues that may prove more effective and safer than traditional treatments.

Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miR-30c-5p reduces aging-related liver fibrosis

Aging is associated with decreased health span, and despite the recent advances made in understanding the mechanisms of aging, no antiaging drug has been approved for therapy. Therefore, strategies to promote a healthy life in aging are desirable. Previous work has shown that chronic treatment with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from young mice prolongs lifespan in old mice, but the mechanism of action of this effect on liver metabolism is not known. Here we investigated the role of treatment with EVs derived from young sedentary (EV-C) or exercised (EV-EX) mice in the metabolism of old mice and aimed to identify key youthful-associated microRNA (miRNA) cargos that could promote healthy liver function. We found that aged mice treated with either EV-C or EV-EX had higher insulin sensitivity, higher locomotor activity resulting in longer distance traveled in the cage, and a lower respiratory exchange ratio compared to mice treated with EVs from aged mice (EV-A). In the liver, treatment with young-derived EVs reduced aging-induced liver fibrosis. We identified miR-30c in the EVs as a possible youth-associated miRNA as its level was higher in circulating EVs of young mice. Treatment of aged mice with EVs transfected with miR-30c mimic reduced stellate cell activation in the liver and reduced fibrosis compared to EV-negative control by targeting Foxo3. Our results suggest that by delivering juvenile EVs to old mice, we can improve their liver health. Moreover, we identified miR-30c as a candidate for antiaging liver therapy.

The ability of microRNAs to regulate the immune response in ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory pathways

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the immune responses induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, microRNAs adjust immune responses by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the impact of microRNAs on the inflammatory pathways triggered during ischemia/reperfusion injury and highlights their ability to modulate inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, therefore targeting specific microRNAs offers an opportunity to restore immune homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the complex network of immunoregulatory microRNAs could provide novel therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating excessive inflammation and preserving tissue integrity.

NLRP3 inflammasome in atherosclerosis: Mechanisms and targeted therapies

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the primary pathology behind various cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death and disability globally. Recent evidence suggests that AS is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors. In this context, the NLRP3 inflammasome, acting as a signal transducer of the immune system, plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AS. The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in endothelial injury, foam cell formation, and pyroptosis in AS. Therefore, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome offers a new treatment strategy for AS. This review highlights the latest insights into AS pathogenesis and the pharmacological therapies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, focusing on optimal targets for small molecule inhibitors. These insights are valuable for rational drug design and the pharmacological assessment of new targeted NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in treating AS.

Dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes inhibit neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis in subarachnoid hemorrhage via the miRNA-197-3p/FOXO3 axis

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe stroke subtype that lacks effective treatment. Exosomes derived from human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising acellular therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. However, the therapeutic effects of DPSC-derived exosomes (DPSC-Exos) on SAH remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of DPSC-Exos in SAH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SAH was established using 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats. One hour after SAH induction, DPSC-Exos were administered via tail vein injection. To investigate the effect of DPSC-Exos, SAH grading, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral assessments, brain water content, western blot (WB), immunofluorescence staining, Nissl staining, and HE staining were performed. The role of miR-197-3p/FOXO3 in regulating pyroptosis was demonstrated through miRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and rescue experiments. The SAH model in vitro was established by stimulating BV2 cells with hemoglobin (Hb) and the underlying mechanism of DPSC-Exos was investigated through WB and Hoechst/PI staining.

RESULTS

The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were increased after SAH. DPSC-Exos alleviated brain edema and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the expression of FOXO3 and reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to improved neurobehavioral functions at 24 h after SAH. In vitro, the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3 and caspase1-p20), GSDMD-N, and IL-18 was inhibited in BV2 cells pretreated with DPSC-Exos. Importantly, DPSC-Exos overexpressing miR-197-3p had a more obvious protective effect than those from NC-transfected DPSCs, while those from DPSCs transfected with the miR-197-3p inhibitor had a weaker protective effect. Functional studies indicated that miR-197-3p bound to the 3'-untranslated region of FOXO3, inhibiting its transcription. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXO3 reversed the protective effects of miR-197-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

DPSC-Exos inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and related cytokine release via the miR-197-3p/FOXO3 pathway, alleviated neuroinflammation, and inhibited microglial pyroptosis. These findings suggest that using DPSC-Exos is a promising therapeutic strategy for SAH.

MiR-148a-3p/SIRT7 Axis Relieves Inflammatory-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

In endothelial cells, miR-148a-3p is involved in several pathological pathways, including chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-148a-3p in endothelial inflammatory states is, to date, not fully elucidated. To this end, we investigated the involvement of miR-148a-3p in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death pathways in human aortic endothelial cells (teloHAECs) treated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), a major driver of vascular dysfunction. The results showed that during IL6-activated inflammatory pathways, including increased protein levels of sirtuin 7 (SIRT7) (p < 0.01), mitochondrial stress (p < 0.001), and apoptosis (p < 0.01), a decreased expression of miR-148a-3p was observed (p < 0.01). The employment of a miR-148a mimic counteracted the IL-6-induced cytokine release (p < 0.01) and apoptotic cell death (p < 0.01), and ameliorated mitochondria redox homeostasis and respiration (p < 0.01). The targeted relationship between miR-148a-3p and SIRT7 was predicted by a bioinformatics database analysis and validated via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Mechanistically, miR-148a-3p targets the 3' untranslated regions of SIRT7 mRNA, downregulating its expression (p < 0.01). Herein, these in vitro results support the role of the miR-148a-3p/SIRT7 axis in counteracting mitochondrial damage and apoptosis during endothelial inflammation, unveiling a novel target for future strategies to prevent endothelial dysfunction.

Autophagy-associated non-coding RNAs: Unraveling their impact on Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological condition marked by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The precise etiology of PD remains unclear, but emerging evidence suggests a significant role for disrupted autophagy-a crucial cellular process for maintaining protein and organelle integrity.

METHODS

This review focuses on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating autophagy in PD. We conducted a comprehensive review of recent studies to explore how ncRNAs influence autophagy and contribute to PD pathophysiology. Special attention was given to the examination of ncRNAs' regulatory impacts in various PD models and patient samples.

RESULTS

Findings reveal that ncRNAs are pivotal in regulating key processes associated with PD progression, including autophagy, α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Dysregulation of specific ncRNAs appears to be closely linked to these pathogenic processes.

CONCLUSION

ncRNAs hold significant therapeutic potential for addressing autophagy-related mechanisms in PD. The review highlights innovative therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy-related ncRNAs and discusses the challenges and prospective directions for developing ncRNA-based therapies in clinical practice. The insights from this study underline the importance of ncRNAs in the molecular landscape of PD and their potential in novel treatment approaches.

Pyroptosis-related non-coding RNAs emerging players in atherosclerosis pathology

Globally, atherosclerosis a persistent inflammatory condition of the artery walls continues to be the primary cause of cardiovascular illness and death. The ncRNAs are important regulators of important signalling pathways that affect pyroptosis and the inflammatory environment in atherosclerotic plaques. Comprehending the complex interaction between pyroptosis and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offers fresh perspectives on putative therapeutic targets for ameliorating cardiovascular problems linked to atherosclerosis. The discovery of particular non-coding RNA signatures linked to the advancement of atherosclerosis could lead to the creation of novel biomarkers for risk assessment and customised treatment approaches. A thorough investigation of the regulatory networks regulated by these non-coding RNAs has been made possible by the combination of cutting-edge molecular methods and bioinformatics tools. Studying pyroptosis-related ncRNAs in detail appears to be a promising way to advance our understanding of disease pathophysiology and develop focused therapeutic methods as we work to unravel the complex molecular tapestry of atherosclerosis. This review explores the emerging significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of pyroptosis and their consequential impact on atherosclerosis pathology.

Noncoding RNAs: Versatile regulators of endothelial dysfunction

Noncoding RNAs have recently emerged as versatile regulators of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of plaques within the arterial walls. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, play crucial roles in various cellular processes involved in endothelial dysfunction (ECD), such as inflammation, pyroptosis, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs in endothelial dysfunction during atherosclerosis. It highlights the specific noncoding RNAs that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ECD, their target genes, and the mechanisms by which they contribute to ECD. Furthermore, we have reviewed the current therapeutics in atherosclerosis and explore their interaction with noncoding RNAs. Understanding the intricate regulatory network of noncoding RNAs in ECD may open up new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat ECD.

NR3C2 mediates oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced human coronary endothelial cells dysfunction via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) has been revealed to affect the progression of multiple inflammatory diseases, while NR3C2's efficacy in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unsolved. The study intended to elucidate the possible mechanisms of NR3C2 in oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced inflammation in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs) via regulating NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Patients who underwent CT angiography or coronary angiography for suspected CAD in our hospital were collected. The patients were divided into the CAD and the non-CAD (NCAD) groups. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in the peripheral blood of patients in both groups was examined by RT-qPCR. HCAECs were treated with ox-LDL to establish the model. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs was tested by RT-qPCR. The proliferation of HCAECs was measured using CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis of HCAECs was assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of inflammation-related factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the cell supernatant were evaluated by ELISA. The molecular mechanisms of these factors in the proliferation and apoptosis of HCAECs and in the inflammatory response were further determined by knockdown and overexpression systems. The relationship between NR3C2 and NLRP3 was determined by ChIP and luciferase activity assays and bioinformatics analysis. NR3C2 and NLRP3 levels were elevated in the serum of CAD patients. The ox-LDL treatment elevated NR3C2 levels, evoked apoptosis and inflammation, and impeded cell viability in HCAECs, whereas downregulation of NR3C2 increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced inflammation in HCAECs. NR3C2 levels were positively correlated with NLRP3, and NR3C2 elevated NLRP3 expression through transcription. Overexpression of NLRP3 counteracted the impacts of silencing NR3C2 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs. Our research stresses that NR3C2 transcription promotes NLRP3 to induce inflammatory responses in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs.

The potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases - A focus on signaling pathways interplay

For the past two decades since their discovery, scientists have linked microRNAs (miRNAs) to posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in critical cardiac physiological and pathological processes. Multiple non-coding RNA species regulate cardiac muscle phenotypes to stabilize cardiac homeostasis. Different cardiac pathological conditions, including arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and hypertrophy, are modulated by non-coding RNAs in response to stress or other pathological conditions. Besides, miRNAs are implicated in several modulatory signaling pathways of cardiovascular disorders including mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa beta, protein kinase B (AKT), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1)/caspases. This review highlights the potential role of miRNAs as therapeutic targets and updates our understanding of their roles in the processes underlying pathogenic phenotypes of cardiac muscle.

Endothelial cell-released extracellular vesicles trigger pyroptosis and vascular inflammation to induce atherosclerosis through the delivery of HIF1A-AS2

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess great potential in the modulation of cardiovascular diseases. Our current work intended to assay the clinical significance of endothelial cell (EC)-derived EVs in atherosclerosis (AS). Expression of HIF1A-AS2, miR-455-5p, and ESRRG in plasma from AS patients and mice and EVs from ox-LDL-treated ECs was measured. Interactions among HIF1A-AS2, miR-455-5p, ESRRG, and NLRP3 were analyzed. Next, EVs were co-cultured with ECs, and ectopic expression and depletion experimentations of HIF1A-AS2, miR-455-5p, ESRRG, and/or NLRP3 were carried out to assay their roles in pyroptosis and inflammation of ECs in AS. At last, the effects of HIF1A-AS2 shuttled by EC-derived EVs on EC pyroptosis and vascular inflammation in AS were verified in vivo. HIF1A-AS2 and ESRRG were highly expressed, while miR-455-5p was poorly expressed in AS. HIF1A-AS2 could sponge miR-455-5p to elevate the expression of ESRRG and NLRP3. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that ECs-derived EVs carrying HIF1A-AS2 induced the pyroptosis and vascular inflammation of ECs to promote the progression of AS by sponging miR-455-5p via ESRRG/NLRP3. HIF1A-AS2 shuttled by ECs-derived EVs can accelerate the progression of AS by downregulating miR-455-5p and upregulating ESRRG and NLRP3.

The role of pyroptosis in inflammatory diseases

Programmed cell death has crucial roles in the physiological maturation of an organism, the maintenance of metabolism, and disease progression. Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death which has recently received much attention, is closely related to inflammation and occurs via canonical, non-canonical, caspase-3-dependent, and unclassified pathways. The pore-forming gasdermin proteins mediate pyroptosis by promoting cell lysis, contributing to the outflow of large amounts of inflammatory cytokines and cellular contents. Although the inflammatory response is critical for the body's defense against pathogens, uncontrolled inflammation can cause tissue damage and is a vital factor in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. In this review, we briefly summarize the major signaling pathways of pyroptosis and discuss current research on the pathological function of pyroptosis in autoinflammatory diseases and sterile inflammatory diseases.

Portrayal of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Atherosclerosis: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Targets

We are witnessing the globalization of a specific type of arteriosclerosis with rising prevalence, incidence and an overall cardiovascular disease burden. Currently, atherosclerosis increasingly affects the younger generation as compared to previous decades. While early preventive medicine has seen improvements, research advances in laboratory and clinical investigation promise to provide us with novel diagnosis tools. Given the physio-pathological complexity and epigenetic patterns of atherosclerosis and the discovery of new molecules involved, the therapeutic field of atherosclerosis has room for substantial growth. Thus, the scientific community is currently investigating the role of nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a crucial component of the innate immune system in different inflammatory disorders. NLRP3 is activated by distinct factors and numerous cellular and molecular events which trigger NLRP3 inflammasome assembly with subsequent cleavage of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and pro-IL-18 pathways via caspase-1 activation, eliciting endothelial dysfunction, promotion of oxidative stress and the inflammation process of atherosclerosis. In this review, we introduce the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its role in atherosclerosis. We also emphasize its promising therapeutic pharmaceutical potential.

Potential roles of endothelial cells-related non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial dysfunction is identified by a conversion of the endothelium toward decreased vasodilation and prothrombic features and is known as a primary pathogenic incident in cardiovascular diseases. An insight based on particular and promising biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction may possess vital clinical significances. Currently, non-coding RNAs due to their participation in critical cardiovascular processes like initiation and progression have gained much attention as possible diagnostic as well as prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. Emerging line of proof has demonstrated that abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs is nearly correlated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review, we focus on the expression and functional effects of various kinds of non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases and negotiate their possible clinical implications as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and curative targets.

NLRP3 Inflammasome in Atherosclerosis: Putting Out the Fire of Inflammation

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with thickening or hardening of the arteries, which led to the built-up of plaques in the inner lining of an artery. Among all the clarified pathogenesis, the over-activation of inflammatory reaction is one of the most acknowledged one. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) and pyrin domain containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, as a vital and special form of inflammation and innate immunity, has been widely revealed to participate in the onset and development of AS. This review will introduce the process of the pathogenesis and progression of AS, and will describe the biological features of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in AS and the possible mechanisms will be discussed. In addition, several kinds of agents with the effect of anti-atherosclerotic taking advantage of the NLRP3 inflammasome intervention will be described and discussed in detail, including natural compounds (baicalin, dihydromyricetin, luteolin, 5-deoxy-rutaecarpine (R3) and Salvianolic acid A, etc.), microRNAs (microRNA-30c-5p, microRNA-9, microRNA-146a-5p, microRNA-16-5p and microRNA-181a, etc.), and autophagy regulators (melatonin, dietary PUFA and arglabin, etc.). We aim to provide novel insights in the exploration of the specific mechanisms of AS and the development of new treatments of AS.

Ketogenic Diet and Ketone Bodies against Ischemic Injury: Targets, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential

The ketogenic diet (KD) has been used as a treatment for epilepsy since the 1920s, and its role in the prevention of many other diseases is now being considered. In recent years, there has been an intensive investigation on using the KD as a therapeutic approach to treat acute pathologies, including ischemic ones. However, contradictory data are observed for the effects of the KD on various organs after ischemic injury. In this review, we provide the first systematic analysis of studies conducted from 1980 to 2022 investigating the effects and main mechanisms of the KD and its mimetics on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, gut, and eyes. Our analysis demonstrated a high diversity of both the composition of the used KD and the protocols for the treatment of animals, which could be the reason for contradictory effects in different studies. It can be concluded that a true KD or its mimetics, such as β-hydroxybutyrate, can be considered as positive exposure, protecting the organ from ischemia and its negative consequences, whereas the shift to a rather similar high-calorie or high-fat diet leads to the opposite effect.

Bibliometric evaluation of publications on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis from 2002 to 2022

Background

Inflammasomes have emerged as an important and promising area of investigation in atherosclerosis. This field, however, lacks bibliometric studies. To help understand how basic and clinical research on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis will develop in the future, we used bibliometric analysis to visualize hotspots and trends.

Methods

Studies related to inflammasomes in atherosclerosis were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Each study was analyzed bibliometrically and visually. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to generate knowledge maps.

Results

A total of 894 articles were identified. Sixty-two countries and 338 institutions led by China and the United States contributed to these publications. The leading research institutions were Harvard Medical School and Columbia University. Circulation was the most frequently cited journal in this field. Among the 475 authors determined, Eicke Latz authored the most studies, and Peter Duewell has been cocited the most. NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-kappa B, macrophage and oxidative stress are the most commonly used keywords.

Conclusion

There has been a blooming of research on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis during the last two decades. Future studies will likely explore the molecular mechanism of inflammasomes in cell death. More compellingly, researchers may further delve into the potential clinical value of affecting pathological changes in atherosclerosis by modulating the initial transcription immune response and intracellular multiprotein assembly process of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our research will be helpful to scholars focusing on inflammation-a much-needed breakthrough in the pathophysiological alterations of atherosclerosis-with a novel perspective.

The emerging role of pyroptosis-related inflammasome pathway in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic sterile inflammatory disorder, is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The dysfunction and unnatural death of plaque cells, including vascular endothelial cells (VEC), macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), are crucial factors in the progression of AS. Pyroptosis was described as a form of cell death at least two decades ago. It is featured by plasma membrane swelling and rupture, cell lysis, and consequent robust release of cytosolic contents and pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Pyroptosis of plaque cells is commonly observed in the initiation and development of AS, and the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins are positively correlated with plaque instability, indicating the crucial contribution of pyroptosis to atherogenesis. Furthermore, studies have also identified some candidate anti-atherogenic agents targeting plaque cell pyroptosis. Herein, we summarize the research progress in understating (1) the discovery and definition of pyroptosis; (2) the characterization and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis; (3) the regulatory mechanisms of pyroptosis in VEC, macrophage, and VSMC, as well as their potential role in AS progression, aimed at providing therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Emerging Role of MicroRNA-30c in Neurological Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate the expression of target genes by interacting with 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs to induce mRNA degradation and translational repression. The miR-30 family members are involved in the development of many tissues and organs and participate in the pathogenesis of human diseases. As a key member of the miR-30 family, miR-30c has been implicated in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Mechanistically, miR-30c may act as a multi-functional regulator of different pathogenic processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, oxidative stress, thrombosis, and neurovascular function, thereby contributing to different disease states. Here, we review and discuss the biogenesis, gene regulation, and the role and mechanisms of action of miR-30c in several neurological disorders and therapeutic potential in clinics.

Pinocembrin suppresses oxidized low-density lipoprotein-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome/GSDMD-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis through an Nrf2-dependent signaling pathway

Pinocembrin (Pin) has been confirmed to exert anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic effects. Here we have explored whether and how Pin would protect vascular endothelial cells against pyroptosis elicited by the exposure to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Our results showed that Pin preconditioning dose-dependently suppressed oxLDL-stimulated HUVEC injury and pyroptosis, which were manifested by improved cell viability, lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and DNA damage as well as decreased expression of pyroptosis-related markers, such as NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), pro-Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, N-terminus of Gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), pro-interleukins-1β (pro-IL-1β), IL-1β and inflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β). All of the effects were similar to those of MCC950 (an NLRP3 inhibitor). As expected, Pin distinctly activated the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidative signaling pathway assessed through increased expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Furthermore, after transfection with small interfering RNA of Nrf2, the inhibitory effects of Pin on oxLDL-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and oxidative stress in HUVECs were weakened. Additionally, Pin up-regulated Nrf2/HO-1 axis and down-regulated NLRP3 inflammasome/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signals in Apoe^-/- mice fed with high fat diet. These results contribute to the understanding of the anti-pyroptosis mechanisms of Pin and provide a reference for future research on the anti-atherosclerotic effect of Pin.

Non-coding RNAs in necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Accumulating evidence has proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a critical role in the genetic programming and gene regulation of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality are rising and have become a primary public health issue that requires immediate resolution through effective intervention. Numerous studies have revealed that new types of cell death, such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, play critical cellular roles in CVD progression. It is worth noting that ncRNAs are critical novel regulators of cardiovascular risk factors and cell functions by mediating pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Thus, ncRNAs can be regarded as promising therapeutic targets for treating and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the mediation of ncRNAs on three types of cell death in regulating tissue homeostasis and pathophysiological conditions in CVDs. Although our understanding of ncRNAs remains in its infancy, the studies reviewed here may provide important new insights into how ncRNAs interact with CVDs. This review summarizes what is known about the functions of ncRNAs in modulating cell death-associated CVDs and their role in CVDs, as well as their current limitations and future prospects.

Bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles containing NORAD promote osteosarcoma by miR-30c-5p

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that often affects children, adolescents and young people. Non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) can promote the proliferation of cancer cells in multiple tumors. Thus, the current study set out to explore the role of NORAD derived from extracellular vesicles (EVs) of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in osteosarcoma. First, NORAD was highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells and tissues, which might be associated with the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma. We isolated EVs from the characterized BMSCs, and found that NORAD was transferred from BMSCs to osteosarcoma cells via EVs in the co-culture system. Consequently, NORAD delivered by BMSC-derived EVs promoted the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Subsequently, bioinformatics analyses suggested potential binding relationship between NORAD and microRNA-30c-5p (miR-30c-5p) as well as between miR-30c-5p and Krueppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), and the results of which were further verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assay. Mechanistically, NORAD acted as a sponge of miR-30c-5p and up-regulated the expression of KLF10 where miR-30-c-5p mimic declined the effect induced by NORAD on cancer cells. The osteosarcoma cells were injected into mice to develop tumor growth and metastasis models. In these two models, injection of BMSC-EVs elevated NORAD expression and KLF10 but reduced miR-30c-5p expression, whereby suppressing tumor growth and lung metastasis. To conclude, BMSC-EVs deliver NORAD to osteosarcoma cells to regulate the miR-30c-5p/KLF10 axis, thereby accelerating the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma.

The role of microRNA-30c in targeting interleukin 6, as an inflammatory cytokine, in the mesenchymal stem cell: a therapeutic approach in colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and the second significant cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. The microRNA-30 is a substantial member of the miRNA family and plays a vital role in expanding several cancers. This microRNA potentially targets interleukin 6 as an inflammatory cytokine in CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MSCs were isolated and identified from mice bone marrow and then transduced with lentiviruses containing miR-30C. Transfected MSCs were collected to evaluate IL-6 levels, CT-26 cells were also co-cultured with MSCs, and the effect of apoptosis and IL-6 on the supernatant was assessed.

RESULTS

Our result showed the expression of IL-6 mRNA and the level of protein were decreased in the supernatant of miR-30-transduced MSC cells compared to the control group. In addition, the rate of apoptosis was assessed, and the obtained data revealed the induction of apoptosis in CT-26 cells when they are in the vicinity of miR-30c-transduced MSCs.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that downregulation of miR-30c was significantly correlated with CRC progression and survival. So, the present study elucidated the anticancer effects of miR-30c in CRC and presented a novel target for CRC therapy.

Cyclovirobuxine D Ameliorates Experimental Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis via NLRP3 in vivo and in vitro

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the common complications of diabetic patients, which can induce myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure. Growing evidence has shown that the occurrence and development of DCM are accompanied by pyroptosis which is an NLRP3-mediated intense inflammatory cell death. Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) has been shown to significantly ameliorate DCM and anti-inflammatory effects associated with cardiomyopathy, but it is unclear whether it has an effect on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis accompanying DCM. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the ameliorating effect of CVB-D on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis associated with DCM and its molecular regulation mechanism. Type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6 mice was reproduced by the high-fat and high-glucose diet (HFD) combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ). The characteristics of DCM were evaluated by cardiac ultrasonography, serum detection, and histopathological staining. The results suggested that CVB-D could significantly alleviate the cardiac pathology of DCM. Then, we explored the mechanism of CVB-D on primary neonatal rat cardiomyocyte (PNRCM) injury with high glucose (HG) in vitro to simulate the physiological environment of DCM. Preincubation with CVB-D could significantly increase cell viability, attenuate cytopathological changes and inhibit the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins. Further research found that the myocardial improvement effect of CVB-D was related to its inhibition of NLRP3 expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that CVB-D can ameliorate DCM by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis via NLRP3, providing a novel molecular target for CVB-D clinical application.

Novel Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signatures Identified as the Prognostic Biomarkers for Bladder Carcinoma

Background

Bladder carcinoma (BLCA) is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality in the urinary system. Pyroptosis is a pattern of programmed cell death that is closely associated with progression of tumors. Therefore, it is significant to probe the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in BLCA.

Methods

The differentially expressed genes in normal and BLCA tissues were first obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analysis, as well as PRGs from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, intersecting to obtain differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (DEPRGs) in BLCA. With the construction of a prognostic model of pyroptosis by regression analysis, we derived and validated key genes, which were ascertained as a separate prognostic marker by individual prognostic and clinical relevance analysis. In addition, we gained six immune cells from the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER) website and analyzed the relationship between pyroptosis prognostic genes and immune infiltration.

Result

Our results revealed that 31 DEPRGs were available by comparing normal and BLCA tissues with |log2 (fold change, FC)| &gt; 0.5 and FDR &lt;0.05. Four key genes (CRTAC1, GSDMB, AIM2, and FOXO3) derived from the pyroptosis prognostic model were experimentally validated for consistent expression in BLCA patients. Following risk scoring, the low-risk group of BLCA patients had noticeably higher overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group (p &lt; 0.001). Risk score was still an independent prognostic factor (HR = 1.728, 95% CI =1.289–2.315, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, we found remarkable correlations among the expression of pyroptosis-related prognostic genes and the immune infiltration of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils.

Conclusion

Genes (CRTAC1, GSDMB, AIM2, and FOXO3) associated with pyroptosis are potential BLCA prognostic biomarkers that act as an essential part in the predictive prognosis of survival and immunotherapy of BLCA.

Diabetes Mellitus Promotes the Development of Atherosclerosis: The Role of NLRP3

Atherosclerosis is one of the main complications of diabetes mellitus, involving a variety of pathogenic factors. Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Although the ability of diabetes to promote atherosclerosis has been demonstrated, a deeper understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms is critical to identifying new targets. NLRP3 plays an important role in both diabetes and atherosclerosis. While the diversity of its activation modes is one of the underlying causes of complex effects in the progression of diabetes and atherosclerosis, it also provides many new insights for targeted interventions in metabolic diseases.

Mechanisms of Oxidized LDL-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Consequences for the Development of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an immuno-metabolic disease involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, and metabolic dysfunction. There is compelling evidence suggesting numerous modifications including the change of the size, density, and biochemical properties in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) within the vascular wall. These modifications of LDL, in addition to LDL transcytosis and retention, contribute to the initiation, development and clinical consequences of atherosclerosis. Among different atherogenic modifications of LDL, oxidation represents a primary modification. A series of pathophysiological changes caused by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) enhance the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. OxLDL also promotes the development of fatty streaks and atherogenesis through induction of endothelial dysfunction, formation of foam cells, monocyte chemotaxis, proliferation and migration of SMCs, and platelet activation, which culminate in plaque instability and ultimately rupture. This article provides a concise review of the formation of oxLDL, enzymes mediating LDL oxidation, and the receptors and pro-atherogenic signaling pathways of oxLDL in vascular cells. The review also explores how oxLDL functions in different stages of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Future targeted pathways and therapies aiming at reducing LDL oxidation and/or lowering oxLDL levels and oxLDL-mediated pro-inflammatory responses are also discussed.

Gga-miR-30c-5p Enhances Apoptosis in Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4-Infected Leghorn Male Hepatocellular Cells and Facilitates Viral Replication through Myeloid Cell Leukemia-1

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the primary causative agent responsible for the hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in chickens, leading to considerable economic losses to stakeholders. Although the pathogenesis of FAdV-4 infection has gained attention, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Here, we showed that the ectopic expression of gga-miR-30c-5p in leghorn male hepatocellular (LMH) cells enhanced apoptosis in FAdV-4-infected LMH cells by directly targeting the myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), facilitating viral replication. On the contrary, the inhibition of endogenous gga-miR-30c-5p markedly suppressed apoptosis and viral replication in LMH cells. Importantly, the overexpression of Mcl-1 inhibited gga-miR-30c-5p or FAdV-4-induced apoptosis in LMH cells, reducing FAdV-4 replication, while the knockdown of Mcl-1 by RNAi enhanced apoptosis in LMH cells. Furthermore, transfection of LMH cells with gga-miR-30c-5p mimics enhanced FAdV-4-induced apoptosis associated with increased cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. Thus, gga-miR-30c-5p enhances FAdV-4-induced apoptosis by directly targeting Mcl-1, a cellular anti-apoptotic protein, facilitating FAdV-4 replication in host cells. These findings could help to unravel the mechanism of how a host responds against FAdV-4 infection at an RNA level.

Downregulation of lncRNA SNHG16 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in cerebral atherosclerosis by targeting the miR-30c-5p/SDC2 axis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the basic lesion underlying the occurrence and development of cerebrovascular diseases. Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a crucial role in AS. We aimed to explore the role of SNHG16 in AS and the molecular mechanism of VSMC involvement in the regulation of AS. The expression levels of SNHG16, miR-30c-5p and SDC2 were detected by qRT-PCR. CCK-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect SDC2 and MEK/ERK pathway-related protein levels. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding of SNHG16 with miR-30c-5p and miR-30c-5p with SDC2. SNHG16 and SDC2 expression was upregulated in patients with AS and ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, while miR-30c-5p was downregulated. Ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation and migration were increased, and the MEK/ERK signalling pathway was activated. MiR-30c-5p was targeted to SNHG16 and SDC2. Downregulating SNHG16 or upregulating miR-30c-5p inhibited ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and inhibited MEK/ERK signalling pathway activation. In contrast, downregulating miR-30c-5p or upregulating SDC2 reversed the effects of downregulating SNHG16 or upregulating miR-30c-5p. Furthermore, downregulating SDC2 inhibited ox-LDL-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs and inhibited activation of the MEK/ERK signalling pathway, while upregulating lncRNA SNHG16 reversed the effects of downregulating SDC2. Downregulation of SNHG16 inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration in AS by targeting the miR-30c-5p/SDC2 axis. This study provides a possible therapeutic approach to AS.

MicroRNA-223-3p inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via directly targeting NLRP3 and FOXO3

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial players in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis (AS), and the low miR-223-3p level is observed in AS patients. However, the function and mechanism behind miR-223-3p in AS progression have not been fully elucidated.

METHOD

In the present study, THP-1 cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were employed as the cell model of AS. The expression levels of miR-223-3p, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, cleaved interleukin 18 (IL-18), cleaved IL-1β, and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot (WB) analyses. The relationship between miR-223-3p and FOXO3 or NLRP3 was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The production of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α was examined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

MiR-223-3p was decreased in AS patients and ox-LDL-induced THP-1 cells, and its upregulation downregulated the abundance of NLRP3, caspase-1, cleaved IL-18, cleaved IL-1β, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells treated with ox-LDL or not, and the depletion of miR-223-3p revealed an opposite phenomenon. NLPR3 and FOXO3 were identified as two authentic targets of miR-223-3p. Knockdown of NLRP3 or FOXO3 reversed the stimulatory effect of the miR-223-3p inhibitor on the inflammatory responses of THP-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that miR-223-3p inhibited ox-LDL-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via directly targeting NLRP3 and FOXO3 in THP-1 cells, which offered a prospective therapeutic target for AS therapy.

The Molecular Pathways of Pyroptosis in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease seriously endangering human health, whose occurrence and development is related to many factors. Pyroptosis is a recently identified novel programmed cell death associated with an inflammatory response and involved in the formation and progression of AS by activating different signaling pathways. Protein modifications of the sirtuin family and microRNAs (miRNAs) can directly or indirectly affect pyroptosis-related molecules. It is important to link atherosclerosis, thermogenesis and molecular modifications. This article will systematically review the molecular pathways of pyroptosis in AS, which can provide a new perspective for AS prevention and treatment.

miR-30c-5p inhibits glioma proliferation and invasion via targeting Bcl2

Background

Glioma is a highly malignant brain tumor, characterized by the poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. Previous studies have confirmed that miRNA-30c-5p is closely associated with tumor cell biological properties. The present study explored the biological role of miR-30c-5p in human glioma malignant behavior and underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Levels of miR-30c-5p were detected in glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Two glioma cell lines including U87 and U251 were transfected with miR-30c-5p mimic or inhibitors. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and invasive potential of glioma cells were assessed by flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the target gene of miR-30c-5p.

Results

Levels of miR-30c-5p were dramatically decreased in glioma tissues as compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of miR-30c-5p significantly suppressed cell growth and colony formation, and induced apoptosis in glioma cells. In contrast, inhibition of miR-30c-5p promoted the proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in tumor cells. Furthermore, miR-30c-5p strongly suppresses the invasion of glioma cells. Western blot showed that Bcl-2 was significantly decreased following treatment with miR-30c-5p mimics and increased after miR-30c-5p inhibitor treatment. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays indicated that transfection of miR-30c-5p led to a marked reduction of luciferase activity, but had no effect on Bcl-2 3'-UTR mutated fragment. Mechanically, miR-30c-5p promoted the activation of caspase 3 and caspase 9 in glioma cells. Furthermore, miR-30c-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited colony formation and migration, and knockdown of Bcl2 further increased the number of apoptotic cells and suppressed colony formation and migration of glioma cells. By contrast, miR-30c-5p inhibitors decreased apoptosis and increased colony formation and migration, and restored Bcl2 expression further suppressed glioma cell apoptosis and enhanced colony formation and migration.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that miR-30c-5p regulated growth, apoptosis and migration in glioma cells by targeting Bcl2, suggesting that miR-30c-5p might serve as a novel target for glioma therapy.

Role of Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis in the Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Pyroptosis is a special way of programmed cell death which is dependent on the activation of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1) and Caspase-4/5/11. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death that characterized by the intra-cellular lipid peroxidation-mediated membrane damage. Pyroptosis or ferroptosis in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and vascular endothelial cells are believed to be closely related to the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, we discuss the role of pyroptosis and ferroptosis in the development of atherosclerotic plaques and may provide new strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

A novel pyroptosis-related signature predicts prognosis and response to treatment in breast carcinoma

Background: Pyroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death (PCD), also known as cellular inflammatory necrosis. Its discovery has resulted in a novel approach to the progression and medication resistance of breast cancer (BC). However, there is still a significant gap in the investigation of pyroptosis-related genes in BC.

Methods: The mRNA expression profiles and clinical data of BC patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Then, using the TCGA cohort, we created a predictive multigene signature including pyroptosis-related genes and verified it using the two GEO cohorts. A pyroptosis-related gene signature was created by combining several bioinformatics and statistical methodologies to predict patient prognosis and responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, a nomogram based on the gene signature and clinicopathological markers was created to better classify the risk and quantify the risk assessment of individual patients.

Results: A pyroptosis-related gene signature consisting of 15 genes was established. The pyroptosis-related gene signature classified the patients into two groups: high-risk and low-risk. When combined with clinical variables, the risk score was discovered to be an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Some immunological pathways and genes were linked to pyroptosis, according to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) evaluations. Patients in the high-risk group had a worse prognosis and were not very sensitive to immunotherapy. However, several chemotherapeutic agents were predicted to have greater potential for patients in the high-risk group. Finally, a nomogram was developed that included a classifier based on the 15 pyroptosis-related genes, tumor stage, age, and histologic grade. This nomogram demonstrated good classification capacity and might help with clinical decision-making in BC.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 relieves ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury through regulating microRNA-30c-5p in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving endothelial dysfunction, and is one of the main causes of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lncRNA PVT1) is overexpressed in the serum of CVD patients. However, the mechanism by which lncRNA PVT1 functions in AS remains unknown. Our research was designed to probe interactions involving lncRNA PVT1 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-stimulated endothelial cell injury in AS. lncRNA PVT1 expression in the serum of AS patients and ox-LDL-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was detected using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assays, flow cytometry (FCM), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine cell proliferation, apoptosis, and levels of inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Moreover, the correlation between lncRNA PVT1 and miR-30 c-5p was predicted and verified using StarBase3.0, TargetScan, and luciferase reporter-gene assays. lncRNA PVT1 was overexpressed in the serum of AS patients and in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs relative to controls. Knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 facilitated proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and secretion of inflammatory factors in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. Moreover, miR-30 c-5p was verified as a direct target of lncRNA PVT1. Furthermore, we observed that miR-30 c-5p expression was lower in AS patients than in controls. In addition, the influence of lncRNA PVT1 knockdown on ox-LDL-treated HUVECs was significantly reversed by downregulation of miR-30 c-5p. In conclusion, lncRNA PVT1 silencing inhibited HUVEC damage stimulated by ox-LDL via miR-30 c-5p regulation.

Longevity Factor FOXO3: A Key Regulator in Aging-Related Vascular Diseases

Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) has been proposed as a homeostasis regulator, capable of integrating multiple upstream signaling pathways that are sensitive to environmental changes and counteracting their adverse effects due to external changes, such as oxidative stress, metabolic stress and growth factor deprivation. FOXO3 polymorphisms are associated with extreme human longevity. Intriguingly, longevity-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human FOXO3 correlate with lower-than-average morbidity from cardiovascular diseases in long-lived people. Emerging evidence indicates that FOXO3 plays a critical role in vascular aging. FOXO3 inactivation is implicated in several aging-related vascular diseases. In experimental studies, FOXO3-engineered human ESC-derived vascular cells improve vascular homeostasis and delay vascular aging. The purpose of this review is to explore how FOXO3 regulates vascular aging and its crucial role in aging-related vascular diseases.

Spotlight on NLRP3 Inflammasome: Role in Pathogenesis and Therapies of Atherosclerosis

Inflammation is an intricate biological response of body tissues to detrimental stimuli. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and inflammation is well documented to play a role in the development of CVD, especially atherosclerosis (AS). Emerging evidence suggests that activation of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family and the pyridine-containing domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is instrumental in inflammation and may result in AS. The NLRP3 inflammasome acts as a molecular platform that triggers the activation of caspase-1 and the cleavage of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β, pro-IL-18, and gasdermin D (GSDMD). The cleaved GSDMD forms pores in the cell membrane and initiates pyroptosis, inducing cell death and the discharge of intracellular pro-inflammatory factors. Hence, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising target for anti-inflammatory therapy against AS. In this review, we systematically summarized the current understanding of the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the pathological changes in AS involving NLRP3. We also discussed potential therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3 inflammasome to combat AS.

Programmed Cell Death: Complex Regulatory Networks in Cardiovascular Disease

Abnormalities in programmed cell death (PCD) signaling cascades can be observed in the development and progression of various cardiovascular diseases, such as apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cell death associated with autophagy. Aberrant activation of PCD pathways is a common feature leading to excessive cardiac remodeling and heart failure, involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, timely activation of PCD remodels cardiac structure and function after injury in a spatially or temporally restricted manner and corrects cardiac development similarly. As many cardiovascular diseases exhibit abnormalities in PCD pathways, drugs that can inhibit or modulate PCD may be critical in future therapeutic strategies. In this review, we briefly describe the process of various types of PCD and their roles in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the interplay between different cell death signaling cascades and summarize pharmaceutical agents targeting key players in cell death signaling pathways that have progressed to clinical trials. Ultimately a better understanding of PCD involved in cardiovascular diseases may lead to new avenues for therapy.

Reduced expression of miR-30c-5p promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting RAB32

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains among the most lethal of human cancers, despite recent advances in modern medicine. miR-30c-5p is frequently dysregulated in different diseases. However, the effects and the underlying mechanism of miR-30c-5p in HCC are still elusive. Here, we show that miR-30c-5p is downregulated in HCC and significantly associated with survival and tumor size in patients with HCC. We demonstrate that aberrant miR-30c-5p markedly affects HCC cell proliferation and migration. Further experiments show that RAB32 is an essential target of miR-30c-5p in HCC. These studies highlight an important role of miR-30c-5p in growth and invasion of HCC and indicate that the miR-30c-5p-RAB32 axis is an important underlying mechanism.

Knockdown of long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 regulates forkhead box O3 to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced human bronchial epithelial cell pyroptosis

Pyroptosis is a novel proinflammatory programmed cell death process. This study was designed to investigate the functional mechanisms of long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (lncRNA GAS5) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) pyroptosis. LPS was used to induce pyroptosis in HBECs, followed by the detection of the expression of GAS5, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway-related factors. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was assessed by LDH assay kit and caspase-1 activity by flow cytometry. Furthermore, expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 and pyroptosis-related proteins was evaluated using Western blot analysis, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of inflammatory factors. The interaction between GAS5 and FOXO3 was confirmed using bioinformatic prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RNA pull-down, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Treatment of HBECs with LPS upregulated the expression of GAS5 and FOXO3, resulting in the inactivation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. On the other hand, inhibition of both GAS5 and FOXO3 promoted cell viability, reduced LDH release, pyroptosis, and inflammatory response in LPS-induced HBECs. Furthermore, FOXO3 could interact with GAS5, while FOXO3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of GAS5 knockdown on cell pyroptosis. Thus, mechanistically, inhibition of FOXO3 activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to suppress LPS-induced pyroptosis in HBECs. This study revealed that GAS5 knockdown attenuates FOXO3 expression thereby activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit LPS-induced pyroptosis in HBECs. These findings may contribute to identifying novel targets that inhibit pyroptosis in HBECs.

Oxidized LDL-regulated microRNAs for evaluating vascular endothelial function: molecular mechanisms and potential biomarker roles in atherosclerosis

As a simple monolayer, vascular endothelial cells can respond to physicochemical stimuli. In addition to promoting the formation of foam cells, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) contributes to the atherosclerotic process through different mechanisms, including endothelial cell dysfunction. As conserved noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) naturally lie in different genomic positions and post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of many genes. They participate in integrated networks formed under stress to maintain cellular homeostasis, vascular inflammation, and metabolism. These small RNAs constitute therapeutic targets in different diseases, including atherosclerosis, and their role as biomarkers is crucial given their detectability even years before the emergence of diseases. This review was performed to investigate the role of ox-LDL-regulated miRNAs in atherosclerosis, their molecular mechanisms, and their application as biomarkers of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Pyroptosis From 2001 to 2021

Background

Pyroptosis is a new programmed cell death discovered in recent years. Pyroptosis plays an important role in various diseases. Nevertheless, there are few bibliometric analysis systematically studies this field. We aimed to visualize the research hotspots and trends of pyroptosis using a bibliometric analysis to help understand the future development of basic and clinical research.

Methods

The articles and reviews regarding pyroptosis were culled from Web of Science Core Collection. Countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field were visually analyzed by using CtieSpace and VOSviewer software.

Results

A total of 2845 articles and reviews were included. The number of articles regarding pyroptosis significantly increased yearly. These publications mainly come from 70 countries led by China and the USA and 418 institutions. We identified 605 authors, among which Thirumaladevi Kanneganti had the most significant number of articles, and Shi JJ was co-cited most often. Frontiers in immunology was the journal with the most studies, and Nature was the most commonly cited journal. After analysis, the most common keywords are nod like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome, apoptosis, cell death, gasdermin D, mechanism, caspase-1, and others are current and developing areas of study.

Conclusion

Research on the pyroptosis is flourishing. Cooperation and exchanges between countries and institutions must be strengthened in the future. The related pathway mechanism of pyroptosis, the relationship between pyroptosis and other types of programmed cell deaths as well as the role of pyroptosis in various diseases have been the focus of current research and developmental trends in the future research.

Regulation of pyroptosis in cardiovascular pathologies: Role of noncoding RNAs

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most important diseases endangering human life. The pathogenesis of CVDs is complex. Pyroptosis, which differs from traditional apoptosis and necrosis, is characterized by cell swelling until membrane rupture, resulting in the release of cell contents and activation of a strong inflammatory response. Recent studies have revealed that inflammation and pyroptosis play important roles in the progression of CVDs. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are considered promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including CVDs. Growing evidence has revealed that ncRNAs can mediate the transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulation of pyroptosis-related genes by participating in the pyroptosis regulatory network. The role and molecular mechanism of pyroptosis-regulating ncRNAs in cardiovascular pathologies are attracting increasing attention. Here, we summarize research progress on pyroptosis and the role of ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in the regulation of pyroptosis in CVD pathologies. Identifying these disease-related ncRNAs is important for understanding the pathogenesis of CVDs and providing new targets and ideas for their prevention and treatment.

Fluorescent wood with non-cytotoxicity for effective adsorption and sensitive detection of heavy metals

Heavy metal pollution is one of the primary challenges of water pollution, and the fabrication of highly effective, green and non-toxic adsorbents for heavy metals is urgently required on the basis of environmental and sustainable development strategies. Here, we report a novel fluorescent wood (FW) with effective adsorption ability (maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of 98.14 mg/g for hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]), good fluorescence properties (absolute quantum yield of 12.8%), non-cytotoxicity (cell viability of >90%) and high detection sensitivity and selectivity for Cr(VI). The FW was formed using a process involving delignification, infiltration with carbon dots, and free-radical polymerization with acrylic acid. Mechanistic analysis confirmed that the reconstructed 3D porous structure of the FW provided many effective sorption sites, such as amino, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. This improved the adsorption ability and stabilized the fluorescence signal, which enhanced the detection ability. These factors give the novel FW considerable potential for use in the removal of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater.

Circulating microRNA alternations in primary hyperuricemia and gout

OBJECTIVES

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded RNAs that play a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Their deregulation can be associated with various diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and immune-related diseases. The aim of our study was to compare miRNA levels in plasma that could potentially influence the progression of hyperuricemia to gout, since the mechanism of progression is still unclear.

METHODS

Total RNA, including miRNA, was isolated from the plasma of 45 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, 131 patients with primary gout (including 16 patients having a gout attack), and 130 normouricemic controls. The expression of 18 selected miRNAs (cel-miR-39 and cel-miR-54 as spike-in controls, hsa-miR-16-5p and hsa-miR-25-3p as endogenous controls, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-3p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-133a-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-488-3p and hsa-miR-920) was measured using qPCR.

RESULTS

We found that hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-142-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p were significantly upregulated (p < 0.001) in the plasma of hyperuricemia and gout patients compared to normouricemic individuals. As part of the follow-up of our previous study, we found a negative correlation between hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p with plasma levels of chemokine MCP-1. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between CRP and plasma levels of hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p. Five of those miRNAs (hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and hsa-miR-222-3p) also had a positive correlation with serum creatinine and therefore a negative correlation with eGFR.

CONCLUSION

Five miRNAs were significantly upregulated in the plasma of patients with hyperuricemia and gout (and those during a gout attack) compared to normouricemic controls. We also found a correlation between the plasma levels of several miRNA and plasma levels of MCP-1, CRP, serum creatinine, and eGFR.

Interaction between non-coding RNAs and Toll-like receptors

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a large group of pattern recognition receptors which are involved in the regulation of innate immune responses. Based on the interplay between TLRs and adapter molecules, two distinctive signaling cascades, namely the MyD88-dependent and TRIF-dependent pathways have been recognized. TLRs are involved in the development of a wide variety of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. A large body of evidence has shown interaction between two classes of non-coding RNAs, namely microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These interactions have prominent roles in the pathogenesis of several disorders including infectious disorders, autoimmune conditions and neoplastic disorders. This review aims at description of the interaction between these non-coding RNAs and TLRs.

Pyroptosis in the Initiation and Progression of Atherosclerosis

Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, is characterized by cell swelling, the protrusion of large bubbles from the plasma membrane and cell lysis. This death pathway is mediated by the pore formation of gasdermin D (GSDMD), which is activated by human caspase-1/caspase-4/caspase-5 (or mouse caspase-1/caspase11), and followed with the releasing of both cell contents and proinflammatory cytokines. Pyroptosis was initially found to function as an innate immune effector mechanism to facilitate host defense against pathogenic microorganisms, and subsequent studies revealed that pyroptosis also plays an eventful role in inflammatory immune diseases and tumor resistance. Recent studies have also shown that pyroptosis is involved in the initiation, the progression and complications of atherosclerosis. Here, we provide an overview of the role of pyroptosis in atherosclerosis by focusing on three important participating cells: ECs, macrophages, and SMCs. In addition, we also summarized drugs and stimuli that regulate the progression of atherosclerosis by influencing cell pyroptosis.

MiR-30c-5p/ATG5 Axis Regulates the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Serum miR-30c-5p correlates with Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet its role has not been illustrated. This research analyzed the function of miR-30c-5p in PD. The behavioral evaluation was performed on MPTP-treated PD mice transfected with miR-30c-5p agomiR, antagomiR, siATG5, or 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor). Oxidative stress-related factors, miR-30c-5p, and apoptosis- and autophagy-associated proteins in brain tissues or cells were determined by molecular experiments. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine metabolic markers were detected using immunofluorescence and Diode Array Detector (DAD), respectively. Effects of miR-30c-5p and its target gene Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5 protein (ATG5) on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells were determined through a series of molecular experiments. MiR-30c-5p was upregulated but ATG5 was downregulated in PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR attenuated the decrease of ATG5 in PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR partly alleviated the behavioral symptoms and inhibited the increases of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and SOD in PD mice. The levels of Bcl-2, dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), TH, and LC3 II were downregulated in PD mice, while Bax, cleaved caspase-3, P62, and LC3 I were upregulated. However, miR-30c-5p antagomiR partly reversed the levels of these factors in PD mice. 3-MA could block the effects of miR-30c-5p antagomiR on PD mice. MiR-30c-5p antagomiR attenuated apoptosis and induced autophagy in brain tissues of MPTP-treated mice by targeting ATG5. In vitro assay results also showed that silence of ATG5 reduced the protective effect of miR-30c-5p downregulation on the cells. MiR-30c-5p regulates the progression of Parkinson’s disease through attenuating ATG5-inhibited apoptosis and -induced autophagy.